Hounds acquire Rogalski from division rivals
Soo Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Dubas announced this afternoon that the team has completed a deal with the West Division’s Sarnia Sting.
In the deal the Hounds acquire overage, All-Star defenseman JOE ROGALSKI in exchange for Guelph’s 5th Round pick in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection and Erie’s 3rd Round pick in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection.
“Acquiring Joe Rogalski has been a process which we have been working on for over two months. We first inquired with the Sarnia club about Joe leading into the draft and were informed by Joe’s agent, Murray Kuntz of CAA, that they would not waive their no-trade clause to report to Sault Ste. Marie” began Dubas. “A few weeks ago we followed up with Sarnia and were given permission to speak with the Rogalski family regarding our situation here and how we could help Joe earn an NHL contract this season and where he would fit in on our depth chart. Last week, the Rogalski’s informed us and Sarnia that they would accept a trade here. From there Jacques (Sting GM Jacques Beaulieu) and I worked out an agreement.”
Rogalski, a native of Lancaster NY, is set to enter his 5th season in the Ontario Hockey League after having a career best season grabbing 7 goals and 25 assists, good for 32 points in 63 games played during 2010-11.
The 6’2”, 185 lb rearguard was a member of the Western Conference squad in the 2010 OHL All-Star Classic before being picked by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 6th Round (152nd overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.
“We are thrilled to be able to add Joe today for a number of reasons. First off, Joe has been an all-star in this league and is a Pittsburgh Penguins draft pick. He immediately brings skill and stability to our defence corps and we envision him serving as a mentor to our young defenceman such as Ryan Sproul, Gianluca Curcuruto and Darnell Nurse” concluded Dubas.
The Hounds continue to prepare for the CHL Import Draft which is scheduled for this coming Wednesday, June 29th where they hold the 7th and 34th overall picks.
The draft begins at 9 a.m. and you can follow the Greyhounds progress online at our official website www.soogreyhounds.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/soogreyhounds.
