Kassian
05-03-2005, 02:40 PM
Giants trade Robinson for feisty Regina Pats goalie Slade
Steve Ewen
The Province
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
It appears that the Marek Schwarz days are over with the Vancouver Giants, considering the Dustin Slade days are about to begin.
There's a trade embargo in the WHL until Thursday morning, but the Giants will announce a deal then that sees them pick up netminder Slade from the Regina Pats for speedy winger Matt Robinson.
Giants general manager Scott Bonner couldn't be reached for comment Monday, but Robinson, 19, confirmed the swap and said he's already spoken with Regina brass.
Schwarz, the Czech import who was Vancouver's starting netminder this past season, had yet to inform the Giants whether or not he was returning for next year, and with several teams looking for go-to goaltenders, Bonner jumped at the chance to nab Slade.
"It's weird, but it's OK," said Robinson, who had 11 goals and 30 points in 45 games with Vancouver this year. "With all the overages coming back, I knew they were going to have to do something. I'm very happy with how I was treated in Vancouver.
"I am also looking forward to going to Regina. I think I could get to play a big role with them."
Slade, 18, is an interesting study. The quick and agile Penticton native is capable of stealing games. He's also had a penchant for penalties, including starting a brawl with the Giants this season by hammering tough guy Triston Grant in the back of the head repeatedly.
That, along with his complaints about Regina's lacklustre talent level, led to run-ins with general manager Brent Parker, and he sent Slade home in January. Slade finished the year with the BCHL's Surrey Eagles, where he stayed out of trouble.
The Giants could go with both Slade and Schwarz, 19, but neither would be keen on sharing time. Schwarz has offers to play pro in the Czech Republic and he has a longtime girlfriend there.
sewen@png.canwest.com
© The Vancouver Province 2005
Steve Ewen
The Province
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
It appears that the Marek Schwarz days are over with the Vancouver Giants, considering the Dustin Slade days are about to begin.
There's a trade embargo in the WHL until Thursday morning, but the Giants will announce a deal then that sees them pick up netminder Slade from the Regina Pats for speedy winger Matt Robinson.
Giants general manager Scott Bonner couldn't be reached for comment Monday, but Robinson, 19, confirmed the swap and said he's already spoken with Regina brass.
Schwarz, the Czech import who was Vancouver's starting netminder this past season, had yet to inform the Giants whether or not he was returning for next year, and with several teams looking for go-to goaltenders, Bonner jumped at the chance to nab Slade.
"It's weird, but it's OK," said Robinson, who had 11 goals and 30 points in 45 games with Vancouver this year. "With all the overages coming back, I knew they were going to have to do something. I'm very happy with how I was treated in Vancouver.
"I am also looking forward to going to Regina. I think I could get to play a big role with them."
Slade, 18, is an interesting study. The quick and agile Penticton native is capable of stealing games. He's also had a penchant for penalties, including starting a brawl with the Giants this season by hammering tough guy Triston Grant in the back of the head repeatedly.
That, along with his complaints about Regina's lacklustre talent level, led to run-ins with general manager Brent Parker, and he sent Slade home in January. Slade finished the year with the BCHL's Surrey Eagles, where he stayed out of trouble.
The Giants could go with both Slade and Schwarz, 19, but neither would be keen on sharing time. Schwarz has offers to play pro in the Czech Republic and he has a longtime girlfriend there.
sewen@png.canwest.com
© The Vancouver Province 2005