Daily Dose of the DUB: WHL signings, first NHL goal for Hagel and more

WHL trade deadline believed to be February 25th

A source reported to DUBNetwork that the WHL has decided on February 25th to be this season’s trade deadline. With the COVID-19 pandemic among the issues with the shortened season, it is believed this date has been named so that players will not need to be held in quarantine or miss any time this season.

Blazers acquire Mckenzie

Forward Peyton Mckenzie (24GP, 0G, 2A with Moose Jaw) has been acquired by the Kamloops Blazers from the Moose Jaw Warriors. Heading to Moose Jaw is a sixth round pick in the 2021 WHL Draft. Mckenzie was a third round draft pick of the Warriors at the 2017 WHL Draft. Last season he split his time between the Warriors (21GP, 0G, 1A) and the Drumheller Dragons (12GP, 4G, 5A). In two games with the Dragons this season, Mckenzie had two assists.

Niven commits to Warriors

Forward Riley Niven has signed a WHL Standard Player Agreement with the Moose Jaw Warriors. Niven is a listed prospect of the Warriors, having not been drafted in his draft season. This season with the Moose Jaw Warriors U18 AAA program, Niven has two goals and six assists in six games.

Hurricanes sign Sahra-Kang

Defenseman Kayden Sadhra-Kang has signed a WHL Standard Player Agreement with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Sadhra-Kang was a ninth-round draft pick of the Hurricanes at the 2018 WHL Draft. Last season with St. George’s School Midget Prep, Sadhra-Kang scored one goal and added 17 assists in 36 games. He also played three games with the BCHL’s Surrey Eagles where he registered an assist.

Silvertips sign Ashton

Defenseman Zachary Ashton (78GP, 1G, 9A with Saskatoon and Seattle) has been signed to a WHL Standard Player Agreement by the Everett Silvertips. Ashton had been acquired by the Vancouver Giants on December 15th, 2020 from the Lethbridge Hurricanes but he had not played a game for the Hurricanes. He also did not see any game action with the Giants before being signed by the Silvertips. Ashton was a third-round pick of the Saskatoon Blades in 2016.

Broncos claim Williams off waivers from Thunderbirds

Just a few days after being released by the Seattle Thunderbirds, defenseman Owen Williams (190GP, 8G, 35A with Regina and Seattle) has been claimed off waivers by the Swift Current Broncos. Last season with Seattle, the 20-year-old Williams scored twice and added 16 assists.

Rockets waive Kindree

Forward Liam Kindree (142GP, 23G, 55A with Kelowna) was placed on WHL waivers by the Kelowna Rockets. The 20-year-old Kindree played 33 games with the Rockets last season scoring eight goals and adding eight assists. Kindree was a fourth-round pick in the 2015 WHL Draft.

Raiders announce leadership group

The Prince Albert Raiders announced their leadership group for the 2020-21 season. Defenseman Kaiden Guhle (137GP, 14G, 44A) has been named the team’s captain. Forwards Matthew Culling (129GP, 18G, 14A with Edmonton, Swift Current and Prince Albert), Spencer Moe (264GP, 43G, 77A), Justin Nachbaur (194GP, 36G, 38A), Eric Pearce (171GP, 14G, 11A), Reece Vitelli (199GP, 21G, 39A with Everett and Prince Albert), and Ozzy Wiesblatt (129GP, 41G, 69A) will join Guhle on a rotating basis as assistant captains.

Hitmen announce WHL Live pricing

In a now-deleted tweet, the Calgary Hitmen announced their pricing for the WHL Live on CHL TV. A 24-hour pass to watch all games that night will be priced at $6.99 while an all-access pass will run a person $59.99. The all-access pass grants you access to every game of the WHL season for all teams. Expect an official announcement from the WHl in the coming days.

Hagel scores first NHL goal

Forward Brandon Hagel (259GP, 103G, 176A with Red Deer ’15-’19) scored his first NHL goal last night as the Chicago Blackhawks defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets in a shootout 6-5. Hagel was playing his 18th NHL game. Hagel was unsigned by the Buffalo Sabres following his selection in the sixth round at the 2016 NHL Draft. Chicago then signed him during his 20-year-old season with the Rebels.

Geekie recalled to Hurricanes taxi squad

Forward Morgan Geekie (216GP, 78G, 124A with Tri-City ’13-’18) was recalled by the Carolina Hurricanes to serve on their taxi squad. Geekie had been sent to play for the Chicago Wolves and played in two games with the AHL club where he scored four goals and added an assist. Geekie was a third-round pick of the Hurricanes at the 2017 NHL Draft.

Lewis and Henry recalled to Colorado Eagles

Forwards Ty Lewis (190GP, 84G, 107A with Brandon ’14-’18) and Nick Henry (194GP, 78G, 124A with Regina and Lethbridge) were recalled from the Utah Grizzlies by the Colorado Eagles. Henry is a signed 2017 fourth-round draft pick of the Colorado Avalanche, Lewis was not drafted but is also signed by the Avalanche.

Evanoff earns amateur tryout

Goaltender Adam Evanoff (101GP, 47-38-10, 3.10GAA, .905sv% with Moose Jaw and Victoria) has earned himself an amateur tryout with the Stockton Heat. The 20-year-old goaltender was a 10th round pick of the Warriors in 2015 and was not drafted by an NHL team.

Ottenbreit called up to Iowa Wild

Defenseman Turner Ottenbreit (284GP, 24G, 84A with Saskatoon and Seattle ’13-’18) has been loaned by the Allen Americans to the Iowa Wild. Ottenbreit has scored two goals and added six assists in 23 games with the Americans. Ottenbreit was a member of the 2016-17 Ed Chynoweth Cup champion Seattle Thunderbirds. He was a 12th round pick of the Saskatoon Blades in 2012.

Addison reassigned to Iowa Wild

Defenseman Calen Addison (252GP, 41G, 174A with Lethbridge ’15-’20) was reassigned by the Minnesota Wild to the Iowa Wild. In three games with Minnesota, Addison was held pointless. In three games with Iowa this season, he has three assists. Addison was the second overall pick by the Hurricanes at the 2015 WHL Draft and a second-round draft pick by the Wild at the 2018 NHL Draft.

Wheat Kings prospect signs with Saints

2004-born forward Liam Watkins has signed with the Spruce Grove Saints for the 2020-21 season. Watkins was a fourth-round pick of the Brandon Wheat Kings at the 2019 WHL Draft. Watkins is also committed to the University of Nebraska-Omaha for the 2023-24 season.

Rebels prospect signs with Vipers

2005-born defenseman Luke Ashton has signed with the Vernon Vipers for the 2021-22 season. Ashton is a third-round 2020 WHL Draft pick of the Red Deer Rebels. Watkins was drafted out of the Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep team where he put up three goals and 22 assists in 29 games for the 2019-20 season.