The Trail Smoke Eaters continue to recruit locally with the team announcing the signings of three West Kootenay prospects after strong performances at the local I-D camp.
18-year-old Brayden Rotach of Castlegar originally committed to the Smokies last summer, but missed training camp with an injury.
The forward decided to suit up with his hometown Rebels of the KIJHL, where he had 13 goals and 31 points in 30 games.
Rotach got into the Smoke Eaters lineup during the final weekend of the regular season, picking up two assists in two games, with Coach and GM Tim Fragle impressed with his hockey I-Q.
“We like his details and overall skill set,” said Fragle, as he got a first hand look at the forward during road games in Vernon and West Kelowna.
“Brayden played strong games for us last year and had a very good I-D camp performance. He earned this opportunity through competition,” he added.
17-year-old Maddox Gandha of Trail also signed his name on the dotted line.
The 6′ left shot forward had strong finish to his season with the CSSL Champion RINK Kelowna Academy U-18 Preps, catching the eye of Fragle and his staff.
“Maddox is a hard working two-way forward who is highly competitive,” noted Fragle.
“He is a smart player that will bring strong play-making ability and versatility to the lineup,” according to the bench boss.
Gandha put up 12 goals and 35 points last season in 35 games.
Another member of the RINK Kelowna championship program will also compete for a stall in the Smokies dressing room this fall.
Brady Walker scored 24 goals and 47 points in 40 games last season with the U-18 Preps, and also showed the Smokies brass on-ice intelligence and skill.
“He is a lanky right shot with potential and can make plays under pressure in tight spaces,” said Fragle.
The 6’1″ forward from Montrose turns 17 in early July.
Trail’s Judah Makway wrapped up his three-season stint as a Smokie last spring.
The big power-forward is headed to the University Alaska-Anchorage next fall to start his NCAA Division-1 career.
17-year-old Defenseman Owen McCarthy is getting ready for his second season in a Smokies uniform.
Goalie Chayse Johnson of Trail is a strong contender to earn one of the two spots between the pipes.
He too played in the Smokies final game of the regular season in West Kelowna and made some sensational saves.
The 17-year-old is coming off an outstanding season with the Okanagan U-18 Preps.
Johnson was 17-4-2 during the regular season with two shutouts, a 2.41 GAA and .927 SP.
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