Sunday, November 29, 2009

Kings, Blizzard and Pistons make major trades

Press Release

The leading scorers of OCN Blizzard and Steinbach Pistons will have a change of address after two major trades today.

Zeanan Ziemer has been traded by the Blizzard to Dauphin Kings, who gave up three, highly promising players to acquire the veteran forward.

“We had to give up youth to acquire a veteran who makes us a better club today,” Kings’ Head Coach Marlin Murray said today. “Dauphin Kings are hosting the RBC Cup this spring; there’s lots of pressure on us to win this season.

“Zeanan fits right in our top six forward group. He’s a dynamic player, who is highly skilled and a game breaker. We gave up a bit of our future to win now.”

Ziemer has 42 points (13-29) in 28 games played this season. Going to OCN are 17 year old forward Brett Fargher, 17 year old defenseman Justin Slobozian and the MJHL list rights of 18 year old defenseman David Greyeyes and future considerations.

In a second major trade, Steinbach Pistons traded their leading scorer, Ryan Griffiths, to Swan Valley Stampeders for 18 year old forward Tyler Peers and 18 year old forward Francois Houde.

This is Griffiths second stint with the Stampeders, having played the majority of last season there after being traded by Dauphin.

Griffiths was sent to Steinbach in September to provide the Pistons much needed leadership and veteran status.

“Obviously, we're familiar with Ryan and what he brings to our club,“ said Stamps GM Guy Vestby. “He'll fit right in with our club.“

Vestby said it was difficult to trade Griffiths last September, but admitted he always had thoughts of bringing him back if possible.

“Ryan did a great job in Steinbach,“ said Vestby. “He helped them grow as a hockey club and provided them veteran leadership.“

Griffiths, a native of Aruada, Co., had been the Pistons' leading point getter with 31 (17-14).


(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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