WHL Saskatoon Blades

Blades-Rockets Execute Trade

Published on June 26, 2008 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Saskatoon Blades News Release


The Saskatoon Blades have announced the acquisition of centre Milan Kytnar and defenseman Colin Joe from the Kelowna Rockets. In exchange, the Blades sent their 1st round (24th overall) pick in today's 2008 CHL Import Draft and their 5th round pick in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft to the Rockets.

Kytnar, a 19 year old Slovak, will join Blades defenseman Jyri Niemi as the team's two import players in 2008/09. Kytnar was originally drafted 7th overall by the Rockets in the 2007 CHL Import Draft and was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 5th round (127th overall) in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. The 6'1", 197 pound forward made his WHL debut in 2007/08 where he recorded 9 goals and 13 assists in 62 games to go along with 66 penalty minutes with Kelowna. Prior to joining the Canadian Hockey League, Kytnar captained Team Slovakia at the 2007 World U-18 Championships and was 2nd in team scoring with 2 goals and 5 assists. In 2006/07 he averaged nearly 2 points a game with Piestany in the Slovakian U-18 League, posting 37 goals and 54 assists for 91 points in 53 games.

Joe, a 20 year old defenseman, joins current Blade Mike Reich to become the Blades second 20 year old heading into next season. From Edmonton, AB, the 6'0, 180 pound blue liner spent 4 full seasons with the Rockets and will now be entering his 5th and final season in the Western Hockey League. With nearly 250 games of WHL experience, Joe will be relied upon to bring leadership to the youthful Blades dressing room. Joe has suited up for 248 games in the WHL, recording 2 goals and 25 assists for 27 points in addition to 146 penalty minutes. Colin was originally a 3rd round draft pick of the Rockets in the 3rd round (60th overall) of the 2003 WHL Bantam Draft.

"In Milan we feel that we have acquired a very skilled player with good hockey sense who will fill in a gap that is missing in our hockey club with a lack of 19 year old forwards," commented Blades GM/Head Coach Lorne Molleken. "Milan is a good character kid who competes hard and will fit in well with our organization and has not reached his full potential in the Western Hockey League yet."

"The acquisition of Colin is going to add a large amount of leadership to our dressing room from his previous 4 years in the league," said Molleken. "He is a very strong skater with solid puck skills that will be a mentor to our young defenseman returning next season."

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