Photo courtesy OJHL Images
The Powassan Voodoos have added a power forward in a three player deal with the OJHL’s Haliburton County Huskies.
The Voodoos shipped out 2004 forward Owen Fergusson and the Jr A rights to Alex Bradshaw, who is currently playing with the OHL’s Flint Firebirds, in exchange for 20-year-old power forward Chase Strychaluk.
Strychaluk, a Oakville product, netted 24 goals and 41 assists for 65 points last season with the OJHL’s Oakville Blades.
“We are super excited as Chase is a great addition for our hockey team,” said Peter Goulet, head coach and VP of hockey operations with the Voodoos.
“Any time you bring in a veteran player who has been playing Junior A since he was 17. A lot of work goes into these trades. Chase is a big kid with a good hockey IQ who makes good plays.”
Strychaluk, who was a 2018 12th round draft pick of the OHL’s London Knights, trains in the summer months with former Voodoos star Harrison Israels who is currently playing NCAA Division I hockey with University of Alaska-Fairbanks.
The big right hand shot forward will wear #23 with the Voodoos and has drawn comparisons to another player who wore that number with the Voodoos; Tyson Gilmour.
“Like Tyson, Chase is capable of putting up some big numbers,” said Goulet.
“I think each player is their own individual but at the end of the day there are similarities. Tyson was great for the Voodoos and I think Chase can do the same for us this year.”
Chase will make his debut for the Voodoos Friday night when they host the Hearst Lumberjacks.
Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. at the Powassan Sportsplex.
