WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades Acquire Reece Harsch from Thunderbirds

January 2, 2019 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


Defenceman Reece Harsch with the Seattle Thunderbirds
Defenceman Reece Harsch with the Seattle Thunderbirds
(Saskatoon Blades)

Saskatoon, Sask. - The Saskatoon Blades are pleased to announce the acquisition of 19-year-old defenceman Reece Harsch from the Seattle Thunderbirds. In exchange, the Blades have sent 17-year-old defenceman Zach Ashton and 2022 5th round bantam draft pick back to Seattle.

"Reece is an experienced player we've had our eye on for a while. He plays a hard game, has 25 games of playoff experience, and knows what it takes to win a championship in this league," stated Blades General Manager Colin Priestner. "We feel Reece makes us a better team today and his leadership and experience will help our younger players continue to develop."

Harsch, who stands at 6'3" and 198lbs, is a veteran in the Western Hockey League with 149 career regular season games under his belt. During that span, Reece has scored 15 goals, 47 points, and 77 penalty minutes. The right-handed defender also brings 25 games of playoff experience including a WHL Championship with the Thunderbirds in 2017, and a trip to the 2017 Memorial Cup.

Originally from Grande Prairie, Alta., Harsch was selected by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the 8th round of the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft. This season, Reece has 2 goals, 8 assists, and 25 penalty minutes in 28 games played with the Thunderbirds.

Zach Ashton, who was a 3rd round pick of the Blades in 2016, was in his rookie campaign with the Blades and registered 1 assist in nine games this season. The Blades would like to thank Zach for his contributions to our organization and community and wish him all the best in Seattle.

Reece will wear jersey #52 and is expected to join the Blades this week, and could make his debut as early as Friday night when the Blades host the Regina Pats.

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Images from this story

Defenceman Reece Harsch with the Seattle Thunderbirds
Defenceman Reece Harsch with the Seattle Thunderbirds
   



Western Hockey League Stories from January 2, 2019


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