Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes continue their preparations for a pair of weekend games and the team will have a distinctively new look. Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager/Head Coach, Rich Preston, announced this afternoon the Canes have acquired 19 year old defenseman Mike Reddington and 17 year old defenseman Landon Oslanski from the Spokane Chiefs in exchange for 90-born forward Kyle Beach. This follows the Hurricanes trade from Tuesday, which saw them acquire 20 year old Czech forward Radim Valchar (RAD-em WAL-char). Preston was also very proud to announce the signing of 90-born forward and highly touted AJHL prospect Mitch Maxwell.
Reddington, a native of Port Coquitlam, BC was selected by the Chiefs in the 2nd round (25th overall) in the 2005 WHL Bantam Draft. In 07-08, his sophomore season, Reddington came into his own and the bruising 6’0”, 200 pound defenseman led the Chiefs with 105 PIMs in 71 games and finished the season with 10 points (2G, 8A) and an impressive plus 22 plus/minus rating. Ironically, that season was capped with Spokane’s 4-0 sweep of the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the 2008 WHL Championship and the Chief’s capture of the 2008 Memorial Cup. Last year, Reddington had another solid season, posting 17 points (2G, 15A) 71 PIMs and a plus 17 +/- rating in 50 games.
Oslanski, an Alberta product, is a 17 year old defenseman who hails from Camrose, AB. Drafted by Spokane in the third round (56th overall) in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, Oslanski spent last season with the Sherwood Park Midget AAA Kings of the AMHL. The 5’10”, 190 pound d-man had 16 points (6G, 10A) in 33 games with 34 PIMs and would help Sherwood Park advance to the finals of the Alberta AAA Midget Hockey League. However, the Kings would fall in a fifth and deciding game of the finals to the Calgary Buffaloes, a team led by Hurricanes prospects Ryon Moser and Phil Tot.
“Both these players help to address a need we had in improving our depth at the position.” said Preston “Mike brings with him a lot of toughness, experience, Leadership and has won a Memorial Cup, while we see Landon as a very promising prospect with a real future in this league.”
Beach, a 90-born forward joined the Canes last season at the WHL trade deadline from the Everett Silver Tips. . Beach was drafted in the 1st round (11th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. In 06-07, he was named the WHL Rookie of the Year; totaling 61 points (29G, 32A) in 65 games, while leading the Silvertips with 196 penalty minutes. He then continued his solid play in the 07-08 season with 60 points (27G, 33A) in 60 games and a team leading 222 penalty minutes. Beach ended the 08-09 regular season with 63 points (24G, 39A) and 106 PIMs (33 points on 15G, 18A came in just 24 games with the Hurricanes).
“Kyle is a talented individual who is going to continue to develop as a player at the WHL and professional level.” said Preston adding “We feel this will be an excellent opportunity for him and wish him luck in his future development.”
Maxwell, a native of Magrath, AB already has ties to the Lethbridge area. His father Greg is a Crown Prosecutor in Lethbridge, while his uncle Brian is a former General Manager and coach with the Hurricanes. Maxwell was a star this past season in his first year of Junior A with the Olds Grizzlys of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. He tallied an impressive 55 points (13G, 42A) in his rookie AJHL season and was selected as a South division all star. He was second in AJHL Rookie of the Year Balloting to former Hurricanes prospect Corban Knight who signed a letter of intent with the University of North Dakota this past year.
“Mitch is a real good player who already has ties to Lethbridge hockey and is familiar with our program.” said Preston “We look forward to seeing him in a Lethbridge Hurricanes sweater.”
All of these players are expected to join the Canes this week prior to the team’s Friday night matchup with the Red Deer Rebels. Canes 16 year old defensemen, Brandyn Hulit and Drew Graham have both been reassigned.
Tough to see Kyle go since he was the most entertaining Hurricane in years. Like him or not, sit at ice level and you will never hear funnier things said on the ice. Too bad we got him in exchange for 2 players and a 1st rounder and only got 2 players in return (Alexander is not included). It is going to take a few years to erase the errors that the past regime left this club with. The former GM's lame attempt to salvage his job and make a "playoff run" (when we all knew that was a pipe dream considering what we saw on the ice) cost us a 1st rounder for a player who hardly saw the ice. I think that a team that is rebuilding could have done much better in building for the future. We do need experience on the blueline but that will not make up for last years weak draft class. For now I am going to trust Rich and give him a shot to put his stamp on the team. Hopefully this turns out to be a good deal for the canes. Defense will have to be a priority since the canes do not have a bona fide scorrer on the ice other than Carter Ashton. I like Carter a lot but I think if we are rebuilding dealing him may be the best move for the canes. Letting him play out his days here for nothing does nothing to move foreword. Deal him while he has a high value and we can look to the future. Good luck Kyle.
ReplyDeletefinally i think we have some very smart hockey people in mr preston and co. first we get a very talented euro for a 6 rounder, now another solid trade for 2 good dman,plus we have one more overage spot open, and all this without giving away any high draft picks for next year...great trades in my mind...keep up the good mr preston..
ReplyDeleteI don't know whether it was a good deal for us or not, but a great move to get Kyle away from our team. Fun to watch when he actually tried for 3 shifts a season, but the obvious problem was that he was in the penalty box or suspended altogether the rest of the time. KB has a lot of growing up to do, let him do it elsewhere. Can't coast forever, Kyle. Have fun getting booed in Everett, Tri-Cities, Portland, and maybe even Spokane(again), and Bye-bye. Richie.
ReplyDeleteKyle is a great kid who will become a great player as he matures. This trade was a wise one though. I hear the new players are excited to be coming here and Kyle will make his presence known wherever he goes. Best of luck Kyle.
ReplyDeleteAnd congratulations Mr. Preston and a very productive and postive couple of days.