The Cowichan Valley Capitals pulled off a trade with the Prince George Spruce Kings last week that paid immediate dividends.
The Caps brought in 18-year-old defenceman Connor Elliott and future considerations for 19-year-old blueliner Nick Marciano, and the newcomer helped his club to back-to-back wins over the weekend. Elliott was held off the scoresheet in his Capitals debut against Powell River last Friday, then recorded a goal and an assist against the Chilliwack Chiefs the next night.
A second-year B.C. Hockey League player, Elliott had one assist in 16 games with P.G. this season after putting up one goal and six helpers in 19 games with the Spruce Kings during the 2020-21 pod season.
Marciano, who is committed to Princeton University for next season, was tied for second on the team in scoring with fellow defenceman Colin Campbell at the time of the trade. Both had two goals and 14 assists, although Campbell had played in two fewer games. According to Cowichan head coach and general manager, Marciano had requested a trade.
“Connor is a mature player, [a] good-sized, physical defenceman that moves well,” Cowichan head coach and general manager Brian Passmore said. “We look for Connor to further develop his game in all areas and get more opportunities with us right away.
“In the long run this move has many positives for our club: we get a tough young defenceman that wants to be a Capital, work hard and help the team get better. We get a younger defencemen that plays the right way. Connor also gained good experience playing in the BCHL pod season last year, he has good upside and we are excited to bring him into our dressing room and get him in a Capitals uniform.”