The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The OCN Blizzard added some much needed toughness to their line-up on Wednesday with the acquisition of forward Jason Butler from the Estevan Bruins of the SJHL. The Blizzard, who are loaded with skill players, felt a need to upgrade in the power forward department and the 20 year-old Butler should more than fill the hole. As a 19 year-old with the Bruins, he had 11 goals, 11 assists, and 172 penalty minutes in 55 games. A candidate to be Estevan's captain this season, Butler walked out on the team prior to the start of the regular season and asked for a trade. In the MJHL, the Dauphin Kings owned the rights to the former the Southwest Cougar midget. Therefore, the Kings entered the mix and dealt Butler's MJHL list rights to the Blizzard along with rookie 18-year-old goalie Francis Quintal in exchange for 20 year-old blueliner Garret Hildebrandt. Hildebrandt scored six goals and 27 assists in 59 games last season in OCN. He is expected to anchor Dauphin's powerplay and shore up a blueline that is relatively young. The Bruins pick up 19 year-old Chris Hammett. Hammett cracked the Blizzard roster after spending last season with the Regina Capitals of the South Sask Junior 'B' Hockey League. They also get 20 year-old American John Fieweger and 19 year-old Todd Rendall. Rendall, a defenseman, and Fieweger, who plays both forward and defense, have already seen regular season action with the Bruins. Hammett is expected to be in attendance, but will not play when the Bruins play the Yorkton Terriers at the Agriplex Wednesday night. Estevan head coach Kelvin McKay confirms rookie netminder Justin Mrazek will play between the pipes in the rink where he excelled last season as a midget.
