Raiders shakeup roster, deal Arseneau, Belec

Those in Raider Nation awoke to a flurry of activity on the CCHL hotstove Sat. morning, with Nepean dealing its top two scorers in separate deals.

At 10:30 AM, the Raiders dealt F Malcolm Arseneau to the Pembroke Lumber Kings in exchange for F James Buckley. One hour later co-captain F Kari Belec was on the move east to Hawkesbury for F Ryan Donovan and D Cedric Roth.

Buckley (’00) is fresh off scoring the game-winning goal against his new club in the Fish Findlay Classic just a couple weeks ago. In his second CCHL season, he had 13 PTS in 29 GP with the Lumber Kings.

Donovan (’99) had 5 PTS in 25 GP with Hawkesbury this season, his first in the league. Roth (’00) has been playing with the CCHL2’s Athens Aeros this year.

Nepean head coach Darcy Findlay said the roster moves were required for a team that has lost seven straight.

“It’s clear things haven’t went well the last few weeks. A change was necessary and we’re getting two solid current Jr. A players and a solid prospect,” Findlay said.

“Both players we’ve moved out have been here a while, sometimes a change works out for both sides and I think that’s the case here. We have a young hockey club, surrounded by great people. We believe in the process and our new additions will fit it just right.”

Arseneau had 25 PTS in 29 GP this season, his second with the team. He tallied 59 PTS in 86 GP in his Nepean career and was named to the Eastern Canada Cup this year.

“I have had a great time in Nepean and I can’t thank the coaching staff enough for everything that they have done for me,” said Arseneau.

“That being said I am extremely excited to get a fresh start in with the Lumber Kings. I FaceTimed James this morning and he told me how much of a good spot Pembroke is to play and how close all the boys are.”

Belec served as co-captain this season, his third in Nepean. He had 75 PTS in 153 GP in his Raiders’ career and was named to the CCHL All-Graduate Team this year.

“Trades are always tough. I’ve cherished my two and a half years here in Nepean but I’m very excited to be heading to the Hawks and hope to help them win a championship,” said Belec.

Buckley and Donovan are likely to make their Nepean debut this Sun. when the Raiders host Kanata.

(Photos: IceLevel.com)