Monday, January 9, 2012

IceDogs Acquire Team Canada Defenceman Oleksiak from Saginaw

Press Release

Niagara IceDogs General Manager and Head Coach Marty Williamson announced the acquisition of Jamie Oleksiak from the Saginaw Spirit in exchange for Frank Schumacher, the rights to a pair of prospects and draft picks

The IceDogs send Schumacher, along with the rights to Alex Sakellaropoulos and Cristoval Nieves, along with Oshawa and Niagara’s 3rd round picks in 2012, Barrie’s 2nd and Windsor’s 8th round pick in 2013 and Sarnia’s 2nd in 2015 for Oleksiak. In addition Saginaw receives a 6th round pick in 2014 if Oleksiak plays his overage season.

In Oleksiak, the IceDogs acquire a 6’7”, 240 lbs. defenceman who was the first round pick of the Dallas Stars, 14th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry draft. The 19 year old has five goals and six assists in 31 games for the Spirit in this his rookie season in the OHL after leaving Northeastern University for the OHL prior to this season. Oleksiak was originally selected by Saginaw in the 2008 OHL Priority Selection.

A dual citizen of the United States and Canada, Oleksiak decided to pass on a chance to join the US World Junior and instead joined Hockey Canada for the opportunity to try out for the Canadian Junior Team. He would make the team, joining them for the recently completed IIHF World Junior Championships in Alberta, where he helped Canada bring home the bronze medal.

With the addition of Oleksiak, the IceDogs now have an amazing five members of this year’s Team Canada and twelve NHL drafted players.

The IceDogs would like to welcome Jamie to Niagara and we look forward to having him as a part of the IceDogs organization!

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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