The Powassan Voodoos added some more size and experience before the first CJHL trade deadline on December 1st.
In their first deal, the Voodoos acquired 20-year-old Stouffville Spirit forward Brandon McKinnon for a player development fee.
MacKinnon, was second on his OJHL team in scoring with seven goals and 10 assists for 17 points in 24 games so far this season.
The 6’3”, 201-pound power forward is excited to join the Voodoos, who sit in top spot in the NOJHL standings at the halfway point of the season (23-3-1-1).
“Yes, just after thinking it over with my family and weighing out my options - I could have gone to a couple playoff teams in my league - but I thought Powassan would have the best shot at winning their league and competing at the Dudley so I decided to come up north for a run,” stated MacKinnon who joined the Voodoos for his first practice with the team on Wednesday.
But the Voodoos were not done, as they acquired goaltender Julian Galloway and the rights to forward Jacob Vance from the Amherst Ramblers of the Maritime Jr. A Hockey League in exchange for a Development fee and the rights to defenceman Alex Boudreau.
In Galloway, the Voodoos add a 20-year-old netminder with more than 20 games of major junior experience in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League with the Quebec Remparts, Rimouski Oceanic and Moncton Wildcats.
“I’m excited to come because it gives me a chance to be exposed to universities outside of the Maritimes as well as I get to see and live in a new part of the country,” said the Sackville, New Brunswick product who will join the Voodoos next week.
“I’m also excited to join a team with a winning track record and help them chase down another championship,” added Galloway who was drafted in the Q by the Quebec Remparts and sported a 5-4-3 record in and a 3.37 GAA in 13 games with the MHL’s Ramblers this season.
The Voodoos also shipped 16-year-old forward Ty Gilberds to the Timmins Rock on Thursday morning for a development fee.
Voodoos GM Chris Dawson felt bringing in more experience was a priority.
“We are thrilled that two players of Brandon and Julian’s caliber were not only available but more than excited to join our hockey program,” said Dawson.
“MacKinnon brings us some more size up front while bringing in an experienced goaltender like Galloway was something we could not pass up.”
MacKinnon will play his first game with the Voodoos on Saturday night when the Voodoos travel to Kirkland Lake to face the Gold Miners.
