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Voodoos make some moves

Voodoos add three players before the December 1st deadline as they hope to continue their 17-game winning streak.
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Voodoos new goaltender Andrew Suriano. Photo by Chris Dawson.

The Powassan Voodoos added more depth and experience to their forward corps and their blue line by the end of the CJHL December 1st trade freeze; the first of two trade deadlines in Canadian Junior 'A' Hockey.  

The Voodoos went south of the border by adding American forward Austin Ramirez from the Thief River Falls Norskies of the SIJHL and Justin Schebel from the Wellington Dukes of the OJHL.    

Ramirez, who spent the early part of the season with the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners is coming off a 13 goal 13 assist campaign last season in 26 games with the Minnesota Iron Rangers of the SIJHL.  Ramirez had 6 goals and 15 assists for 21 points in 28 games with the Miners this fall.  

"I'm very excited for the opportunity to play for such a highly respected organization,” stated the 19-year-old Blaine, Minnesota product, who is expected to make his Voodoos debut on Saturday.  

“I've heard nothing but fantastic things regarding the staff and how the team is ran. I can't wait to meet the team and get started, as well as try to help continue the success that has been going on here in Powassan.”

Schebel split the season with the Nepean Raiders and the Wellington Dukes 2 goals 1 assist in 25 games between the two teams this season.  

The Brighton, Michigan defenceman joined his new teammates officially on Tuesday.  

“Things are great I'm really enjoying myself here,” said the 20-year-old. 

“The guys are great and very welcoming and billets are very nice and I'm really looking forward to playing here.” 

Voodoos GM Chris Dawson likes what Schebel brings to the Voodoos.  

"He's a mature, veteran who has played games in the OJ and the CC so we think his veteran presence will be big on our improving blue line," said Dawson. 

The Voodoos also went West to acquire goaltender Andrew Suriano from the Yorkton Terriers.  The athletic goalie from Lethbridge, Alberta arrived on Tuesday afternoon as he prepares for his first weekend with the NOJHL team. 

“Everyone has been really nice so far, making me feel at home and a part of the team,” said the 18-year-old.    

“I didn't know a lot about the league before coming, but knowing the Voodoos are a team that will be playing for a league title and potentially a national title is exciting. I just want to make a positive contribution with the team this year and many more.”  

To make room for the trio the Voodoos moved American defenceman Jacob Elrod to the Blind River Beavers for a development fee and goaltender Nicholas Campbell was sent closer to home to join the Ottawa Jr. Senators of the CCHL.  

“We appreciate the contributions from both Jacob and Nick,” noted Voodoos GM Chris Dawson. 

“Campbell was great on the ice for us, but being on the Gatineau Olympiques protected list impeded him from helping out the Battalion with their goaltending situation and I’m sure he will be happy living and playing at home again,” added Dawson.  

The Voodoos also optioned former North Bay Trappers forward Jack Drinkwalter to the Huntsville Otters of the Georgian Mid-Ontario Junior C Hockey League where he will be an affiliate player for the Voodoos.  

The Voodoos also went West to acquire goaltender Andrew Suriano from the Yorkton Terriers.  

The athletic goalie from Lethbridge, Alberta is hoping to carve a niche with the Voodoos this season and beyond. 

“Everyone has been really nice so far, making me feel at home and a part of the team,” said the 5’10”, 155 pound netminder.   

“I didn't know a lot about the league before coming, but knowing the Voodoos are a team that will be playing for a league title and potentially a national title is exciting. I just want to make a positive contribution with the team this year and many more.” 

The new Voodoos will hit the road as they hope to extend their winning streak during another tough three games in three nights starting with a visit to the Joe Mavrinac Community Centre in Kirkland Lake on Friday night.