The Niagara IceDogs and Owen Sound Attack swung an intriguing exchange on Thursday, with forwards Declan Waddick and Gavin Bryant changing places ahead of the start of training camps next week.
The IceDogs acquired Bryant, a 2004-born forward, along with a third round pick in 2027 while sending Waddick, a 2005-born forward to the Attack. Both players have demonstrated an ability to play either centre or the wing.
It’s a move that can potentially benefit both teams as Bryant brings some scoring punch to a young and hungry Niagara offence. The Ingersoll, Ont. native was limited by a shoulder injury in 2022-23, recording 26 points (10-16–26) over 30 games. He was Owen Sound’s second round pick in 2020 from the Brantford 99ers U16 program and wore an ‘A’ for the Attack last season.
“Niagara is pleased to welcome Gavin Bryant to the IceDogs family,” said IceDogs interim GM Wes Consorti. “Gavin brings a high level of maturity and leadership to our organization. He is a complete hockey player who will have a tremendous impact on our organization on and off the ice.”
Waddick was a bright spot on a struggling IceDogs team last season, scoring 28 goals in his sophomore campaign. He finished third among Niagara skaters with 49 points (28-21–49) in 64 games.
“We are excited to bring Declan onto the team here at the Attack,” said long-time GM Dale DeGray. “He is a strong player that will bring an element of youth to the team.”
A native of Lakeshore, Ont., Waddick was Niagara’s second round pick from the Waterloo Wolves U16 program in 2021. He joins other Attack players from that part of the province in Grande Pointe product Deni Goure, as well as Sarnia native Landen Hookey.
• Niagara Release
• Owen Sound Release
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