Broncos & Thunderbirds swing Thursday deal

The Swift Current Broncos added experience to their forward core Thursday afternoon, acquiring 18-year-old Brecon Wood from the Seattle Thunderbirds.

Additionally, the Broncos acquired a conditional eighth-round selection in the 2021 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft. In exchange, the Thunderbirds have acquired  2003-born forward Ashton McNelly.

Wood comes to the Broncos with 150 games of WHL regular season and playoffs experience with the Thunderbirds and Moose Jaw Warriors. The 6-foot-1, 182-pound product of Edmonton, Alta. was originally selected by the Warriors in the seventh round, 140th overall, of the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft.

Last season, Wood suited up in 53 games with the Warriors and Thunderbirds, posting nine points (4G-5A). Overall, he’s suited up in 137 WHL regular season games, posting 15 points (8G-7A). Wood has also appeared in 13 WHL playoff games.

“We appreciate Brecon’s time with the team,” said Thunderbirds General Manager Bil La Forge. “We wish him all the best in Swift Current. We’re excited to get a high-character prospect in Ashton and we will be watching his progress this season in midget.”

Heading to the Thunderbirds in the deal is McNelly, younger brother of current Thunderbird forward Cade McNelly.

Ashton, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound product of Westlock, Alta., played last season with the Fort Saskatchewan Midget AAA Rangers of the Alberta Midget AAA Hockey League (AMHL). In 31 games, the 16-year-old posted two points (1G-1A). In the 2016-17 season, McNelly won a championship in the Alberta Major Bantam AAA Hockey League (AMBHL) with the Fort Saskatchewan Bantam AAA Rangers.

The Broncos selected the younger McNelly in the 10th round, 216th overall, of the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft.

NEWS: The Broncos have acquired Brecon Wood (@breconwood91 2000, F) and a conditional 8th-round pick in 2021 from the @SeattleTbirds.

Details: https://t.co/PgUuilsdc0 pic.twitter.com/rY0NUzyMHy

— Swift Current Broncos (@SCBroncos) September 12, 2019

NEWS | T-Birds Acquire Ashton McNelly From @SCBroncos https://t.co/hNHfPhM4zk pic.twitter.com/dd0feAr4An

— Seattle Thunderbirds (@SeattleTbirds) September 12, 2019