Photos courtesy of Michelle Tripp/Monroe Moccasins (Left) and Baton Rouge Zydeco (right)

On February 18, it was announced on the FPHL transaction page that the Monroe Moccasins had acquired Forward Kevin Szbad from the Baton Rouge Zydeco for Forward Kyle Heitzner.

It’s a very interesting move for both sides. Monroe has made a lot of changes to their roster all year, while Baton Rouge has made some moves throughout the year, with this probably being the biggest.

Heitzner started the season in Watertown. The former Barrie Colt almost scored a goal per game with 13 in his 16 games up North. But when Charlie Pens Jr was let go for Justin Coachman, Heitzner was traded to the Monroe Moccasins. He tallied six goals and seven assists across 12 games.

As for Szbad, a veteran overseas, made his North American pro debut with the Zydeco and has been a very dependable forward for Everett Thompson’s squad. He scored 15 goals and added 15 assists in 38 games for Baton Rouge, and also brought leadership to a fairly young squad.

Now, what does this mean to each team? Monroe gets some size in return, while Baton Rouge gets a lot of skill if Heitzner does report to Baton Rouge.

Per a post on the Moccasins Unofficial Fan page on Facebook, Heitzner is back in Canada tending to personal things and says “there is no guarantee that I’ll be playing again this season”. He did have high praise for the fans in Monroe.

“Monroe was the fifth team in the FPHL I have played for & was by far the greatest experience I’ve ever had in this league. From the booster club to the fan base, the staff & my team mates. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for making Monroe feel like home.”

If Heitzner comes back, especially around playoff time. Baton Rouge currently sits 12 points ahead of sixth place in the Continental Division, held by Monroe who are the first team out.

As for Szbad, he will fit in to Monroe’s style of a fast hard-hitting team, and should bring some scoring punch.

Monroe also picked up rookie forward Khaden Henry from the Binghamton Black Bears for Cash. Henry brings size and speed to the back end and was kind of pushed out of the lineup in Binghamton due to their depth. A pair of good pickups for Parker Moskal’s team.

Monroe heads to Carolina this weekend, five points behind Blue Ridge for the fifth and Final playoff spot in the continental division, who will play the four seed in a singular play-in game.

Baton Rouge has been struggling on their 15-game road-trip, as they are currently 5-6 on the trip, with four of the wins coming against the hapless Dashers. They have four straight in Biloxi coming up against the Sea Wolves.