And, it could produce even larger dividends as the Provincial Junior A Hockey League season progresses.
Erman Ali and Brad Sullivan, picked up earlier this week in separate transactions, each scored a goal in their debut with the Chargers but it wasn’t enough as Mississauga fell 4-3 to the Streetsville Derbys at Port Credit Memorial Arena.
“We’ve upgraded our lineup,” coach Jay Anderson said after the loss. “Getting these guys will add some depth to our team and make our second and third lines a lot stronger.”
The Chargers acquired Ali from the Milton IceHawks and Sullivan came over from the Derbys. The Chargers also added defenceman Dan Fazzalari, who was a late cut of the Niagara IceDogs of the Ontario Hockey League this season and played last year with Cape Breton of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
In addition, the Chargers are close to signing forward Brent Morrison, who played with the Derbys last season. In fact, Morrison could be signed in time to join the Chargers Sunday night when they travel to Etobicoke for a rematch against the Derbys at Westwood Arena.
“Adding these players means some guys will have to sit out,” said Anderson. “But, it’s going to allow us to juggle our lines around a bit and I think we’ll be stronger for it.”
The Chargers overcame deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 and were tied 3-3 heading into the third period. But, the Derbys scored early in the final frame while enjoying a two-man power-play and then held off the Chargers the rest of the way.
Brent McGrail had the other goal for the Chargers, who dropped to 3-4-1 on the season and fell to seventh place in the West Division standings, two points behind the Derbys.
It was McGrail’s fourth goal of the season. He leads the team in scoring with 14 points.
