The Kirkland Lake GoldMiners made some roster adjustments this week in advance of facing 2 of Canada’s top 20 teams this weekend.
Last weekend, goaltender Allan Menary joined the club on the Western road trip.
The 19 yr old from Barrie, was with the Stayner Siskins of the PJCHL this season, after spending the previous 2 seasons with Elliot Lake and Cochrane of the NOJHL, seeing action in 40 NOJHL games. This season with Stayner, Menary appeared in 12 games with a 2.82 GAA & a .903 save percentage.
The GoldMiners then pulled off 2 deals with clubs in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
First, acquiring 18yr old center Dionne Demke from the Winkler Flyers.
The 5’9′ 170 lb Winkler native, spent the last 2 seasons with the Flyers after leading his AAA midget team to the Provincial title. Coach Lafleur says, “Dionne’s grittiness is something our group is lacking, so this young man will be a welcome addition to the lineup.” The speedy centerman had 5 points in 11 games with the Flyers this season.
Then Coach & GM Marc Lafleur sent the CJHL playing rights to Arthur Miller, currently with Swift Current of the WHL, to the Steinbach Pistons, in exchange for 19 yr old Max Cavallini.
Max, a 19 yr old 5’9″ 165 speedster from Barrington, Illinois carries dual citizenship. The son of former NHLer Gino Cavallini, brings a tireless work ethic and grittiness to the rink each day. Coach Lafleur says, ” our reports on Max say his motor runs all day and he can help on the PK & PP”.
Other moves on the ledger include a trio of players departing, including goaltenders Victor-Olivier Courchesne, dealt to Wellington Dukes of the OJHL and Jeffrey Veitch, who was released. Finally, Austin Ramirez was dealt to Thief River Falls of the SIJHL, who then dealt Ramirez to Powassan Voodoos of the NOJHL.
There is one more move TBA, involving an incoming goalie, paperwork pending.
The new look GoldMiners will be put right to the test this weekend, facing Powassan, winners of 17 straight, Friday night, on Giant Tiger Teddy Bear Toss Night, then the Timmins Rock, also ranked in the nation’s top 20 visit the Joe, Saturday night.
