The La Ronge Ice Wolves and Melville Millionaires have completed a blockbuster trade.
The La Ronge Ice Wolves have sent 20-year-old forward Zach Bannister and 19-year-old defenceman Dylan Thackeray to the Melville Millionaires in exchange for 19-year-old defenceman James Philpott and 20-year-old forward Booker Chacalias.
“Melville was looking to make a splash and they wanted Bannister. I noticed that Philpott was on the trade wire, so it kind of just worked out,” said Ice Wolves Head Coach and GM Kevin Kaminski. “I think they’re (Melville) getting a very high-end forward and a very skilled defenceman in Thackeray.”
Philpott, a Calgary, AB product, had 13 points in 17 games with Melville this season.
“He’s got very good hockey sense, he’s got very good skill, he moves the puck really well,” said Ice Wolves Head Coach and GM Kevin Kaminski when discussing what Philpott will bring to the team. “We’re hoping he can help out on the power play as well when the opportunity arises.”
Chacalias is also from Calgary. He recorded 11 points in 17 games with the Millionaires.
“We’re looking for some secondary scoring. He (Chacalias) was second in the league in scoring in the VIJHL last year,” said Ice Wolves Head Coach and GM Kevin Kaminski on the addition of Chacalias. “Hopefully he can come in here and lead whatever line he’s going to be playing on.”
Meantime, Bannister collected 15 points in 20 games with the Ice Wolves this season. Thackeray tallied six points in 12 games.
To add some extra sizzle to this deal, the Ice Wolves are set to play the Millionaires in La Ronge on Friday evening. Friday’s game is scheduled to get underway at 7:30 p.m. from the Mel Hegland Uniplex.
The Ice Wolves will close out their weekend on Saturday in Humboldt when they tangle with the Broncos for the second time this season.
(PHOTO: Zach Bannister (left) and Dylan Thackeray (right). Photos by David Smith.)