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FLYERS ACQUIRE TOP PROSPECT AND SEND BILLANEY TO VIRDEN – JUNE 1

The Winkler Flyers have announced a number or trades now that the Manitoba Junior Hockey League off-season trading period has officially begun. The Orange and Black have traded F Braden Billaney (98) to the Virden Oil Capitals to complete the deal that saw F Tanner Lewis (96) come to the Flyers at the December 1st roster deadline last season. In a separate move, the Flyers have acquired top prospect F Jayden McCarthy (01) from the Dauphin Kings in exchange for prospect F Alex Catanni (01).

 

Billaney is the “Future Considerations” in the original trade with Virden that saw the Flyers acquire Lewis and a 4th Round draft pick in the 2017 MJHL Bantam Draft in exchange for a 5th Round draft pick (originally owned by Virden) as well as future considerations. Billaney played the past two seasons in Winkler.

 

“Braden was a good player on the ice for us the past two seasons and played with his heart on his sleeve. I’d like to wish him all the best in Virden.” said Flyers Head Coach and General Manager Ken Pearson.

 

The second trade has the Flyers picking up forward prospect Jayden McCarthy (01) and a 6th Round draft pick in exchange for forward prospect Alex Cattani (01) and a 4th Round draft pick (acquired from Virden).

 

McCarthy is a 5’10”, 185lbs centre from Morris, Manitoba and played this past season with the Pembina Valley Hawks of the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League. There, he had 28 points (12 goals – 16 assists) and 68 penalty minutes in 44 regular season games played. McCarthy was taken in the first round, third overall in the 2016 MJHL Bantam Draft by the Kings.

 

“Jayden is an extremely skilled hockey player.” said Pembina Valley Hawks Head Coach Rylan Price.

 

“His stick handling is top notch and he can score goals. He has a wicked wrist shot and can stick handle in a phone booth. I can see him developing into true number one centre in both the offensive and defensive zones. He is a good person as well. The Flyers are bringing in a really good character kid.” added Price

 

The Flyers would like to welcome Jayden to the Flyers’ Family and would also like to wish Alex all the best in the Kings organization. The Flyers would also like to thank Braden and his family for everything over the past two seasons and wish him nothing but the best in Virden.

 

Stay tuned for more information regarding player signings and draft information in the coming days. The Manitoba Junior Hockey League Bantam Draft will take place at 9:00am on Sunday, June 4th in Winnipeg. Follow the Flyers’ Facebook and Twitter accounts for pick by pick draft information. You can also follow the entire draft on www.mjhlhockey.ca.