T-Birds trade top goalie
Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League have dealt 1995 birth-year goalie Joel Horodziejczyk to Pembroke Lumber Kings of the Central Canada Hockey League.
Thunderbirds general manager Kevin Cain said Hordziejczyk — who was the NOJHL’s most valuable player and first all-star team goalie in 2013-2014 — requested the trade.
In exchange for Horodziejczyk, the Thunderbirds receive a pair of 1995 birth-year forwards, Ryan Erickson and Jake Staples, as well as cash considerations.
Erickson has played two seasons in Pembroke, totaling 32 points in 84 games.
Staples played in 38 games for Pembroke in 2013-2014 and produced 17 points.
The unfortunate reality is that there is far more exposure to NCAA scouts in the CCHL than in the NOJHL. I’m not sure if that is Joel’s motivation for wanting the trade, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it is.
I think Staples was dealt by the Trappers for Blake Peavey..who was then shipped to Espanola for Duane Wainman.
It’s too bad for the Soo…Horodziejczyk was a stud. He likely requested to go to a more competitive league for more exposure. With the loss of Espanola (a team close to his hometown of Sudbury) and the amount of time on the road now heading to Cochrane and Mattawa as opposed to Elliot Lake, Espanola, and North Bay… I’m not surprised he requested to be shipped out.
The TBirds got Haines this year from the Lumber Kings…I guess this is just them finishing the deal now..haha.
Espanola to Colbourn 8 hours 30 minute drive
Espanola to Wawa 5 hours 30 minutes
Espanola to Cochrane 4 hours 30 minutes
hmmm someone in the CIHL should buy a map
Driving distance from Colborne to Espanola
Distance: 574.51 kilometers — Time: 6:02 h
Hey fakeriverman fan88: I think your basic number skills are lacking Cochrane is 6.5 -7 hours on a good day from Espanola,not to mention in a snow storm add three hours. Hmmm someone in Mattawa (whoops) should buy a map or gps possibly from the Future Shop. I guess that’s what happens to a league when a child owns a team?
If Brian Kment is still with the T-Birds I think they’ll be fine in net.