Chiefs Stock Up On Experience

The Spokane Chiefs picked up some much needed depth for the Western Hockey League stretch run by making two trades before Friday’s noon deadline.

Spokane acquired a pair of 19-year-olds, goaltender David Haun from the Brandon Wheat Kings and defenseman Rick Berry from the Seattle Thunderbirds.

“I think first of all, we added depth,” general manager Tim Speltz said. “We got two guys that are older, more mature.”

To get Haun, the Chiefs gave up the rights to left wing Jeff Temple and future bantam draft considerations. They had acquired Temple’s rights from Medicine Hat earlier in the week. The Chiefs sent rookie Justin Ossachuk and this year’s second-round bantam draft pick to Seattle for Berry.

Berry is expected to be in town for tonight’s game against Kelowna at the Arena. Haun should arrive next week.

“David will be an excellent addition to our club, giving great support to workhorse Aren Miller,” coach Mike Babcock said. “The acquisition of Rick will add a big, mobile defenseman to help solidify our back end.”

, DataTimes