Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the Club has acquired 19-year-old Forward Tim Bozon and 19-year-old Defenseman Landon Cross from the Kamloops Blazers in exchange for 17-year-old Forward Collin Shirley, 18-year-old Defenseman Matt Thomas along with a third round pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft and a first and fifth round selection in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft.
“With as competitive as the Eastern Conference is and with goals being so hard to come by this was an opportunity to add one of the WHL’s premier goal scorers to our line-up. We are also adding a top four defenseman that will help solidify and give more depth to our blueline group. To acquire a top six forward and a top four defenseman unfortunately you have to give up a lot and we feel we have given up two quality individuals in Collin and Matt along with some very high draft picks. We wish both players all the best with the Blazers,” added Chynoweth.
Tim Bozon is in his third season in the WHL after being selected in the 2011 CHL Import Draft (1st round – 27th overall). Bozon, whose Dad (Philippe) played in the NHL with the St. Louis Blues (1991-1995) was a third round draft pick (64th overall) of the Montreal Canadiens in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Landon Cross is also in his third season with the Blazers after being selected in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft (3rd round – 54th overall). Both players are expected to arrive in time for practice on Wednesday, October 23.
The ICE are now carrying 24 players, including two goaltenders, nine defensemen and 13 forwards.
MATT THOMAS
May 13, 1995 * Hometown: Calgary, AB
Defense * Shoots: Left * 6’3”, 192 lbs
YEAR TEAM GP G A TP PIM
2012-13 Kootenay ICE 66 0 2 2 28
2013-14 Kootenay ICE 11 0 1 1 4
COLLIN SHIRLEY
March 16, 1996 * Hometown: Saskatoon, SK
Left Wing * Shoots: Left * 6’2”, 181 lbs
YEAR TEAM GP G A TP PIM
2012-13 Kootenay ICE 60 9 14 23 20
2013-14 Kootenay ICE 11 2 1 3