Nepean Raider Nation

Raiders add veteran Medel
Gallant moved to Ottawa Jr. Sens
Malcolm MacMillan
The Raiders got a little more experience up front last night, adding rugged winger Ryan Medel from the Ottawa Jr. Senators in exchange for rookie power forward Mitchell Gallant.
In Medel, Nepean gets a 1987-born veteran who is smart defensively and can also play the blue line. In 38 games with the Jr. Sens this season, Medel scored 10 goals and added 19 assists. He also accumulated 70 penalty minutes, including fights with tough guys Sean Crozier of Pembroke and and Alexander Norman of Hawkesbury.
"We hope he can have an immediate impact," says Nepean GM Rob Black, who pulled the trigger on the deal prior to a league meeting on Jan. 7. "Ryan's a kid who can play defence for us as well, which is something we need to build up for the playoff run."
Black says Medel's, grit, heart and work ethic are among his strengths.
"We hope he can help us make a sixth straight run to the finals," said Black.
Losing Gallant means losing a prospect who had enjoyed a decent rookie season. The physical Gallant, also with a pair of fights under his belt this season, had 12 points through 36 games as a Raider.
"It's tough to move a guy like Mitch," Black acknowledged.
Yesterday's trade is another example of Nepean favouring experience over youth this season -- an indication that anything short of another berth in the league final will be a disappointing campaign. Since November, Nepean has added veterans Shane Bakker and Jeff Christison in trades, and dealing up-and-comers Nick Duhn, Scott Farrell and Michael Webley.
With the trade deadline just days away, this blog will have any trade news as it breaks.