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westbeach55
10-16-2006, 11:06 PM
Tigers Send Sokol To Portland
Created: Oct 16, 2006
Waste Management
PORTLAND, OR - The Portland Winter Hawks acquired 17-year-old forward Matt Sokol Monday from the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for a 5th round choice in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft.

Sokol had (0-1-1), 4 penalty minutes and a +2 rating in 8 games this season with the Tigers. Last year, as a 16-year-old, the 5’11, 185 pound center-winger had (0-2-2) with 11 penalty minutes and an even rating dressing for just 14 games of spot duty on a veteran-laden Tiger team that won the Central Division championship.

“It is important that we add some skill into our lineup,” said General Manager Ken Hodge. “This works well with our age group that we are trying to develop. After Matt becomes comfortable with our systems, we think he has a chance to be a contributor for us this season.”

In 2004-05, Sokol, from Los Angeles, California and a graduate of the California Wave minor hockey association that produced Winter Hawks’ defenseman Cameron Cepek and several other WHL players, played for the Syracuse Stars of the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League, posting (6-14-20) in 35 games.

“We saw quite a few players at Matt’s age group with the California Wave program and felt that group was very strong,” said Portland Coach Mike Williamson. “We hope Matt adds some speed and skill to our lineup and grows with the group of young players that we have.”

Tigers Head Coach and General Manager Willie Desjardins also commented on today's trade.
"Matt is a good young hockey player that wasn't able to get the ice time he wanted to develop, we wish Matt all the best in Portland and throughout the remainder of his career."

To fill the open spot on the their roster the Tigers have recalled 17-year-old defenseman Mark Isherwood from Burnaby of the BCJHL.

"We are real excited to have Mark back with us," stated Desjardins. "Mark played real well for us as a 16-year-old during his time here last season. He is a good skater and another power play defenseman who will contribute this year but is also a big part of our future."