NEWS ITEM

Monday, January 17th, 2011

 

Woodstock Navy Vets, Norwich Merchants make deadline moves

By CORY SMITH, SENTINEL-REVIEW

WOODSTOCK -Aside from a pair of minor moves, the Woodstock Navy Vets and Norwich Merchants were relatively quiet at last week's Ontario Hockey Association player signing deadline.

The Merchants made the biggest splash, adding forward Brendan Heffernan from Lambton Shores of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. The 19-year-old paid immediate dividends Friday in Woodstock, scoring the Merchants' fourth goal late in the second period. Heffernan recorded his second point after assisting on Mike Brilhante's hat trick goal in the third period of Norwich's 7-1 win.

In 22 games with Lambton Shores, Heffernan was tied for sixth in team scoring with six goals and nine assists. Four of those points came on the power play.

"He's offensive and gives us a balanced attack," Norwich assistant coach Jarrett Rose said. "We feel we have four pretty good lines."

Woodstock picked up forward Trevor Calic, who hasn't played this season. Because of that, the 18-year-old wasn't subject to OHA rules regarding player transactions past the Jan. 10 midnight deadline. Calic spent last season playing midget 'AAA' in Brantford.

Calic will have a chance to play a larger role in the absence of Kyle Morris. The 20-year-old from London was on crutches Friday after undergoing surgery on his toe last week. Morris was fourth in team scoring, registering seven goals and 10 assists in 22 games during his first season in Woodstock.

Recently, the Navy Vets sent backup goaltender Trevor Neable to Lucan of the Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League. Casey Scheltema will serve as Neil Pittock's backup. Scheltema has yet to play this season.

"There wasn't a whole lot out there to pick up," Woodstock head coach Jeff Morrison said. "We're happy with the good young core we have."

The Navy Vets biggest acquisition came in early December when they added Stratford native Chad Woodhouse. The 18-year-old defenceman started the season with Listowel of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.

corysmith@bowesnet.com