Kyle Schmidt's recall by the Western Hockey League's Saskatoon Blades, left the North Stars with just six defenceman on the roster.
The North Stars staff addressed that issue Sunday, as they announced the acquisition of defenceman Keenan Martens from the Nipawin Hawks.
"We are excited to add Keenan to our team," said North Stars coach and general manager Kevin Hasselberg. "With the departure of Kyle Schmidt back to the Saskatoon Blades, we felt it was necessary to add a player with Kennan's experience to our back end. He was a pivotal member of the Hawks during the emotional seven-game series we had with them last season."
Martins, a Calgary product, is 19 and brings two years of junior A hockey experience. Martens started his junior career with the Drumheller Dragons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League before being traded last season to the Nipawin Hawks.
This being his third junior team he will be looking to make an immediate impact and was expected to be at practice with the North Stars Tuesday morning.
Martens has two goals and two assists in seven games with the Hawks. Last season, in 41 games, he had four goals and 14 assists with four penalty minutes.
In exchange for the 511? defenceman the North Stars will send future considerations to the Hawks.
Another roster note for the North Stars is that Baldwinton forward Bryden Serafini is now a member of the Melfort Mustangs. Serafini was recovering from an injury he suffered during the pre-season with the North Stars and was moved to Melfort last week to be given a opportunity to play regularly with the Mustangs.
Serefini didn't played Friday against the North Stars and should he remain with the Mustangs, the North Stars will likely receive some future considerations.
The North Stars' roster sits at seven active defenceman, two goalies and 15 forwards.
