The Port Hope Predators have added some roar to their offense with the addition of sniper Kyle Bonis, from the Bancroft Hawks.

"Kyle is a good young man who has turned into a proven goal scorer," says Tim Clayden, hockey operations director. "We are in need of some more scoring so this is a great addition."

The Predators acquired Bonis, 17, from the Hawks thanks to a clause in a trade last year, which sent former Predator Denis Sicard to Bancroft. The clause in that deal gave the Predators an option to be the first in line to acquire Bonis if Bancroft tried to move him.

"We wanted to sign Kyle last year, but you are only allowed to sign two 1989-born players and could not sign him then," explains Clayden. "In hindsight, it worked out better for Kyle because he got a lot more ice time in Bancroft than he would have with us because of the veteran lineup we had."

Bonis is third in Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League scoring this year with 22 goals and 12 assists for 34 points in 17 games. His 22 goals are tops in the league. In his rookie Junior A season, Bonis notched 23 goals and 19 assists for 42 points in 49 games. 

Bonis was drafted 20th overall by the Indiana Ice in last year's United States Hockey League draft. Clayden notes that at least 15 NCAA Division One schools are currently scouting Bonis. He is also a former teammate of Predator defenceman Ben Finney, when they played with the Central Ontario Wolves.

"I am excited to get a fresh start with Port Hope, but I did not want to leave Bancroft this way," says Bonis. "In Bancroft we were on the verge of a breakthrough, but the team had decided to go in a different direction. I needed to go in a different direction than their's."

The Hawks are currently mired in last place in the Eastern Division with a 2-14-1 record for five points. The team was recently sold and fired coach John Johnson. The Preds are in fifth with a 7-3-2 record and two overtime losses for 18 points.

"I hope my abilities can compliment this team and I can give back to Mr. Finney (Rod Finney, Predator co-owner). He is a first-class guy," says Bonis.

Despite his goal scoring abilities Bonis says he prides himself as well on his defensive play because you cannot create scoring chances if you cannot move the puck out of your own end, he says.

Bonis is expected to be in a Predator uniform this week.