The Olds Grizzlys made a flurry of trades leading up to the Alberta Junior Hockey League trade deadline this past week.
They took part in a three-team transaction which saw hometown favourite Chase Olsen, the team captain, moved to the Spruce Grove Saints and goaltender Josh Brindza to the Sherwood Park Crusaders. In return, the Grizzlys received defenceman Tyler Pang and future considerations from the Crusaders. The last part of this deal saw forward Tyson Gruninger moved from Spruce Grove to Sherwood Park.
Pang arrives in Olds having scored 24 points in 26 games with the Crusaders this season. The 1999-born player is in his second year of junior hockey, having started his junior career in his hometown, Victoria, B.C. Pang was expected to be in the lineup for this past Sunday's home game versus the Canmore Eagles.
"We are very excited to have Tyler join our organization. He will be a great addition to our roster and help the team make a push for the playoffs," Grizzlys head coach Adam Redmond said.
In a news release, the team thanked Olsen for his "unquestionable dedication and service to the team throughout the past two seasons."
"Chase Olsen was our captain, and our leader," associate coach Joe Murphy said. "His play while in Grizzly uniform was exactly the type of effort, and pride that we desire from all in our organization. While his skill and production will be missed, his leadership and attitude will be felt immediately (in his new team)."
Murphy added, "the trade of Chase Olsen was not one that was approached carelessly. Chase was part of the process the entire way, as he was supportive of our organization. The Grizzlys are proud to be able to help Chase's pursuit of a scholarship in this manner, by allowing him to go to a team that should have a long post-season."
In another move, the Grizzlys traded defenceman Cale Cripps to the Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League for goaltender Sam-Jackson Visscher.
Visscher, born in 1998, played for the Whitecourt Wolverines last season before joining the Broncos. The 6-foot one -inch St. Albert, Alta., product is currently in his second year of Junior A hockey.
During his time with the Wolverines, he posted a .908 regular season save percentage and .903 post-season save percentage.
"The Olds Grizzlys would like to thank Josh Brindza and Cale Cripps very much for their hard work and dedication to the team during their time in Olds. We wish both players all the best with their new teams and their future hockey endeavours," the news release says.
-- This story was provided by the Olds Grizzlys and edited by the Albertan.
"Chase Olsen was our captain, and our leader. His play while in Grizzly uniform was exactly the type of effort, and pride that we desire from all in our organization."
JOE MURPHY
GRIZZLYS ASSOCIATE COACH
