Saints and Oil Barons Complete 4 Player Blockbuster Trade
(Spruce Grove, AB) – General Manager Rob Sklaruk announced today that the Saints have acquired 2001 born defenseman Ryan Conroy and 2000 born forward Johnathan Assayag from the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in exchange for 2001 born defenseman Riley Bodnarchuk and 2000 born forward Colson Gengenbach.
Conroy joins the Saints after spending 3 seasons in Alberta?s energy capital. The Chestermere, AB native was named team captain for the Oil Barons to start 2019-20 season and has compiled 4 goals, 5 assists and 82 penalty minutes in 22 games played. Conroy also captained Team AJHL at the Junior Club World Cup this past August in Sochi, Russia, where he was teammates with current Saints Cam Mitchell, Jordan Biro and Matthew Davis. Team AJHL captured a silver medal in the event where Conroy finished with 1 goal, 3 assists and 20 pims in 5 games played.
In 125 games of AJHL hockey the 5?8? ft. 165 lbs. left shooting defenseman has logged 7 goals, 41 assists and a gritty 291 penalty minutes. He was also named to the AJHL North Division All-rookie team in 2017-18 which lead to his commitment to the Yale University Bulldogs for the 2020-2021 season.
General Manager Rob Sklaruk outlined what Saints fans can expect to see from the AJHL veteran.
?Ryan is one of the elite defenceman in our league who has an extremely high compete level. He possesses a great shot, can quarterback a powerplay but also has the ability to play a hard nosed shut down role against other teams? top players.? Sklaruk continued, ?Ryan?s impact will be felt immediately within our group. He?s a leader and a difference maker who will step in and provide a real veteran presence to our blueline group. We are very excited to add him to our roster.?
Johnathan Assayag comes to Spruce Grove as a 19 year old rookie competing in his first year in the AJHL. In 20 games with the Oil Barons the Montreal, QC native has tallied 5 goals, 6 assists and 6 penalty minutes. Playing for Phillips Academy Andover in the United States High School Prep league the hulking 6?2? 185 pound left shooting forward posted 18 goals, 15 assists for 33 points in 28 games played.
Sklaruk see?s a vast amount of potential in the newly acquired forward.
?Johnathon is someone who was a bit of an unknown to us entering this season, however, after playing Fort McMurray 4 times already this season he was a player we noticed every game. He is a big man who skates well, can make skilled decisions and has a pro level shot.? Stated Sklaruk. ?We feel he is a bit of a late bloomer who has lots of room to grow and succeed with our group. There is a high ceiling for Johnathan. We look forward to seeing him flourish as a Saint.? Sklaruk finished.
Like always these trades come at a price and it is important in recognizing that.
?Riley and Colson have been incredible Saints. They came in this year in great shape, worked everyday to get better and have been strong contributors to our team. We couldn?t have asked for more from them.? Exclaimed the Saints GM.
?While it is always tough to make these decisions, both Riley and Colson are going to a great organization and will get every opportunity to play a big role for Oil Barons. From myself, to the coaches and staff we want to thank them for their contributions to our team and wish them continued success in their careers.? Sklaruk concluded.
Both Conroy and Assayag are expected to arrive in Spruce Grove later this evening and make their Saints debut this weekend when the team travels south for a 3 games in 3 nights road trip. When they visit the Calgary Canucks, Canmore Eagles and Olds Grizzlys in AJHL inter division play.
Saints fans first chance to see Ryan and Johnathon on home ice will come November 22 when they welcome their former team the Fort McMurray Oil Barons to town. Game time is 7 pm and you can get your tickets at tickets.sprucegrovesaints.ca