Warriors add two prior to trade deadline

Photo: Wayne Moore - File Photo

The West Kelowna Warriors scquired defenceman Braden Pears (7) from the Trail Smoke Eaters Tuesday

The West Kelowna Warriors added two and subtracted one Tuesday, three days in advance of the Jan 10 BC Hockey League trade deadline.

The Warriors made their fourth deal involving a defenceman acquiring 20-year-old rearguard Braden Pears from the Trail Smoke Eaters in exchange for 19-year-old defenceman Zane Shartz.

The Warriors also receive future considerations in the deal.

Ironically, Shartz was one of the four defencemen the Warriors have brought in during the season. He was picked up in a Nov. 19 deal that sent fellow d-man Braxton Bilous to Brooks in the Alberta Junior League.

The Warriors have also picked up Ryan Ivey and Taki Pantziris during the season.

Pears, 6'1", 185lbs, played 41 games with the Smoke Eaters this season, amassing two goals and 21 assists.

In 223 games with five different teams over four plus seasons, Pears has 14 goals and 64 assists.

The Warriors also picked up 19-year-old forward Nathan Craft from the Langley Rivermen for future considerations.

In 35 games with Langley, Craft has 1 goal, eight assists and 64 minutes in penalties.

Over four seasons in the BCHL, Craft has totalled 40 points and 138 minutes in penalties in 91 games.

Craft will assume the roster spot of Brennan Clark who was forced to retire earlier in the season.

Pears and Craft should both be in the line-up Friday when the Warriors try to extend their five game unbeaten streak when they host the Coquitlam Express.