The Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League announced today they have traded 1998 forward Parker Smyth to the Battlefords North Stars of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in exchange for 1998 forward Jared Power.
Power began his junior career with the Bonnyville Pontiacs last year before being sent to the Olds Grizzlys in a mid-season deal. The Calgary native scored an impressive 15 goals in 27 games after joining Olds.
In seven playoff games – including a major upset over second place Canmore Eagles in the first round – the 6-foot-2 forward chipped in with another two goals and five assists. In 65 regular season games Power has accumulated 29 goals and 44 points. Jared is expected to join the Storm for this weekend’s road trip in Fort McMurray and Spruce Grove.
“We wanted to find a natural scorer with size and speed that can complement some of our playmakers as we prepare for playoffs,” said Storm head coach/assistant general manager Matt Keillor. “Power was a highly sought-after scorer and we are very pleased to have acquired him. He can score from anywhere and makes our already potent offense even more dangerous.
“The North Division (of the Alberta Junior Hockey League) is an incredibly competitive division and you need to find ways to separate yourself. We like playing fast and we like scoring goals – both of which Jared does very well.”
Smyth was acquired by the Storm last season from the Spruce Grove Saints and sat sixth in team scoring this year with 10 goals and 15 assists in 34 games.
“Parker was a major driving force behind or push to make the playoffs last season. We would like to thank Parker for all his efforts while with the Storm and wish him all the best with his new team.”
After the trip to Fort Mac the Storm head to Spruce Grove to take on the Saints and then return to Grande Prairie for their first home game of 2018 on Friday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. in Revolution Place Arena.