The London Lakers have acquired veteran defenseman Chris Hrabec from the Meaford Knights. The 6’2″, 1994 born reargaurd will join the club immediately.
Hrabec scored 20 points in 46 games last season split between the NOJHL’s Blind River Beavers and the SIJHL’s English River Miners. The year prior with English River, Hrabec again had 20 points from the blueline in 51 games.
“Chris is a huge pick up for us,” says Director of Player Personnel and Scouting Ian Kennedy. “It’s not every day you can add a 21-year-old Junior A veteran to your blueline, so when we heard Chris wanted to be a London Laker, we jumped at the opportunity.”
In exchange for the defenseman, the Lakers have sent forward Blake Hinds to the Meaford Knights. Hinds, who was scheduled to join the Lakers later this month, spent last season in the NA3HL with the Cincinnati Swords.
“It’s tough to give up a player like Blake,” says Kennedy. “We recruited him months ago, and were excited for his infusion of scoring and toughness, but he’s going to a great situation in Meaford where he’ll play a lot, and continue to develop.”
“This was a hockey deal,” says Lakers head coach and general manager Jeff Zehr. “It makes both teams stronger in their areas of need, and gives both young men an opportunity to play, in environments that fit their needs.”
Hrabec is the second 1994 defenseman the Lakers have added in the past week, after they signed GOJHL and SOJHL veteran Brett Dyck days before their home opener. Hrabec was a 1st round selection, 3rd overall by the Meaford Knights this year.
London will next play a home and home against the Toronto Blue Ice Jets this Friday and Saturday, where Chris Hrabec is expected to make his debut for the Lakers.