Steinbach Pistons D-man departs for BCHL’s Brooks Bandits

The Steinbach Pistons are no stranger to seeing players depart for the B.C. Hockey League, but it had never happened in the middle of a season until now.

Defenseman Shane Burns signed for the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta division of the non-Hockey Canada affiliated league. Because the Manitoba Junior Hockey League is under a separate governing body to the Pistons, there will be no compensation like a player development fee going back in exchange for Burns.

“We live in a different world now,” Steinbach general manager and head coach Paul Dyck said.

“Players have options. We move on.”

This is the first time the Pistons have lost a player mid-season to the BCHL.

“Shane is physical defender that possesses a talented offensive stick. His game is honest, hard working and we see him playing a big role for our team.” Bandits’ head coach and general manager Ryan Papaioannou said in a news release.

Burns is a 2005-born player from California and has spent two seasons in Steinbach. Last year he notched 10 points in 28 games and was named an assistant captain this season for the Pistons. He had 16 points in 20 games this season.

The Canadian junior hockey roster freeze for the season begins Jan. 10.

For more MJHL coverage including game recaps, standings and statistics, be sure to pick up a print edition of The Carillon every week.