Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Lewis to the Bulldogs for Tonello

The Smoke Eaters have traded forward Tye Lewis to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs for defenceman Curtis Tonello and future considerations. I have now just received confirmation from Smokies Coach and GM Jim Ingram on the deal. I'll be talking to him in more detail in half an hour or so. Obviously we'll have a lot more on this trade as details become available. In the meantime I want to certainly wish Tye well with the Bulldogs and welcome Curtis to Trail. Stay tuned to the Smoke Eaters Blog and Mountain FM for more information throughout the day.

UPDATE: Click here for Hammer's take. The interviews with Ingram and Tonello should now be available on the Overtime podcast. Let me know if you have any trouble. Tonello seems excited and ready for a new opportunity in Trail. The last time the Smoke Eaters got a player who felt he was underutilized in Port Alberni... he turned into one of Trail's best players. I'm not expecting Curtis to have the same kind of immediate impact Nick Sandor did, but it's all about opportunity at this level. We'll see if Tonello can make the most of it. More on the trade and other BCHL moves coming tomorrow.

7 comments:

Mutt said...

Hey Shawn, what can you tell us Bulldog fans about Tye? Obviously he can put up the points but any info you can share would be welcomed! Thanks

Shawn said...

Thanks for the comment Mutt. Tye is a very explosive player. Fun player to walk. He's got what has been described as a pro quality shot that can make great goalies look foolish. He's at his best when he's letting lots of shots go and driving the net hard. Most of his assists have come from creating rebounds. Very danerous coming down the left wing. Has good speed and quick hands. He's got a unique stick handling style often using only one hand but has used it effectively. Like lots of scoring talents can be a little inconsistent in his own end. Should be a very good addition for the Bulldogs with some serious offensive punch.

What's your view of Tonello?

Mutt said...

Curtis Tonello is a big, very hard working D man with a bit of an edge. Hard hitting guy who seems very popular with his team mates. Good ambassador in the community too. Should be a solid addition to the Smokies roster. Plus, unlike Tye Lewis, CT has another year of junior eligibility after this season. Here's hoping the deal is beneficial for both teams!

Shawn said...

And of course that should be watch not walk... typos will be the death of me.

That's good to hear about Tonello. I just interviewed him for Overtime tonight he seems like a sharp young man.

Mutt said...

Hmm, the only thing about this deal that I don't like is the fact we won't see Lewis play right away. Nothing more frustrating than acquiring a player who's sidelined due to injury. Hopefully, he heals quickly.

Anonymous said...

Apparently the reason Tye Lewis won't join the Bulldogs until after this coming weekend's games is because he is doing SAT's. The injury is considered minor so by next week he'll be available. Looking forward to seeing #23 in Bulldog colours!

Shawn said...

This is true. It's a minor injury and he is taking the tests. Tonello should be in Trail's line-up on Friday.