The West Kelowna Warriors Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club were busy the week of the BCHL’s January 10th Trade Deadline.
The week started with veteran goaltender Brock Baier being dealt to the London Nationals(GOJHL) in exchange for future considerations. The Warriors then signed Scottsdale Arizona native Riley Morgan to fill in the open spot between the pipes. Morgan, 19, spent last season with the Winkler Flyers of the MJHL and took the first half of the 2019-2020 season off to deal with a family personal matter.
The Warriors then moved a couple pieces on the blueline. First, veteran defender Wyatt Head was sent to the Coquitlam Express in exchange for 2000 born defender Addison Macey and future considerations. The next move was the Warriors sending Austin Chorney to the Cowichan Valley Capitals in exchange for 2000 born defender Maxime Dumas and future considerations.
The Warriors also acquired Okanagan native and blue liner Corey McCann from the Trail Smoke Eaters in exchange for future considerations.
The week continued with the Warriors acquiring forward Elan Bar Lev Wise plus future considerations in exchange for Max Bulawka. Bar Lev Wise is committed to Ohio State University and brings a wealth of experience to the Warriors organization.
The Warriors got some bad news with Lucas Cullen and Spencer Hora leaving the Warriors due to personal reasons. “Lucas and Spencer will be missed,” stated Warriors President Chris Laurie. “But ultimately their personal well being takes precedence over hockey”.
“The objective of this trade deadline was to maintain a competitive group for a playoff push and build for next season,” stated Warriors new President Chris Laurie. “In the moves we made this week, we believe we accomplished that”.
The Calgary Hitmen(WHL) have also signed defender Andrew Viggars sending Viggars back to his hometown.
The Warriors next game is on the road versus the Merritt Centennials. Puck drop at 7:00pm from the Nicola Valley Memorial Arena.