By Derek Holtom
The trade deadline was quite robust this year, as teams added and subtracted to better themselves for this year and for down the road. In fact, this is the busiest trade deadline in years in the MJHL – surprising given how players now have a virtual veto over trades if they don’t want to report.
The Swan Valley Stampeders were extremely busy, making several blockbuster deals. Perhaps none were bigger than shipping a pair of 20-year-old forwards Ethan MacTavish and Riley Fequet to the Winkler Flyers for forwards Noah Stott (2008), Aidan Grant (2006) and a player development fee (PDF). MacTavish and Fequet combined for 52 points for the Stampeders this year, and both scored in their Winkler debuts Friday night.
Grant had four goals and two assists for the Flyers this year, while Stott had two goals and three assists in just 12 games. The key to the deal of course is that Winkler improves for today, while Swan Valley strengthens their position for down the road.
The Stampeders also acquired defenseman Alex Scheck from the Estevan Bruins of the SJHL for a player development fee. Scheck, a 19-year-old from Grand Prairie, Alta., had one goal and two assists in 19 games with the Bruins.
Also on the move was Stampeders defenceman Darren Hunt. He was shipped to the Melfort Mustangs for 2006 born forward Reis Nyland.
The Stampeders needed a veteran blueliner as they had previously shipped Gavin Bartha to the Yorkton Terriers of the SJHL forward Dylan Ruff and defenseman Zach Hertz.
Bartha had six goals and 14 assists in 29 games for the Stamps this year. The Kelowna, B.C., native was also an alternate captain for the Stamps this year.
Bartha joins a Terriers team who are much more competitive and likely playoff bound, as opposed the Stampeders who face an uphill battle. He said he’s looking forward to the new challenge.
“Time in Swan was great, and I’m excited for the opportunities that come here in Yorkton,” he said.
Ruff, an 18-year-old from Sylvain Lake, Alta., had one goal and two assists in 12 games for the Terriers this year, while Hertz, a 19-year-old from Billings, Mon., had three goals and three assists in 21 games.
The Stampeders also acquired defenseman Wylie Smith from the Warman Wolverines of the SJHL for a PDF. The 19-year-old Breton, Alta., product had a goal and two helpers with Warman this year.

Get the whole score in this week's Russell Banner.