A blockbuster trade for the North Bay Battalion, with the team saying it’s looking to the future.
The Troops have sent Captain Owen Van Steensel and Anthony Romani, last year’s top goal scorer in the OHL to the Barrie Colts.
In return, North Bay acquired right winger Parker Vaughan, overage centre Zach Wigle and four conditional OHL Priority Selection picks.
“Parker is a player we were very high on leading up to last year’s Priority Selection,” says Battalion general manager John Winstanley, in a release. “He’s a complete player who, at 16 years old, brings scoring, competitiveness and a work ethic that will fit seamlessly with our program.”
He says with Wigle, they get a polished veteran who plays the game the right way.
“We’ve been watching Zach since his really strong playoff performance last year, and his offensive numbers have grown year after year since starting in our league,” says Winstanley.
He adds while they’re very pleased to add Vaughan and Wigle to the lineup, the additions don’t come without some mixed emotions as they see ‘two exceptional young men’ move on from their program.
“Owen has been a leader and committed member of our community,” he says. “Anthony has brought electricity and excitement to our team. We wish both these remarkable athletes all the best.”
Romani resumed practising in November but hasn’t played since suffering a broken collarbone in October.
After North Bay traded centre Dalyn Wakely to Barrie earlier this season, in exchange for forward Shamar Moses, the Colts lineup now includes all three members of the Troops’ top line from last season.
The Battalion, which says no decision has yet been made on a new captain, are back in action Thursday at home to Kingston.
