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Deadline frenzy means roster changes for Bombers

Goalie Diamond, forwards McKenzie and Young out; in come Kowalski, Michell, Waked
Diamond
Former Bomber netminder Pierce Diamond makes a save earlier this season. Diamond was one of three Bombers shipped out of town before the recent SJHL roster deadline. Diamond will suit up for the BCHL's Cowichan Valley Capitals. - PHOTO BY KELLY JACOBSON

The dust has settled for the Flin Flon Bombers following Thursday's SJHL roster deadline, and some new faces will enter the fold.

Flin Flon got the ball rolling by pulling off one of the biggest deals in the league on Jan. 8, acquiring Weyburn Red Wings captain Cade Kowalski for forward Dawson McKenzie and future considerations.

Later, the Bombers made waves on deadline day with a pair of deals. First, the team dealt forward Jessie Young to the Quebec Junior A League's Granby Inouk in exchange for goalie Gabriel Waked. While Waked has spent the season with Blainville-Boisbriand in the QMJHL, he was waived by the team on Jan. 7. Waked played most of last season with the Inouk.

Young, who had four points in 10 games with the Bombers, has not played since October.

Facing a crowded crease after acquiring Waked, the Bombers dealt starting goalie Pierce Diamond to the Estevan Bruins for defenceman Jack Michell. The Bruins then flipped Diamond to the BCHL's Cowichan Valley Capitals for future considerations.

Kowalski, arguably the most important player on the SJHL trade board this season, had 39 points in 33 games with the Red WIngs this season, including 25 assists. The reigning SJHL Rookie of the Year, Kowalski hit 60 points last season in 58 games with Weyburn. The Morden, Man. product is set to head to Ferris State University next fall. Kowalski last played for the Red Wings on Dec. 15, missing the team's last four games following the holiday break.

Waked played 16 games with Granby last season, ending the year with a 2.26 goals-against-average and a .919 save percentage. He appeared in eight games with Blainville-Boisbriand this season, serving mostly as a backup.

Michell is in the midst of his first full SJHL season and has six points through 33 games with Estevan. A former third-round WHL Bantam Draft pick of the Prince George Cougars, Michell will become the youngest player on the Bombers' roster.

More detailed Bomber deadline coverage can be found in the next issue of The Reminder.

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