The Neepawa Natives have acquired 6’3 goaltender Evan Robert from the Selkirk Steelers along with MJHL list rights of 1999 defensemen Troy Earl. The Natives send Nathan Hillis to the Steelers to complete the deal. Hillis has 5 goals and 6 assists in 15 games this season.
Robert, who hails from Oakdale, MN is 1-0 this season with a .962 save percentage. Earl, is from Winnipeg, MB, is currently playing for the Winnipeg Wild of the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League and has 1 goal and 8 assists in 11 games. “Robert is an experienced goaltender which will help the team after the injury to Gutenberg. Evan is a big goaltender, moves very well and covers a lot of net. Earl is a skilled defensemen and we are very familiar with as he has been at many of our camps in the past and looks to suit up with the team next season”, stated General Manager Myles Cathcart.
In another move today the Natives acquired 1998 born forward Braeden Binda from the Winkler Flyers for future considerations. Binda is from Steinbach, MB and was a top player on the Eastman Selects last season scoring 20 goals and 41 points. He has 1 assist in 6 games this season. Cathcart went on to say, “Binda is going to improve our depth as he has the ability to play in the top 9 on a regular basis. He is a strong player, plays an honest game of hockey and leads by example. We have watched him for a number of years and happy he has joined our organization.”
Both players are expected to be in the line-up on Friday as the Portage Terriers will be in town for the first meeting of the season. The organization would like to welcome the new players to the community of Neepawa along with a thanking Nathan Hillis for being part of the team for over a year. We wish Nathan the best of luck in Steeltown.