The Trail Smoke Eaters made a couple of moves this week, sending defenceman Dexter McLeod to Spruce Grove of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, and acquiring Nelson native Cole Arcuri from the BCHL’s Merritt Centennials for future considerations.
Arcuri, a six-foot-one 180 pound, defenceman, joined the BCHL’s Powell River Kings in January 2014 and was traded to Merritt last season. He started strong this year netting four assists in three games for Merritt.
The 19-year-old played in the KIJHL with the Nelson Leafs from 2012 until joining the Kings. Arcuri provides stability on the backend, sees the ice well, and should boast an offensive upside.
“It’s kind of nice to have local players wanting to come back to play here,” said coach and GM Nick Deschenes.
McLeod, 19, was in his second year with the Smokies. An Edmonton native, he will return home to play with the Spruce Grove Saints. McLeod netted one goal and 13 points in 50 games for the Smokies last season.