Natives deal Sofillas to Flyers for Karakas

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Published on Monday, December 2, 2013

By: Lanny Stewart

myWestman.ca

Michael Sofillas' stay with the Neepawa Natives didn't last long.

After acquiring the 20-year-old forward in a trade with the Dauphin Kings on Saturday, the Natives shipped Sofillas to the Winkler Flyers on Sunday night in exchange for Luke Karakas and future considerations.

Karakas, an import 20-year-old forward from Green Bay, Wis., has netted seven goals, 12 assists for 19 points this season with the Flyers.

Listed at 5-feet-9 and 170 pounds, the right winger becomes the Natives leading scorer, currently two points ahead of both Sam Briscoe and Drake Lindsay.

"He's an offensive guy that we hope will help us on the power play," said Natives head coach Dwayne Kirkup. "That's an area that we've struggled with."

Kirkup says Sofillas, a Morden product, was wanting to play closer to home and will now get the opportunity to play near his hometown.

The deal happened prior to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League's Dec. 1 roster deadline which requires all member clubs to have a roster maximum of 25 carded players.

Karakas is expected to make his Natives debut on Wednesday night when Neepawa hosts the OCN Blizzard.

Photo: Luke Karakas

Photo courtesy of the Winkler Flyers