Trying to boost the scoring game in the absence of Sven Bartschi, the Portland WinterHawks acquired left wing Marcel Noebels from the Seattle Thunderbirds for center Seth Swenson, and two future first-round picks.
Noebels, a 6’2, 210-pound 19-year old from Germany, was the 4th round choice of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2011 entry draft. Rated as one of the Flyers’ top offensive prospects by Hockey’s Future, Noebels has a powerful slap shot, and drives hard to net on the attack. He had 54 points last season for the Thunderbirds, scoring 28 goals.
“Marcel is a proven scorer in this league who will be a tremendous addition to our offensive core. He can play the power game as well, and will fit in well with our group,” said Portland WinterHawks General Manager and Head Coach Mike Johnston.
Like fellow WinterHawk Brad Ross, Noebels is aggressive on defense, and can draw penalties at the drop of a hat. However, his defensive skills far exceed Ross’, and in a wide open attack offense like Portland’s, Noebels should be able to easily fill the void left by Bartschi.
The Giants got the WinterHawks’ 1st round picks in 2012 and 2013 in exchange; a high cost to pay, especially if Noebels progresses quickly in Portland and is recalled to help the Flyers. Swenson had only 7 points and 22 penalty minutes in 33 games this season, acting mostly as an enforcer.
“We’d like to thank Seth for his contributions to the team, and wish him the best as he continues his career in Seattle,” Johnston continued.
The WinterHawks also acquired goaltender Brendan Jensen from the Vancouver Giants for a sixth-round pick in 2013. Jensen will compete with Brendan Burke as Mac Carruth’s backup.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
