Jr. A Trappers make a deal to add more local talent

New North Bay Jr. 'A' Trappers forward Jamie Olivier (middle) joins recently signed defenceman Colton Allan and physcial forward Jesse Cere on the ice. Photo by Chris Dawson.

The North Bay Junior ‘A’ Trappers continued to show their commitment to local kids as they acquired North Bay’s own home grown product, Jamie Olivier, from the Huntsville Otters.

The former late round 2007 OHL draft pick of the Erie Otters finished with 7 goals and 7 assists in his rookie year with the Otters last season.

“I’m from North Bay and I grew up looking up to the local Junior 'A' Hockey Club and its players,” said Olivier who recorded 17 goals and 22 assists in his final year of midget 2 years ago.

“I’m excited, in Huntsville they are hosting the Dudley-Hewitt Cup and my goal is still the same, and that is to go and win the Dudley.”

Junior ‘A’ Trappers head coach and G.M. Ian Swalucynski likes the speed Olivier brings down the wing.

“We are excited anytime we can add another talented local player who can contribute,” said Swalucynski.

More Signings

The Trappers also brought back a physical presence in the form of returnee Jesse Cere. The hard-nosed winger had 7 goals and 10 assists for 17 points in 42 games last year.

“It feels great to be back, a bunch of new guys so it should be fun this year,” said the soft spoken 6’2”, 220 pound Maniwaki, Quebec product.

The Junior ‘A’ Trappers also bolstered the blue line by adding Colton Allan late last week. The Davidson, Saskatchewan native has 1 goal and 1 assist in two games with the Trappers, after joining the club Saturday in Blind River. Allan has experience playing in the 2009 RBC Cup and was acquired for future considerations from the Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

“Well at first I was pretty overwhelmed, when Ontario comes to mind – I’m from Saskatchewan which seems like a long way away but the more I thought about it the better I felt about it so I just packed my bags and came out here and it feels good, good to get back on the ice and play a few games,” said Allan.

The Junior ‘A’ Trappers are back on the ice Friday when they head to Temiscaming to battle the first place Temiscaming Royals. They return home Sunday night to host the Abitibi Eskimos. Game time is 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Gardens.