The Virden Oil Capitals are excited to announce the completion of a trade made with the Winkler Flyers this past season . The trade involved 20 year old forward Tanner Lewis who was moved to Winkler along with a fourth round pick in the 2017 MJHL draft. In return the Oil Capitals receive eighteen year old forward Braden Billaney, and a fifth round pick in the 2017 draft.
“We are very excited to acquire Braden” stated Head Coach Troy Leslie. ” Braden is a player that is very hard to play against. He finds ways to contribute night in night out and brings an element to our group that we feel is certainly needed.”
In 49 games with the Flyers last season, the Boissevain product had 20 goals, 19 assists for 39 points and 140 penalty minutes. The former Southwest Cougar was also a draft pick of the Brandon Wheat Kings in the 2013 WHL draft.
“It was one of those deals that benefited both teams, stated Leslie. “Tanner was one of our leaders, and a very respected guy in our room. To see him move on a play elsewhere was tough, but we are very proud of the way he finished out his 20 year old season.”
The addition of Billaney adds to an already deep forward group that is looking to make some noise this season. ” Our team is another year older and stronger, especially with the addition of Braden” states director of player personnel and assistant GM Chad Leslie. ” If you look in the box scores every night during the playoffs you see 19 and 20 year olds predominately doing the damage and carrying the load. Braden compliments our group quite nicely with his ability to push the pace, score important goals and play a tenacious, in your face style of game. We are thrilled to have him in Virden.”
The Oil Caps head into this weekends MJHL AGM and annual draft feeling optimistic about the upcoming season. The caps have five of their six picks available and will add some new names and faces to the organization Sunday morning starting at 9:00 am. A full story and report from the draft will be coming out next Monday, May the 5th