SAULT STE MARIE –
Earlier today, the Hounds completed a multi-player deal with the Plymouth Whalers that saw the club acquire forwards MITCHELL DEMPSEY and DYLAN MASCARIN in exchange for defenceman Gianluca Curcuruto.

Following the trade, soogreyhounds.com caught up with Hounds manager Kyle Dubas for his thoughts

On the trade in general :
“This was a move made for us to deal from a position of strength – defence – in an attempt to bolster our cadre of forwards. It is a pure hockey trade where both clubs acquire pieces they feel they will need now and in the future.

Gianluca was a model player for us off ice – both academically and in the community. We wish him nothing but continued success in Plymouth. ”

On the impact on the Greyhounds Roster :
“Heading into the off-season, we first focused on adding Alex Gudbranson, with the intention being that if we could acquire Alex using our excess draft choices in future seasons, then we could focus on moving a defenceman to bolster our forwards in the 17 or 18 year old age groups.

Presently our roster only has three forwards born in 1994 – Alex Morgan, Dylan Staples, and Mark Petaccio. In addition Nick Halagian was the only 1995 born player to play regularly. As we strive to build a club that can compete annually, ensuring that we bolstered and supported the forward group was a priority. By adding Mitchell and Dylan to our group, and counting on strong camp performances from Ryan Kirkup, Landon Schiiler, Will Maness, and free agents Michael Laidley and Devin Shell we feel that it will be a great competition for those spots at training camp. Each young man has the potential to play a contributing role on our club for years to come. “

On the defence :
“Right now, we enter the season with Colin Miller (92), Ryan Sproul (93), Matt Fuller (93), Alex Gudbranson (94), Cody Mintz (94) and Darnell Nurse (95) returning. We also have Mac Clutsam (95), Fraser Turner (95), and Kevin Spinozzi (96) signed. In addition, we are excited to see Tyler Ganly (95) & Tyler Sehovic (95) from the 2011 Draft Class. Kyle Jenkins, Mederic Mercier from this seasons draft did really well at spring camp and has a shot this season if they come in and have a strong camp.

We are really happy with how our defence depth looks and felt comfortable making this move to add a player of Mitchell’s stature and Dylan’s potential. “

On Dempsey :
“Mitchell is a season removed from being picked 11^th overall by Plymouth.  Obviously last season that lineup was so strong and, rightfully so, Mitchell found himself in and out of the lineup.
Mitchell had a very strong showing at the U17 and he showed flashes of brilliant play during the OHL schedule with his skill, physical play, and toughness. We need to work with Mitchell and help him to reach his vast potential here in Sault Ste. Marie. He will be a big part of things this season and moving forward for us.”

On Mascarin :
“Having Dylan included in this deal was imperative to getting it completed. Dylan was selected in the 5^th round by Plymouth in 2011 and had a strong season playing Jr. A in Thunder Bay. He is young man who play very hard, and is not a lot of fun to play against.

We see Dylan in the same light as players like Ryan Kirkup, Nicholas Pastorious and Trent Mallette who combine tremendous competitiveness every shift and solid skill level.”