Former 11th Overall Pick Starting Anew in Charlottetown
January 4, 2024 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release
On January 2, the QMJHL officially announced a trade between the Cape Breton Eagles and the Charlottetown Islanders. The transaction saw forward Lucas Romeo depart the Island along with a third-round pick in 2026 for 17-year-old forward William Shields.
Romeo came to the Islanders last season as a free agent out of Ontario. Romeo played in 96 games throughout his time here, posting 41 points with 24 goals.
William Shields was the 11th overall pick in the 2022 QMJHL draft. The 2006-born forward pairs into the same age group as Islanders defenseman Marcus Kearsey and forward Alexis Michaud who were taken by the Islanders in 2022. Islanders head coach Jim Hulton noted the team has been targeting a build-around the 2006 age group.
"When you look at Will's offensive pedigree it's very exciting. When we look at not only our current needs but our future needs, scoring is one of the areas we need to address. His birth year, obviously 2006 is the year we're trying to build around so we're really excited to add him to our lineup," said Hulton.
While Shields admits he was taken by surprise when the trade was announced, he's excited to get to work with his new team.
"I know this team is a close-knit group that goes to battle for each other every night and wants to win. They win underdog games with heart and have a great coach behind the bench leading them," said Shields.
The 17-year-old Falmouth, Nova Scotia native is ready to embrace his new home.
"I'm excited, always intrigued to explore new things and opportunities. Prince Edward Island is a beautiful place too with lots of great people and support," said Shields.
The opportunity to add a former 11th to the lineup was too much to pass up noted head coach Jim Hulton.
"Cape had targeted Lucas as a player of interest for quite a while and we had been back-and-forth for a long time. They were very reluctant to give up on a young player like Will but we weren't going to give up a quality player like Lucas without getting something back that fits our needs down the road with what we're building towards," said Hulton.
Hulton now looks forward to seeing his group begin to bond and mesh together on and off the ice.
"We look at that '06 age group and it's something we've consciously targeted for a while. Upfront now with Butler, Campbell, Michaud and now Shields, there is a core to build around and let them grow here for a couple of years."
Shields attended Bishop Kearney High School in Rochester, New York. In his final season with Bishop Kearney Selects 15U AAA, Shields led his team with 114 points in 79 games including 62 goals. In his time with Cape Breton, he played in 99 games posting 33 points and 14 goals. Despite being traded in only his second year in the league, he looks forward to displaying his skills.
"I've always known what I'm capable of and now I'm excited to show Charlottetown what I can do. I look at it as a positive opportunity for myself," said Shields.
Shields will make his Eastlink Centre debut on Friday night when the Islanders take on the Saint John Sea Dogs at 7 p.m. Fans can purchase tickets to the game by going to the Eastlink Centre website or calling 902-629-6625.
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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from January 4, 2024
- Eagles Begin Road Trip with Shootout Loss in Shawinigan - Cape Breton Eagles
- Isles Win Their Third Shootout Victory in Four Games 3-2 Over the Sea Dogs - Charlottetown Islanders
- What You Need to Know About the Family Skate on Sunday - Charlottetown Islanders
- Furlong Displayed Steadying Presence on International Stage - Halifax Mooseheads
- QMJHL Players of the Month Named for December 2023 - QMJHL
- 2024 Kicks off with a Home-And-Home Aginst Saint John - Charlottetown Islanders
- Former 11th Overall Pick Starting Anew in Charlottetown - Charlottetown Islanders
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