Graham Mosimann / DevonXtreme.ca
DEVON, AB — It was a busy week for the Devon Xtreme approaching the AJHL Trade Deadline, but according to AJHL Head Coach and General Manager Taylor Harnett, the moves don’t come at the “Xpense” of the team’s locker room culture.
One of the most immediate impacts has come from forward Wyatt Ball, who Harnett credits with bringing a necessary edge to the ice as the forward has already contributed a fight to the scorecards when he dropped the mitts against the Drayton Valley Thunder.
“He’s got a good presence out there on the ice. He’s got a physical presence. He plays hard,” Harnett said. Acclimating to a new team is certainly made easier for Ball, as the forward is operating at nearly a point-a-game-pace since joining the Xtreme – almost doubling up on his point total this season with the Pontiacs.
“Just that little extra added offense is something that we definitely wanted to make sure we kept in our lineup,” Harnett added.
New goaltender Luke Mckechnie has made an immediate impact in the crease after joining the team from Whitecourt as the new addition has formed quick bonds with Goalie Instructor Ty Rimmer and fellow goaltender Tyler Swanson. “It’s important that they get along and they feed off each other,” Harnett said. “Seems to be really good in the locker room and a pretty good goalie at that too.”
The Xtreme also brought in talent from the Pontiacs, trading for Cash Ganske and the rights to Grayson Neihaus.
Harnett described Ganske as a “steady” player who “skates well” and possesses strong on-ice vision. While his defensive game is the priority, the coaching staff sees room for growth.
“It looks like he’s got a bit of an offensive side to his game I think that is untapped,” Harnett said, noting that the opportunity to play Junior hockey close to home could have a positive impact on Ganske’s performance as the defender grew up and played his U18 hockey years with the Leduc Oil Kings.
“We had a really good locker room before. We made some moves and we wanted to make sure that that was still in place,” Harnett stated. “With everybody we’ve talked about… just the character test has been great so far.”
Goaltender Preston Lewis and Forward Xander Schulte were moved to Whitecourt, Forward Lucas Knorr and Defender Brynn McLean are now Bonneyville Pontiacs, and Stefan Serediak is a member of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons. The Xtreme wish all the outgoing players the very best in their hockey futures!
Devon also acquired Future Considerations, Cash Considerations, and Player Development Fees in the moves.
*as of writing, Greyson Neihaus has not reported to the team*
