The Timmins Rock have traded blue-liner Owen Shier, shown here in action against the French River Rapids during an NOJHL game at the McIntyre Arena in January, to the OJHL’s Whitby Fury in exchange for cash considerations. After two seasons in a Rock uniform, Shier was seeking an opportunity to play closer to home in order capitalize on an educational opportunity. THOMAS PERRY/THE DAILY PRESS/POSTMEDIA NETWORK
The Timmins Rock have completed a pair of trades, freeing up spots on the NOJHL team’s 2020-21 roster.
Thomas Perry – The Daily Press/Postmedia Network
In the first of those two transactions, the Rock have dealt 2002-birth-year goalie Vance Meyer to the Elmira Sugar Kings, of the GOJHL, in exchange for a player development fee.
Meyer (1,335:00, 16-5-1-0, 4, 1.80, .919) was outstanding in his rookie season with the Rock in 2019-20.
He proved to be the perfect backup goalie, pushing Tyler Masternak and matching the Rock’s No. 1 netminder save for save when he was called upon.
After an outstanding rookie season in net, the Timmins Rock have traded goalie Vance Meyer to the Elmira Sugar Kings, of the GOJHL, in exchange for a development fee. With No. 1 goalie Tyler Masternak returning to the crease, it was unlikely Meyer would have seen enough action in 2020-21 to continue his development. THOMAS PERRY/THE DAILY PRESS/POSTMEDIA NETWORK
Rock general manager Kevin Peever noted, however, with Masternak back between the pipes in 2020-21 there simply would not be enough action for Meyer to continue his development.
So, he searched for an opportunity for the Guelph native to get the playing time he proved he deserved in 2019-20, with the end result being the deal with the Sugar Kings.
Meanwhile, the Rock’s second swap sent 2002-birth-year defender Owen Shier to the OJHL’s Whitby Fury, also in exchange for a player development fee.
The 6-1, 192-pound blue-liner spent two seasons in a Rock uniform (101, 14-26-40, 46), showing marked improvement during the 2019-20 campaign.
He likely would have played a key role on the Rock blue-line this season, but the Sunderland native requested a trade to a team closer to home due to educational opportunities.
