WHEAT KINGS MOVE UP IN CHL IMPORT DRAFT; TRADE HARRIS
Brandon, Manitoba The Brandon Wheat Kings completed a trade Tuesday night with the Prince Albert Raiders that will see the Western Hockey League club, for the first time ever, move up into the top ten in Wednesday’s Canadian Hockey League Import Draft.r
r
In order to obtain the ninth overall selection, the Wheat Kings dealt overage defenceman Kevin Harris to Prince Albert.r
r
In 72 games with the Wheat Kings this past season, the 20-year old Altona product had fourteen goals and 44 points. During his three seasons in Brandon, the former Dauphin King played in 218 games, scoring 34 goals and 139 points in the process. r
r
By acquiring the ninth pick in round one, the Wheat Kings will have their highest pick ever in the Import Draft. Two years ago, Brandon opted for Jiri Jakes with the fourteenth pick of the opening round. r
r
Jakes remains the only import on Brandon’s roster but because the Czech forward will be entering his overage season this year and is eligible to play professional hockey, the Wheat Kings will be permitted to draft two Europeans this week. Austrian Thomas Vanek, Brandon’s first round pick (25th overall) in 2001 will transfer to the CHL Special List and will remain property of the Wheat Kings. Jakes is one of seven overage players eligible to return this season, joining Brett Thurston, Robert McVicar, Ryan Craig, Colin McRae, Adrian Foster and Dustin Bru. WHL clubs are permitted to carry a maximum of three 20-year old players each season.r
r
In addition to the top ten pick, Brandon maintains it’s original first round selection (50th overall), where they are expected to draft a second player.r
r
The CHL Import Draft will begin at nine o’clock Wednesday morning, with Brandon set to make it’s first round selection at 9:45 Manitoba time. The Wheat Kings will draft again at approximately 4:45 Wednesday afternoon.r
r
The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds, thanks to a recent trade with the Ontario Hockey League’s Mississauga Ice Dogs, will have the first overall pick, followed by the Sherbrooke Castors of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the WHL’s Medicine Hat Tigers.r
r
For complete results from the 2002 CHL Import Draft, visit www.chl.car
r
r
