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Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League

Hawks add defenseman from Flin Flon

The Hawks have acquired 2005 born defenseman Conor Ryan from the Flin Flon Bombers. (Photo/Kelly Kocur Jacobson)

The Nipawin Hawks are ecstatic to announce they have acquired 2005 born defenseman Conor Ryan from the Flin Flon Bombers.

Ryan, 18, joined the Bombers last year playing in 16 regular season games scoring once and adding three assists. The St. John’s, Nlfd. product also had a goal and assist in four postseason games.

The Hawks sent the Bombers their second and fourth round picks in next year’s 2009 age group draft and a player development fee for Ryan and Flin Flon’s fifth round draft choice next June.

General Manager Tad Kozun said the Nipawin staff has had their eyes on Ryan for several years and are delighted to get him into the organization.

“We’re really excited to get Conor, we have been watching him since he was at Shawnigan (U-18 Prep) and last year we obviously saw him end up in Flin Flon, we play Flon a lot and watching him play, he is exactly what we are missing right now,” Kozun said.

With the Hawks only having two 2004 born players on their roster Ryan will become an instant ice logger and powerplay quarterback. Kozun said he does everything well and will be a boost for the group.

“He can move pucks, he skates well, we know he can come in and help our powerplay and be a presence back there, so obviously a big addition,” Kozun added.

With current stalwart Henry Smith already playing plenty of minutes, and Vito Biondo III returning, Ryan brings an SJHL finals appearance to the Hawks group as well, another positive Kozun was keen on.

Ryan will be in the lineup Friday when the Hawks travel to Yorkton.

The team has also sent Nolan Wytrykusz to Selkirk of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League for a player development fee.