Hearst, Timmins trade intrigue
It was a shocking trade if only because of the fact that it involved arch-rival teams who are just two points apart atop the standings of the East Division of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
Still, despite the fact that the division leading Timmins Rock is just two points up on the Hearst Lumberjacks with a game in hand, the fiery foes pulled the pin on a one-for-one player exchange on the junior A hockey trade deadline day.
Looking to add to a defence corps that is already Rock solid, Timmins obtained 20-year old blue liner Carson Cox from Hearst for 17-year old forward Tyler Patterson.
Cox had five goals, 16 assists, 21 points in just 18 games for Hearst this season while Patterson produced six goals, 12 assists, 18 points in 28 outings for Timmins.
Timmins general manager and coach Brandon Perry, while ecstatic to have acquired the hard-nosed Cox, was sad to have to part with Patterson.
“I think (Cox) is a complete player all around. He can chip in offensively, but he is really here for his defensive presence and his physical presence,” Perry told the Timmins Daily Press. “All our guys hated playing against him and he certainly adds a different element to our back end.
“Unfortunately, when you acquire players of that caliber, it comes at a cost,” Perry added. “For us, that cost was Tyler Patterson. He is an incredible young talent.
“Obviously, if we could have been able to do it another way we would have been able to keep (Patterson) and acquire (Cox) but that’s the way it goes. It is incredibly hard to see (Patterson) go. He is a heck of a talent and an even better kid,” Perry noted.
Carson Cox, as a member of the Hearst Lumberjacks. (photo by Thomas Perry)
Wow interesting trade sure hope these teams can get playing again soon.