Natives recruit high-scoring winger from KIJHL; Rempel not returning to Natives

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Published on Friday, July 12, 2013

By: Lanny Stewart

myWestman.ca

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League's Neepawa Natives have added a high-scoring right-winger from the junior 'B' ranks to its roster for next season. 

Natives head coach Dwayne Kirkup confirmed the addition of Eric Kubis to the club next year. 

The 19-year-old American import from Philadelphia netted 27 goals and 70 points in 50 regular season games last year for the Princeton Posse of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League. Kirkup says he noticed Kubis during his his recruiting trip to Nelson, B.C. in May and is looking forward to adding his skill-set to the Natives lineup next year. 

"He's a scoring winger who has good speed and hands," said Kirkup. "He can do a lot of things on the ice. He's a guy that can put the puck in the net and is great and being involved in the offensive attack. I'm excited to see what he can bring to the club."

Kirkup also noted the Natives will be without the services of Neepawa product Clarke Rempel next season. The 19-year-old forward -- who played in 47 games for Neepawa last season, scoring four goals and 13 points -- has decided to not return to the junior 'A' club. 

Other than Rempel, all other veterans from the club who currently remain on the roster have confirmed to Kirkup that they'll in fact return next year. He also noted that management remains active on the trade front. 

"We're always watching the trade-wire to see if there are players that fit our team," he said. "We're also looking at free agents that contact us looking for a tryout."

Kirkup expects approximately 120 players to attend the club's upcoming main camp. Several of the players will be rookies looking to make an impression on Kirkup and the rest of the coaching staff. 

"We've got a lot of players coming so we have our hands full as coaches," concluded Kirkup. 

The Natives main camp is slated to begin Friday, Aug. 30 and is expected to wrap up Sunday, Sept. 1 at the Yellowhead Centre.