Ottawa, Ontario – The Ottawa Junior Senators have acquired ’97 D Michael Thomas and Future Considerations from the Nepean Raiders in exchange for ’98 F Silas Mattawashish, as announced by Ottawa on Wednesday morning.
Thomas, 20, is in his second season in CCHL, scoring 19 points (3G/16A) over 44 games with the Raiders. The Park Ridge, IL native will join Joe Alexander as the two players on the Jr. Sens that originally graduated from Lake Forest Academy.
Martin Dagenais and his coaching staff have been following Thomas for a few years and will fill the void with Cameron White off to St. Lawrence University.
“With the unexpected departure to NCAA hockey of our captain Cameron White, we felt we needed to add a defenceman with experience” said Dagenais on the trade. “We didn’t want to give up Silas Mattawashish but it’s the price that we had to pay to add a capable rearguard. He’s not here to replace White but we feel that he will be a great addition to our defensive core”.
Thomas will also join his former defensive partner Bailey Brant, who both played together on Nepean’s backend last season. He now becomes the third American player on the Jr. Senators roster.
Going to the Nepean Raiders in the deal is former QMJHL forward, Silas Mattawashish who was originally acquired by Ottawa last offseason.
Mattawashish, 19, had 15 goals in 37 games (26 PTS) with the Jr. Senators after playing for Val-d’Or of the QMJHL last season. The Waswanipi, Que native will add a giant offensive threat to the Raiders lineup.
“He’s played the game at the next level, has a great shot and brings some much needed offence to our squad” said Raiders head coach, Darcy Findlay. “He’s near the top of the league in goals and when you remove graduates/commits for next year he’s at the top. He will be able to help us now and next season. We are very excited to add Silas to the mix”.
Mattawashish will be leaving his close friend, Chiwetin Blacksmith after the two grew up together and will play against each other once again. Ottawa and Nepean will face off once again on January 24th at the Jim Durrell Sports Complex.
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