(Spruce Grove, AB) – General Manager Rob Sklaruk announced today that the Saints have acquired 1999 born forward and hometown boy, Brayden Nicholetts from the Drumheller Dragons in exchange for 2001 born forward, Bruce MacGregor (Sherwood Park, AB).
Nicholetts joins the Saints and returns home after spending 3 seasons in the valley of the Canadian badlands. The 2018-19 season proved to be his best statistical season of his junior career so far, by registering 13 goals, 23 assists and 111 penalty minutes in 43 games for the Dragons.
In 131 games of AJHL hockey the 6 ft. 185 lbs. left shooting forward had logged 32 goals, 40 assists and an eye catching 370 penalty minutes.
Nicholetts decided to pursue other options to start the 2019-20 season by taking part in training camp with the Lincoln Stars of the USHL. An injury in camp led to a placement on the Injured Reserve list so he has yet to play a game so far this season.
General Manager Sklaruk spoke of his newly acquired player.
?Brayden is a player that sticks up for his teammates, provides energy and can play a hard-nosed brand of hockey, which was something we wanted add to our group. But make no mistake he is talented offensively too.? Sklaruk continued. ?He?s a bit of a throwback player, there isn?t to many players like Brayden. Him being from Spruce Grove was just the cherry on top, we are thrilled to add him to our line up.?
Sklaruk was quick to mention the other side of hockey, the tough part.
?By acquiring Brayden we had to make a hard decision and give up a very good younger player in Bruce Macgregor (18 years old). Bruce has a bright future in this league and beyond, we thank him for all his hard work and dedication to the program and wish him and his family all the best going forward.? Sklaruk finished.
Nicholetts is expected to make his debut for the Saints this weekend when the Whitecourt Wolverines (Friday October 11th @ 7 pm) and Fort McMurray Oil Barons (Sunday October 13th @ 2 pm) make their way to the Grant Fuhr Arena.
Tickets can be purchased for both games online at tickets.sprucegrovesaints.ca