trade press release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / SUNDAY, JANUARY 10, 2009



BLAZERS ACQUIRE TWO PLAYERS FROM HITMEN



Kamloops, BC – The Kamloops Blazers General Manager Craig Bonner announced today that the hockey club has acquired 17 year old defenseman Austin Madaisky and 18 year old forward Chase Schaber, as well as a conditional draft pick, in exchange for 19 year old forward Tyler Shattock, 19 year old defenseman Zak Stebner and 18 year old forward Jimmy Bubnick.

Madaisky, 6’2” 200lb defenseman is in his second WHL season. In 39 games this year, Madaisky has 5 goals and 18 points. The former first round bantam pick is ranked in Central Scouting’s WHL watch list for the 2010 NHL draft. Schaber, 6’0” 195lbs is in his third WHL season. In 40 games this season, Schaber, also a former first round bantam pick, has 8 goals and 27 points.

“We felt it was important to add a quality defenseman like Austin in that particular age group,” Bonner said. “Adding Chase to our line up gives us a quality two way player that also brings us leadership and character; he is someone who can play in all situations.”

“With this particular transaction, we have added two competitive and character players that come from a good organization to our hockey club. It was necessary to change the dynamics of this team now and in the future. By completing this deal we believe we have accomplished that,” Bonner added.

“We’d like to thank Tyler, Zak and Jimmy for their time with the Blazers and hope they continue to develop with the Hitmen.” Bonner concluded.

The Blazers roster now sits at 21 players, including 12 forwards, 7 defensemen, and 2 goaltenders.