Blockbuster Trade; White & Buwalda to Bradford
(Bradford, ON; December 08, 2011)
By: Sean Werth
Bradford has made yet another blockbuster trade in the GMHL. Earlier today, Head Coach Johan Lundskog formally announced that Stanislav Nikonov has been traded to the South Muskoka Shield in exchange for Travis White and Jericho Buwalda.
Travis White, 21, was South Muskoka’s leading scorer with 52 points (25g, 27a) in only 22 games. Travis is currently 7th in league total points, and tied for third in GMHL goal scoring. The forward has spent parts of the past four seasons in the GMHL. White has spent with the Deseronto Storm (GMHL), South Muskoka Shield (GMHL), and Trenton Golden Hawks (OJHL). The Trenton, Ont. native stands 5’11” and is built a solid 196lbs.
Jericho Buwalda, 17, is in the midst of a breakout season in his second year of Junior. Buwalda has scored an impressive 26 points (11g, 15a) in 19 games. The Bracebridge native is improving much on his 2010-2011 season; which he scored just 26 points in 41 contests as a 16 year old. The forward will continue to fill his 6’3” frame and gain valuable junior experience.
This trade continues the trend towards a balanced scoring roster. Bradford’s goal is to able to roll four scoring lines, with balanced offensive presence between each of them. Furthermore, the trade also increases the Canadian roster presence; as Bradford strives to support local Ontario talent. Bradford’s roster now holds 12 players from North America.
Earlier this week, Bradford also added three Ontario forwards; Nicholas Baldassarra, Joseph Gatti, and Luc Ricci. This combines for five more Canadian players acquired in the past week. Buwalda and White join goalie Rob Sutherland as former Shield members currently on the Rattlers’ roster.
Bradford would like to thank Stanislav Nikonov for his commitment to the Rattlers' program over the past three seasons. The talented Russian forward will undoubtedly continue to be a leading goal-scorer in the GMHL during his tenure as a Shield.
The revamped Rattler squad will continue their drive for the Russell Cup next weekend. In their only game of the weekend, Bradford will be playing host to the Deseronto Storm. In their meeting earlier this season, Bradford was victorious over Deseronto by a score of 7-4. In 19 lifetime head-to-head matches, Bradford has a 15-4-0 record. The game will take place at Bob Fallis Sports Centre, puck drop 7:30pm.
