Brandon, Manitoba – The Western Hockey League’s Brandon Wheat Kings have announced the acquisition of high touted 17-year old netminder James Priestner from the Kamloops Blazers.
In exchange for the 6’ 175 lb Edmonton product, the Blazers receive a third round pick in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft.
A second round pick of the Blazers (31st overall) in the 2006 draft, James was the second goaltender chosen that year.
“Acquiring James provides us with a top young goaltender,” says Wheat Kings’ general manager and head coach Kelly McCrimmon. “James comes as a highly regarded prospect and we look forward to having him join our organization.”
As a 16-year old rookie, Priestner appeared in 24 games for the Blazers last season, compiling a respectable 3.41 goals against average, an .873 save percentage and a record of 6-12-0-1. He also played in one game as a 15-year old prospect in 2006-07. That same season, he posted a 3.49 goals against average as a member of the Edmonton AAA CAC Midgets.
McCrimmon expects Priestner to arrive in Brandon on Tuesday.
Today’s announcement leaves Brandon with twenty-seven players on its active roster including three goalkeepers. In addition to Priestner, the Wheat Kings have veterans Andrew Hayes (18) and Joe Caligiuri (19). |
