While for many, summertime brings thoughts of vacations, warm temperatures and sunshine, for Ottawa Jr. Senators General Manager Martin Dagenais the months of June and July has meant the completion of three separate transactions with the goal of retooling a roster stung by player graduating and those moving on to different NCAA Division 1 programs.
Dagenais began his dealing by acquiring defenceman Noah Rowe from the Nepean Raiders. The 6’2 Right Shot d-man split last season with the Raiders and Kemptville 73’s where he tallied 11 goals while adding 19 assists and Dagenais hopes the CCHL veteran will bring leadership and production to the squads defence core this season.
“Noah is a big-body who can play in all situations. We were happy he was available and felt he would be a great fit on our back end. He’s an emotional player, and that’s the type of player you need to win a championship.”
Secondly, the Junior Senators added Sault Ste. Marie native Braden Caruso who patrolled the blueline for his hometown Thunderbirds in the NOJHL last season.
“Braden came to our June Selection Camp looking to make the switch to the CCHL and improve his exposure to different NCAA schools. He is a mature player who does the little things very well. He skates effectively and moves pucks with purpose. We feel he is a great addition to our blueline.”
Finally the busy GM helped orchestrate a four-team deal which landed defenceman Blair Battochio in the nation’s capital. Battochio, a native of Connecticut was a member of the Kingston Voyageurs last season after spending the previous two seasons with the Connecticut Rangers program.
“Blair is a great skater who excels at making a good first pass. Our goal is to help him become a more complete defenceman as we feel he has the potential to play Division 1 hockey one day.”
Dagenais hopes the trio will add some depth to his team’s back end after losing some key blueliners. With 20 players already signed for next season, the Senators will be looking to add three more players at their August main camp, one at every position.
“We need to add a forward, a defenceman and a goaltender. Ideally, we would like to sign three local products, but the players competing for those spots will have to earn it.”
Main camp opens on Monday, August 20th at the CIH Academy in Rockland.
