The News
NEW GLASGOW - The Pictou County Weeks Crushers acquired Jordan Knox at the deadline Thursday, trading Danny Morgan and draft picks to Summerside for the talented forward.
Morgan, who scored three goals in Thursday's 8-0 win over the Halifax Wolverines, was Pictou County's top goal-getter, with 25 on the season. That total put him second in the league as of Thursday.
Knox had 23 goals and 26 assists in 30 games with Summerside.
The Western Capitals also got mid-round draft picks in 2008 and '09, as well as the rights to Midget-aged prospect Gerrard Grant.
Crushers' coach/g.m. Troy Ryan said it wasn't easy trading Morgan and said such deals are not a fun part of the business, but added that a team has to give up a lot, to get a lot in return.
"Danny is a great player and will probably play university hockey next year, but Knox brings a dimension with his speed, he brings us a dimension with his penalty killing.We're getting arguably the best player that's been in this league the past few years (but) it's sad it had to come at the expense of Danny. It's tough to do."
The Crushers failed to strengthen their defence however, and will have to go with the horses they have in the stable.
Ryan said the organization tried to upgrade their blueline corps, but deals for a junior 'A' Ontario rearguard and a QMJHL defenceman both fell through this week. In one instance, the player didn't want to make the move, in the other, the team wouldn't grant a release.
"We had two top end guys we were chasing, but we couldn't get it done," Ryan said. "Now is when I become a coach. We're going to have to be the best we can be and hopefully everybody will raise their game."
The Crushers also acquired a goaltender overnight Wednesday - one they haven't seen play - when they got Alexandre Quessy for future considerations in a trade with Granby, a Junior 'A' Quebec team. Weeks president Wade Taylor said the team may carry three goalies, but was undecided.
Pictou County also traded Timmy Caines to Charlottetown for a conditional 2008 draft pick: if Caines returns from a knee injury suffered early in the season, the Crushers will get a mid-round pick in the draft.
Pictou County also traded Timmy Caines to Charlottetown for a conditional 2008 draft pick: if Caines returns from a knee injury suffered early in the season, the Crushers will get a mid-round pick in the draft.
