Natives Acquire Size And Physical Presence From OCN
June 22, 2010
The Neepawa Natives are pleased to announce that they have acquired 6 foot 2, 190 pound power forward Colin Reaney from OCN.
In exchange, The Natives moved the MJHL protetected player list rights to Vince Sauvie, a 19 year old forward from Cando, SK.
Sauvie was the PJHL's top forward, first team all star, top scorer and rookie of the year last season.
Import restrictions made it difficult for The Natives to guarantee him a spot in the fall.
"We are deep up front and our recruiting has been great. Vince is a player who we did not want to give up, but felt we could accomodate him now in case he didn't crack our roster in the fall (as an import)," said Natives coach Bryant Perrier. "If Vince is a Manitoba player, he is already signed."
Perrier believes it is a "win win" for both sides.
"OCN gets a good player, we get a guy who brings us more size, physical presence and toughness, and both guys have a good place to play."
Reaney played a defensive role for OCN last seaon, and contributed 4 goals and 4 assists in 53 games.
He also led the team in penalty minutes with 155, and was in the MJHL's top ten in fighting majors and penalty minutes.
The native of Ceylon, SK. finished second in rookie penalty minutes last season, and rookie majors.
Ironically, Reaney trailed only current Natives forward Calvin Cairns in each category.
|
Colin Reaney |
GP |
G |
A |
PTS |
PIM |
Yrs. |
| 2009-2010 OCN |
53 |
4 |
4 |
8 |
155 |
2nd |
Reaney split time in the 2008-2009 season between the Weyburn Midget Red Wings and the SJHL's Weyburn Red Wings as an affiliate player.
Perrier says the club is excited about adding another experienced forward to the mix.
"We feel Colin is exactly what we need," he said. "Last season, as a first year guy he made a statement that he is fully capable of handling the physical side of the junior game."
"Every team needs players like Colin and all the skill in the world means nothing without a group that likes physical play. We are excited about helping him round out his game so that he can advance to the next level."
The next level for Reaney, if he follows the footsteps of older brothers Les and Brad, will be professional hockey.
Les, a former conference MVP at the NCAA level signed with the Edmonton Oilers and was MVP of the CHL last season, while brother Brad had a great career as a junior in BC and Manitoba - leading to time in the professional minors.
Either way, Perrier is excited about the ability to work with the youngest Reaney.
"The Reaneys are a great hockey family," Perrier said. "We have a lot of respect for them. This is good for our program."
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