The Virden Oil Capitals are pleased to announce that Morgan Magwood (D, 97), Jake Coulter(D, 97), and Derek Cross (F/D, 97) have all committed to play for the club for the upcoming 2015-16 season.
Morgan Magwood, Killarney
Magwood, a Killarney, MB native, was the captain of the AAA Midget Southwest Cougars last season where he notched 10 points (2 G, 8 A) in 41 games to go along with 109 penalty minutes. The 6’1″, 180 lbs blue liner also played in two games with Oil Caps last season where he registered an assist in his MJHL debut in Virden on December 16, 2014 against the OCN Blizzard. Magwood’s MJHL list rights was acquired from the Waywayseecappo Wolverines last fall.
“Mags is a defensive defensman who truly understands how to defend,”stated Chad Leslie, the Oil Caps Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel. “He is extremely physical and has been a captain wherever he has played… Another quality, character kid.”
Magwood made his MJHL debut with Virden on Dec. 16, 2014
Jake Coulter, Hamiota
Coulter joins the burgundy and black after a successful AAA Midget career with the Yellowhead Chiefs program. The Hamiota, MB defenseman registered 12 points (2 G, 10 A) in 44 games last season while compiling 54 minutes in penalties. The Chiefs graduate also played in two games for the Oil Caps last season, making his Junior A debut on October 30, 2014 against the Swan Valley Stampeders. Coulter was the Oil Caps 20th overall pick in the third round of the 2012 MJHL Draft.
“Jake is a smooth skating defenseman who transitions very well,” mentioned Leslie. “He was arguably one of the best skaters in the Manitoba AAA Midget league last season. Jake has assets we value in our defenseman and is a fantastic kid.”
Derek Cross suited up for the Oil Caps for one game this past season.
Derek Cross, Virden
Last, but not least, Cross joins the Oil Caps as the third Virden product to filter into the system. The Manitoba AAA Midget Yellowhead Chiefs’ Captain from 2014-15 led all Yellowhead defenseman in scoring with 20 points (5 G, 15 A) in 42 games. An auto protect from the 2012 MJHL Draft, the 5’8″, 170 lbs defenseman is spoken very highly of by the Oil Caps’ Assistant GM. “Derek has natural leadership abilities and will be a guy that we can play in all situations down the road for us. For a smaller guy, he plays in traffic and is very tenacious.”
Head Coach and General Manager, Troy Leslie, added, “We are excited about adding three quality players from the Westman area. All three were leaders on their teams and will be a great addition to our dressing room.”
The three signings are the first of the off-season for the Oil Capitals. Each of these players are expected to add to the solid nucleus of returning players that is in place for the 2015-16 season.