Thompson Traded To Charlottetown

SAINT JOHN – A significant trade between the Saint John Sea Dogs and Charlottetown Islanders has been made.

The team’s announced this afternoon that the Sea Dogs have traded 17-year old defenseman Will Thompson to the Islanders in exchange for a first-round pick in the 2015 QMJHL Entry Draft.

Thompson was selected in the first round, 17^th overall by Saint John in the 2013 QMJHL Entry Draft. He played in 41 games in his rookie season, registering three goals and seven assists.

The Fredericton native was held pointless in five games with Team Atlantic at the 2014 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

Prior to being picked by the Sea Dogs, Thompson played at Rothesay Netherwood.

Thompson had an up-and-down 2013-14 season with the Dogs. Looking ahead, Saint John’s defense is young but loaded and it would have been difficult for him to maintain a regular spot in the team’s lineup. Sea Dogs general manager Darrell Young discussed the matter in a team press release.

"Will ran into a numbers game with us," said Young. "We have several returning defensemen, plus we added new players and others with experience. This move will give him the chance to be a full-time player going forward.”

Thompson joins former Sea Dogs forward and fellow Fredericton native Oliver Cooper, who was traded to Charlottetown during the off-season, on the Islanders roster. Defenseman Luc Deschenes, another Fredericton native and 2013 pick, is also on the Isles.

Saint John hosts the Islanders in pre-season action on September 5 and travel to Charlottetown on September 6. The two open the regular season against each other on September 12 at Eastlink Centre.