Chiefs acquire veteran

The Spokane Chiefs have acquired 19-year-old forward Justin McCrae from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for 18-year-old Chris Langkow and 16-year- old list player Burke Gallimore.

McCrae is in his fourth full season in the WHL, all with the Blades. He was Saskatoon’s captain this season.

“Anytime you can acquire a WHL captain, those leadership abilities and character are going to be a strong asset for your organization,” Chiefs general manager Tim Speltz said.

“Justin is a proven veteran who can play both center and right wing,” coach Bill Peters said of McCrae, who played for him at the 2005 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.

This past summer, McCrae was selected in the fourth round (102nd overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL Entry Draft. The Cochrane, Alberta, native has 11 goals and 24 points in 35 games this season.

Langkow is a two-year veteran who has seven goals and 15 points in 39 games this season. Gallimore was Spokane’s second-round selection in 2006 and is playing in the Alberta Midget AAA League where he has 15 goals and 39 points in 25 games.