Ice Hawks Roster Changes In Goal

To the surprise of some but not to everyone the Delta Ice Hawks made a change to their roster sending Zach Shaughnessy to the Estevan Bruins bringing in former Richmond Sockeye Thomas Popa.

The move was (apparently) made after much discussion with Zach as he was wanting to advance his career to the next level considering he has played a key role to their roster for the past three seasons.

In doing so he has put up an impressive record of 16-4 through 20 games with a GA of 2.97 managing 3 SO through 1151 minutes and given these numbers he’ll be a welcome addition to the Bruins.

Popa on the other hand last season alone he managed an impressive record of 26-1 along with 4 SO allowing 44 GA finishing the season with a SV% of 0.922 playing 1649 minutes.

The playoffs saw him suit up and play 6 games allowing 14 GA playing 251 minutes in a playoff run that saw him replaced by Noah Stenvig who had his work cut out heading to the league finals that saw the Flames eliminate the Sockeyes in game seven advancing to the Provincial Championship.

Given the numbers that Popa put up last season between Erickson and Popa it’s clear to say that the Ice Hawks are “loading up” for a run at the PJHL Championship.

As for Shaughnessy it isn’t to say he wasn’t getting playing time with Delta but with the return of Merik Erickson to the line-up it’s fair to say that they were looking to solidify their back end.

Popa on the other hand (apparently) not a part of the Sockeyes roster this season for whatever reason as they have set their sights on going a different direction which some in the hockey circles question.

In doing a follow-up to how Zach is doing it’s interesting to know that the following press release is posted on their site.

Thanks to the Bruins for the press release and we wish Zach all the best moving forward.

Enjoy the read:

The Eagle Sky Estevan Bruins made a splash between the pipes ahead of the SJHL’s December Trade Freeze this week, announcing the acquisition of 19-year-old goaltender, Zach Shaughnessy from the Delta Ice Hawks of BC’s Pacific Junior Hockey League in exchange for a Player Development Fee.

Standing tall at 6-foot-2, 174 pounds, Shaughnessy is coming off an accomplished last three seasons with the Ice Hawks which saw the native of Surrey, BC., backstop the team to a 53-12-1 record in 69 games, while posting a 2.37 goals against average and .915 save percentage.

Even more impressive has been Shaughnessy’s play in the biggest moments, posting a 10-5-1 record in 18 career PIJHL playoff games, along with a sterling 2.28 goals against average and .918 save percentage in the postseason. 

This included a dominant run backstopping the Hawks to a PIJHL championship in 2023, while posting an eye-popping 1.49 goals against average and .940 save percentage through eight playoff games en route to the title.

Head coach and general manager of the Bruins, Jason Tatarnic said the 19-year-old’s consistent play on the west coast should indicate a bright SJHL future.

“Zach has been playing very well this season and we feel he is ready for the SJHL,” Tatarnic said. “Statistically he’s been consistent with his numbers and we’re looking forward to his [debut]. We want to thank Jacob Morris for helping us out as an affiliated player the past two weeks and he’s a goalie we will continue to monitor and use when needed.”

Shaughnessy, who arrived in Estevan over the weekend, will offer some relief for first-year workhorse, Ben Polhill – who has made the Bruins’ last 10 starts since Kyle Kelsey’s exodus to the BCHL. He said he’s looking forward to getting started.

“The boys are great, skating with them I love the practices; it’s intense, and it’s been fun to be a part of,” Shaughnessy said, flashing a smile.

The Bruins’ new netminder could make his SJHL debut as early as this weekend when the team returns to play for a home-and-home against the division-rival, Melville Millionaires. 

Friday’s game will be played at Affinity Place, with Saturday’s at Melville’s CN Community Centre. 

Both will be available on FloHockey and on the Bruins’ Official YouTube Livestream, with the Room By Room Pregame Show starting at 6:45 p.m. and puck drop to follow at 7 p.m.

Marty Martinson/Estevan Bruins’ PxP & Marketing Director