Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Blazers make multi-player deal

Press Release 

Kamloops, BC – Kamloops Blazers General Manager Craig Bonner announced this morning that the Blazers have sent 19-year-old import forward Tim Bozon and 19-year-old defenseman Landon Cross to the Kootenay Ice in exchange for 17-year-old forward Collin Shirley, 18-year-old defenseman Matt Thomas, first and fifth round WHL Bantam Draft picks in 2015 and a third round WHL Bantam Draft pick in 2014.

Shirley has entered his second season in the WHL after scoring nine goals and finishing with 23 points last season as a 16-year-old. The 6’2”, 181lb forward was originally a first round pick of the Ice in 2011. The Saskatoon native played for Team West at the U-17 World Challenge in Quebec last year and was also recently invited to Canada’s U-18 summer camp. In 11 games this season, Shirley has two goals and an assist. 

Thomas was listed by the Ice prior to the start of last season and suited up for 66 games as a rookie last year. The 6’3”, 192lb defenseman from Calgary has played in 11 games this season recording one assist.

“Collin has the potential to be a very good player for our club now and in the future. We look forward to him developing with our young core,” commented General Manager, Craig Bonner. “Matt is a steady defenseman. We think he will fit in well with the age groups we have on defence.

In acquiring a first round pick in 2015 and a third round pick in 2014, the Blazers recoup draft picks that were traded to acquire defenseman Joel Edmundson last season and Tyson Ness this season.

“We’d like thank Tim and Landon for their contributions to the Blazers and wish them the best of luck in their futures,” commented Bonner.  

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

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