NEXT GAME: Drumheller at Canmore, Saturday, Sept. 19 – 7 PM
The Canmore Eagles have added some valuable experience and offensive talent by acquiring 20-year-old veteran defenceman Braiden Doucette from the Bonnyville Pontiacs for future considerations.
Doucette, a 6-foot 180 lb. native of Leduc, AB., spent two seasons (2011-2013) playing for the Moose Jaw Warriors of the Western Hockey League before joining the Bonnyville Pontiacs for the past two seasons.
During the 2014-15 season with the Pontiacs, Doucette had nine goals and 23 assists for 32 points in 60 games played.
“Players with his skill level don’t become available very often so we jumped on the opportunity to acquire him,” said Eagles Head Coach and General Manager Andrew Milne. “He seemed keen to come to Canmore and gung-ho to get in our lineup just as soon as possible.”
With team captain and defenceman Jakob Lavoie sitting out a two-game suspension for a “checking from behind” penalty during Thursday night’s game 3-2 road victory over the Calgary Mustangs, Doucette is expected to make his Eagle debut tonight against the visiting Drumheller Dragons.
“I didn’t think I was going to play hockey this year as I was planning on becoming an electrician but all the jobs just dried up, so I’m excited to get back on the ice and play competitive hockey for another year,” said Doucette. “Hopefully I can help out on the powerplay, be a good two-way defenceman and bring some leadership and experience to the club.
NOTEBOOK: The Eagles have also added 19-year-old Calgary goaltender Ryan Bontorin to their lineup this week. Bontorin played Midget hockey last year for the Pursuit of Excellence Academy in Kelowna, BC. Bontorin tried out for the Olds Grizzlies this season and caught the eye of the Eagle coaching staff during an Eagle-Grizzly exhibition game.