This was a busy week in Blades land with the acquisition of 3 players while seeing two more move on from the club. The Oakville Blades have acquired twins Ryan and Tyler Burns from the Milton Icehawks in return for the playing rights to Sean Perichak and Chris Poletek, and acquired an American born player, Brian Hurley.
In two years with the Icehawks Ryan contributed 27 goals, 39 assists and 157 PIM in 106 games while Tyler added 6 goals, 25 assists and 18 PIM in 107 games. Both Ryan and Tyler are 19 years old and have 2 years of eligibility left at the Junior level. As with anything in life you have to give up quality to get quality and the Blades did just. We’d like to wish Sean Perichak and Chris Poletek all the best with their new organization and know they’ll do well in a new environment.
“Ryan and Tyler have been on our radar for a while. They are both graduates of Minor Oaks hockey and local residents with 2 years of experience in the OJHL. Ryan is a high energy forward who will bring speed, intensity and a great shot to our forward group. Ryan has the ability to play in all situations and finish around the net. Tyler is a smooth skating, puck moving defenceman. Tyler has great vision on the ice and the ability to quarterback a powerplay which will take some of the pressure off of Greg Campbell."
“With these two acquisitions we feel we’ve been able to add to our top half and increase our overall organizational depth. We look forward to seeing all three in action as members of the Blades once training camp gets underway,” GM Mike Daley added.
A 20 year old defenceman from Long Beach, NY Brian Hurley has been a long time member of the famed Apple Core program which has produced a slew of NHLer's. Brian is a slick puck mover with a great shot that will help with breakouts and be able to contribute on the power-play. Last season with Apple Core Brian added 9 goals, 30 assists and 36 PIM in 42 games.
“Brian came highly recommended to us by current Blade Joe Mitchell. The recommendation was confirmed by NCAA coaches we spoke to who thought very highly of Brian’s abilities. He’s a great skater with good puck moving abilities similar to Tyler Burns but a right handed shot. We’re expecting a short adjustment period to the OJHL before we see what Brian is truly capable of and look forward to seeing him contribute in a positive manner both on and off the ice to the Blades organization.”
Oakville's pre-season begins in less than a week! Don't forget to check out the upcoming schedule below to find out when your Blades will hit the ice.
Blades Exhibition Schedule:
- Saturday August 23, 2014 – 7:30pm vs. Hamilton - Sixteen Mile Sports Complex
- Tuesday August 26, 2014 – 7:30pm @ Orangeville – Alder St. Rec Complex
- Thursday August 28, 2014 – 7:30pm @ Hamilton – Dave Andreychuk Arena
- Saturday August 30, 2014 – 7:30pm vs. Orangeville – Sixteen Mile Sports Complex