Welcome to the Slough

You have hopped your way down to the home of the 2002 OFVHL Champions, The LAS VEGAS ICE TOADS

Francis Dealt to Watch - October 25, 2003

In an effort to reduce the number of starting lineup players the Ice Toads loose in the expansion draft, the Toads dealt future hall-of-famer Ron Francis to the expansion Winfield Watch today.

Francis, Who has been with the Ice Toads his entire career, along with Vegas' 2nd round pick in this year's Waiver draft, were exchanged for Niko Kapanen, who Winfield had just taken in the entry draft 6th overall, and Winfield's 2nd round pick in this year's waiver draft.

Kapanen comes to the Ice toads as a Solid Defencive forward, with playmaking skills among the best of this season's rookies. More willing to make the pass then take the shot, Kapanen is expected to be a big part of the Ice Toads in years to come.

Kapanen is expected to start the season on the Las Vegas farm team.

"Its sad to see a character guy like Francis leave this organization" Explained GM Doug Toepfer. "Ronnie has been a part of our club since the beginning, and unfortunatly had to be the one who took the fall with our abundance of Centermen."

With a rebuilding year beginning, trades galore should be expected, as the Ice Toads begin to build the team that will once again reclaim the OVFHL Championship.