The Bage Valley Wildcats make a splash ahead of their season opener against the Fredericton Red Wings by acquiring defenceman Jake MacDonald, forward Owen Underhill, two first-round draft picks (2025 & 2026), and player development fees from West Kent in exchange for the rights to forward Dylan Andrews.
MacDonald, a 19-year-old right-handed defenceman from Halifax, is entering his third season in the MHL, having spent the previous two seasons with the South Shore Lumberjacks & West Kent Steamers. In 92 career MHL games, MacDonald has registered 16 points (1G, 15A), and 56 penalty minutes. MacDonald currently has 11 games remaining to be served of a 15-game suspension that was handed to him in the first round of last year’s playoffs.
Underhill, a 20-year-old forward from Blackville NB, is entering his second season in the MHL, and his third season of junior hockey having also played in both the SJHL and MJHL. In 21 regular season games with the Steamers last season, Underhill tallied 16 points (9G, 7A) to go along with 16 penalty minutes.
The Wildcats also acquired the rights to 18-year-old forward Coen Miller from the Steamers in the deal. Miller, who is currently with the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL, suited up in 23 regular season games for the South Shore Lumberjacks as a 16-year-old, producing 26 points (14G, 12A).
Welcome to the Valley, Jake & Owen!