The Castlegar Rebels have added scoring punch and plenty of KIJHL experience with the acquisition of forward Scott Morisseau. The 20 year-old, who is from Castlegar, was acquired in a trade with the Fernie Ghostriders on Aug. 15.
Last year in Fernie, Morisseau led the KIJHL in scoring with 97 points including 42 goals and 55 assists and was chosen as the league's most valuable player. He also tallied 34 points in 17 play-off games with the Ghostriders during their playoff run.
"Anytime you can bring in a local guy who's been top scorer and MVP in the league it's great," said Rebels coach Steve Junker. "Offensively, he fills a void left by some of profile players from last year that have moved on. We're all very excited."
Heading to Fernie from the Rebels is forward Josh McGladery. McGladery, an 18 year-old from Vancouver, was a rookie last season with the Rebels and scored 13 points in 44 games with the squad.
After playing one year in Fernie and three years in Beaver Valley, Morisseau is excited to join his hometown Rebels and have the opportunity to play in front of family and friends.
"I want to play on a winning team. I've got the scoring titles but I don't have any championships. Castlegar was close last year against Osoyoos. I can't see why we can't do it this year. That's what I'm going for," he said.
Unfortunately, the Rebs will have to wait until December for the services of Morisseau as he underwent shoulder surgery in June and is off for an expected six months.
With the surgery and heading into his final KIJHL season, Morisseau asked the 'Riders for a trade.
"I wanted to go back to school and finish off my last year in Castlegar," he said.
He's sad to leave Fernie after having a strong year there, but is looking forward to even greater success with the Rebels.
"It was a fun year. We had a good team. A disappointing ending, but one of the best teams I'd played on," said Morisseau, who's Fernie team was knocked out by Castlegar 4-2 in the Kootenay Conference finals. Although as host of the Cyclone Taylor Cup, Fernie got to play for the B.C. Junior B Championship. The 'Riders lost in the cup final to Vancouver Island's Peninsula Panthers.
"The Rebels have been a good team these past few years. I don't see why that would change. We've got lots of good players coming back - it should be a good year," said Morisseau.