The Kamloops Blazers have traded for forwards Ethan Rowland (left) and Kobe Verbicky ahead of the 2022 WHL Trade Dealine. (Photos via Red Deer Rebels/Rob Walltor and Andy Devlin)
While the Kamloops Blazers haven’t been in action on the ice because of a COVID-19 outbreak, they’ve been busy off the ice adding two depth forwards ahead of the WHL Trade Deadline on Jan. 17.
Monday, the team announced the acquisition of 19-year-old forward Ethan Rowland from the Red Deer Rebels in exchange for a conditional fifth round pick in the 2024 WHL Draft. It could improve to a fourth round pick based on the number of games Rowland is able to play with the Blazers.
An upper body injury has restricted the Calgary native to just 10 games this season, where Rowland has three goals and an assist for four points. His injury will keep him out out of game action until February.
In 95 career WHL games over the past four seasons, Rowland – a first round selection in the 2017 WHL Draft – has 12 goals and six assists to his name for 18 points.
“Ethan is a hardworking forward who plays the game at a high pace,” Blazers Head Coach and General Manager, Shaun Clouston said. “We look forward to Ethan providing depth and experience to our line-up down the stretch to the playoffs.”
Also joining the Blazers is 18-year-old forward Kobe Verbicky, a deal which was announced on Saturday.
The Blazers traded a seventh round pick in 2022 to the Edmonton Oil Kings for the Victoria native who was a second round pick in the 2018 WHL Draft.
“We are excited to have had the opportunity to acquire Kobe,” Clouston added. “Kobe is a great skater with offensive upside that will add depth to our strong group of 2003-born players.”
