The Ottawa 67’s will have a different look in 2018 after finalizing a four-player trade with the Mississauga Steelheads on Monday.
The 67’s acquired veteran forwards Jacob Cascagnette and Shaw Boomhower along with defenceman Merrick Rippon, an Ottawa native, in exchange for forward Mathieu Foget and three Ontario Hockey League draft picks.
“I am familiar with both Jacob and Shaw. They are hard-working experienced forwards who complement our current group of players,” said 67’s general manager James Boyd, who previously held the same position with the Steelheads. “Merrick Rippon is a local player who plays a rugged game and provides added depth to our defence corps for a number of years.”
Cascagnette brings over 200 games of OHL experience and his 6-3 frame will give the 67’s added size and strength down the middle. The Kitchener native has five power play goals this season.
Jacob Cascagnette celebrates a goal for the Steelheads in a playoff game against the 67’s last March. Wayne Cuddington/Postmedia
After a strong rookie season in 2016-17, Boomhower, who is from Belleville, is on pace for career highs in virtually all categories.
Rippon played with both the Ottawa Jr. 67’s and Jr. Senators before being drafted by the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers in the second round in 2016.
Merrick Rippon (10) in action with the Steelheads against the Sudbury Wolves in a game on Dec. 1. John Lappa/Postmedia
Going the other way with Foget, who had 11 goals and 12 assists in 37 games, are second- and third-round draft picks in 2018 and a conditional fifth-round pick in 2019.
The 67’s return to action when they play host to the Peterborough Petes at TD Place arena on Saturday at 2 p.m.