Canes deal for Zablocki
FORWARD TARZWELL HEADED TO RED DEER
The Lethbridge Hurricanes have addressed their roster situation and are turning to a familiar name in doing so.
Following their 6-5 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oil Kings during Western Hockey League action Friday night at the Enmax Centre, the Hurricanes announced they had acquired 19-year-old forward Lane Zablocki from the Red Deer Rebels in exchange for 17-year-old forward Josh Tarzwell, a second round draft pick in the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft and a conditional third round pick in 2020.
Earlier this week, the Hurricanes announced that 19-year-old assistant captain Ryan Vandervlis was sidelined for the rest of the season to undergo shoulder surgery.
The Canes have had their share of looks at Zablocki, particularily in last spring’s first-round playoff series against Red Deer that went seven games.
“The injury to Vandervlis pushed this on a little bit further,” said Hurricanes general manager Peter Anholt in a release. “We saw what Zablocki could do in the playoffs against us with his experience. He’s a quality player and I think any time you have a chance to add that kind of quality, you have to give it a look.”
Zablocki, 19, was originally drafted by the Prince George Cougars in the fifth round and 109th overall in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft and was chosen in the third round (79th overall) by the Detroit Red Wings in last summer’s National Hockey League Entry Draft.
The product of Wetaskiwin has skated in 31 games for the Rebels this season, putting up nine goals and 19 points along with 47 penalty minutes.
Zablocki played 64 games last season for the Regina Pats and the Rebels, scoring 28 goals and 54 points in 64 games.
He added another six goals and eight points and 20 penalty minutes in the first round playoff match-up against the Hurricanes.
Tarzwell, 17, was selected by the Hurricanes in the second round (24th overall) in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft and now heads to his home town to continue his junior career.
This season, Tarzwell had three goals and 14 points in 28 games.
In 66 career games with the Hurricanes, he posted 19 points and 29 penalty minutes.
“It’s hard to give up Tarzwell,” said Anholt. “He’s been a soldier here and he was one of the first guys to sign since I’ve been here and he’s continued to get better and better.
“We felt by adding a guy like Zablocki, the way he plays, how hard he plays, how hard he competes and his ability to score big goals is one of the things that jumps out at you.”
Zablocki will join the Hurricanes for their four game East Division road trip beginning Tuesday in Saskatoon.
The Hurricanes continue their eastern jaunt Wednesday when they head to Prince Albert to take on the Raiders.
On Friday the team is in Brandon. They finish the road trip Saturday in Regina against the Pats.