Oil Barons acquire goaltender Lewchuk from Estevan, trade Gruszka to Campbellton

FORT McMURRAY, AB (November 20, 2014) – The Fort McMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) have acquired 1995-born goaltender Brett Lewchuk (Saskatoon, SK) from the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) in exchange for future considerations, the team announced today.

The 19-year old Lewchuk joins the Barons as the team’s second goaltender after MOB goalie Jayden Sittler (Red Deer, AB) was recalled by the Victoria Royals of the Western Hockey League (WHL) this week.

“We’re excited to get Brett,” said Oil Barons head coach and general manager Curtis Hunt. “He’s an experienced goalie in the SJHL, and with his competitive attitude and drive, we expect him to come in and push Zach Fortin every day.”

In Lewchuk’s rookie season last year, he recorded an 8-2-2 record with a 2.64 goals against average and .923 save percentage. This season, Lewchuk was 2-9 with a 3.47 GAA and .896 save percentage.

Prior to his junior career in Estevan, Lewchuk suited up with the Saskatoon Blazers of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League, going 8-3 in his final season of eligibility with a 2.48 GAA and .910 save percentage.

“We know that he’s a great kid with tremendous work ethic, we know he comes through a very strong program in Saskatoon, and at 19 years old he also adds another level of maturity to our lineup,” Hunt added.

The Oil Barons also today traded 1996-born forward Ryan Gruszka (Belle River, ON) to the Campbellton Tigers of the Maritime Hockey League (MHL) for future considerations.

Gruszka recorded 1 assist in 7 games with the Oil Barons, with 8 penalty minutes. The organization wishes Ryan the best of luck in his junior hockey future.

Lewchuk is expected to join the team today and be in the lineup when the Oil Barons take on the Whitecourt Wolverines in two home games this weekend.

Puck drop for both Friday and Saturday night’s games is at 8:00 PM, with tickets available at the Casman Centre box office, by phone at (780) 743-5509, or online at tickets.oilbarons.com.