The Nelson Leafs have made several roster moves during a busy holiday break.
New head coach and general manager Mario DiBella has hired former Leafs player and 2010 NHL draft pick Isaac MacLeod to be an assistant coach, and will also retain Sean Dooley in the same role. DiBella previously coached MacLeod and Dooley during their playing careers.
MacLeod was part of the Leafs team that won the KIJHL championship during the 2008-09 season. He went on to play two seasons with the BCHL’s Penticton Vees before being selected 136th overall by the San Jose Sharks.
MacLeod then spent four seasons with Boston College. He played just 13 games with the ECHL’s Kalamazoo Wings last season before an injury ended his campaign.
Meanwhile, the Leafs will have several players back for Wednesday night’s road game against the Beaver Valley Nitehawks.
Forward Rayce Miller and defenceman Max Daerendinger, who were both injured in November, have been cleared to play.
The Leafs also added 16-year-old goalie Curt Doyle to the roster for Wednesday’s game. Doyle has spent the season playing net for the Kootenay Ice of the BC Major Midget Hockey League. Reserve player Reese Tambellini has also joined the team.
Defenceman Cole Arcuri is away from the team for personal reasons until Jan. 4.
Nelson also made a minor trade, sending the rights to rookie forward Nick Novin to the Creston Valley Thunder Cats for future considerations. Novin was sent home by the Leafs earlier this month.
