Oliver Paipoonge, ON | The Kam River Fighting Walleye are pleased to announce the acquisition of ‘01 forward Dayton Clarke from the Elliot Lake Red Wings (NOJHL), along with a player development fee, in exchange for ‘03 forwards Kjell Osborne and Owen Lancaster, and ‘03 defenceman Calum McGill.
“When we looked at what we needed as an organization, to put us over the edge and give us the best chance to win this year, we needed to look at strategic moves to add certain pieces to our lineup and Dayton was high on our radar,” said Kam River general manager Kevin McCallum. “He’s a big body that can skate and score and bring even more leadership to our room. We are excited to bring him in and get rolling,” McCallum said.
The 6’ 3” 220 pound Clarke, a native of Victoria, BC, suited up in 20 games for Elliot Lake prior to the trade, posting 12 goals and 15 points.
“I’m excited to get settled into the new town and meet all the new faces,” said Clarke. “It was a tough goodbye to the boys and all the people in Elliot Lake, but I’m happy to begin the end of my junior career here with a fresh start and a new team that I believe will go the distance.”
Clarke played for the Saanich junior hockey club (VIJHL) for 4 seasons prior to joining the Red Wings. He amassed 77 points and 159 penalty minutes in 128 games for Saanich from 2017 to 2020.
“Dayton being the captain of Elliot Lake meant a lot to us, knowing we are bringing in a veteran with character and the skill to help us get to the next level,” said McCallum.
He also wished to acknowledge the 3 outgoing players: “Moving 3 assets who are great kids and have done everything the right way for our organization is tough. We believe that we have given them the chance to have success as well with their new club and wish them the best with their futures.”