WHL Victoria Royals

Royals Swing Deal with Tri-City

Published on August 5, 2011 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Victoria Royals News Release


Victoria, BC - The Victoria Royals announced today that they have acquired forward Justin Spagrud and a second round draft pick from the Tri-City Americans for defenseman Mitch Topping.

Spagrud, a resident of Gull Lake, SK, spent last season with the Swift Current Legionnaires Midget AAA (SMHL) team. The 16-year-old left winger played in 36 games as a rookie with the Legionnaires collecting nine goals and seven assists for 16 points along with 22 minutes in penalties. He also was a member of Team Saskatchewan at the 2011Canada Winter Games in Halifax in February.

The 5-11, 170lb Spagrud was chosen in third round (63rd overall) by Tri-City during the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft. Prior to his draft year he spent the 2009-10 season with for the Swift Current AA Bantam Kabos Raiders where he tallied 62 points (35g-27a) in a mere 26 regular season games. That season he finished tied for fifth in South Sask AA Bantam Hockey League scoring.

"Justin is a player who we believe has the potential to fit into our line-up in the coming years, and we also gained a very high draft pick with this trade." General Manager and Head Coach Marc Habscheid said. "We felt that with the moves we had made this offseason that there was the opportunity to increase our depth up front. This move will allow Mitch the chance to establish a role for himself in Tri-City, and we would like to thank him for his contributions to our organization."

Topping played parts of three seasons with the Chilliwack Bruins. He collected 30 points (9g-21a) in 139 games while collecting 88 minutes in penalties and a plus/minus rating of -15 over his career with the Bruins.

The Royals begin their inaugural season in Victoria this fall! Give yourself the best chance to get the seats you want today by booking a Priority Reference Number (PRN). Each $25 PRN purchase holds your spot in line until seat selection for the 2011-12 season begins! For further details or to purchase a PRN, visit the Select Your Tickets Box Office, www.selectyourtickets.com/vicwhl, e-mail tickets@vicwhl.com, or call 250-220-7789.

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