The Virden Oil Capitals acquired blueliner Devon Becker from the Weyburn Red Wings for future considerations on Thursday.
Becker, 20, from Langley, B.C., is a 6-foot-2, 201 pound defenceman who has one assist in eight games for the Red Wings this season. He netted five goals and 17 points in 49 games last year for Weyburn.
“We were looking for a right-handed defenceman,” said Troy Leslie, head coach and GM of the Oil Capitals. “We’ve got a lot of left-handed guys back there. He’s a 20-year-old who has experience at this level and he’s got a good big frame, so we’re going to insert him into the lineup and we’re looking forward what he’ll bring to the team.”
Jamie Hodson, director of business and hockey operations for the Oil Capitals, says the acquisition of Becker had a lot to do with adding more experience to the backend.
“He’ll help in our own end defensively,” Hodson said. “We’re happy with our group but this piece just helps solidify our defence as a whole.”
Becker describes himself as an offensive blueliner who can deliver a solid outlet pass and has good vision on the ice.
“It just wasn’t working out in Weyburn so I got traded here. It’s a good place, you guys are doing well so I’m out here for a new opportunity and a fresh start,” Becker said.
Becker has some international experience as well. He played for Team Canada at the Maccabiah Games, which were held in Israel earlier this year. He helped Team Canada win gold at the event, defeating Team USA 7-2 in the gold medal game. Canada ended up going undefeated, winning all five games by a combined score of 51-9.
The Maccabiah Games, held every four years, consists of approximately 10,000 athletes from 80 countries competing in more than 45 different sports. Hockey made its Maccabiah Games debut back in 2013.