Cloud9 and Denial eSports make roster changes in a North American shuffle

Cloud9 has made some changes to their roster, removing Spencer "Hiko" Martin and replacing him with Shahzeb "ShahZaM" Khan. In addition, Denial eSports have brought in Eric "AdreN" Hoag to fill in.

Earlier last week we reported on rumours regarding a North American "shuffle", hinting at the departure of one of Denial eSports' players. It now appears that these rumours were valid, after an official statement from Cloud9 welcomed Shahzeb "ShahZaM" Khan to the team.

Former player Spencer "Hiko" Martin had the following to say about the situation:

I am sad to announce that I will no longer be a part of the Cloud9 CS:GO team. This decision has been one of the hardest in my entire life. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart the amount of support and belief that not only the fans have given us, but that Cloud9 had in us as a team. Over the last two years the team has seen great ups and downs and have accomplished a lot more than anyone thought we would, maybe even ourselves at times.

We have been through good times and bad times, and have had the same core for almost two years now. In the end, time is not wasted as I have grown and learned so much playing and traveling the world with this group. I am very fortunate to still call them my brothers as well as our manager Tres “stunna” Saranthus who was placed with the unrelenting task of ensuring the best possible for everyone involved, both in and out of game.”

Cloud9 manager Tres “stunna” Saranthus also added the following:

This entire ordeal is really something no one on this team wanted to see have to happen. We were reluctant to make any changes going forward as we always truly felt that it was something we could play through the pain on and come forward with the proper solutions. I am nothing less than overwhelmingly grateful for all the time and effort Hiko put in with this unit and with me thus far. Even now as Hiko moves to a different position we are excited about what the future is to bring.”

Cloud9 will now have the following roster:

Jordan "n0thing" Gilbert
Sean "sgares" Gares
Kory "Semphis" Friesen
Michael "Shroud" Gresziek
Shahzeb "ShaZhaM" Khan

With ShahZaM joining Cloud9, this left an open spot in Denial eSports' roster, allowing Eric "adreN" Hoag to join the team. 

Denial eSports will now have the following roster:

Damian "daps" Steel
 Jacob "FugLy" Medina
 Keith "NAF-FLY" Markovic
 Todd "anger" Williams
 Eric "AdreN" Hoag