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Blazers trade 19-year-old forward Shea Van Olm to Spokane Chiefs

Jon Keen
Jan 9, 2024 | 9:01 PM


Blazers trade 19-year-old forward Shea Van Olm to Spokane Chiefs

The Blazers' Shea Van Olm in action against the Victoria Royals on Dec. 3, 2023. (Photo via Allen Douglas)

The Kamloops Blazers continue to rebuild by trading a second veteran forward in as many days.

The Blazers sent 19-year-old forward Shea Van Olm to the Spokane Chiefs for 17-year-old forward Cole Wadsworth and a pair of draft picks – Spokane’s third round pick in 2025 and Tri-City’s second round pick in 2026.

Van Olm, who was acquired from the Edmonton Oil Kings in November 2022, has put up 48 points (17 goals and 31 assists) in 89 games over parts of two seasons with the Blazers.

“It is tough when you have to say goodbye to a great team and so many people that you care about,” Van Olm said. “Kamloops will always have a special place in my heart – amazing fans, great Billet family, and very supportive coaching and support staff.”

The Calgary native is in the midst of a career year as he leads the Blazers in assists (18), and is second in goals (11) and points (29) in 38 games.

“We are excited to add Shea to our lineup. He’s having a good season offensively, which will be nice to add to our lineup,” Chiefs General Manager Matt Bardsley, a former GM of the Blazers said.

“He has good size and a nice skill set. His 23 games of playoff experience, along with Memorial Cup experience, will also be a great addition to our team in our goal of making a run in the playoffs.”

Wadsworth, a Penticton native, has six points (four goals and two assists) in 20 games, with four of those points coming in his last seven games.

The second-year player has 11 points (four goals and seven assists) in 71 career WHL games with Spokane.

The rebuilding Blazers traded Kamloops native Dylan Sydor to the Lethbridge Hurricanes for a similar return on Monday as they continue to stockpile assets and draft picks.

It is not clear if Blazers are done wheeling and dealing just yet, with the WHL Trade Deadline set for 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 10.

Van Olm will make his return to Kamloops on Feb. 28 when the Chiefs and Blazers play their final regular season game of the season.