IceDogs, Attack swap young defencemen in one-for-one trade

The Niagara IceDogs and Owen Sound Attack have completed a one-for-one trade involving a pair of 2009-born defencemen.

Niagara has acquired Blake Munnings from Owen Sound in exchange for Caden Bell.

Munnings was selected by the Attack in the second round, 28th overall, of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection and appeared in 33 games as a rookie during the 2025-26 season, recording four points from the Owen Sound blue line.

“I am very happy to get re-engaged with Blake,” said IceDogs General Manager Dale DeGray. “As a second-round pick for Owen Sound last year, he was a player I had seen many times and wanted on our team. Looking at our roster, I feel it’s a very good fit for us in Niagara.”

The addition gives Niagara another young defenceman with OHL experience as the club continues to build its blueline for the future.

Heading to Owen Sound is Bell, who was selected by the IceDogs in the third round, 49th overall, of the 2025 OHL Priority Selection. The Scarborough, Ontario native spent the 2025-26 season with the St. Catharines Falcons of the GOJHL, where he recorded 11 goals and 29 assists for 40 points in 46 regular season games. He added 11 points in 16 playoff contests.

Bell earned a place on the GOJHL Eastern Conference All-Rookie Team and was selected to participate in the GOJHL Top Prospects Game held in conjunction with the OHL’s Connor McDavid Top Prospects event.

“Caden Bell has emerged as a promising young right-shot defenceman who had a standout year with the St. Catharines Falcons,” said Attack President and General Manager Tyler Nother. “When we were evaluating our roster, there was a need to strengthen the right side of our defence corps. To add a player with Caden’s two-way upside is very exciting, and we look forward to assisting in his development both on and off the ice.”

The trade sees both clubs exchange promising young defensive prospects as they continue shaping their rosters ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The OHL trade window opened on June 2 and remains open until June 11 at 3:00 p.m. ahead of the 2026 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore, which takes place June 12-13 at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston.

All confirmed trades can be found on our OHL Trade Window Tracker.

The 2026 OHL Priority Selection presented by Real Canadian Superstore will be held June 12-13 at Slush Puppie Place in Kingston, marking the first in-person OHL Priority Selection since 2000. Round 1 begins on June 12 at 7:00 p.m., with Rounds 2-15 taking place on June 13 beginning at 9:00 a.m.