Express adds big piece of Rock
As it preps for its second season as members of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League, the Espanola Express has gained a premiere player via trade with the Timmins Rock.
Giving up youth for experience, the Express has picked up 1996 birth-year forward Tristan Salesse from the Rock in exchange for 1998 birth-year forward Joel Grandbois.
Hopping aboard the Express, Salesse brings big numbers to Espanola from Timmins.
A native of Terrace Bay, Ontario, Salesse had 36 goals, 44 assists, 80 points in just 49 games for Timmins in 2015-2016, regular season and playoffs included.
His point totals were ninth best in the entire 12-team NOJHL.
“Tristan is a legitimate goal scorer and will be a challenge for opposing teams to keep him at bay,” said Espanola coach Jason Rapcewicz. “Tristan brings scoring, experience and leadership to the table and is one of a few new pieces we will be adding to the new-look Express.”
As for Grandbois, he had a good rookie season for Espanola, netting 21 goals, 17 assists, 38 points in 51 outings.
“Joel requested a change of scenery at the end of last season and he just didn’t fit with the direction we are headed moving forward,” Express president Chad Clarke said pointedly.
As a first-year team in ’15-16, Espanola finished fifth in the West Division, making the playoffs ahead of the Blind River Beavers.
This is a pretty big trade in terms of NOJHL/NOJHL trades. I’d put Grandbois right at the top for the lowly Express team last year. They steadily improved though as the management began adding players to its initial roster.
Grandbois stood out to me though. Being 18, Grandbois still has 3 years of junior left in him.
I like Salesse being added, however he’s 20, he’s in his over-age season. I don’t get why you trade a 3-year junior eligible player for a 1 year player–even if he asked to be moved out. It’s about progression and growth for the Express…seems like they made a move to secure them a playoff berth for the season.
It’s no secret there were off ice issues that typically are never addressed by the organization. Salese is a top 3 guy on any team in the league. I’m thinking there will be a bit more local flavour on the Rock given the financial situation. There is already a couple locals signed or in the process that were let go last year. Middle of the pack or lower in Season 2……….