Daily Dose of the DUB: More players loaned to Junior A squads, alumni signings

 

Brooks Bandits (AJHL) load up on NHL first-round picks

Both Ozzy Wiesblatt and Jake Neighbours were 2020 NHL first-round draft picks and they are taking their high-end skill to the AJHL to join the Brooks Bandits. Wiesblatt is coming off a 25 goal, 45 assists season with the Prince Albert Raiders that saw him drafted 31st overall by the San Jose Sharks. Neighbours scored 23 times and added 47 assists. This earned him the distinction of being selected 26th overall by the St. Louis Blues. Both players are expected to return to their WHL teams at the beginning of training camp.

Two WHLers headed to Whitecourt (AJHL) Wolverines

The Whitecourt Wolverines added a couple of WHLers to their roster in Sean Tschigerl and Krz Plummer. Tschigerl spent last season with the Calgary Hitmen, hitting the back of the net four times and adding nine assists. Plummer played for the Vancouver Giants and scored one goal. Both players will return to their WHL teams in time for the WHL’s expected start of training camp.

Comrie loaned to Spruce Grove (AJHL) Saints

Sean Comrie (35GP, 3G, 14A with Kelowna Rockets) has been loaned to the Spruce Grove Saints of the AJHL. Previously, Comrie was a member of the Saints, scoring 12 goals and adding 40 assists in 102 contests. Comrie is expected to return to Kelowna when the team commences its training camp.

Bouchard lands with Penticton (BCHL) Vees

Connor Bouchard (182GP, 19G, 64A with Tri-City Americans) has been loaned to the Penticton Vees of the BCHL. Penticton held his rights previously as he played with the team in 2016-17. Bouchard is expected to rejoin the Americans in time for the team’s training camp.

Farren claimed by Broncos

Michael Farren (224GP, 28G, 56A with Saskatoon and Kelowna) has been claimed from WHL waivers by the Swift Current Broncos. The move potentially bolsters a young forward corps for the Broncos.

Stars loan Honka to Lahden Pelicans

Julius Honka (62GP, 16G, 40A Swift Current Broncos ’13-’14) has been loaned by the Dallas Stars to the Lahden Pelicans of Liiga in Finland. Honka spent last season with JYP in Finland of the Liiga where he scored four goals and added 11 assists. The 14th overall selection at the 2014 NHL entry draft was recently signed (October 30) to a one-year two-way contract by the Stars.

Heatherington signs in KHL

Dillon Heatherington (247GP, 13G, 74A with Swift Current ’10-’15) has signed with Barys Nur-Sultan of the KHL for the 2020-21 season. Last season as captain of the Texas Stars, Heatherington scored two goals and added 12 assists in 59 games. The 2013 second-round draft pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets has 11 games of NHL experience and 313 games of AHL experience.