Niverville Nighthawks trade for Winnipeg Blues’ goalie

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The Niverville Nighthawks turned to the trade block to help fill their vacancy at goaltender.

The team traded 2006-born defenseman Brock Assailly to get the Winnipeg Blues’ Connor Graham.

The Nighthawks were forced to make a move after 2006-born goalie Raiden LeGall moved to Everett in the Western Hockey League following the NCAA rule change allowing major junior players into top tier American colleges.

(Niverville Nighthawks)
(Niverville Nighthawks)

Graham is a 2004-born goalie from Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 15 games with Winnipeg this season, he had a 0.909 save percentage, playing in front of a struggling Blues squad.

“(Graham is) efficient in his movement, can really handle the puck,” Nighthawks general manager Mike McAulay said, noting the team was eager to find insurance at the position following LeGall’s departure.

“We’re happy to add someone of his caliber to our hockey team.”

The Winnipeg Blues have only scored 36 goals this season in 24 games, 16 back of their city counterparts Winnipeg Freeze, which have the second-worst offense in the league.

Graham wasted no time in making an impact for his new team, nabbing the start and the win in Niverville’s 4-1 victory over Swan Valley this weekend.

Niverville also acquired 2007-born forward prospect Reid McIntyre and future considerations in the trade.

McAulay said the Nighthawks have been keeping an eye on McIntyre for a while.

“He’s a good skater and has offensive skill without losing his responsibilities on the ice,” McAulay said.

“His style of play really fits our team’s identity.”

In 21 games with the Winnipeg Wild in the Manitoba U18 AAA league, McIntyre has 18 points.

For more MJHL coverage including game recaps, standings and statistics, be sure to pick up a print edition of The Carillon weekly.

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