The Prince George Cougars have made a major move ahead of Thursday’s WHL Trade Deadline.
Today (Wednesday), the Cats acquired 19-year-old forward Ben Riche from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for 18-year-old forward Hunter Laing, 15-year-old prospect Luke Dumas, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2028 fifth-round pick.
Riche, has recorded 54 points (23 goals, 31 assists), in 37 games this season with the Blades, leading all skaters.
The Bethune, Saskatchewan product rates in the top 10 in WHL scoring.
Over his entire junior career, Riche has played 170 games while compiling 107 points (46-61-107).
“Ben is the type of player we were looking for,” said GM and Head Coach Mark Lamb.
“He’s a dynamic left-shot centre with tremendous speed and offensive talent. He’s a real difference-maker.”
Riche is committed to playing NCAA Division I hockey at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, CT, following the conclusion of his junior career.
Laing, a Calgary Flames 6th round prospect tallied 21 goals and 26 assists in 110 career games with the Cougars.
“Hunter has been a great teammate and an important part of our group,” added Lamb. “The hardest part of hockey is saying goodbye to good players and great people.”
PG is back in action tonight at 7:00 when they host the Vancouver Giants.
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