Storm Add Posa, Remain Quiet At Deadline

The OHL trade deadline has come and gone, and, as per Tony Saxon of the Guelph Mercury, there were no deals to announce by the Guelph Storm as noon came and went.

GM Mike Kelly is said to be “fine” with the team that he has on hand, and was unwilling to part with pieces that are seen as essential to a potential run in 2013-14 (see: Hunter Garlent, Jason Dickinson & Robby Fabbri).

On Wednesday, however, Guelph did add some depth on D with the acquisition of former Windsor Spitfires captain Saverio Posa in exchange for a 4th round selection (from Saginaw) in the 2013 OHL Priority Selection. The overage defenceman (undrafted) is a native of Grand Blanc, MI, and was a member of Windsor’s 2010 Memorial Cup winning team.

He was named captain of the Spitfires prior to the start of the current season, and has 10 points (all assists0) in 38 GP so far this year.

Said Kelly of the deal:

 Saverio is a player that adds a veteran presence to our defence core and one we have long admired. A member of the last Spitfire Memorial Cup winning team, he has significant playoff experience and leadership qualities as he was the captain of the Spitfires this 2012-13 season. (GuelphStorm.com)

In order to make room for Posa, the Storm released overage G Keegan Wilson, who had most recently helped hold down the fort during the WJHC absence of Garrett Sparks. To fill that void, Guelph signed 19-year old G Michael Nishi, now with his 5th junior team (after having previously played in Windsor, Sault Ste. Marie, Ottawa & Gatineau).

Short term, Guelph apparently decided not to pull the trigger on any big move that might help them keep up with the other top teams in the OHL’s Western Conference. Big picture, however, the team has kept their young, talented core together for the future. With Posa on hand, this team is capable of making a run this year, but that would be bonus fries on top of what is expected to be an ever more successful campaign next year.

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