The Delta Ice Hawks used Tuesday's trading deadline to address their log jam of forwards.
The Pacific International Junior Hockey League club made three deals that resulted in departure of players that had recently joined the club.
Spencer and Scott McHaffie were dealt to Aldergrove for future considerations and were in the Kodiaks' line-up for their 4-3 win over the Ice Hawks on Tuesday at the Ladner Leisure Centre. The trade came on the heels of Delta also shipping Mitchell Smith to the North Vancouver Wolf Pack.
The 17-year-old McHaffie twins made an immediate impression when they were signed by the Ice Hawks after being released by Prince George of the B.C. Hockey League. However, their production and impact had leveled of to the point where they had slid down the depth chart.
"We really thought they would come in here and be legitimate third line players for us," explained Ice Hawks head coach Dave McLellan.
"They probably could be in a different year. But right now, with moves we have made and some questions answered, they suddenly could be fourth liners and maybe sitting out for the playoffs. That just wouldn't be healthy for their age.
"They want the (experience) to go back to junior 'A' and our agenda is a championship. The good thing is we have given them a chance to finish the year on a good team as well."
Smith found himself in a similar situation after being acquired by the club in early November. The Seafair Minor product had five points in 12 games with Delta.
"He is a higher end player who wanted more ice time but obviously with (Spencer) Traher's line playing like they are and the same of our second line, we didn't have the capacity to give it to him," said Ice Hawks general manager Peter Zerbinos. "He didn't ask to be traded but he wanted power play time and a bigger role and we thought the best decision would be to move him."
The two trades paved the way for the Ice Hawks to also make a deal with the Abbotsford Pilots to acquire 20-year-old Ryan Stewart. The 6-foot-1 power forward had 17 points in 19 games with the Pilots, along with a team leading 103 penalty minutes.
"He is sand paper plus," laughed McLellan, comparing Stewart to former Ice Hawk agitator Jean Merchan. "Anytime you could potentially play a seven game series against the best team in the league, you certainly want to have everything covered. He has a good scoring touch too and has enough speed to play for us."
Tuesday's deadline maneuvering frees up a roster spot for the potential to sign a released BCHL player in the next few weeks, but still doesn't mean every player can breathe easy. The club has 13 forwards with PIJHL experience meaning at least one healthy scratch on game nights.
Icing...
The Harold Brittian Kodiaks took advantage of a shorthanded Ice Hawks team to produce the overtime road win.
Delta dressed three affiliate players thanks to Mitch Pacey, Stewart and defencemen Taylor Kislanko and Markus Nelson not being available.
PIJHL scoring leader Spencer Traher had another big night, scoring in the second period then making a terrific play to set-up Mark Whiteley for a shorthanded tying goal with five minutes remaining.
The South Delta Minor product will be playing in Monday's league all-star game in Mission, along with teammates Cody Smith, John Proctor, Ryan Cuthbert and goaltender Glenn Ferguson.
