Mariners move veterans, add youth ahead of trade deadline

The Yarmouth Mariners have a new look.

Head Coach and General Manager Laurie Barron has been busy making trades ahead of Friday night’s deadline.

The team shipped out veterans like Thomas Fontaine to Pictou County, Jerome Nadeau to West Kent and Jerome Gilbert and Nathan Mossey to Summerside.

In turn, they’ve brought in younger players like forward Liam Bridger, defender Julien Avignon-Bourque, along with prospects and draft picks.

Barron says it’s a different approach to the deadline than in previous years.

“Normally we’re in the top half of the division, but as of right now we’re eight points out of a playoff spot with about 20 games to go. We’ve moved some 20-year-olds to try and get a little younger and also some futures. But we’re not done yet, we’re going to make a run here,” says Barron.

Goaltender Keegan Warren has also re-joined the club from the Moncton Wildcats.

Barron says having Warren back in the fold is huge, with his QMJHL experience in tow.

He adds the dealing may not be done before the deadline.

“We still want to fill the cupboards with picks and younger players, we want to add some really good players. By no means are we throwing up the white flag. We have our sights set on that final playoff spot.”

The Mariners will also debut Acadian themed jerseys for their home games against Pictou County Saturday and Summerside on Sunday.

Barron also recently celebrated his 500th career win behind the bench in the MHL.

“I honestly had no idea about it until a post in the MHL chatline. Where did the time go? It’s been awesome to get most of those wins in Yarmouth, we’ve had an incredible run here and it’s the place I call home. Incredibly honoured to do it here.”