trade

[scamperdog]

Guggenberger to Kelowna http://gdrinnan.blogspot.com/
The Swift Current Broncos have traded G Mark Guggenberger, who turns 20 today, to the Kelowna Rockets for a conditional 2010 fifth-round bantam draft

[Toswammi]

you guys get an underrated goalie here. Really turned it around after he left Portland.

[rednex50]

I think anyone can turn it around after leaving Portland...but I do feel this is a solid pick up

[Toswammi]

I think anyone can turn it around after leaving Portland...but I do feel this is a solid pick up
With the state of that franchise over the past few years you are probably right.

[Malc]

By Doyle Potenteau

The Western Hockey League's trade deadline came and went on Saturday, and the Kelowna Rockets managed two deals before the 2 p.m. buzzer sounded.

First, the Rockets acquired a new goaltender by dealing for Mark Guggenberger, 20, of the Swift Current Broncos for a fifth-round selection in the WHL's 2010 bantam draft. Later in the day, Kelowna acquired centre Ian Duval, 20, from the Moose Jaw Warriors for 18-year-old winger Jesse Paradis.

Of Saturday's two trades, bringing in Guggenberger was predictable – that is, the position, not the player.

Brought in from the Kootenay Ice at season's beginning to be Kelowna's No. 1 goalie, Kris Lazaruk had been consistently inconsistent, which eventually prompted Saturday's trade.

Lazaruk, 20, will be released, and Guggenberger, who hails from Richland, Minn., will assume the No. 1 role.

At 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds, Guggenberger has one season of junior eligibility left, meaning he can return next season as an over-age player. His birthday is Jan. 10.

"Any time you make a move with personnel, it's tough because you have good people going out," said Rockets goaltending coach Kim Dillabaugh. "We hope we have some good people coming in, which we believe is the case. It's tough, but we're excited about the move."

Originally listed by the Portland Winter Hawks, Guggenberger was acquired by Swift Current at the trade deadline last season.

In 24 starts this season, Guggenberger has a record of 12-11-0-0, a 2.81 goals-against average and a 91.4 save percentage.

In 26 starts this season, Lazaruk had a record of 12-13-0-0, a goals-against average of 3.04 and an 87.4 save percentage.

"We felt we had a chance to get a younger goalie who has had success in Swift Current," Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton said of Guggenberger. "And it gives us more options going into next season at the goaltending position."

As for Lazaruk, he'll be released by Kelowna, with his playing options likely being junior A in Alberta or the United States Hockey League.

"From Day 1, Kris had a hard time getting established," Dillabaugh said of Lazaruk.

"He never fell into his own rhythm," continued Dillabaugh. "He had stretches where he played very well for us, and he had stretches where he didn't bring his A-game for us. Consistency was an issue almost from the start of the season. It's tough when that's the case, but sometimes that happens."

Concerning Kelowna's second trade, Duval, the Rockets landed an over-age centre who's in his fifth and final season of junior eligibility. The 6-0, 183-pound forward from Winnipeg has 14 goals and 31 points in 31 games this season. Kelowna is his fourth WHL team, with previous stops in Regina, Calgary and Moose Jaw.

Overall, Duval has played in 305 regular-season games (76 goals, 172 points) and 42 playoff contests (3 goals, 10 points). He was selected in the seventh round of the 2003 bantam draft by Regina, 131st overall. His best season was 2007-08, when he tallied 22 goals and 50 points in 71 games.

Paradis, who has 18 points in 79 regular-season games, was picked by Kelowna in the fourth round of the 2006 draft, 81st overall.

"It's always difficult to move a young players like Jesse, who came to our organization as a draft pick," said Hamilton. "However, we had the opportunity to get an experienced centre in Ian Duval. With the current roster, Jesse would likely see limited ice time down the stretch.

"In Ian, we get a player that has been in the league for the past four years and will play in all situations. One of his strengths is his speed, and we're looking forward to him joining our team."

http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories_local_sports.php?id=157510