As the Ontario Junior Hockey League offseason continues, Quinte’s two local clubs both announced trades on Thursday.
The Wellington Dukes have dealt 19-year-old forward Barret Joynt to the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks for a PDF (player development fee). He registered 22 goals and 19 assists in 54 games last year.
“The Dukes would like to thank Barret for his commitment and dedication to the program and wish him luck in Salmon Arm!” the Wellington organization stated on social media.
In Trenton, the Golden Hawks announced a big four-player trade with the Markham Royals. The Golden Hawks have sent goaltender Will Nguyen and forwards Justin Mauro and Devin Mauro to the Royals in exchange for forward Mitch LaFay and player development fees.
LaFay last played in the OJHL with the Cobourg Cougars during the 2019-20 season before playing last season in the United States with the Boston Jr. Bruins and Jamestown Rebels.
Nguyen posted a 21-10-0 record with a 2.81 goals-against average and .914 save percentage in net for Trenton last season. Earlier this offseason, the Golden Hawks acquired Belleville native goaltender Ethan Fraser from the Lindsay Muskies.
Devin Mauro scored 18 goals and added 23 assists for the Golden Hawks while his brother Justin Mauro had 12 goals and 17 assists.
Trenton head coach and general manager Jerome Dupont, who has replaced Peter Goulet, praised all three players in a release, stating the club gave up big pieces, but believes the move will benefit the team in the long term. He noted LaFay is a big addition to the club’s plan moving forward.
“Our goal is to win a national championship, plain and simple,” Dupont stated. “To do that, we not only need strong players, but the right players. This trade opens a slot for a 20-year-old that we can add down the road. We gave up good players, no question, but we added size up front and a position for a veteran presence in the future. We are not done yet. More is to come. I firmly believe we a better team today.”