Hurricanes boost line-up in big trade with Warriors

By Lethbridge Herald on December 2, 2024.

Newly-acquired Hurricane Brayden Yager speaks with reporters on Monday after being traded to Lethbridge from the Moose Jaw Warriors. Herald photo by Justin Seward

Justin Seward – LETHBRIDGE HERALD – sports@lethbridgeherald.com

The Lethbridge Hurricanes bolstered their line-up immensely on Monday with the acquisition of Winnipeg Jets prospect Brayden Yager and goalie Jackson Unger from the Moose Jaw Warriors.

The Canes sent goalie Brady Smith, forward Landen Ward, the WHL playing rights to Colt Carter and six draft picks the other way.

The 19-year old Yager, who was the Warriors captain up until the trade, had 30 points in (11 goals, 19 assists) in 21 games with Moose Jaw this year.

Yager has 280 points in his career (115 goals, 165 assists) in 232 regular season games, had a career-high last season with 95 points (35 goals, 60 assists) and added 27 points in Moose Jaw’s playoff run to a WHL Championship.

“It’s obviously just a shock at the start but obviously looking at the group of guys, and kind of where this team’s trending is super exciting and (I) get another chance to go for the Ed (Chynoweth Cup) again,” said Yager.

Yager spoke what it will be like to get another chance at a championship.

“I think obviously the management here’s going all in and I’m all for it,” said Yager.

Yager will focus on bringing a leadership role and goals.

“I think Jacks and I both have a bit of experience, obviously with winning last year and kind of know what it takes to get that deep in the season,” said Yager.

Yager considers himself a solid 200-foot player that likes to score goals.

“The main thing is taking care of my own end first and go have fun in the O-zone after that,” said Yager. 

Yager was also selected to Team Canada’s World Junior Selection Camp for a second consecutive year on Monday.

“It’s like one o’clock and it’s been one of the longest days of the year so far,” said Yager.

“It’s crazy but obviously a big honour to be invited to a World Junior camp again and really looking forward to getting there and getting started with that.”

Yager had five points at last year’s world juniors in Sweden.

Unger had suited up in 126 games with the Warriors since being drafted by the club in the 2020 WHL Draft and has posted a 62-49-3-3 record, a 3.64 goals against average and an .892 save percentage.

He had a stellar regular season last year with a 35-15-0-2 record combined with a 3.08 GAA and a save percentage of .908.

He competed in all 20 playoff games last in the Warriors championship run where he had a 16-1-2-0 record, a 2.90 goals against average and a .910 save percentage.

His numbers were much lower on a last place Warriors team this year.

“I’ve been playing since I was 16, so I’ve got the experience,” said the 19-year-old Calgary product.

“I like to think I’m a leader in the room and it’ll take some time to get familiar with the guys and stuff but I’m really excited.”

Unger thinks it will be great to have refreshing start.

“They’re (the Hurricanes) a structured team and I think that’s going to affect me to,” said Unger.

“They’re going to give up less opportunities and it’ll just make me better as a goalie too.” 

Canes general manager Peter Anholt broke down the trade from his perspective.

“I think our team is right in the mix of things and we just felt that this group deserved a chance to be added to and we like Yager and Unger a lot, coming from a championship team and then of course adding (Wojtech) Port earlier,” said Anholt.

“We’ve added three really key pieces from Moose Jaw’s winning team last year and I think that was a real important part of everything.”

Anholt thought the addition of Unger in the trade was huge in terms of solidifying the goaltending position.

Anholt sees Yager’s addition as helping spread the offence out with the top line of Brayden Edwards, Miguel Marques and Logan Wormald.

“I think there’s certainly good mixes that Bill (Peters), and Matt (Anholt) and Aaser (Ryan Aasman) can put together,” said Anholt.

Yager and Unger won’t have to wait long to face their former team as the Canes host the Warriors tonight at 7 p.m.