The Pas, MB – The Northern Manitoba Blizzard completed a trade over the weekend that saw Cody Farrell and a Player Development Fee (PDF) head to the Winkler Flyers in exchange for 2006-born forward Kade Stringer. It marks the seventh trade of the summer for Mark Patton and Co., as the Blizzard continue to bolster their lineup ahead of the upcoming season.
Stringer, a native of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, played 45 games in the MJHL last season, recording 36 points over two stints in the MGEU East Division. He began the season with the Winnipeg Monarchs, where he found the back of the net seven times, before moving to the Flyers near the trade deadline, where he found an increased offensive pace, recording 17 points in 17 games.
The numbers have always followed Stringer. After recording 61 points during his U18 season with the Swift Current Legionnaires, he has carried that offensive production into the MJHL. The move to Northern Manitoba should provide Stringer with an opportunity to further showcase his skill, particularly his ability to shoot the puck.
“Stringer is a player we expect to come in and put up good numbers. He has an unreal shot and, as another 20-year-old coming in, he fits our identity really well.” Said President of Hockey Operations and Head Coach, Josh Gratton. “We see him coming in and being one of our top offensive forwards. He was a point-per-game player in Winkler despite limited minutes, and we think with an increased role, he can really produce. He’ll add another strong offensive piece to an already deep forward group.”
Stringer’s minutes were certainly limited with the Flyers, dressing in only one of their four playoff games. His production becomes even more impressive when considering the limited opportunities he received. That was also the case prior to his MJHL stint, when Stringer spent a season with the SJHL’s Estevan Bruins, dressing in just 26 games. Despite the limited ice time, his ability to produce at a high level has remained evident.
“Kade has proven the ability to produce in this league and he is something that will make a big impact in his 20-year-old season this year.” Said Director of Player Personnel and GM, Mark Patton. “He had options but chose to come to us because he sees what we are building and wants to be apart of it. He sees the ice really well and he is comfortable on the attack, a formidable player with the puck and has the skillset that will be welcomed in our lineup.”
Stringer will join his new teammates on August 27th when the Blizzard open their 2026-27 training camp at the Roy H. Johnston Arena. The Blizzard will play their first exhibition game on August 31st against the Dauphin Kings.
