Foote cleared for possible trade
Guelph Storm overage goaltender Brandon Foote is up for grabs.
The Storm and Foote have agreed that it’s best for both parties if Foote is traded at some point this season. That would clear the way for Garret Sparks to take over number one duties and for Foote to try and earn a professional contract and hopefully play for a contender.
“It’s difficult going into a season and really not knowing your future. This is the first year I’ve ever had where I’m really not sure what’s going on,” said Foote Wednesday as the players had their first on-ice sessions of training camp at the Sleeman Centre.
“I could be gone tomorrow or I could be gone in November, I have no idea. I just have to focus on the present and not the future, because that could mess up my game.
“As of right now I’m in Guelph and that’s where I’m going to focus on playing and playing the best I can.”
The 20-year-old Whitby native makes it clear that there are no hard feelings and that he has always loved playing in Guelph.
But with Sparks chomping at the bit to play the majority of the games and with Foote basically a wasted asset on a team that will likely struggle to make the playoffs, moving Foote makes perfect sense.
When — and even if — that plan comes to fruition remains to be seen.
“It could be tomorrow, it could be November or it could be the trade deadline,” Storm general manager Mike Kelly said. “But we have an understanding. I’ve discussed it with him.”
Of course that depends on if and when another team wants him and if he plays well enough to maximize his value.
“In an ideal world we’ll move him at the best time for him and us.”
Kelly said the team hasn’t decided whether it will carry three goalies to start the season.
