Broncos and Hurricanes Make Deal

Published on January 7, 2013 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Swift Current Broncos News Release

Swift Current, SK - Swift Current Broncos General Manager and Head Coach, Mark Lamb, has announced that the club has acquired 17-year-old forward Jay Merkley from the Lethbridge Hurricanes in exchange for 19-year-old forward Josh Derko and a 3rd round pick in the 2014 WHL Bantam Draft.

Merkley has recorded 22 points (14G,8A) in 44 games played with the Lethbridge Hurricanes so far this season. Last season, the 5'11", 187-pound product of Calgary, AB tallied 12 goals and 11 assists in 58 games played in his rookie season with the Hurricanes. He was selected 3rd overall by Lethbridge in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft.

"He is a highly-touted, right-handed shot who has shown he can score," says General Manager & Head Coach, Mark Lamb. "His strong offensive skill will be a perfect fit for our team moving forward and we are excited to have him join us."

Derko has recorded 11 points (3G,8A) in 31 games played with the Broncos this season. Last season, the 6'2", 196-pound Sherwood Park, AB native tallied nine goals, four assists and 100 penalty minutes in 63 games played. He was selected by the Broncos in the 5th round, 100th overall of the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft.

"He's a solid, popular player that has improved every year," states General Manager & Head Coach, Mark Lamb. "He is the type of player every team wants and needs. He brings his passion for the game both on and off the ice every day and will be missed."

The Swift Current Broncos Hockey Club would like to thank Josh for his countless contributions to the organization and wish him all the best in his future endeavours.

Merkley is expected to be in the Broncos line up for Wednesday night's game against the Red Deer Rebels.

Western Hockey League Stories from January 7, 2013

• Canes Trade Jay Merkley to Swift Current - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Blazers Host Americans Wednesday at ISC - Kamloops Blazers
• Broncos and Hurricanes Make Deal - Swift Current Broncos
• Blazers Week in Review - Kamloops Blazers
• Blazers Sign Sideroff to WHL Contract - Kamloops Blazers
• Chiefs Add Forward to Roster - Spokane Chiefs
• Arvin Atwal Called up for the Season - Vancouver Giants
• Weekly Ice Report - Kootenay Ice
• Hawryluk Tip Top Player of the Month - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Americans Sign Prospect Matthew Gelinas - Tri-City Americans
• Raiders Kick off Frank Dunn Toyota Future Raiders Program for 2013 - Prince Albert Raiders
• Fans Vote Brett Zarowny as December Player of the Month - Prince George Cougars
• Hitmen Complete Trade with Victoria - Calgary Hitmen
• Royals Deal Zgraggen to Hitmen - Victoria Royals
• Winterhawks Sign Justin Greer - Portland Winterhawks
• Royals' Brandon Magee Named Tip Top Tailor-Made Player of the Month for December - Victoria Royals
• Calgary Hitmen's Cody Sylvester Named Denny's WHL Player of the Week - WHL
• Raiders this Week - Prince Albert Raiders
• Pat Chat - Regina Pats
• Pack the 'Plex Saturday, January 12th - Swift Current Broncos
• Ice Win 3-2 over the Rebels - Red Deer Rebels

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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