NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX – The Texas Brahmas have agreed to trade forwards Thomas Puetz (95) and Austin Davis (95), along with goaltender Joe Hacker (96) to the Louisiana Drillers in exchange for two 2015 draft picks, a 3rd and 8th round draft pick.
"We're looking specifically to go with a bit of a younger team to develop players for the NAHL so this trade fit our plans", Head Coach Al Rooney said.
The Drillers are joining the South Division as an expansion team for the 2015-16 season and they added some veteran experience to their roster with the trade. Davis (5'10", 160) played some of his best hockey during the last month of the season and he was an anchor on the Brahmas special teams. Puetz (5'10", 165) was a steady contributor up front and he finished the year with 13 points in 37 games. Puetz displayed his versatility for the Brahmas as he played the 2nd half of the season on defense where he handled a variety of duties. The two forwards have one year remaining of junior hockey eligibility.
"Both Puetz and Davis added a physical element to the lineup that we will certainly have to replace, no doubt about that. Davis was also a big part of the PK unit for us last season, but with the draft picks, we can secure the rights to two more up-and-coming players that we have spoken to this off-season. That's exciting for our teams future," Rooney said.
Goaltender Joe Hacker (6'2", 250) was the third piece of the Brahmas trade. The Pennsylvania native went 11-7-3 with a 2.72 goals against average and .894 save percentage during the regular season. Last year, the Brahmas had to juggle three capable goaltenders and with the additions Rooney has already made this off-season, he needed to make room for other needs.
"In goal, we lost a potential starting goalie in Joe Hacker, but with (Brandon) Perrone tendered and a couple of guys targeted for our draft, we have a crowded crease and needed to make that move."
Rooney understands that you have to be willing to give assets to get something good in return.
"This is a trade that I think both teams won because it filled each teams immediate needs. Louisiana is getting three quality players, and we of course wish the best of luck to all three players as they continue their careers," Rooney said.
The Brahmas now have 12 picks in the June 16 NA3HL Draft. Follow the draft live at www.NA3HLDraft.com.