IceDogs deal for picks, goalie
Andrew Leblanc was dealt to the Sarnia Sting Tuesday as part of a package that landed the Niagara IceDogs four draft picks. Photo: OHL IMAGES.
Niagara IceDogs were wheeling and dealing Tuesday.
The IceDogs shipped twin brothers Jacob Leblanc and Andrew Leblanc to the Sarnia Sting in exchange four draft picks and also made a deal with the Kitchener Rangers for goaltender Marcus Vandenberg.
In exchange for the Leblanc brothers, the IceDogs receive a fifth-round pick in 2027, a sixth-round pick in 2025, a 14th-round pick in 2024 and a 15th-round selection in 2025. All picks are original Sarnia selections.
The IceDogs acquired the Port Colborne natives from the Rangers last fall in exchange for London’s second-round pick in 2024, London’s third-round pick in 2025, Mississauga’s third-round pick in 2026, and London’s fifth-round pick in 2023.
Andrew Leblanc, a 2004-born forward, skated in 57 games this past season with the IceDogs and recored 13 goals, 20 assists for 33 points.
Jacob Leblanc recorded four goals, 23 assists for 27 points in 66 games from his defensive position.
The IceDogs then dealt defenceman Gabe Runco, a second-round pick (Erie) 2024 and a fifth-round pick in 2027 for Vandenberg, a 2004-born product of Dorchester.
Vandenberg began his OHL career during the 2021-2022 season with the Rangers, appearing in six games while also playing for the Stratford Warriors of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League. With the Warriors Vandenberg posted an impressive .927 save percentage and a 2.15 goals-against average in 24 games played.
Vandenberg then made the full-time jump to the OHL this past season with the Rangers as the backup to OHL champion Marco Costantini appearing in 23 games posting a save percentage of .898 and a GAA of 3.31.
“We are happy to welcome Marcus to the IceDog family, he will be an integral part to our success,” interim general manager Wes Consorti said.
The acquisition of Vandenberg fills the void in goal caused by the suspension of Josh Rosenzweig, who along with former captain Landon Cato, were banned from the league after the OHL conducted an independent third-party investigation into allegations that certain IceDogs players violated league policies, including the maltreatment, bullying and harassment prevention policy.
Rosenzweig posted a 5.03 goals-against average and .874 save percentage over 77 games across three seasons.
Runco, a 2005-born defenceman appeared in 23 games this past season for the IceDogs after being acquired from the Peterborough Petes prior to the 2022-2023 season.
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