The Halifax Mooseheads took the first step toward clearing up their over-age situation yesterday.
The Mooseheads cut 20-year-old defenceman Paul Dimitruk, a regular on the club’s blue-line last season, to reduce their over-age count to four. Only three 20-year-olds are allowed on a QMJHL roster.
Remaining are goaltender Peter Delmas, defenceman Pascal Amyot and forwards Gerrad Grant and Charles Bety.
“We feel these are four top guys,” said Mooseheads head coach and general manager Cam Russell.
“It was difficult to let Paul go but he wasn’t going to factor into our picture.”
The Mooseheads didn’t make any trades as the QMJHL trade period came to a close yesterday morning, meaning they are likely to go with 19-year-old Mathieu Corbeil and 17-year-old Anthony Terenzio in goal this season.
Because over-agers can be dealt at any time, it would appear Delmas is on the way out if the Mooseheads can find a buyer.
“We still have lots of time to make a decision,” Russell said.
“It’s not the best situation to carry three goaltenders but we’re not going to handcuff ourselves and make a trade because we feel pressured.”
Grant is considered a lock for a spot, while Russell said Amyot and Bety are both playing “solid hockey” and “could both be the captain on this hockey team.”
News and notes
• Russell said the Mooseheads explored trade possibilities for Dimitruk but that the Andover, Mass., native wasn’t interested in playing anywhere else.
• The Mooseheads also cut 19-year-old returning forward Jordan Costello yesterday. He had a goal and an assist in 33 games last season.
• Also sent packing were affiliate Justin Belanger and tryout Cody Squires. The departure of the two forwards leaves the team with 32 players on their roster.
• The Mooseheads don’t play again until Saturday, when they host the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles at the Forum at 7 p.m. They also visit the Screaming Eagles on Sunday.
