(Spruce Grove, AB) –Saints General Manager Rob Sklaruk announced today the club has acquired the CJHL playing rights to twenty-year-old forward, Ashton McNelly. This transaction completes the three-team trade between Blackfalds, Grande Prairie and Spruce Grove previously from this season.
McNelly, a native of Westlock, AB, joins the Saints after spending last season as a member of the 2023 WHL Champion and Memorial Cup Final qualifiers, Seattle Thunderbirds.
The rugged 6’1” – 190 lbs right shot forward, is an AJHL veteran with the Sherwood Park Crusaders(2020-2022) and Grande Prairie Storm (2022-2023). In 96 AJHL contests, McNelly compiled 14 goals, 24 assists and 208 penalty minutes.
General Manager Rob Sklaruk spoke on adding a strong veteran presence in McNelly. “Ashton is going to come in and be relied upon as a leader both on and off the ice here in Spruce Grove. The experience he (McNelly) gained last year in Seattle playing on one of the deepest WHL teams in recent memory will be so valuable to his and our teams’ future success. He knows what it takes to win and what it means to be a true pro. We are excited to see Ashton take off in Spruce Grove.”
The Saints would like to welcome Ashton and the entire McNelly family our organization.
McNelly is expected to make his Saints debut this Friday when the Saints head to Bonnyville and his home debut this Saturday, October 14th when the Saints host the Pontiacs in the back half of a home and home series.
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