The Yarmouth Mariners added a top forward to their roster.

They acquired Nathan Kelly from the Fredericton Red Wings for draft picks.

The 20-year old has 37 points in 21 games this season.

Mariners Head Coach and GM Laurie Barron says it’s a huge addition ahead of the January 10th trade deadline.

“He just plays a well-rounded game, and it’s not all about offense with him. He’s a great offensive player, I’d call him more of a ‘pass-first’ type of forward. He makes everyone around him better,” says Barron.

Yarmouth also picked up the CJHL rights to forward Eli Reimer from the Wings, but Barron says it’s part of another on-going deal.

Barron says they’ll look at everything they can to make sure they’re at their best ahead of the deadline.

The Mariners lead the league standings , and start 2023 at home against Truro tonight.

Yarmouth leads the Bearcats by five points for first place in the Eastlink South Division.

They’ll face the Lumberjacks at home tomorrow night.