The Nipawin Hawks added a 2004-born netminder on Friday’s trade deadline and sent Henry Smith to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
Smith, 20, played 64 games for the Hawks over the last two seasons collecting three goals and eight assists from the blueline. The Richmond, British Columbia product also had 189 penalty minutes in his time with Nipawin. Smith was sent to the Niverville Nighthawks for a player development fee (PDF).
General Manager Tad Kozun was forced to find a netminder on deadline day as well. On Thursday 2006-born puck stopper Nathan Claydon informed the team he was leaving for the British Columbia Junior Hockey League (BCHL). Kozun acquired 2004-born Nik Trakakis from the Virden Oil Capitals for a PDF.
The St-Laurent, Quebec native suited up in 21 games for the MJHL’s Oil Capitals posting eight wins and 11 losses. Trakakis has a goals-against-average of 3.52 and a save-percentage of .879.
The Hawks return to action Saturday in Kindersley against the Klippers, the teams will meet Sunday afternoon at the Inter Pipeline Arena as well at 4 p.m.
Hear from Kozun below recapping the deadline.