Bonnyville Pontiacs deal Benoit to Brooks, acquire two players

Marc Benoit, left, and Jaxsen Wyatt, right, two players a part of the Bonnyville Pontiacs deal with the Brooks Bandits on Tuesday.

The Bonnyville Pontiacs dealt forward (’99) Marc-Antoine Benoit to the Brooks Bandits for defenceman (01′) Jaxsen Wyatt and forward (’00) Reilly Connors on Tuesday.

The trade comes just days after Benoit scored two goals, including the overtime winner, in Bonnyville’s 4-3 win against the Bandits on home ice on Saturday.

“Marc Benoit left the right impression on both our Bonnyville hockey family and community. I’d like to personally thank him for all his on and off ice contributions during his time here and obviously feel that we’ve put him in a great spot to succeed where he’ll be able to finish his junior career strong,” said Head Coach and General Manager Rick Swan.

“These decisions are heavily weighed and there are so many variables that go into any transaction that we make. Ultimately, it has to make sense and be in the best interest of the Bonnyville Pontiacs and we also feel good about taking care of players that have contributed to our organization. I feel that we’ve been able to do that.”

Benoit leaves the team tied for the team lead in goals with 11 and 3rd in points with 19.

Jaxsen Wyatt will be on his third team this season after the Bandits acquired the defenceman from Spruce Grove earlier this year.

Wyatt has 15 points in 26 games this season.

Reilly Connors, committed to the NCAA Division 1 Yale Bulldogs, joins the team with 6 points in 26 games.

“Both additions create strength within our line-up and more depth in both positions,” said Head Coach and General Manager Rick Swan.

“Both additions are culture enhancers and are expected to leave the right impression with our fans and our community.”

The Pontiacs take on the Whitecourt Wolverines for a pair of games starting Friday night at 7:00pm.