Natives And Blizzard Involved In Blockbuster Deal
May 21, 2010
The Natives have sent goaltender Matt Krahn (19) and a second and third round draft pick in the 2011 MJHL draft to The Pas, for OCN's leading scorer and MJHL All Star Jordon Hebert (20) and highly skilled defenceman Justin Slobozian (18).
Natives coach Bryant Perrier thanked Matt Krahn for his service to the team, and wished the three year veteran the best in the future.
"Matt won some big games for us and is a good person. We want to thank him for his time in Neepawa."
Hebert (6'0 - 185 pounds), who scored 26 goals last season and led OCN in scoring, was a one man wrecking crew against The Natives in the process, scoring 8 times in 7 games.
Slobozian (6'0 - 185 pounds), a highly skilled defenceman with a full season in the WHL with Regina, is a player who is just coming into his prime and is poised for a breakout year.
Both players, according to Perrier, are going to really help the Neepawa club.
"Hebert was the best player on the ice last season for OCN in eight straight games against us," he said. "We hated playing against him. That is a great sign. And even when our team was playing its best defence of the season, he still scored and made life miserable for us."
In Slobozian, Perrier sees a gold mine of ability.
"Justin is a very dynamic player. He played a full season in the WHL against some of the best players in the world at 16 years of age. He is still young enough at 18, that he can develop into a tremendous player. He is a dynamic skater, who can make something out of nothing offensively."
The moves will solidify an already exceptional defence and a very solid core of centremen, according to Perrier.
"Our recruiting has been very good, and the addition of Justin and Jordon really makes our team a lot better instantly."
And while the prospect of playing against Matt Krahn is not Perrier's favorite thought, he explained that organizational depth in the goaltending position was the key to the deal.
"We have a very good group of goalies heading into camp, and while we are respectful of Matt's abilities and what he did for us, the reality of hockey is that you have to give quality to get quality."
"OCN got a very good goaltender and we got a very promising young defenceman and we got a guy who was dominant against us last season and is an MJHL All Star," Perrier continued. "When you get the chance to make a good deal, you do it."
Perrier calls the deal "good for both teams."
"The Blizzard got a talented goalie and a couple of great draft picks as well. It works for both teams."
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