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WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Oil Kings Acquire D Ismail Abougouche in Three-Way Deal with Kelowna and Saskatoon

January 10, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Edmonton Oil Kings News Release


(Edmonton, AB) - The Edmonton Oil Kings have acquired 2006-born defenceman Ismail Abougouche (via Kelowna) and a 2026 second-round pick (via Saskatoon) in a three-way trade with the Kelowna Rockets and Saskatoon Blades, the team announced today.

The Rockets receive 2005-born defenceman Carter Kowalyk and a 2025 fourth-round pick from the Oil Kings along with a 2024 second-round pick (via Medicine Hat) and a 2026 third-round pick (via Seattle) from the Blades, while the Blades receive 2004-born defenceman John Babcock from the Rockets.

Abougouche, 17, is a Lac La Biche, AB product and is in his second season in the WHL after originally being drafted by the Rockets in the 12th-round, 259th overall, at the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.

"We're excited to be adding a player like Ismail to our organization," said Oil Kings President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Kirt Hill. "He's a high character young man and is a big, mobile defenceman who brings a high level of physicality to our blue line. We look forward to helping continue his development with our Club."

This season, the 6-foot-3, 199-pound rearguard has one assist, 22 penalty minutes and an even plus/minus rating in 19 games.

In 69 career WHL games, he has six assists, 95 penalty minutes and a -9 plus/minus rating.

Abougouche played his minor hockey with the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers.

Kowalyk, 18, was in his third season with the Oil Kings after the team originally selected him in the fourth-round, 86th overall, at the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft.

"Carter was a big part of our Championship run and helped carry over our Championship culture to our young defencemen," added Hill. "This move will give him an opportunity with another quality organization to help further his career."

In 104 career WHL games, he registered 18 points (5G, 13A), 138 penalty minutes and a -35 plus/minus rating.

Last season, he was named the Oil Kings recipient of their Kristians Pelss Memorial Award.

During the 2022 WHL playoffs, he suited up in 15 post-season games and helped the Oil Kings capture the 2022 WHL Championship.

The Edmonton Oil Kings next home game is tomorrow, Thursday, January 11 when they welcome the Tri-City Americans to Rogers Place at 7:00 P.M.

The Oil Kings are Edmonton's first choice for family fun with great seats starting at $20 and season seats for as low as $9 per-game for an entire season of thrilling WHL action!

Head to OilKings.ca to secure your seat today!

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 10, 2024


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