BROOKS, AB (June 17, 2020) ? The Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) have announced they’ve acquired 2002-born defenceman Brendan Kennette from the Burlington Cougars of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) in exchange for 2001-born defenceman David Paluch.
A native of Belle River, ON, Kennette was a member of Team Canada East at the 2019 World Junior A Challenge capturing a silver medal after an overtime loss to Russia in the Championship game. He?s committed to Sacred Heart University (NCAA Division I, Atlantic Hockey Conference) and was identified by NHL Central Scouting on this year?s mid-term rankings.
?We are excited to add a player of Brendan?s stature,” said Bandits Head Coach and General Manager, Ryan Papaioannou.
“He had a great season with many accolades along with a tremendous experience at the World Junior A Challenge. He has good size and can play with an edge. His offensive game is strong and he progressed well throughout last season. He gives us another complete player on defence and we are looking forward to working with him before he joins a surging Sacred Heart program.”
Kennette scored 24 points (5G, 19A) in 45 games with Burlington during the 2019-20 season, and appeared in six games in the 2020 OJHL Playoffs in the Cougars first round series vs the Buffalo Jr Sabres. The 6?1?, 190lb blueliner put up 22 points (5G, 17A) in 46 games with the Sarnia Legionnaires of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) during the 2018-19 season.
Paluch (Oakville, ON) dressed in 37 games with Brooks during the 2019-20 season, posting 9 points (1G, 8A).
The Bandits would like to thank Paluch for his contributions and wish him the best in Burlington.