The Nipawin Hawks got some good news on the roster front as a trio of former Hawks were returned to the team, with Brandan Arnold and Declan Hobbs returning from the Western Hockey League, and Grant Baetsen returning from the North American Hockey League.
Getting all three back is a big boost for the Hawks, noted Doug Johnson, the head coach.
“Obviously we’re disappointed for Brandan and Declan that things didn’t work out in the Western League and we’re a little disappointed that Grant wanted to explore elsewhere to start the year off but it was very nice that he realized that Nipawin is the place he needs to be to pursue his goal and dream of playing college hockey.”
Hobbs spent last season backing up Kristian Stead, and posted a 1.94 goals against average and .929 save percentage in 13 games with the Hawks last season.
Heading into this season, Johnson said he thinks Hobbs can be the best goalie in the league.
“There’s some things he needs to work on – like everybody – but he has the ability to be the best goalie and can be a game changer.”
Arnold meanwhile, returns to the Hawks after playing just nine games with the team last season, where he scored six goals, and added eight assists in the regular season, and three goals and ten assists in 11 playoff games.
Thus far two games into this season, Arnold has five points in two games, including a natural hat trick in his first game back.
“Brandan Arnold just brings a skill level and speed that is basically unmatched within our league. Obviously he has a boatload of points in two games, and had a hat trick his first game and that’s not an anomaly I think he’ll be putting up numbers all year long,” noted Johnson.
The final member of the returning trio is Baetsen, who returns to the Hawks after playing three games with the Austin Bruins in the NAHL.
Baetsen returns for his third season with the Hawks where he has scored 23 goals, and 37 assists for 60 points in 109 regular season games.
“[He] just knows exactly what to do, works his tail off and is a very responsible, smart hockey player that can shoot the puck and skate, can use his size and really help our cycle game,” noted Johnson.
Baetsen is the only member of the trio who has yet to make an appearance for the Hawks this season, but is expected to be back in the lineup relatively soon.
The Hawks’ next action comes Oct. 11 when they welcome the Yorkton Terriers to town.
