Photo: OJHL Images
The Powassan Voodoos have swapped defencemen with the Stouffville Spirit of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, the club announced Thursday night.
The Voodoos acquired 17-year-old defenceman Jaden Sturge from the Spirit along with a development fee in exchange for American defender Cole Douglas and defencemen Ryan O’Dell who was recently released by the Oshawa Generals.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to play for a great organization like Powassan and I’m looking forward to making an impact on both ends of the ice with my two-way style of play,” said Sturge who had 0 points in 6 games to start the year in Stouffville.
Peter Goulet, Voodoos Head Coach and Vice President of Hockey Operations, has recognized the 6’1”, 183 pound defender’s talents during summer showcases.
“He caught my attention right away he was a very powerful skater, at the end of the game I told him he had the potential to become a solid Jr A Dman you just need to work on your lateral skating obviously he listened,” said Goulet.
“Now two years later he made the Stouffville Spirit Jr A team, when the opportunity came for us to acquire him we made and offer and my good friend Kenny Burrows (owner and GM of Stouffville) made it work for all parties we are looking forward to have Jaden join our team.”
Douglas, joins the Spirit after netting 1 assist in 9 regular season games with the Voodoos this season.
“We wish Cole Douglas nothing but the best of luck in his new adventure with the Stouffville Spirit this move also allows Cole to be 3.5 hours closer to his family.”
O’Dell, a Stouffville native, played in 38 regular season games with the Voodoos in 2021-21 netting 2 goals along with 16 assists.
Sturge is expected to be in the Voodoos lineup on Friday night as the Voodoos host the French River Rapids. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at the Powassan Sportsplex.
