A new goaltender is ready to prey on East Division shooters for the Port Hope Predators.

Just days after trading away number one goalie Jeff Potvin, the team has acquired Richard Stine, an 18-year-old netminder from the Massachusetts-based Walpole Express, of the Atlantic Junior Hockey League, in return for future considerations. The American east coast league includes teams in Boston, New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia, among others.

The native of Trumbull, Connecticut, boasts an impressive list of accomplishments in his career thus far, including being ranked fourth overall at a USA Hockey goalie camp, as well as being listed on the NHL Central Draft list.  

“The jury will be out on us for a long time as to why we traded a proven, top-end veteran goalie out of our division at the midway point of the season,” said Steven Neal, director of player personnel for the Preds. “It was an an easy decision when you can add a top goaltender such as Richard Stine. The words character, work ethic and drive come to mind, all qualities that Richard has.”

Stine will take over the number one role vacated by Potvin, and will get the start in net on Thursday night when the Predators travel to Kingston to take on the Voyageura. Stine looks forward to joining his new teammates and their pursuit for a championship.

“I’m really excited,” said Stine. “I’ve heard great things about the fans. It’s a dream to play up in Canada, where the game was born. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”  

At 6’4, 200 lbs., Stine covers a lot of the net, and his game is multi-faceted.

“I’m pretty confident in net. I like to play the puck a lot. I try to keep the team in the game by making as many saves as I can.”

Just as important as Stine’s goaltending skills is his continued Junior A eligibility. Potvin was in his final year of Junior A hockey, but Stine will be eligible to return to the Port Hope crease next season. He’ll no doubt make an impression on his new teammates and organization with his commitment to personal development, both on ice and off.

“I try to be the best person I can be,” he said. “To be honest, and be kind to people.”

Stine hopes that kindness won’t extend to the Pred’s opponents, when he takes the net on Thursday night.