When it comes to big-game goaltenders, the Trail Smoke Eaters landed a whale last week.
The Smoke Eaters announced the signing of Bailey Macburnie, a 19-year-old, six-foot-two, 180 pound goaltender from Salisbury School in Salisbury, Connecticut.
“I’m honoured to be part of such an amazing organization,” said Bailey. “I plan on getting the Trail Smoke Eaters back to the playoffs.”
The Smokies last made the playoffs in 2011 and will benefit from the addition of the highly-touted netminder. Last season with Salisbury, Macburnie had a 21-3-1 record with a 1.61 goals against average, a .933 save percentage and four shut outs. He led the Crimson Knights to the Elite 8 championship title in March, the pinnacle of New England Prep School hockey, as well as the Flood Marr Tournament title where he won the MVP and Tournament Team Award.
“We are fortunate to acquire a goalie of Bailey’s stature,” said Smoke Eaters head coach and GM Nick Deschenes. “He has proven his ability to guide his teams to very successful records. A player of his ability and character are not always available, and for our organization, he definitely brings us closer to our goal of making the playoffs.”
The Beverly, Massachusetts native was also selected as the Best Goalie in the West CT. Prep schools.
