The Brandon Wheat Kings and Red Deer Rebels have completed a one for one Western Hockey League trade.

In a deal announced Monday, the Wheat Kings acquired 19-year old defenceman Mason Ward from the Red Deer Rebels in exchange for 19-year old goalkeeper Connor Ungar.

A 6’5” 217 lb Lloydminster, Alberta product, Ward has spent the past two seasons in Red Deer, scoring three goals, 19 points and accumulating 83 penalty minutes in 83 career WHL games. During the 2020-21 campaign that concluded last month, Ward scored two goals and six points in 22 games.

Before joining the Rebels in the fall of 2019, Ward spent two seasons with the Alberta U18AAA in Lloydminster, scoring seven goals and 23 points in 66 games. As well, he dressed for nine games with the Alberta Junior Hockey League’s Lloydminster Bobcats.

“This trade allows us to add an experienced defenceman with good size, who is difficult to play against,” says Brandon general manager Doug Gasper. “His experience will be a valuable addition for our young defencemen that will be joining us next year.”

Ungar meanwhile played eight games with the Wheat Kings during the 2020-21 HUB campaign in Regina, compiling a 5-2-1 record and a 2.87 goals against average.

“Connor is a terrific person and this trade will allow him more opportunity to play and further his career,” Gasper added.

Brandon’s newest blueliner is the son of former Rebel defenceman Lance Ward.

A 4-year WHL veteran, Ward spent four seasons in the National Hockey League, with both Florida and Anaheim, before closing out his professional hockey in Europe.