The Steinbach Pistons have added some more firepower via trade by acquiring Riese Gaber from the Dauphin Kings.

Gaber led the Kings in scoring with 15 goals and 6 assists for 21 points in 27 games and is looking forward to being part of the Steinbach Pistons. "I'm excited about the change," Gaber said via phone from Dauphin Friday morning. "I'm really looking forward to trying to win a championship with the Pistons."

Thinking that a move could happen, Gaber admits he's looking forward to focusing just on hockey again. "It's been a weight off my shoulders, now I don't have to worry about that. I now know my plans for the rest of the season and it's good."

General Manager Paul Dyck knows Gaber from their time together at the World Junior A Challenge last year and is excited about the type of player being added to the Pistons already stacked forward group. "We felt with the addition of a dynamic player like Riese, it would give more offensive depth that would be beneficial down the stretch and into the playoffs. He brings great energy and will be a player our fans are going to enjoy watching."

The Pistons gave up quite a bit to pry Gaber away from the Kings. They send forward and fan-favourite Danny Pion along with prospect Matthew Boonstra, a 5th round pick and future considerations.

It's not a move that Dyck took lightly. "It is always difficult making trades that involve roster players, as you develop strong relationships with them. Danny was close to all his teammates. He is a tremendous young man and has made an impact in our community by connecting with so many people. We are grateful for his contributions to our program."

Mattie Boonstra, currently playing for the Eastman Selects Midget AAA team is also part of the package heading up to Dauphin. "Boonstra is a young d-man that has loads of potential as a player," Dyck said via text while on the team bus heading up to OCN for a weekend series against the Blizzard. "I see him having a very bright future with the Kings."

Gaber spoke about his family and how they took the news he'd been traded. "Obviously, they took it a bit tough, as expected. I knew it would be tough. In the end, they're supportive of me. We had to do what's best for me and they support that and that's all I can ask."

It will take some time before Gaber makes his Steinbach Pistons debut as Gaber, along with new teammates Will Koop and Darby Gula are headed off to Calgary as part of the Team Canada West selection camp. Gaber is looking forward to getting to know more about the Pistons program from players like Gula and Koop. "I'll be able to ask them lots of questions or any questions I do have."

Looking to be a key part of a run moving forward as Steinbach chases another lengthy playoff run and more, Gaber admits to feeling more than a little excited. "It definitely boosts the confidence. The excitement level has going up, that's for sure."

 

Full Trade Breakdown

To Steinbach Pistons

(99) Riese Gaber - 15 goals, 6 assists in 27 games played 

To Dauphin Kings

(98) Danny Pion - 2 goals, 9 assists in 20 games

(01) Matthew Boonstra - 4 goals, 12 assists 16 points (Eastman Selects Midget AAA)

5th round pick 

Future Considerations