Daily Dose of the Dub: ICE acquire Leppard, Pats’ Struch dealing with appendicitis and more

ICE acquire Leppard from Cougars for players, picks 

The Winnipeg ICE pulled off a significant trade on Saturday acquiring 2000-born forward Jackson Leppard from the Prince George Cougars for 2000-born defenseman Marco Creta, 2001-born forward Holden Kodak, a 2021 third-round draft pick (Winnipeg-owned), a 2022 third-round pick (Red Deer-owned) and a conditional fifth-round pick in this year’s bantam draft.

In his fourth year in the WHL, Leppard had scored one goal in five games for Prince George. He has career totals of 28 goals and 42 assists in 177 games. Creta has posted two assists in seven games with Winnipeg and has five goals and 20 assists in 101 career games split between the ICE and Regina Pats. The youngest player in this trade, Kodak, is in his second year in the WHL and has yet to hit the scoresheet in six games. He played 49 games last season and tallied three goals and seven assists.

Struch dealing with appendicitis 

Regina Pats head coach and assistant coach Dave Struch has not been behind the bench for the Pats’ last two games as he deals with appendicitis. General Manager John Paddock and assistant coach Brad Herauf will run the bench until Struch is healthy enough to return. On behalf of everyone here at DubNetwork, we’d like to wish Coach Struch a speedy recovery and hope he will be back behind the Pats’ bench soon.

Christiansen debuts for Stockton 

Jake Christiansen made his debut for the AHL’s Stockton Heat on Saturday as they took on the Bakersfield Condors. The 1999-born defenseman, who could still return to the Everett Silvertips, had one shot on goal in a 4-3 victory.

Sourdif misses game vs Swift Current with an undisclosed injury 

Vancouver Giants forward Justin Sourdif was injured on Friday night on a hit from Kamloops Blazers forward Zane Franklin and missed Saturday’s game vs. Swift Current. Head coach Michael Dyck didn’t have an update on his condition and there’s no word on when he might return to the lineup.

Milestones 

  • Moose Jaw Warriors forward Jadon Joseph suited up for his 200th WHL game.
  • Prince George Cougars forward Brendan Boyle played his 71st WHL game on Saturday and broke his scoreless streak with his first WHL goal.
  • Red Deer Rebels forward Ethan Rowland scored his first WHL goal against Regina.
  • Regina Pats forward Logan Nijhoff returned from his suspension to play in his 100th WHL game. Goaltender Danton Belluk recorded his first WHL win. Jake Johnson also put his first WHL point. in the history books.
  • Swift Current Broncos forward Kasper Puutio registered his first WHL goal.
  • Tri-City Americans forward Booker Daniel notched his first goal in the WHL.
  • Vancouver Giants forward Cole Shepard made his WHL debut against Swift Current, scoring in regulation and the shootout.

Gregor makes NHL debut 

Noah Gregor (257 GP, 129 G, 164 A with the Moose Jaw Warriors, Victoria Royals and Prince Albert Raiders) made his NHL debut for the San Jose Sharks on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres. He played 7:31 and was held off the scoresheet in a 4-3 loss.

Three Stars of the Night

First Star of the Night: Winnipeg ICE defenseman Carson Lambos scored two goals in a 4-1 win over Saskatoon.

Second Star: Regina Pats captain Austin Pratt had two goals as the Pats broke their 10-game losing streak.

Third Star: Everett Silvertips goaltender Dustin Wolf made 30 saves on 31 shots against Seattle

Honourable Mentions

Moose Jaw Warriors forward Jadon Joseph and Red Deer Rebels forward Cameron Hausinger each had two goals.