WHEAT KINGS ACQUIRE YAWORSKI
Brandon, MB. (Courtesy of Rob Henderson, Brandon Sun) — A team expected to be built around defence and goaltending added to its foundation on Thursday.
The Brandon Wheat Kings have added another veteran to their six projected returnees on the blue-line, acquiring overager Tyler Yaworski from the Prince Albert Raiders for a fifth-round pick in next year’s Western HockeyLeague Bantam Draft.
While the Wheat Kings have plenty of skill on the back end,with Ryan Pulock and Eric Roy both finishing among the top 10 defencemen in WHL scoring last season. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Yaworski’s size and demeanour — he was third in the WHL with 188 penalty minutes last season — add an element of intimidation.
“Tyler will bring a different dimension to our back end than what we had previously,” Wheat Kings general manager Kelly McCrimmon said. “We like our defence a lot. We think it’s the strength of our team, but we felt that a player like Tyler would be an important addition to our team.”
Yaworski played 71 games for the Raiders last season, with three goals and 17 assists. The Sherwood Park, Alta., native joins defenceman Ryley Miller and forward Dominick Favreau to push the Wheat Kings to the limit of three 20-year-olds on their roster.
ONE-TIMERS: The Wheat Kings open their training camp on Wednesday, Aug. 29, with main camp beginning two days later and the annual intrasquad game set for Sunday, Sept. 2 at 2 p.m. … D Brodie Melnychuk has agreed to his first pro contract after graduating from the Wheat Kings last season, signing with the ECHL’s Trenton Titans … Former Brandon University Bobcat Enio Sacilotto has been re-signed as an assistant coach for the WHL’s Victoria Royals for the upcoming season.
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Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition August 17, 2012
WHEAT KINGS’ NEWS RELEASE:
Brandon Wheat Kings General Manager Kelly McCrimmon has announced the acquisition of 20-year-old defenceman Tyler Yaworski from the Prince Albert Raiders. The three-year Western Hockey League veteran blueliner recorded 3 goals, 20 points and finished among the league leaders (3rd) with 188 penalty minutes in 71 games during the 2011-2012 campaign.
In exchange for the 6’4 200 lb Sherwood Park, AB native the Wheat Kings gave up a 5th round pick in the 2013 WHL bantam draft.
“We wanted to add a physical dimension to our blueline. While we feel our defense is solid, Tyler changes the mix for us,” says McCrimmon. “He’s a tough kid, who has really improved in the last year. We felt we needed a player like Tyler on our team.”
Yaworski joins defenceman Ryley Miller and forward Dominick Favreau as the Wheat Kings three returning overagers this season.
In other Wheat King news, defenceman Dylan Kuczek has informed the club that he will not be returning for 2012-13 season. In 33 games with the Wheat Kings last season the 18-year-old Kuczek had 1 goal, 1 assist and 27 penalty minutes.
Wheat Kings’ Rookie Camp gets underway on Wednesday and Thursday, August 29th and 30th. While Main Camp will be held on Friday, August 31st and will conclude with the hockey club’s annual Intrasquad Game on Sunday, September 2nd at 2 p.m.
Brandon’s pre-season opener is scheduled for Friday, September 7th with the Wheat Kings’ 2012 Home Opener on Friday, September 21st against the visiting Regina Pats.
