The Macon Mayhem look to build on their strong end to 2022-2023 as they trade Goaltender Nick Latinovich to the Peora Rivermen for Defenseman Jake Hamilton.
Hamilton, a 27-year-old from O’Fallon,MO, split last season between the ECHL in Norfolk for 8 games and the SPHL having played for Peoria where in 21 games he recorded 5 points and 31 penalty minutes. Jake spent the entire 2021-2022 campaign in the ECHL playing for the Adirondack Thunder where he played 33 games scoring 6 points and 16 penalty minutes. As a left-handed defenseman and standing 6’2 and 225 pounds, Hamilton adds strength and next level hockey sense to the Mayhem back end.
Going back the other way Latinovich, a 26-year-old from Maple, ON, came to Macon after spending the first part of the year in Huntsville. Nick began the season in Huntsville where he played 25 games for a 16-8-1 record including 2 shutouts before being traded to Macon. During his time in the SPHL this season ECHL teams also took a look at the netminder as the Rapid City Rush and Florida Everblades each took Latinovich on loan.
“I was very happy to get this deal done. Jake will add a lot of sandpaper to our lineup. As a player whose been in this league for a few years he brings experience for both the regular season and playoffs and what it takes to be successful. Jake will bring a lot to our roster.” Coach Nick Niedert said about the deal.