Tigers acquire WHL rights to Reily Pickford in trade with Thunderbirds
Medicine Hat, AB – The Medicine Hat Tigers made trade Monday morning with the Seattle Thunderbirds, acquiring the WHL rights to 2007 born defenceman Reily Pickford (Chauvin, AB) for 2005 forward Cru Hanas (Highland Village, TX).
Pickford is currently playing with the Lloydminster Lancers of the AEHL U18 AAA league, while Hanas spent one full season with the Tigers in 2022-2023. Registering one goal and three assists in 39 games, while to start the 2023-2024 season, Hanas had an assist in the Tigers 5-3 win over the Calgary Hitmen on September 23.
Tigers Head Coach & General Manager Willie Desjardins says Hanas improved immensely from the time he started in Medicine Hat to the start of the season.
“We want to thank Cru and his family, for all the time and dedication he’s put into the Tigers organization,” he says. “Cru is a good young player and we are proud of how he’s developed. We wish him all the best in Seattle.”
As for the acquired Riley Pickford, he is the younger brother of Bryce Pickford of the Seattle Thunderbirds.
The Tigers open a busy week in the WHL schedule with road games in Regina & Swift Current on Wednesday & Friday, followed by Pink in the Rink night at Co-op Place Saturday, October 7.
