Sports stats



WHL Spokane Chiefs

Spokane Acquires McCrae from Saskatoon

January 7, 2008 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Spokane Chiefs News Release


The Spokane Chiefs have acquired 19-year-old forward Justin McCrae from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for 18-year-old Chris Langkow and 16-year-old list player Burke Gallimore. McCrae is in his fourth full season in the WHL, all with the Blades, and has played 241 career games. This season, McCrae served as Saskatoon's captain.

"Anytime you can acquire a WHL captain, those leadership abilities and character are going to be a strong asset for your organization," Chiefs General Manager Tim Speltz said.

"We're excited about this acquisition," said Chiefs Head Coach Bill Peters. "Justin is a proven, veteran who can play both center and right wing. He's a good two-way player who can play in all situations, competes hard and plays with speed."

McCrae played for Peters for Team Pacific at the 2005 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and helped lead the team to a silver medal.

This summer, McCrae was selected in the fourth round (102nd overall) by the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL Entry Draft. The Cochrane, Alberta native has scored 11 goals and 24 points in 35 games this season.

Last year, in 61 games, the 6'0" forward recorded 16 goals and career highs with 33 assists and 49 points. In 71 games in 2005-06, McCrae scored a career best 17 goals. The former first round bantam selection, 14th overall in 2003, has scored 52 career goals and 133 career points.

Langkow, a two year veteran, has played 39 games this season for Spokane and scored seven goals, 15 points and is +11. Gallimore was Spokane's second round selection in 2006 and is currently playing in the Alberta Midget AAA Hockey League where he has 15 goals and 39 points in 25 games. Gallimore appeared in two regular season games last year for Spokane.

The move leaves Spokane's roster at 22; two goaltenders, seven defensemen and 13 forwards.

Check out the Spokane Chiefs Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Western Hockey League message board...

Western Hockey League Stories from January 7, 2008


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.

OurSports Central