Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Kings make seven player swap with Cumberland

Press Release

Pembroke Lumber Kings General Manager and Head Coach Sheldon Keefe announced today that the club has completed a seven player trade with the Cumberland Grads that sees three players coming to the Kings in Defensemen Phil Drouin and Keegan Harper along with Forward Scott Conroy, a Pembroke native. Going to the Grads are forwards Trevor Packard, Chris King, Justin Pelock and Connor Currie who was drafted by the Kings in May.

"This trade today alleviates the surplus of forwards we had and at the same time addresses a major void in our defense providing some added depth with experienced players and a true offensive defenseman in Drouin which is something we lacked last season." Said Keefe. "Drouin`s point totals are almost double what we had from any one defenseman last season. He along with Keegan Harper gives us the offensive boost and stability on the back end that you need to have in order to compete against top teams in this league."

Drouin, an 18 year old from Orleans, Ontario is committed to attend NCAA Division 1 Mercyhurst University in the fall of 2013 and of all returning CCHL defensemen he lists second overall with 41 points in 61 games including 5 goals and 17 assists on the power play.

Harper, 19, is a left handed shot defenseman from Nepean, Ontario and was drafted to the OHL`s Erie Otters in 2009. Last season he scored five goals and added 15 assists for 20 points in 53 games with the Grads.

Conroy, 18, is a product of Pembroke Minor Hockey and the Upper Ottawa Valley Aces where he played before leading the Renfrew Timberwolves Junior B`s in scoring last season. He was named the 2011-2012 EOJHL Valley Division Rookie of the Year with 22 goals and 30 assists for 52 points in 42 games and also added a goal and an assist with the Kings in four games as an affiliate player before being drafted by Cumberland in the Spring.

"Conroy got away from us at the draft this year so we are pleased to be able to bring him back and with the local players that have moved on it`s nice to have him in the mix of guys to compete for a spot this season." commented Keefe.

The Lumber Kings would like to wish Trevor Packard, Chris King and Justin Pelock all the best in the future and thank them for all their hard work and dedication during their time in Pembroke.

Kings fans can get their first glimpse of the new additions when training camp opens August 17th at the Pembroke and Area Community Centre.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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