Some big hockey news for the Niagara IceDogs.
The IceDogs have acquired Jack Studnicka and Matt Brassard from Oshawa in return for Lleyton Moore and draft picks.
Studnicka, just back from Canada’s entry at the World Juniors and Brassard, an overage right shot defenceman will bolster and already stacked IceDogs lineup.
Niagara IceDogs’ General Manager Joey Burke says "This is a huge day for us in Niagara. In Jack and Matt we are adding the exact two players we targeted as perfect fits for our roster. The skill set they will add to an already deep group could not be more exciting, and I can’t wait to watch how well they fit in with our guys. ” said Burke.”In Jack, we are adding the most complete player in the OHL. He is a guy who does absolutely everything at an elite level – be it with, or away from the puck, he is an every situation player, and a guy who I genuinely believe you can win a championship with. He is a player who will excel when the grind of playoff hockey kicks in, and off the ice is as high character as they come. With Matt, we add a premier defenseman in the league and immediately address our biggest need. A complete right shot defenseman who can not only defend with the best of them, but is one of the more impressive offensive defenders out there, as well as being a hard working character guy who wants to win.”
In exchange, Lleyton Moore as well as the following draft picks have been acquired by the Generals.
“To be able to add two players of this caliber something had to go out, and it was a very difficult decision to move Lleyton Moore as we know he will go on to become a star in this league, Lleyton is a great young man and athlete, and we wish him nothing but success in Oshawa.” Burke, continued
Studnicka joins the IceDogs following the 2019 World Junior Hockey Championship, where he represented Canada and collected 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) in 5 games. Prior to leaving for the tournament, Studnicka served as Captain for the Generals, and collected 184 points (56 goals, 128 assists) over the course of 3 and a half seasons. He is able to contribute in all situations, and is known for his defensive abilities. Studnicka was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 2nd round (53rd overall) in 2017.
Brassard, a 20 year old defenceman, was drafted in the 7th round (188th overall) by the Vancouver Canucks in 2017. A steady figure on the back end can contribute offensively, collecting 114 points (37 goals, 77 assists) in 192 games, split between the Barrie Colts and the Oshawa Generals.
The next IceDogs game is at the Meridian Centre Thursday night against Guelph.
You can hear the game on CKTB starting at 6:30 with the pregame show.