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Des Moines Buccaneers

Buccaneers Add Swedish Forward Celec to Roster

January 7, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Des Moines Buccaneers News Release


The Des Moines Buccaneers have acquired a Swedish forward in a player-for-player trade with the Odessa Jackalopes of the NAHL.

Oliver Celec is a 19-year-old right wing who had 20 points (8-12-20) with the Jackalopes in 27 games. The Gothenburg, Sweden native is 5'9" 179 lbs. and prior to playing hockey in North America he played in the Malmo Redhawks system, skating for both their J18 and J20 teams. The 1996-born forward is a left-handed shot that is committed to Niagara University and will wear number 8 for the Buccaneers.

The Des Moines Buccaneers traded defenseman Ben DiMaio to Odessa for Celec, and head coach Dave Allison felt it was not only a good transaction for both teams involved, but also both players. "I think it's a positive move for all parties. We know that Benny is going in to Dartmouth and we felt he had to get some traction," explained Allison. "Talking with Dartmouth and Greg Gatto, (General Manager/Head Coach of the Odessa Jackalopes) who's got an opportunity for a puck-moving D, it seemed like a good fit. And it also allowed us to pick up a skilled forward who's got a lot to prove. It's a win-win situation for both groups."

Celec leaves the Jackalopes as not only one of their top scorers but also while receiving high praise from Odessa's head coach. "Oliver provided some great offensive depth and skill, his speed and shot are evident when you watch him play, and his work ethic is off the charts," raved Gatto. "He constantly was one of the first players on the ice and one of the last off of it. We wish him the best of luck moving forward with his hockey career, and we appreciate his devotion to the Odessa Jackalopes as an organization."

As for the player himself, Celec seems as thrilled to be in Des Moines as the team is to have him. "It's a great group of guys and it's a great team so I'm excited to play here," said Celec. "It's also a great opportunity to play in this league and hopefully develop."

Celec is eligible to play for the Buccaneers this weekend and is available to play as early as Friday in the Buccaneers' home game against Team USA.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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