The Nipawin Hawks have signed free agent defenceman James Bohn from Coquitlam, B.C. (James Doyle)

By Clark Stork

Trade talk

Hawks bolster blue line, roster set for playoff push

Jan 11, 2023 | 9:43 AM

The nationwide Canadian junior hockey trade deadline was Jan. 10, and the Nipawin Hawks made a couple of moves to prepare for a playoff push.

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) bolstered their blue line and signed 20-year-old defenceman James Bohn as a free agent. The Coquitlam, B.C. product has suited up in 127 career British Columbia Junior Hockey League (BCHL) games collecting six goals and 30 assists, he was most recently with the Langley Rivermen. Hawks general manager and head coach Tad Kozun said adding a player of Bohn’s caliber is substantial for the team.

“Being able to add a guy like James is huge,” Kozun said following the trade deadline on Tuesday. “He’ll be able to play all situations and help settle things down back there. We’re really excited about getting him.”

Heading into Wednesday’s divisional showdown in La Ronge the Hawks have allowed the second most goals against in the SJHL this year. To add a veteran player, and the continuing improvement of injured rearguard Eric Robbie, the group will be stronger heading into the stretch drive.

“We have heard great things and obviously watched a tonne of video and everyone we talk to said he’s a great defenceman and you’d be lucky to have him on your team,” Kozun added.

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Kozun also traded 2002-born forward Jovan Malay to the Rockland Nationals of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) for a player development fee. Malay played five games for Nipawin, registering an assist.

That leaves the Hawks with six 20-year-old players on the team including three-year forwards Carson Dobson, Rylan Lefebvre, and Alex Johnson, plus Alex Ochitwa and Reese Malkewich who were acquired this year. Kozun said the deadline can be a stressful period for players and he’s excited to go ahead with this lineup.

“Now that this is all over these guys can focus on just playing and finding that chemistry within our team. We really like what we have,” Kozun concluded.

Wednesday’s matchup versus the Ice Wolves is a 7:30 p.m. start from the Mel Hegland Uniplex, the pregame show of Rona Nipawin Hawks Hockey on 750 Beach Radio begins at 7:15 p.m.

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clark.stork@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ClarkStork