Rats Acquire Shattenkirk

The Minnesota Rink Rats have announced the acquisition of Kevin Shattenkirk, a highly-touted defensive prospect currently playing in the NCAA. In exchange for Shattenkirk Minnesota sent RW Petr Kalus and a 4th round pick in the upcoming draft to the Harlem Hoodrats. Kalus has seen a decrease in playing time since Patrick O’Sullivan was moved to right wing and was recently a healthy scratch that was sent to the minors.

Kalus wasn’t quite about his recent demotion and many in Minnesota were concerned about how his behavior would affect the team. The organization knew they were dealing with a bit of an ego and decided to make a move sending the speedy young winger to Harlem.

“We are delighted to be bringing in a fine prospect like Kevin to this organization”, stated GM LaDouceur. “We’re hoping Kevin will progress into a solid, top-4 defenseman in the future and he provides great leadership and an ability to play in the offensive zone. He’s played very well thus far in college and we’re excited to see what he can do once he’s ready to play in the big leagues”.

Minnesota has been off to somewhat of a Jekyll and Hyde season thus far. They have shown traces of their abilities against squads like the Vipers, the Fighting Irish & the Saints but have also played very poorly in other games that have been played going 1-4-2 in their first 7 games played.

Clearly the team is missing Captain Jay Bouwmeester who has been out because of an upper body injury the past 4 games. Bouwmeester is expected to make a full recovery but will be out of the lineup the next few weeks. The team has recently found a spark on their 3rd line since the callup of David Krejci. Krejci has played in 2 games and has 2 assists in those games sparking the play of linemates Rob Schremp and Darcy Tucker.

Minnesota’s first two lines has been up and down and has been lead by Matthew Lombardi who has 4 goals and an assist through 7 games. Head Coach, Barry Melrose stated that he’ll continue to mix up his lines and hopes to see improved play from winger Derek Roy who has yet to find the back of the net.