Smokies Make Goaltending Shuffle

A changing of the guard, so to speak, as Trail has picked up a new goaltender and parted ways with a pair of 17 year-olds.

First, the Smokies acquired 18 year-old netminder Adam Todd from the Alberni Valley Bulldogs for future considerations. The Courtenay product has appeared in two BCHL games this season, a home win over Powell River and a loss in Langley. Todd also has 12 WHL games, all with Saskatoon, under his belt after the Blades selected him in the fourth round of the 2009 Bantam Draft.

The full release is available here.

To make room for Todd, the Smokies have released goaltender Braden Krogfoss, who made four appearances (3 starts) for Trail after joining the team in late August from the Kamloops Blazers. It's my understanding the 17 year-old has been placed on this year's Cyclone Taylor Cup hosts, the VIJHL's Comox Valley Glacier Kings, where he should benefit from a lot of additional playing time, and will also be a bit closer to his Cloverdale home. UPDATE: Krogfoss told me this afternoon he's yet to make a decision on where he'll play for the rest of the season.

Also moving on is 17 year-old forward Michael Bell, who made only six appearances with Trail after arriving from Seattle. Bell is a big-bodied forward whose game will only flourish in years to come. It appears as though he'll stay in the area, joining the Beaver Valley Nitehawks.

Best of luck Braden and Mike in your hockey journeys, and welcome to the team Adam!