Brandon Gormley expected a trade, so when it happened it wasn’t a surprise.
The only surprise was that Gormley was traded with only 15 minutes left of the trade period.
The Shawinigan Cataractes solidified their chances at a franchise first Memorial Cup win by adding two of the biggest names in the trade period.
They added Island-born defensemen Morgan Ellis from the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles and Gormley from the Moncton Wildcats. Ellis and Gormley were the captains of their former teams.
The Wildcats and Screaming Eagles have struggled this season, so the trades were expected.
Gormley is happy to have a chance at a Memorial Cup win.
“I’m thrilled to have one last shot at the Memorial Cup. We have a great team here.”
His trade is something that will help his career, he said.
“It was a group decision. It’s what happens when you build for a championship. You have to trade to rebuild.”
Cataractes captain Michaël Bournival is very happy with the addition of Gormley and Ellis.
“They are both great defensemen. They were both captains of their teams, so they bring a lot of leadership to the team.”
Ellis and Gormley got off to a fast start with Shawinigan. They had a total of four goals and seven assists in a combined nine games.
“It helps that we played together before. We are familiar with how we play,” said Ellis.
Shawinigan was the only contending team to make big trades.
“We realize that we will probably be last place for the next two years, but if we win the Memorial Cup, it’s worth it,” said Bournival.
