Submitted by Fox First at Ten on January 11th
The Spokane Chiefs look to add to their offensive arsenal after trade with Brandon Wheat Kings.
The Chiefs have traded forward Marek Kalus, prospect Rhett Gardner, and two future draft picks in exchange for Brandon's leading scorer Alessio Bertaggia.
Bertaggia led the team with 16 goals, 18 assists and 34 points in 30 games. In 94 career games, he has 40 goals and 84 points. He was a first round pick, 33rd overall, in the 2011 CHL Import Draft. He also has six points in 12 games with team Switzerland in two World Junior Hockey Championships.
"Alessio gives us an elite player with very special skill," Chiefs GM Tim Speltz said. "He is a proven scorer in the WHL and has had a tremendous amount of experience internationally."
Kalus recorded a career-high 20 goals and 42 points in 68 games last season, but due to injury he has only played in 11 games this season. Kalus has played 113 career games with Spokane.
"Obviously with the WHL rules limiting each team to two import players, if you acquire one you have to lose one and this is the case with Marek," Speltz said. "We thank him for his time in Spokane and wish him luck throughout his career.
"Rhett is a very good prospect and a tough price to play but we acquired a great asset for this year's team in Alessio," Speltz said.
Gardner was Spokane's second round selection in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft.
Spokane will also receive a third round pick in 2013 and a fifth round pick in 2014.
