The CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins trade with the Kindersley Klippers, last November, is now finalized with the acquisitions of left winger Darcy DeRoose and right winger Owen LaClare.
At that time, the Bruins traded DeRoose to the Klippers for future considerations. And, according to Bruins head coach and GM Chris Lewgood, the plan all along, was to get DeRoose back.
“That was always written right into the trade agreement, it was one of those things where we felt … it was an opportunity for him to go gain some experience and have some success. And in the end our, compensation was more than fair,” he said.
DeRoose recorded some good numbers this previous season; with 23 goals and 32 assists, he was fourth in the league in scoring. Before being traded to the Klippers he played two full seasons in Estevan.
Also, Lewgood mentioned that adding those two players will make the team better.
“It addresses some needs where we add depth to our forward group … and the fact that they’re bigger bodies and good size players, will help us as well,” he stated.
For next season, the main objective for the team is to contend for the Western Canada Cup that the organization will be hosting.
“Our goal is to win our way there and have success at the tournament … and this is just one of the moves that will help us along the way,” Lewgood said.
He also mentioned there have been teams in the past that have added the personnel needed to contend, but it’s the team chemistry that plays a huge factor in having success. And Lewgood believes that DeRoose and LaClare are the right players, and he said the trade is a good step in the right direction.
“Darcy, having been there before, was a big part of our team and fit in really well in the dressing room. And we’re very confident that Owen is going to be the same way,” he said.
