AMHERST – The Amherst CIBC Wood Gundy Ramblers have picked up a couple of depth players as they prepare to make their run to the Maritime Junior Hockey League playoffs.
The Ramblers have signed former Truro Bearcats forward Shawn Wright and former Summerside Western Capitals defenceman Morgan Walker for the remainder of the season.
“Shawn can be a physical presence out there and he fits into the mold of the type of character we’re trying to build,” Ramblers’ coach Jim Bottomley said. “We’re a hard working, physical team and he brings that.”
Wright had been playing junior B after leaving the Bearcats, but was out of hockey this year and going to school at Saint Mary’s. Walker was playing junior B hockey in Charlottetown, but his team folded at Christmas. He played for the Caps two years ago.
“In the days after the trading deadline we had three cards open. Now we’re trying to add some depth in case of some injuries and we’re looking for guys with some experience in the league,” Bottomley said. “They now have time to spend with the hockey team and push the other guys and battle to get in the lineup.”
Amherst, coming off a thrilling 2-1 win over the Woodstock Slammers on Saturday, is back in action Tuesday when they travel to Halifax to face the Metro Shipbuilders at the Centennial Arena.
The Shipbuilders are in last place in the Eastlink Division standings, with tonight’s game being the first of a three-game weekend that includes two pivotal matchups this weekend against the division-leading Yarmouth Mariners on Saturday at home and the second-place Truro Bearcats on Sunday in Truro.
“I don’t think at this stage of the game there’s any problem with the boys being up to play,” Bottomley said. “They’ve worked hard to get to where they are and you have to stay consistent. We’ve been playing hard and physical and we’ll be ready to go against Metro.”
Mitch O’Neil is continuing to nurse a minor injury and is questionable for tonight’s game.
dcole@amherstdaily.com
