Winter Hawks Shake-Up Roster With Trades

The players leaving are familiar and popular names with Winter Hawks fans.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Winter Hawks completed two, multi-player trades Thursday sending Colton Sceviour, Nick Hotson, and Lucas Alexiuk to the Lethbridge Hurricanes and Frazer McLaren, Ty Ariss and a fifth round draft pick in 2008 to the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Moose Jaw sends Defenseman Travis Ehrhardt and Forwards Keith Voytechek and Jason Grecica to Portland. From Lethbridge, the Winter Hawks receive Defensemen Ryan Kerr and Travis Bobbee, Forwards Jacob Dietrich and Nick Dietrich and the 5th Round, 2008 Draft choice that was sent to Moose Jaw.

"We have made a strong statement today with a series of player personnel moves to change the chemistry of the team and to overhaul the hockey environment," said Majority Owner, Jim Goldsmith. "We believe the players acquired in these trades will personify the skill and character we are looking for on the ice. We have improved our back-line dramatically and that it will not only provide a better defense, but create more opportunity to attack in the offensive zone. We appreciate the players who are moving on to new teams and wish them the very best."

Never before have the Winter Hawks moved so many players in one day.

"This is an unprecedented deal in our 32 year history," said Winter Hawks General Manager, Ken Hodge. "We felt it was important to address the needs of the blue line and hockey club and we would like to move forward under leadership of Rich Kromm."

The players leaving are familiar and popular names with Winter Hawks fans.

McLaren, who had been team captain prior to the trade, is tenth on the Winter Hawks all-time games played list with 270 in his five years with the Winter Hawks.

Hotson and Sceviour have four years under their belts as Sceviour joined the team as a 15-year old during the 2005 Playoffs. Both Alexiuk and Ariss were second year players.

"The guys leaving are all good players who other teams wanted and you have to give to get," said Hawks Head Coach, Rich Kromm, "the players have all been loyal soldiers for the Winter Hawks and we wish them all the best in their futures. With the situation that we are in we need to make some changes that address our needs. We have added some much needed experience to backend with Ehrhardt and Kerr."

Goldsmith remains dedicated to changing the direction of the franchise.

"We will continue to evaluate our hockey team on a daily basis and are prepared to make whatever changes necessary to insure we are a competitive hockey team now and in the future," said Goldsmith.

About The New Winter Hawks:

Ryan Kerr - 6'2, 208 pound Defenseman from Lions Bay, BC - The 18-year old has one goal and 21 assist for 22 points (1-21-22) to go along with 236 penalty minutes in 139 career Western Hockey League games. After the 2007-08 season, Kerr has two years of remaining WHL eligibility.

Ken Hodge on Kerr: "He is a solid defenseman who brings a physical presence and maturity to Portland."

Travis Bobbee - 6'0, 200 pound Defenseman from Arborg, MB - The 17-year old has 7-8-15 in 60 career games for the Hurricanes. Bobbee is eligible to play three more years for Portland but is currently recuperating from a shoulder injury.

Hodge on Travis Bobbee: "Travis is a skilled, offensive defenseman who help the Hawks be stronger in the defensive zone and improve on transitions."

Jacob Dietrich - 6'1, 206 pound Center from Deloraine, MB - the 20-year old has 216 career WHL games under his belt with 20 goals and 11 assists for 31 points in that time. As an overage player, 2007-08 will be his final season in the WHL.

Hodge on Jacob Dietrich: "He brings a wealth of experience, will be able to play in all situations and will add to the team's maturity and leadership."

Nick Dietrich - 6'0, 180 pound Right Wing from Deloraine, MB - The younger brother of Jacob Dietrich. The 18-year old rookie has yet to record a point in limited action this season. Nick Dietrich has two more years of WHL eligibility.

Hodge on Nick Dietrich: "Nick is a prospect and we look forward to seeing what he can bring to our team."

Travis Ehrhardt - 6'0, 195 pound Defenseman from Calgary, AB. The 18-year old has played in 134 career WHL games posting 4-49-53. Ehrhardt has 12 points in 18 games this season scoring three goals and recording nine assists. Ehrhardt can also play for the Hawks as a 19 and 20-year old.

Hodge on Ehrhardt: "Travis was key to this deal. He will provide stability on defense, has great on-ice vision and will provide a spark on our power play."

Keith Voytechek - 5'11, 180 pound Forward from Sherwood Park, AB. Portland is Voytechek's 5th team in his WHL career having played for Vancouver, Tri-Cities and Chilliwack prior to Moose Jaw. In 171 games, Voytechek is 30-43-73 for his career. This is Voytechek’s final year of WHL eligibility.

Hodge on Voytechek: "Keith can play center ice and left wing. He will be counted on for his leadership in this time of transition for the Winter Hawks. We see him as a player in the mold of (former Hawk) Teegan Moore."

Jason Grecica - 6'2, 212 pound Defenseman from Surrey, BC. The 17-year old has played 53 games for Lethbridge with one goal and one assist for his career. He has three years of WHL eligibility remaining.

Hodge on Grecica: "Grecica will be a depth player for us right now and we look forward to his development."

The Departing Players:

Frazer McLaren - The 20-year old Right wing was third in Winter Hawks scoring with four goals and three assists (4-3-7) and 45 PIM in 18 games this season. In 270 career games as a Hawk, McLaren scored 41-29-70 with 591 penalty minutes. His 270 games played puts him in ninth place all-time for games played as a Winter Hawk. McLaren was a 7th round draft pick of the San Jose Sharks in the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

Colton Sceviour - The 18-year old Right Wing was second in Winter Hawks scoring having posted two goals and eight assists for 10 points (2-8-10) in 17 games this season. In 130 career games, Seviour is 17-40-57. He was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the 4th Round of the 2007 National Hockey League Entry Draft.

Nick Hotson - The 20-year old Right Wing was the Hawks leading scorer last season after posting 18-22-40 in 71 games. After 18 games this season, Hoston is currently sixth in team scoring with 3-2-5.

Lucas Alexiuk - The 18-year old Defensemen has no goals and nine assists in 85 career games. Alexiuk was in his second season with the Portland Winter Hawks.

Ty Ariss - The 17-year old Defensemen had no points (0-0-0) and 30 penalty minutes in 10 games this season. Ariss played in 40 career games as a Winter Hawk, collecting one assist and 86 penalty minutes in that time.

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