IceDogs D-man Liam Ham traded for picks
Third-year defenceman Liam Ham’s request for a trade has been granted by the Niagara IceDogs.
In return for the 19-year-old Newmarket native, the Mississauga Steelheads will be giving Niagara two second-round picks in the OHL Priority Selection, 2020, from London; 2022; as well as their pick in the third round of the 2024 draft.
IceDogs general manager Joey Burke said it was difficult making the move.
“Liam asked to be moved closer to home to be with his family during a difficult time,” Burke said.
Ham, the IceDogs’ sixth-round pick in the 2015 draft, had one goal and three assists in 12 games in the Niagara lineup at the time of the trade.
He followed up a 10-point rookie year in the OHL — two goals, eight assists in 55 games — by more than tripling that offensive output in his sophomore season: six goals, 26 assists for 32 points in 63 games.
Ham added one goal, five assists seeing action in all 10 of the team’s playoff games.
General manager-head coach James Richmond said the 5foot-10, 185-pound, left-hand shot will add toughness and leadership to the Steelheads lineup.
“Liam is a quality defenceman who is able to play with pace and toughness,” Richmond said. “He’s always been a leader of any team he has played on.
“We are excited to bring in a player with his character and compete level.”
Niagara returns to action in a 7 p.m. faceoff tonight versus the Owen Sound Attack at Meridian Centre in St. Catharines.
The IceDogs, second in the Central Division with a 13-7-4 record, hope to rebound from a lacklustre performance in a 5-2 road loss last Saturday to the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Owen Sound, third in the Midwest, 13-10-1-2; visited the Erie Otters, 10-14-1; on Wednesday
night hoping to snap a three-game losing streak.
After playing the Rangers 7:30 p.m. Friday in Kitchener, the IceDogs renew their K9 Cup Challenge rivalry with a 2 p.m. puck drop Sunday against the Bulldogs in Hamilton.
This will be Niagara’s first game against Owen Sound and Kitchener this season. Season series between the IceDogs and Bulldogs is tied at one win apiece.
Bernd.Franke@niagaradailies.com 905-225-1624 | @TribSportsDesk