In preparation for next season, the Virden Oil Capitals have added a veteran defenceman.
Brock Shwaluk, a 20-year-old, has been acquired in a trade with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Kindersley Klippers for future considerations. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound former Winnipeg Blues D-man had a goal, seven points, and a 166 penalty minutes in 57 games last season. On the Oil Caps, the LaSalle, Man. product will be reunited with best friend Ben Dalke.
“Brock will bring depth and experience to our defensive core and provide leadership on and off the ice,” Oil Capitals management stated on the team’s website. “We’re possibly losing a couple of younger guys to higher levels so we’re preparing for that expectation. Brock adds some grit and moves reasonably well. He’s a real good kid and looks forward to being in Virden.”
Cali product joins Caps
The Oil Capitals recruit near and far. They have signed rookie Parker Brakebill from Anaheim, California. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound forward had 18 goals and 20 assists in 57 games last season.
“Parker is a 19-year-old rookie, so he’s got an extra year of maturity and experience under his belt,” said Jamie Hodson, Virden’s director of business and hockey operations. “He’s super excited to be up here. He is a very versatile forward, he can play up the middle or up the wing. The opportunity to get a connection into Anaheim and Southern California with a player of this ability was pretty tough to pass up. He’s a great guy. His teammates and his coach always rave about him.”
