The Virden Oil Capitals have traded forwards Drayson Skulmoski (98), Jesse Korytko (98), blueliner Darren Gisti (99) and a sixth-round pick in the 2018 MJHL Bantam Draft to the Waywayseecappo Wolverines.
In exchange, the Oil Caps acquire Landyn Cochrane (97), the MJHL rights to Jake Poole (02), who was the first overall pick in the 2017 MJHL Bantam Draft, a fourth-round pick in the 2018 MJHL Bantam Draft and future considerations.
“Darren, Drayson and Jesse have all been great ambassadors for our organization,” said Troy Leslie, head coach and GM of the Oil Caps. “We wish them well moving forward.”
Cochrane, a 20-year-old forward from Russell, who had recently spent time with the Minot Minotauros of the NAHL, netted 18 goals and 57 points in 60 games for the Wolverines last season. Leslie describes him as a high-end talent who will bolster the forward group.
“Landyn had a real solid year last year and competes hard on both sides of the puck. We look forward to getting him in the lineup this evening.”
Meanwhile, Poole has family ties to the community and is highly regarded as a player, says Jamie Hodson, director of business and hockey operations for the Oil Caps.
“He has the opportunity to play in the Western League possibly so that’s a gamble that we are willing to take. But potentially he could be a cornerstone to our organization in the future.”
Hodson also noted the club moving up from the sixth round of the upcoming draft to the fourth round in the deal.
“This also helps us in getting an opportunity for a higher end pick.”
All in all, it’s a win-win for both organizations, Hodson went on to say.
“We get some added punch to our lineup today, and at the same time, build for the future. WayWay gets some good players on and off the ice who will get an opportunity to play some more minutes for their club.”
Cochrane is expected to suit up tonight for the Oil Capitals, who host the Steinbach Pistons in the second game of a back-to-back at Tundra Oil and Gas Place. Game time is 7:30 p.m.