WHL Brandon Wheat Kings

Bukarts Dealt to Winterhawks

Published on October 29, 2015 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Brandon Wheat Kings News Release


Brandon, MB. - Brandon Wheat Kings general manager and head coach Kelly McCrimmon has announced that veteran forward Rihards Bukarts has been traded to the Portland Winterhawks.

In exchange for the 20-year old Latvian native, the Wheat Kings receive two third round picks in future Western Hockey League Bantam Drafts.

A former first round Canadian Hockey League Import pick, Bukarts is currently in his third and final WHL season.

In ten games with the Wheat Kings this season, Bukarts has five goals and 9 points and during his career in Brandon, the 5'9" 192 lb left-winger has scored 66 goals and 137 points in 137 games.

During the 2014-15 campaign, the former member of HK Riga had 33 goals and 74 points in 62 games.

"Rihards was a real good player for us during his time in Brandon.," says Brandon General Manager and Head Coach Kelly McCrimmon. "This is a good opportunity for him in Portland.  With Tim McGauley close to returning, we felt this was the right time for this trade."

Thursday's trade leaves the Wheat Kings one short of their Import limit and a full complement of 20-year olds in McGauley, Colton Waltz and Macoy Erkamps. McGauley, who was the WHL's Eastern Conference Player of the Year in 2014-15, was injured during the club's season opener in September. The Washington Capitals prospect had 42 goals and 105 points last season.

The Wheat Kings, who return home to host the Victoria Royals on Friday, November 6th, will close out their season high 8-game road trip this weekend with stops in Cranbrook, B.C. and Moose Jaw on Friday and Saturday nights.

Brandon is currently 4-2-0 through the first six games of the trip and enter the weekend in a 3-way tie for second place in the WHL Eastern Conference with an overall record of 9-3-0-2.

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Western Hockey League Stories from October 29, 2015


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