Beck Malenstyn is now healthy and contributing to what could be a memorable season for the Swift Current Broncos.
The 19-year-old South Delta forward was part of a nine-player deal that saw him move to the Broncos from the Calgary Hitmen. The trade also included 20-year-old Matteo Gennaro and a 2018 fifth-round bantam pick going to Swift Current for 20-year-old centre Conner Chaulk, 18-year-old defenceman Dom Schmiemann, 17-year-old centre Riley Stotts, the rights to 17-year-old forward Josh Prokop, 15-year-old goaltending prospect Ethan Hein and a second-round pick in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft.
Malenstyn, who signed a three-year entry level deal with the Washington Capitals last April, suited up for 74 games for the Hitmen over the past two seasons registering 59 points. He was the Capitals’ fifth round pick in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
“We feel we really added to our hockey club and this trade is a good fit for both teams,” said Broncos head coach and director of player personnel Manny Viveiros. “Gennaro and Malenstyn are established players and we are excited about getting these kids here.”
While the Hitmen are sitting well below .500, the Broncos’ have the second best record in the WHL (28-10-3-0) and are on position to contend for their first league championship in 25 years.
Malenstyn, who played just four games with Calgary before being injured on Sept. 30, made his Swift Current debut Dec. 27 against Moose Jaw and now has five points in seven games, including a pair of goals.
The Broncos’ roster also includes Richmond native and team captain Glenn Gawdin, 20, who is third in league scoring with 73 points, including 32 goals. He recently signed an entry level deal with the Calgary Flames.
The Broncos are on a collision course with Saskatchewan rival Moose Jaw Warriors who own a league best 33-6-1-2 record.
Malenstyn came through the South Delta Minor Hockey Association before shifting his career to the Okanagan Hockey Academy where he played two seasons of Bantam Prep and year of Midget Prep before joining the Hitmen.
Icing…
Another South Delta native who played in Okanagan was also recently traded. Forward Akash Bains is now a member of the Everett Silvertips after being dealt to the west coast from the Red Deer Rebels. The 18-year-old forward has seven points in 33 games.
Meanwhile, Ladner blueliner Jordan Dawson has shifted his career closer to home as a member of the B.C. Hockey League’s Langley Rivermen. The 19-year-old defenceman spent two seasons with the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings. Dawson has played eight games for Langley and scored his first BCHL goal Dec. 30 at Prince George.
