PATS MAKE BLOCKBUSTER DEAL
- PATS, ROCKETS SWAP TOTAL OF 6 PLAYERS -
Regina, Saskatchewan – The Regina Pats have completed the largest trade in the WHL this season, swapping a total of 6 players with the Kelowna Rockets. The Regina Pats are shipping forwards Justin Bernhardt, Jason MacDonald, and prospect Kyle St. Denis to Kelowna, in exchange for forwards Troy Ofukany, Kaspars Saulietis, and Kirt Hill.
Bernhardt, the native of Yorkton, SK, had been with the Pats organization for 3 years, collecting a total of 73 points in 128 games played, including a breakout season last year, when he potted 22 goals and 23 assists for 45 points. This season, Bernhardt had collected 7 goals and 10 assists for 17 points in 25 games played with the Pats. This past fall, Bernhardt was signed to an NHL Amateur Tryout Agreement, and suited up with the San Jose Sharks’ rookies during the “Pacific Division Shootout.”
MacDonald, originally from Calgary, AB, has appeared in 18 games with the Pats this season, collecting 1 goal, along with a -6 plus/minus rating. MacDonald (6’1”, 175lb) suited up for 40 games with the Pats last season, collecting 1 goal and 2 assists on the year.
St. Denis, native of Trail, BC, was originally drafted by the Vancouver Giants in the 5th round of the 2005 WHL Bantam Draft. St. Denis (5’7”, 160lb) was on the Pats’ protected list, and is currently playing for the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL, where he has 12 goals and 15 assists in 28 games played so far this season.
In exchange, the Pats receive a trio of players, headlined by 19-year old Troy Ofukany. Ofukany was the leading scorer for the Rockets so far this season, compiling 12 goals and 8 assists in 30 games. The 6’0”, 193lb product of Kamloops, BC, Ofukany also brings an element of toughness to the table, collecting 67 minutes in penalties this season with the Rockets. Last season, he accumulated 26 points in 68 games for the Rockets, along with 112 penalty minutes.
With the move, the Pats also fill their 2nd import roster spot by bringing in Kaspars Saulietis, a naitve of Riga, Latvia. 19 year-old Saulietis (6’4”, 190lb) is playing in his rookie campaign in the WHL, having collected 9 goals and 8 assists in 24 games with the Rockets.
The Pats will also be welcoming 18-year old Kirt Hill, a native of Winnipeg, MB. Hill (5’11”, 171lb) has played the last 3 years with the Rockets, collecting 37 points in 123 games played, to go along with 134 PIM’s. Hill currently sits with 7 goals and 9 assists for 16 points, combined with 47 minutes in penalties.
The three newest members of the Pats’ hockey club will meet up with the team in Calgary this evening, and hopefully be in the line-up for this weekend’s games, beginning with a match-up with the Calgary Hitmen tomorrow night at the Pengrowth Saddledome.