Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Trades and Related News

January 10th trade deadline can be an ordeal for players, teams and fans who wait for news on what will be. This past trade deadline was no exception but I think the BCHL got it right with its recommendation that all trade details be placed on a publication ban until 10am the following day ... by the way the AJHL did the same thing waiting until 9am Tuesday.

The reasons for this delay in releasing details is quite simply to allow the teams to contact players, both those being traded to another team as well as those coming in. It allows the team to have a chance to say thanks for the contributions and to start the process of welcoming in the new guys.

With the trade deadline, the Spruce Kings had to say their goodbyes and issue wishes of good luck to four players including three that had been playing together for the past three seasons and that was after playing together for many years prior to joining the Spruce Kings. Justin Fillion, Nic DeSousa and RJay Berra along with Derek Henderson were all informed of their fate and given the information of where they were heading to finish out their junior careers.

Justin Fillion was the first to learn that he was heading to Victoria to play for the Grizzlies. The deal with Fillion saw the Spruce Kings end up with Dylan Nowakowski and future considerations. Nowakowski was then package up with Mike Puddifant and the pair were traded to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs for Ryan Renz.

The next trade involved Nic DeSousa going to the Trail Smoke Eaters in exchange for future considerations.

The leading scorer in the BCHL and current BCHL Player of the Week was up next as RJay Berra was told that he was going to play in the Alberta Junior Hockey League with the Grande Prairie Storm. Derek Henderson was also informed that he was heading to Grande Prairie. In return the Spruce Kings received forward Dustin Beairsto and defenceman Ben Woodley and future considerations.

In one final deal before the end of the day, Ryan Renz was traded to the Vernon Vipers in exchange for forward Todd Skirving and future considerations.

On Sunday, prior to the trade deadline, the Spruce Kings were able to ink Sam Waterfield to the roster. Waterfield had been a defenceman with the Dawson Creek Rage of the North American Hockey League.

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