Earlier today, IceDogs' GM Frank Evola completed his first trade by sending Alex Assadourian and a 2027 fifth-round pick to the Barrie Colts in exchange for overage defender Grayson Tiller.

The 2005-born Tiller is coming off a season in which he set personal highs in goals (7) and points (20). He had been committed to go to Brock University to play USports next season; however, this may be in question given the trade. 

"Grayson has been a member of our organization since I first rejoined here in the 2021-22 season," said Williamson. "He's grown his game on the ice and has become a terrific young man who we wish nothing but the bet  for moving forward."

The experienced defender will beef up a Niagara D-corps that is losing Noah Van Vliet, who acted as an anchor for what was otherwise a relatively inexperienced group. 

Bulldogs Extend Head Coach Jay McKee Yesterday, Brantford Bulldogs GM Spencer Hyman, the brother of Edmonton Oilers forward Zach Hyman, announced the extension of Head Coach Jay McKee through the 2027-28 season. 

In exchange for Tiller, Barrie receives the 2005-born Assadourian, who scored 32 points in 38 games last season. The fifth-round pick is an excellent sweetener that probably tilts the trade in Barrie's favour, all things being equal.

"Alex brings a high-end offensive skillset to our lineup for the upcoming season," said Colts' GM Marty Williamson. "He's driven to continue his development and take a big step forward, and we're excited to add a player of his caliber to our roster."

Rangers Sign University of Michigan Commit Yesterday, the Kitchener Rangers announced the signing of Adam Valentini to an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Valentini played in the USHL last season after being pick in the first round of the 2024 OHL Priority Selection. 

This feels like a trade in which both teams are swapping players in different roles in attempt to fill potential holes in their roster. 

This is the season for moving overage players. Yesterday saw Kingston move Buffalo Sabres prospect Ethan Miedema for picks. The reason for overage players getting moved lies in teams planning out their rosters for next season. 

Each team is only allowed to have a maximum of four overage players and can only play three on a given night. Expect these kinds of trades to continue to crop up over the following weeks.