On January 10th, the Calgary Canucks acquired Zach McNeill and future considerations from the Grande Prairie Storm in exchange for Connor Blake.
McNeill, a 20-year old forward from Calgary, Alberta had 23 points for the Storm in 30 games played this season and has recorded 83 points in 141 career Junior A games. McNeill returns to the Canucks after starting the 2015-2016 season in Calgary before moving to Nipawin of the SJHL.
“Moving Connor Blake was extremely tough,” states Head Coach James Poole, “but we are pleased to acquire Zach as he fits our aggressive up-tempo style of play but adds physicality & toughness to our team which is a much needed element for our team to be successful moving forward into the stretch run towards playoffs.”
The Canucks organization are pleased to welcome Zach & his family back to our program and look forward to his positive contributions toward a successful 2017 playoff run. At the same time the Canucks would like to thank Connor Blake for his positive contributions on & off the ice during his short time with the Canucks and wish him all the best in the remainder of his season with the Storm.
On January 9th, the Canucks added 19-year old forward Sage Englund from the Carleton Place Canadians. Englund, from Phoenix, Arizona, started the season with the Victoria Grizzlies of the BCHL and has recorded 9 points in 30 total games this season.
“Sage is a player that our staff has followed closely since his days playing for the Boston Jr Rangers and are confident we can help him reach his full potential as a dynamic offensive forward that will fit in well with our style of play,” states Head Coach James Poole.
The Canucks would like to welcome Sage & his family to the organization. Both Zac & Sage are expected to make their season debuts with the Canucks this weekend.