The Kamloops Blazers have added a defenseman in a one-for-one deal today.

Coming to the Blazers from the Moose Jaw Warriors is 19-year-old captain of the Czech junior team Libor Zabransky, in exchange for 18-year-old Blazers forward Martin Lang.

Zabransky started his WHL career in Kelowna as a 17-year-old. He also played for the Saskatoon Blades before being traded to Moose Jaw earlier this season.

He scored four goals in five games for the Czech Republic at the World Juniors and was one his country’s player of the tournament.

“We are excited about the addition of Libor to our group,” said General Manager, Matt Bardsley. “With only six defensemen on our roster, we felt it was important to add a defenseman to our team.”

Lang was in his second season with the Blazers. After scoring 11 goals and putting up 33 points last season, this year he scored seven goals and put up 19 points this season.

“To get a good player you have to give up a good player in Martin Lang,” added Bardsley. “With the emergence of our younger forwards, this allowed this trade to be possible.”

Zabransky is expected to join the Blazers for a weekend home and home set with the Kelowna Rockets.

With the addition, the Blazers roster is at 22 players including 13 forwards, seven defensemen and two goaltenders.