Kings trade for 20-year-old d-man

The Prince George Spruce Kings’ search for older defenceman with B.C. Hockey League experience ended Friday.

They pulled the trigger on a trade with the Alberni Valley Bulldogs to acquire 20-year-old Tyson Slater, sending 18-year-old Luc Salem to the Bulldogs.

Slater, a six-foot-two, 207-pound native of Courtenay is in his forth season of junior hockey, having played last season in the BCHL for the Trail Smoke Eaters.

In 27 games this year with the Bulldogs he had six assists and 35 penalty minutes.

He collected five goals and five assist and 29 penalty minutes in 39 regular season games with Smoke Eaters last season and also played in three playoffs games.

Slater started his junior career playing two seasons in the Vancouver Island Junior (B) Hockey League with the Comox Valley Glacier Kings.

“We’re excited to add another older veteran defenseman to the group,” said Kings general manager Mike Hawes. “Tyson is a great character kid that will give us some more size and experience on the back end.”

Salem joined the Kings Oct. 10 in a trade from the Brooks Bandits (AJHL) for future considerations. In 17 games with the Kings he picked up two assists and 10 penalty minutes.

Slater did not play in Friday’s game at Rolling Mix Concrete Arena against Victoria but could be in the lineup Saturday when the Kings host the Salmon Arm Silverbacks.