As the 2012-2013 season draws closer, Flyers Head Coach and General Manager Ken Pearson has added a lot of size and experience to his blueline. This week, the Orange and black added a pair of 20 year old defensemen in the form of Nate Engert and JC Heck.

Engert is entering his third season of Junior Hockey and was acquired from the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the AJHL (Alberta Junior Hockey League). Engert broke into Junior Hockey with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) in 2010 and finished that season with the St. Albert Steel of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). Last season, the Red Deer native played for the Camrose Kodiaks where he wracked up 11 points (3 goals – 8 assists) and nearly 150 penalty minutes. Engert is a 6’4, 210lbs defenseman who is expected to provide a great amount of size, toughness and experience to the Flyers back end.

In a separate deal, Winkler acquired 6’2, 200lbs defenseman JC Heck from the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). Over the past two seasons, the Camrose, Alberta product played in 94 regular season games for the Crusaders accounting for 15 points (5 goals – 10 assists) and 416 minutes in penalties. Heck will add another physical presence to the Flyers defense corps.

With the two additions, the Flyers have 28 players still in camp with two exhibition games left. Winkler will play in Neepawa on Friday night and then host the Natives on Saturday.  

Future considerations were sent to both teams in the deals.

picture - Nate Engert (left) J.C. Heck (right)