Staff
The Fort Frances Jr. Sabres have traded a big piece of last year’s puzzle to the Dauphin Kings of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
Brendan Baumgartner expressed interest in being traded closer to his Edmonton home or to Dauphin—site of next season’s junior ‘A’ championship, the RBC Cup.
Baumgartner, who scored 35 goals and added 35 assists in 49 regular-season games for the Sabres last season, was moved to the Kings for future considerations.
“It’s tough to trade ‘Baumer,’ but it is his wish to get closer to home and family,” Sabres’ head coach Wayne Strachan said.
“He gets the opportunity to play in the RBC and we get the resources to bring in a player that can fill his void in scoring.”
Baumgartner, 20, spent nearly two seasons with the Sabres and admitted remorse in leaving his adopted community, but felt this was the path he needed to explore with his window of opportunity closing in junior hockey.
“A great hockey town and a great place to play,” Baumgartner said of Fort Frances. “I had a great time playing in Fort.
“From the fans to the billets to the coaching staff, and most of all the guys on the team, made it a home away from home for me for the past two years.
“I wish the team the best of luck for this season,” he added.
