In a continuing effort to bolster their defensive unit, Soo Greyhounds general manager Dave Torrie acquired a 19 year-old defenseman from the Kitchener Rangers.
The deal, which was completed on Friday in the first day since the end of the Ontario Hockey League trade embargo, has the Hounds receiving defenseman Matt Manias, a third round draft pick in the 2004 OHL draft and future considerations in exchange for the rights to defenseman Matt Lashoff, who is a third round pick of the Greyhounds in the 2002 OHL draft.
Manias, who stands at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, is a defensive defenseman who played in 58 games with the Memorial Cup champions last year scoring a goal and six assists, registering a plus/minus of +10 and 43 minutes in penalties.
*** The Barrie Colts and Kingston Frontenacs who also busy on Friday, completing a pair of deals each.
In a major move, the Colts sent overage forward Eric Himelfarb to Kingston in exchange for overage forward Cory Stillman, who will begin his fifth OHL season. The Colts also acquired 17-year-old defenseman Andrew Dennis from Sudbury for a fifth round pick in the 2005 OHL draft.
Kingston also completed a deal with the Plymouth Whalers for 2002 draft pick Trevor Waddell in exchange for a third round 2004 OHL draft pick, which the Whalers originally owned and sent to Kingston in a import draft trade.
*** Soo Greyhound season ticket holders can pick-up their tickets for the upcoming season at the Memorial Gardens ticket office. Only those who have paid in full or are using a pre-authorized payment plan may pick up the tickets. Fans may still purchase season tickets with a $50 non-refundable deposit. More information can be received from 759-5251.