ROCHESTER, Minn. – With the postseason fast approaching, the Rochester Grizzlies made a series of impactful moves at the NA3HL trade deadline, reinforcing their lineup as they gear up for a deep Fraser Cup run.
O’Leary Adds Size and Offensive Upside
The Grizzlies acquired 2007-born forward Benjamin O’Leary from the West Bend Power in exchange for a 2026 NA3HL third-round draft pick and a 2026 NA3HL tender.
The 6-foot-2 forward began the season in the NCDC with the Pueblo Bulls, posting five points in 20 games before returning to the NA3HL. Prior to junior hockey, O’Leary starred at Bemidji High School, recording 15 goals and 36 points last season while skating alongside former Grizzlies forward Briggs Knott and current Grizzlies forward Dominic Arndt.
Over three varsity seasons, O’Leary totaled 29 goals and 60 points in 78 games and is expected to provide an offensive spark down the stretch.
Stebbins Dealt, Paczan Joins Forward Group
In a separate move, Rochester traded forward Baylor Stebbins to the Granite City Lumberjacks in exchange for forward Sam Paczan.
Stebbins, a 2005-born forward, recorded 21 goals and 41 points in two seasons with the Grizzlies, including a breakout sophomore campaign this year with 17 goals and 16 assists. His performance earned him a selection to the NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament in Plymouth, Michigan.
Paczan, a 2006-born forward, arrives after totaling 11 points in 24 games with Granite City. He brings a strong AAA background, collecting 88 points from 2021-2025 across multiple programs, adding depth and skill to Rochester’s forward corps with two assists in the series against the Jr. Blues.
Wainio Bolsters the Blue Line
Rochester strengthened its defense by acquiring Alexander Wainio, Butte’s top defenseman, in exchange for an NA3HL tender and cash considerations.
The 2008-born, left-handed blueliner has posted seven goals and 20 points in 35 games this season, leading all Butte defensemen in scoring and ranking second on the team in goals.
Standing at 6-foot-1, Wainio developed with Biggby Coffee AAA Hockey Academy over the past four years, totaling 55 points from 13U through 16U. At just 17 years old, he has already earned NAHL call-ups with the Wisconsin Windigo and Bismarck Bobcats, underscoring his high ceiling and bright junior future.
He joins an already steady defensive unit as the black and gold prepare for the postseason.
Jordan Headlines Deadline Splash
The Grizzlies capped off their deadline activity with a blockbuster move by acquiring Jace Jordan, the St. Louis Jr. Blues’ leading scorer, in exchange for a 2026 NA3HL second-round draft pick, two NA3HL tenders, and cash considerations.
The 2007-born forward from St. Louis, Missouri, has tallied 23 goals and 47 points this season, ranking fourth in the Central Division in goals and sixth overall in points. A 5-foot-8 right-handed shot, Jordan led the Afton Americans in scoring last season with 35 points and added three points in three games with the Jr. Blues.
Described by Elite Prospects as a dynamic playmaker with strong puck-handling ability, Jordan now joins Mason Decker as one of the Central Division’s top scorers wearing black and gold, already tallying a goal in his first game with Rochester this past weekend.
Assistant Coach Brandon Ratzloff shared his excitement about the addition: “We are thrilled to have Jace joining our team. We’re excited about the speed, physicality, and playmaking ability he brings to the ice. He’s a great fit for our program, as he shares the goal of advancing to the next level, which aligns perfectly with our strong focus on player development here in Rochester.”
Built for the Stretch Run
With additions up front and on the blue line, the Grizzlies have added scoring punch, youth, size, and high-end upside as they position themselves for a deep Fraser Cup Playoffs push.
Fans can catch Jordan, Wainio, O’Leary, Paczan, and the rest of the newly reshaped Grizzlies roster in action this Friday and Saturday as they travel to West Bend for a weekend series with the Power. Fans can watch on NAHLTV.com