Top defenceman Brendan Guhle shipped to Prince George
The Prince Albert Raiders made some roster moves following the 4-2 loss to the Prince George Cougars. Brendan Guhle has now been dealt to the Cats in exchange for 1999-born defenceman Max Martin and 1998-born winger Kolby Johnson. The green and gold also receive a 1st-round pick in 2018 and a 3rd-round pick in the 2019 WHL Bantam draft.
“He’s a puck moving defenceman … we think [Max Martin] is a guy who can really help our power play … we’ve got a guy who we think can come in and contribute right now,” general manager Curtis Hunt said.
“Kolby is a hard-nosed, up-and-down winger. He finishes checks, he’s not afraid to drop the mitts. He’s the kind of player that Raiders fans will appreciate. I think when we’ve got a young group, I think he’s a guy that can come in, add a physical presence and be a real good player for us.”
Martin was drafted in the second round of the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft by the Cougars. In 19 games this season, the Winnipeg, MB product has three goals and four assists. He was set to represent Canada at the 2015 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, but missed the event due to injury. He also captained Team Manitoba to a bronze medal at the 2015 Canada Winter Games, picking up four assists in six games.
Johnson was the Cougars’ selection in the third round of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft. Hailing from Kerrobert, he has suited up in 47 career games with Prince George. In those contests, he has a goal, three assists and 81 penalty minutes. Johnson was a back-to-back 20-goal scorer from 2012-2014; Hunt thinks shades of that can come back.
Hunt was complimentary of Guhle as his former veteran defenceman parts ways with the only junior club he’s played for.
“We want to thank Brendan Guhle for his contributions in the community and on the ice. He was a fantastic Raider,” said Hunt.
“We wish him luck through the playoffs and his professional career.”
The skilled and speedy blue liner is a big splash to an already talented lineup in Prince George. The (17-4-2) Cougars are currently in first place in the B.C. division, nine points ahead of the second place Kamloops Blazers.
Over his four seasons in Prince Albert, the Buffalo Sabres prospect suited up for 210 games while adding 79 points.
