The Trail Smoke Eaters have an interesting new line up for goal tending.

Though they already had two goalies confirmed for next season, they recently added goalie Devon Murtagh to their roster, joining Garrett Beckwith.

Murtagh was a star player for the Nelson Leafs, one of the strongest teams in the KIJHL.

“These things have a way of sorting themselves out,” said head coach and GM Jim Ingram.

He hasn’t named either player as lead goalie and he thinks this will stoke a competitive spirit that will benefit the team.

“We’ve got two guys here who both want to be number one. They’ve got two very distinct looks. Putting them in tandem is going to make us a stronger team,” said Ingram.

Twenty-year-old Murtagh is 6-ft.-3 and a formidable force in the net, said Ingram.

He’d seen Murtagh in action many times and has spoken with Leaf’s head coach Simon Wheeldon about his skills in net.

“We have a really good idea what kind of player Devon is and we’re excited to put him into action,” said Ingram.

Beckwith, who signed with the Smoke Eaters at the end of April, will give Murtagh a run for his money when the two compete for time in net, said Ingram.

Though Beckwith doesn’t have the size of Murtagh, he matches him in skill. The New Jersey born 19-year-old player is ready to compete, said Ingram.

“He’s almost like a third defenceman. He’s got a real winning attitude, a competitive edge, he plays the puck extremely well,” said Ingram.

Ingram traded goalie Paul Barclay to Surrey to make room for Murtagh. He said it was a good move for Barclay, as he is closer to his hometown. He will be missed on the team, said Ingram.

In exchange for Barclay, the Smokies signed forward Darrell Dyck. The 6-ft.-2, 180 lb, Chilliwack native had five goals and 11 points in his rookie season.

Ingram said the teams will continue to shuffle and change in preparation for next season and his players are training hard to earn their spots.

They may net ultimately net two players from their trade with Surrey.