Spits add another forward in deal with Ottawa

by Rob Benneian

Warren Rychel has continued his makeover the Windsor Spitfires forward group in the days leading up to the Ontario Hockey League’s Jan. 10 trade deadline.

A day after announcing the return of Alexander Khokhlachev and the acquisition of Alex Aleardi from the Plymouth Whalers, the Spits general manager struck a deal with the Ottawa 67’s.

The deal brings 19-year-old forward Remy Giftopoulos and the 67’s twelfth round pick in 2013 to Windsor in exchange for the Erie Otters seventh round pick in 2013 and the Spits fourth round pick in 2015.

“We’re very happy to add a big, experienced winger like Remy, who will not only help us this year but next year,” said Rychel. “He’s a player that can make plays and contribute at both ends of the rink.”

The 67’s are in last place in the OHL and are now officially in fire sale mode after trading captain Cody Ceci to the Owen Sound Attack yesterday.

In adding Giftopolous and Khokhlachev, both 19, and Aleardi, 20, the Spits have added size, experience and scoring punch.

With Windsor forward Ty Bilcke out with a broken hand, at 6’2″ and 202 pounds Giftopolous checks in as the biggest Spit up front.

Giftopoulos and Aleardi each have 15 goals this season, which would rank them second on the Spitfires behind Kerby Rychel. Khokhlachev was second on the team in points a year ago, also behind Rychel.

All three newcomers are expected to be in the lineup for Thursday’s 7:05 tilt with the Brampton Battalion at the WFCU Centre.