The Virden Oil Capitals have bolstered their roster with two local products and a National Hockey League draft pick from the Western Hockey League.
The WHL, a major junior league, announced last week that its squads could temporarily loan players to teams at other levels, such as the Junior A Oil Capitals. After adding defenceman Garrett Sambrook last week, the Oil Caps announced this week they were adding Virden’s Grady Lane, McAuley’s Jake Poole, and Brandon’s Daemon Hunt, a third round 2020 NHL Draft pick of the Minnesota Wild.
The WHL is planning a January start so the Oil Capitals with connections to that league are expected to be in the MJHL until, likely, mid-December.
Lane, the son of Craig and Stacey, was loaned by the Spokane (Wash.) Chiefs. Last season the forward had four goals and 21 points in 48 games for Winkler of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.
As a rookie, Poole recorded four goals and 16 points over 59 contests for the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets. The forward is the son of Robin and Dana Poole.
Last season Hunt, a defenceman, was an assistant captain for the WHL’s Moose Jaw Warriors. Limited by injury, he had 15 assists in 28 games. Hunt was chosen 65th overall in the NHL Draft.
