DRYDEN, Ont. — The two-time defending Superior International Junior Hockey League Bill Salonen Cup champion Dryden GM Ice Dogs have added a pair of newcomers from western Canada to their roster heading into the 2018-19 season.
Set to join the club are forward Cameron Courtre and defenceman Carter Brown who both skated in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League this past campaign.
The 20-year-old Coutre was a member of the Westshore Wolves in the VIJHL.
At five-foot-nine-inches Coutre will look to fill the gap left by SIJHL MVP Jacen Bracko.
“Cameron Coutre is the complete package,” stated Dryden head coach and general manager Kurt Walsten on the Victoria, B.C. product.
“He brings with him a skill set and speed that will put him among the elite players of the SIJHL in the upcoming season. There is no doubt that his ability will prove beneficial for the team as well make him a fan favourite on and off the ice,” added Walsten.
I am very excited to have signed with the Dryden GM Ice Dogs for my last year of junior hockey,” said Coutre who supplied 66 points in 43 games in the VIJHL in 2017-18, including 31 goals.
I hope to be a big part in defending the title as champions of the SIJHL and hopefully make our way to the national championship.”
As for Brown, who turns 20 in October, he was a member of the VIJHL’s Oceanside Generals.
Brown has also seen playing time with the Melfort Mustangs (SJHL), Sicamous Eagles (KIJHL) and Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL).
At six-foot-five-inches, 215 pounds, Brown adds to the GM Ice Dogs’ tradition of size and grit on the blue line, as the team rebuilds in the off season having lost the size and speed of 20-year-old blueliners Cory Dennis, Brendan Jay, Trevor Kavanaugh and Tristan Knott.
“Carter Brown will be one of the best defensemen in the league this upcoming season,” offered Walsten.
“He is a strong two-way player and will see a lot of playing time. Brown will be tough to compete against because of his size and will be an asset to the team both on and off the ice.”
“Brown will be a leader for us. He wants to be part of the Dryden GM Ice Dogs organization and is focused on keeping the Bill Salonen Cup in Dryden.”
Hailing from Edmonton, Alta., Brown scored three times and assisted on eight others in 42 games played this past season.