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Kelowna Rockets swing two deals Monday

Rockets busy on trade front

Bruce Hamilton was a busy man on Monday.

The Kelowna Rockets president and GM swung a pair of trades during the day.

Early in the day, the Rockets sent 18-year-old forward Rilen Kovacevic to the Edmonton Oil Kings in exchange for overage Carson Golder and a third-round pick in next year's prospects draft.

Later in the day, Hamilton sent the WHL playing rights to 18-year-old goaltender Nicholas Cristiano to the Victoria Royals for a fifth round 2023 draft pick.

In Golder, the Rockets obtain a veteran two-way player who can play both forward and defence.

"It's unique that he can play both positions and something that we'll take advantage of," said Hamilton.

"He brings a little more depth to our lineup and adds speed, which I felt we needed to address."

Golder led the Oil Kings in scoring this season with eight goals and 15 points in 24 games.

Kovaceivc appeared in 20 games for the Rockets, scoring five goals and nine points.

"For Kovacevic, it's an opportunity for him to be on a team where he thinks he should be and that's in the top six," said Hamilton.

"I think it's a situation where I think a change of scenery will be good for him. He's a talented player that has a lot to give, but he's still in the learning process of playing in this league."

Cristiano meantime started just one game with the Rockets before he was reassigned to the BCHL's West Kelowna Warriors.

He had a 1-2 record with a 4.42 goals against average in three starts with the Warriors.



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