The Melville Millionaires of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) have completed a deal with the Winnipeg Saints of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
Last season, Melville sent 20 year-old goaltender Justin Leclerc to Winnipeg for 20 year-old forward Cody Gross. Futures were also involved in the trade and now those futures have been determined. The Saints send 17 year-old Lucas Froese to Melville in exchange for 18 year-old defenceman Derek Wasylyshyn.
Last season Froese compiled 24 points, counting 10 goals and 14 assists in 52 points for Winnipeg last season and will attend the camp of the Western Hockey League's Swift Current Broncos before reporting to Melville.
For Millionaires head coach and general manager, moving a player is one of his more difficult duties.
"Let's face it, Wazzy (Wasylyshyn) was a great kid and we didn't want to get rid of him. Actually when I told him about it he was upset but he's from Winnipeg so he'll be okay. Having to move a player who is a really good guy is tough but you still have to look at it like a business," says Fiesel.
According to the Mils bench-boss, unless Froese makes the Swift Current club, he'll be a member of the Millionaires this season.
"He's told us that he'll play here unless they (Swift Current) keeps him. He'll be a good offenseive guy for us I'm sure and he's only 17, so that bodes well for the future."
Training camps for the upcoming SJHL season began Sept. 3 with Melville seeing its first exhibition action Monday, Sept. 6 with a 2 p.m. match-up with the Yorkton Terriers.
