Eagles and Canucks Make Deal

Press Release

June 21, 2011 - If “bigger” is “better”, than the Canmore Eagles should be much improved defensive hockey club for the 2011-12 Alberta Junior Hockey League season.

Just one week after trading for 6’3’’ defenseman Alex Barnes from Olds, the Canmore Eagles have landed another monster defenseman by obtaining 6’4” defenseman Justin Krabben from the Calgary Canucks in exchange for former Eagle forward Willy Sakal.

“Any time you move a quality person like Willy its not easy, but I felt we were putting Will into a good situation. On behalf of the Eagles organization I would like to thank Willy for his dedication and contributions over the past 2 seasons”. Said Milne

Krabben, a 20-year-old native of Rocky Mountain House, played in 23 games for the Canucks last season and registered four goals and six assists. Sakal, a 19-year-old forward, had eight goals and 11 assists in 57 games with the Eagles last year.

“We gave up some speed and some offence when we traded Sakal, but Krabben will really help us shore up our back-end,” confirms Canmore Eagle head coach and general manager Andrew Milne. “I believe Krabben will be a great addition to the Eagle’s roster. He has the size, experience and leadership that we were looking for.”

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