Last week the Bucs announced the acquisition of Carrying Place residents Keenan Wiles and Jakob Gardner from the Frankford Huskies in exchange for Harrowsmith’s Kaleb Baldwin and Keegan Carr of Quinte West.

In sending Mr. Baldwin and Mr. Carr to the Husky den, Picton gives up a defenceman and a forward with multiple years of junior hockey eligibility remaining in their careers. Both skaters were born in 2007.

Coming back to Picton are Provincial Junior Hockey League veterans in their second-to-last season. Both have excellent pedigrees.

Mr. Gardner’s nose for the net was clear in his three seasons of play in the PJHL, producing 115 points in as many games. Meanwhile, in two years, Mr. Wiles has notched back-to-back 40 point seasons.

“We’re beyond excited to bring Jakob and Keenan into our lineup,” Pirates Coach and General Manager Jamie Lane said. “These are two elite competitors who know how to win, produce in big moments, and lead by example. Their skill, work ethic, and commitment are exactly what we need to push for another title in Picton. Our fans are going to love watching them in Pirates colours this season.”

Net Gains

Picton also picked up a netminder with familiar ties to the organization earlier this summer to round out their complement of goaltenders.

Ironically, Andrew Claughton skated with Picton prior to the 2021-22 season when he was trying for a spot in the Wellington Dukes organization.

Since the last time he skated with Picton, Mr. Claughton has played for the Georgina Ice, Uxbridge Bruins and most recently, the Trent Hills Thunder.

Last season, the Keswick native was pressed into service with Wellington where he picked up his first Ontario Junior Hockey League win.

Tough nosed defender Caleb Martin joins the goaltender on the way to the Pirate ship from Trent Hills. The 19-year-old defenceman skated with the Pirates in the 2022-23 campaign as a call up from the Kingston Gaels AAA program. Mr. Martin played in 22 regular season and playoff games that season.

To complete the trade, County native Caleb Krentz is heading to Trent Hills along with a Player Development Fee. Mr. Krentz was unlikely to play in Picton this season thanks to his enrolment in post-secondary studies in Peterborough.

“We’re excited to bring in both Andrew and Caleb. Andrew is a competitor. He faced a lot of rubber last season and still managed to give his team a chance to win most nights. He brings experience and a calm presence in the crease, which will help solidify our goaltending situation,” Mr. Lane said. “Caleb is no stranger to our organization. He was a key piece during our last finals run as an AP and showed maturity beyond his age. He’s a physical, steady defender with a high hockey IQ, and he plays the game the right way. Both players fit the culture we’re building here, and we’re confident they’ll make an immediate impact.”

Picton hosts an exhibition contest against Trent Hills August 28 at Lehigh Arena. Puck Drop is at 7 p.m. The Pirates then shove off to play in a tune up tournament in Frankford Sept. 6 and 7. For Picton’s complete preseason schedule, click here.