IceDogs deal for talented forward
The Niagara IceDogs took a calculated gamble Friday, shipping four draft picks to the Oshawa Generals for the rights to 2020 OHL Priority Selection first-round pick (13th overall) Aidan Castle.
In exchange for Castle, the IceDogs dealt Peterborough’s second pick in 2022, their own choices in the third and fourth rounds in 2022, and Peterborough’s fourth-round selection in 2024.
”This is an incredibly exciting trade for our organization and one we couldn’t be happier to be able to complete,” IceDogs general Manager Joey Burke said. “Aidan is a player I have wanted in Niagara since his draft year and a guy that we heavily recruited ahead of the league shut down in 2020 and had hoped to been able to draft.”
Castle, a 5-foot-11, 168-pound forward, played the 2019-20 season with the Greater Toronto Hockey League’s (GTHL) Toronto Jr. Canadiens. In 62 games, the Mississauga native collected 70 points (35 goals, 35 assists). He played majority of the Jr. Canadiens season on the same line as fellow IceDogs Pano Fimis and Brice Cooke.
“Aidan plays a style that is a perfect fit for the way our coaching staff does things here, and there is not a doubt in my mind he will fit in great here in Niagara,” Burke said. ”Aidan really brings the whole package and does everything at a high level combining high-end feet with huge offensive upside, a detailed style away from the puck and a toughness to his game.
“To be able to add a first-round caliber player is rare in this league and that’s what we have here and we couldn’t be more excited to add Aidan to the IceDogs family.”
Castle must still agree to report to the IceDogs. He did not sign in Oshawa.
“While we are still working with the family and agency on having Aidan commit to Niagara officially, we are very confident that Aidan will be with us in Niagara this season,” Burke said.
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