Brandon Wheat Kings General Manager Kelly McCrimmon has announced the acquisition of 20-year-old defenceman Tyler Yaworski from the Prince Albert Raiders.  The three-year Western Hockey League veteran blueliner recorded 3 goals, 20 points and finished among the league leaders (3rd) with 188 penalty minutes in 71 games during the 2011-2012 campaign.

In exchange for the 6’4 200 lb Sherwood Park, AB native the Wheat Kings gave up a 5th round pick in the 2013 WHL bantam draft.  

“We wanted to add a physical dimension to our blueline.  While we feel our defense is solid, Tyler changes the mix for us,” says McCrimmon.  “He’s a tough kid, who has really improved in the last year.  We felt we needed a player like Tyler on our team.”

Yaworski joins defenceman Ryley Miller and forward Dominick Favreau as the Wheat Kings three returning overagers this season.

In other Wheat King news, defenceman Dylan Kuczek has informed the club that he will not be returning for 2012-13 season.  In 33 games with the Wheat Kings last season the 18-year-old Kuczek had 1 goal, 1 assist and 27 penalty minutes.

Wheat Kings’ Rookie Camp gets underway on Wednesday and Thursday, August 29th and 30th.  While Main Camp will be held on Friday, August 31st and will conclude with the hockey club’s annual Intrasquad Game on Sunday, September 2nd at 2 p.m.

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Prince Albert SK – The Prince Albert Raiders have acquired a 5^th round selection in the 2013 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft from the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for 20-year-old defenceman Tyler Yaworski.

Yaworski was acquired by the Raiders via trade with the Saskatoon Blades in October 2009. Appearing in 163 games for the Green and Gold, the Sherwood Park, Alberta product recorded 5 goals and 30 assists along with 446 penalty minutes.

“We would like to thank Tyler for his commitment to our organization over the past 3 seasons,” said Raiders General Manager Bruno Campese. “We wish him good luck in Brandon and in all his future hockey endeavours.”