The Kamloops Blazers have finalized one of the biggest trades in franchise history.
The deal with the Everett Silvertips sees World Junior gold medalist D Olen Zellweger and top goal scorer Ryan Hofer join the Blazers to bolster the roster for the Memorial Cup hosting season.
However, it comes at a price.
17 year-old defenseman Kaden Hammell, 20 year-old forward Drew Englot, 17 year-old defenseman Rylan Pearce and prospect forward Jack Bakker are going back to Everett.
The deal also includes four WHL first round prospects picks in 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.
The trade also sees the Blazers send a 2nd round selection in 2023, a 3rd round selection in 2025, a 4th round pick in 2023, a 5th in 2024, a conditional 2nd rounder in 2026, as well as a confirmed 6th round selection in 2026.
The deal totals 14 pieces between the two teams.
“We would like to thank Drew and Kaden for their commitment and time with our hockey club,” said GM/Head Coach Shaun Clouston. “We’d like to wish Drew, Kaden, Rylan and Jack the best in their future endeavors. We’d also like to welcome Olen and Ryan to our hockey club.”
Zellweger is regarded as the premiere defenseman in the WHL and junior hockey and has helped Canada win two gold medals at the World Juniors.
Olen Zellweger at the World Juniors in Halifax/via Jon Keen
He’s a 2nd round NHL pick of the Anaheim Ducks.
Hofer is a 6’3″ hard-nosed forward who is currently tied for 5th in WHL goals with 23.
The 20 year-old over-age forward is an NHL draft prospect of the Washington Capitals.
Ryan Hofer/via Jon Keen
The Blazers next game is Wednesday against Vancouver.
It’s possible both Zellweger and Hofer make their Blazer debuts in that game.
Kamloops currently leads the BC Division with a record of 22-8-4-2.
The Blazers sit 3rd in the Western Conference.
Everett is .500 on the season, with an 18-18-1 record, putting the Silvertips 5th.
Follow @RadioNLNews and @JonKeenNLSports to keep up with the WHL trade action as Tuesday afternoon approaches.
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— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) January 9, 2023
