SYDNEY, N.S. —

A former Cape Breton Eagle defenceman will start the 2020-21 season in his home country of Germany.

The Winnipeg Jets loaned Leon Gawanke to Eisbären Berlin of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga earlier this week. Under the agreement, Gawanke will rejoin the Jets’ organization when the 2020-21 season begins in North America.

The season is expected to open in December. The 21-year-old Gawanke appeared in 48 games with the Manitoba Moose in his first professional season last year, recording four goals and 26 points along with 21 penalty minutes and a minus-5 rating.

The German played three seasons with the Eagles, recording 29 goals and 121 points in 178 career games.