North Stars make roster changes

The Traverse City North Stars made some adjustments to their roster this week, bringing in forward Sean Murphy in a trade with Austin and signing Traverse City West defenseman Chris Dienes. That tandem replaces blueliner Trevor Campbell, who was dealt to Topeka, and forward Taylor Burden, who secured his release from the club.

Traverse City sent future considerations to Austin for Murphy, who had a trio of assists through 12 games for the first-year Bruins. The 5-foot-8, 170-pound winger hails from Cary, N.C., and was also previously a protected player of the USHL’s Omaha Lancers. Murphy previously played for the Russell Stover midget major program.

Dienes, a rugged defenseman who wowed coaches during the Stars’ summer camp circuit, led TC West to a fourth straight Big North Conference championship last season and a berth in the state semifinals after claiming the school’s first-ever regional title.

Campbell went to intradivisional rival Topeka, which puts the Kansas City product close to home. He had nine assists over 16 contests for Traverse City, with 14 penalty minutes and an even plus-minus rating.

Burden, the North Stars’ top draft pick in 2009, played in 13 games this season, amassing five goals and two assists.

Traverse City (9-6-1) travels to Springfield on Friday for a pair of games with the Jr. Blues before returning home for a big three-game series against North Division-leading St. Louis on Nov. 19-21 at Centre ICE Arena. That series, dubbed ‘North Stars Never Forget,’ will honor past and present members of the U.S. Military, with the Stars sporting special camouflage jerseys that will be auctioned off. Proceeds benefit the Grand Traverse Area Veterans Memorial and Assistance Fund.