The Grande Prairie Storm are proud to announce the acquisition of 19 year old Forward Braeden Veldhuizen from the Olds Grizzlys. The 6’1” 194lb forward from Calgary, Alberta has played in 17 games for the Grizzlys this season, racking up 6 goals and 7 assists to go along with 14 penalty minutes. Last year, in his rookie season, the 18 year old Veldhuizen played in 33 games for the Grizzlys scoring 9 times and adding 12 assists to go along with 54 penalty minutes. In return the Olds Grizzlys receive 19 year old defenceman Owen Hutzul from the Storm. The smooth skating, puck moving defenseman has played 22 games this season while picking up 1 goal and 4 assists. The Storm would like to welcome Braeden to the Storm organization and would also like to thank Owen for all his hard work and dedication to the team and the community.
GM Mark Bomersback had this to say about the trade. ” Very excited to add Braeden to our forward group. He’s a player we have had on our radar for awhile and feel he can come in and help us up front on a number of different things / areas. We like his size and strength , he has good speed , he can shoot the puck , has good compete and work ethic, and he’s going to win puck battles while going to the tough areas on the ice. We have had a bit of a long jam on the blueline while mostly carrying 8-9 D so far this year. It’s never easy moving a guy out, especially a player and person like Hutz. He is a great player and we wish him all the best and look forward to watching him develop while helping the Olds Grizzlys.”
Strom Fans can get their first look at Braeden Veldhuizen when he makes his Storm debut this Friday at the annual Teddy Bear Toss vs the Bonnyville Pontiacs. Puck drop is at 7pm, and you’re not going to want to miss the auction as the Storm come home riding a 4 game winning streak.
