Wednesday, January 5, 2011

BRANDON OBTAINS MACKAY, DRAFT CHOICE

Press Release

Brandon, MB. – The Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings have announced the acquisition of overage center Matt MacKay and a 4th round pick in the 2012 Bantam Draft from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for veteran defenceman Darren Bestland.

A 5’11” 190 lb Calgary product, MacKay is in his third WHL season after breaking in as an 18-year old rookie with the Moose Jaw Warriors in 2008-09.

In 40 games with the Giants this season, MacKay has twelve goals, 28 points and 32 minutes in penalties. During his 3-year WHL career, McKay has 89 points including 41 goals in 141 games.

MacKay enjoyed a stellar season in 2009-10 as a member of the Medicine Hat Tigers, scoring 23 goals and 52 points in 70 games.

A former member of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League’s Selkirk Steelers, Bestland is also in his third and final season of junior eligibility.

In 40 games this season, the Brunkild product has four goals, 16 points and 69 penalty minutes. In 173 career games with the Wheat Kings, the 5’10” 180 lb blueliner has scored 12 goals, 53 points and accumulated 263 minutes in penalties.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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