Brad McLeod
After getting a chance to look at everyone on their 28-man roster over their two weekend games against the Calgary Hitmen, the Kootenay Ice have re-assigned three 16-year-olds to their respective minor league teams.
Forward Eli Lieffers and defencemen Loeden Schaufler and Bobby Russell, all played one game apiece over the weekend, before it was announced on Sunday afternoon that they would be leaving the squad.
Lieffers will return to the Saskatoon Contacts of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League where he spent the majority of last season, picking up 16 points in 42 games. Lieffers appeared in five games for the Ice last season where he earned 1 assist.
Surrey, BC product Bobby Russell will play this season for the Valley West Hawks of the BC Major Midget League. Last season with the Hawks, Russell grabbed 15 points in 29 games.
Schaufler’s home for 2016-17 is yet to be determined. He spent last season with the Notre Dame Hounds of the SMAAAHL.
The Ice now only have to drop their roster by two players to get to their mandated 23 player limit. GM Jeff Chynoweth previously told the Townsman that he hoped to have their final roster determined by around Thanksgiving weekend.