A big deal in Minot
It’s been said that you have to give to get.
Minot Minotauros have obtained high-scoring forward Michael Louria from Janesville Jets in a North American Hockey League trade that was recently finalized.
But Louria, the NAHL’s sixth-leading scorer with 19 goals, 21 assists, 40 points in 41 games with Janesville, cost Minot plenty in return.
In exchange for Louria, Minot shipped defenseman Michael Bigelbach to Janesville, along with a first-round draft pick that was acquired via trade earlier this season.
Louria should bolster the Minotauros offensive attack, which at 2.18 goals per game, ranks 22nd in the 24-team NAHL. Minot’s 21st- ranked power play should also get a boost as Louria had 9 goals, 7 assists, 16 points on the PP while with Janesville.
Minot currently holds the fourth-and-final playoff spot ahead of Brookings Blizzard in the five-team Central Division of the NAHL.
Minotauros coach-general manager Marty Murray said that while he feels “this is the right move for the team, it is bittersweet. We are getting a top-end point producer in Louria but it was very tough to give up a talent like Bigelbauch. He has been a hard worker and played well for us. We wish him nothing but the best as he moves forward with his career.”
Bigelbach, a rookie blueliner, has 4 goals, 10 assists, 14 points in 44 games this season as part of a 10th-ranked Minot defense which has allowed 2.57 goals against per game.
(with files from Ken Oda of Minotauroshockey.com.)