Chiefs Acquire Rutherford From Vancouver

[nivek_wahs]

http://www.spokanechiefs.com/news/?ID=1535

CHIEFS ACQUIRE RUTHERFORD FROM VANCOUVER
9/18/2006

The Spokane Chiefs have acquired 19-year-old forward David Rutherford from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for a fifth round selection in either the 2007 or 2008 WHL Bantam Draft.

“David is a player that plays with skill and speed but also competes,” Chiefs General Manager Tim Speltz said. “The new rules fit his game.”

Rutherford is entering his second full season in the WHL after appearing in 41 games last season with the Giants. The Ladner, BC native scored four goals and 10 points and was +5 in 2005-06.

[GF71]

He is absolutley PUMPED to be going there. He will be there tomorrow. You are getting a kid that skates like the wind. AWESOMME stick handling skills. He gives it his all...but gets knocked off the puck a bit to easily and like to go for the triple gainer, and he chirps but what are you gonna do. I have watched David play for the better part of 3 years. He can be pretty effective, BUT he has to get top 2 line ice time. Will he get it in Spokane?

[90-91]

He is absolutley PUMPED to be going there. He will be there tomorrow. You are getting a kid that skates like the wind. AWESOMME stick handling skills. He gives it his all...but gets knocked off the puck a bit to easily and like to go for the triple gainer, and he chirps but what are you gonna do. I have watched David play for the better part of 3 years. He can be pretty effective, BUT he has to get top 2 line ice time. Will he get it in Spokane?

It's great to hear that he's excited to come here to play.

Whether he gets top 2 line ice time is hard to say.....

Hobson, Ryan, Wahl, Grabner, & Bowman will be solid top 2 line players...so if he can beat out the other forwards for that final spot maybe.

Glad the Chiefs are picking up another speedster.

[90-91]

BUT he has to get top 2 line ice time. Will he get it in Spokane?

I just re-read your post......Why does he HAVE to get top 2 line ice time??

I have no doubt that he'll get plenty of ice time....but where ever he fits in.

[GF71]

He has to get top two time to be most effective...His game is a run and gun type, strong on the PP. If he gets reduced minutes he will be expected to grind it out, and he is NOT a grinder. All flash and dash this kid. One of his biggest weaknesses is his lack of strength. A corner man he is not. You'll see, when you watch him play. If he gets the time to wheel he is much more effective, but he was too far down the Giants' depth chart.

[90-91]

Oh, OK thanks for clarifying that.

The Chiefs are set up to be a run & gun type of team this year, so he should fit right in.

I'm looking forward to watching him play this weekend.

[LifelongChiefsFan]

I hope he is able to contribute right away. The Chiefs always seem to trade for an older player right before the season starts. Rutherford being excited to play here will help him if that enthusiasm translates to a good work ethic on the ice. However since he has not been in the WHL for that long I'm not expecting much from him...at least for the start of the season.

[chiefgongshow]

He was apart of the Memorial Cup team, which is always a plus as players that have those experiences keep that winning attitude with them. Thats one of the biggest things Spokane has needed over the years in the lockerroom.

[Jimmypop316]

He has the most important part to the team right now, a damn good attitude from the sound of things. He should fit in nicely, and hopefully if he plays like stated above he should be a nice addition to the offence.

[Swando]

He was apart of the Memorial Cup team, which is always a plus as players that have those experiences keep that winning attitude with them. Thats one of the biggest things Spokane has needed over the years in the lockerroom.

Unfortunately David didn't play much of the last 1/3rd of the season due to a shoulder injury. When he was healthy others had stepped up and surpassed him. His best part of his season was his first 5 games...and then injuries and lack of playing time beset him. I think you guys have a kid that will do "alot" better now that he is not playing in his back yard.