The Virden Oil Capitals reduced their roster to 22 (14 forwards, 6 defence, 2 goaltenders) at the December 1 st deadline.
The Oil Caps had to make 2 separate deals to acquire Collyer. They sent future considerations to the Kindersley Klippers of the SJHL and then to acquire Collyer’s MJHL rights the Oil Caps sent future
considerations along with a swap of draft picks to the Swan Valley Stampeders. The 5’8” 165 lb forward is from Brandon, MB and played his U18 hockey with the Brandon AAA Wheat Kings before starting his junior career with the Flin Flon Bombers. After playing 9 games with the Bombers he was traded to the Kindersley Klippers and the Oil Caps were able to work out a deal to acquire the gritty, physical forward who is good at both ends of the rink.
GM and Head Coach Tyson Ramsey was excited to add Collyer, “In Drayson we get a guy that competes night in and night out. He plays a gritty, hard working game and has the ability to defend and also chip in offensively. He plays an ‘in your face’ type of game and is an outstanding teammate on top of that. We are really looking forward to what Drayson will bring to our lineup!”
In a trio of other moves, the Oil Caps traded 1999 defenceman Jacob Evans to the Truro Bearcats of the MHL in the Maritimes for future considerations. They then released 2001 goaltender Riley Wallace and 1999 forward Bradyn Smelski to get down to 22 at the deadline.
“Certainly a tough day to say goodbye to 3 guys that were outstanding individuals in their time with our organization. We would like to sincerely thank Jake, Riley and Bradyn for their time and commitment to our organization. They worked hard and all 3 guys were excellent citizens in their time in our community. They readily volunteered to help with community events and did so with pride and thoughtfulness. Our hockey club would like to wish them all the best in their future endeavours.”, stated Tyson Ramsey.
The Oil Caps will hit the road today for a 4:00 pm game in Dauphin against the red hot Kings and then return home for games on Thurday against the Waywayseecappo Wolverines and a Saturday night tilt with the Steinbach Pistons. Both are 7:30 starts at Tundra Oil & Gas Place.