Thursday, January 10, 2013

WHEAT KINGS & 'TIPS COMPLETE DEAL

Press Release

Brandon, MB. – The Brandon Wheat Kings and Everett Silvertips have completed a deal on this, the Western Hockey League’s Trade Deadline Day.

The Wheat Kings have acquired 18-year old defenceman Nick Walters and the playing rights to Yellowhead Chiefs forward Taylor Sanheim in exchange for 17-year old blueliner Ayrton Nikkel and a conditional sixth round pick in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft.

A former first round pick (8th overall) of the ‘Tips in the 2009 Bantam Draft, Walters is currently in his third WHL season and was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the fourth round (116th overall) of last June’s National Hockey League Entry Draft.

The St. Albert product currently has one goal, ten points and 70 penalty minutes in 35 games with the Silvertips this season. In 62 games last winter, the 6’2” 200 lb. blueliner had six goals, 18 points and 95 minutes in penalties.

In 145 career WHL games, Walters has scored seven goals, 32 points and accumulated 217 penalty minutes.

A 16-year old native of Elkhorn, Sanheim is currently fifth in Manitoba AAA Midget League scoring as a member of the Yellowhead Chiefs. In 32 games this season, the 5’10” 172 lb forward has 45 points, including 22 goals. In 43 games for the Chiefs in 2011-12, he scored 26 goals and 51 points.

A former second round draft choice of the Saskatoon Blades, Nikkel is in his second WHL season and in 42 games year he has nine assists and 87 penalty minutes. In 102 career WHL games, the Kelowna, B.C. native has three goals, 19 points and 159 minutes in penalties.

Walters could be in the Brandon lineup Friday night when the Wheat Kings travel to Moose Jaw to meet the Warriors. Brandon’s next home game is Saturday night against the visiting Regina Pats at Westman Communications Group Place.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

No comments: