IceDogs deal netminder
The Niagara IceDogs traded some of their present for the future, shipping goaltender goaltender Marcus Vandenberg to the Sudbury Wolves in exchange for two draft picks.
The IceDogs will receive a third-round pick in 2024 (Brantford) and a third-round selection in 2027 (Sudbury).
Vandenberg was acquired from the Kitchener Rangers in the summer for a second-round pick (Erie) 2024 and a fifth-round pick in 2027.
Vandenberg appeared in 13 games for the IceDogs this season posting a .889 save percentage and a 3.96 goals-against average. The 19-year-old Dorchester native started in goal for Niagara Thursday and made 24 saves in a 4-1 loss to Erie.
“We would like to thank Marcus for his dedication and service in Niagara. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” IceDogs interim general manager Wes Consorti said.
In a corresponding move the IceDogs have recalled goaltender Charlie Burns from the Fort Erie Meteors of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. In 19 games this season with Fort Erie, Burns has posted a .921 save percentage and a 2.32 goals-against average on his way to a 16-3-0 record.
The 17-year-old played in three games last season for the IceDogs after being signed in January. Burns was drafted in the ninth round, 167th overall in the 2022 OHL Priority Selection and spent the bulk of last season with the Blind River Beavers in the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League where he posted a 18-3-4 record to go with a .923 save percentage and a 1.99 goals-against average.
“Charlie’s game has been tremendous to date and his development in Fort Erie has been closely monitored throughout the season. As an organization we feel this is the appropriate time to make the next step and begin his career with the Niagara IceDogs on a full-time basis,” Consorti said.
Burns will join the team immediately as they head to Sudbury to take on the Wolves tonight.
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