PATS ACQUIRE FLEURY FROM KOOTENAY

Keith Hershmiller Photography

The Regina Pats Hockey Club has acquired Montreal Canadiens prospect defenceman Cale Fleury from the Kootenay ICE.

In exchange, the Pats send 18-year-old defenceman Jonathan Smart, 16-year-old forward Cole Muir, a 2nd round pick in 2018, a 6th round pick in 2018 and a conditional pick in 2019 or 2020 to the ICE. The 2018 2nd round pick was acquired from the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Jordan Hollett trade and the 6th round pick was originally from Kootenay for goaltender Kurtis Chapman.

“We are excited to add Cale to our team,” said Pats Head Coach and GM John Paddock. “He is a high end defenceman and will fit nicely with our group.”

Fleury, drafted 87th overall in the third round of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft by the Montreal Canadiens, has scored six goals and has 10 points through 17 games this season. For his career, Fleury has played in 218 games, scoring 26 goals and 86 points.

Originally a fourth round bantam draft pick, the Calgary product represented Team Canada at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in 2014.

Jonathan Smart, acquired by the Pats from the Kelowna Rockets in 2016, had put up 12 points in 21 games to start the year in Regina.

Cole Muir, a second round pick in 2016, has one assist in 12 games so far in 2017-18.

“We would like to thank Jonathan and Cole for their contributions to our team,” said Paddock. “We wish them all the best in Kootenay with the ICE.”

The Pats are back in action on Wednesday night at home to the Calgary Hitmen. Tickets are available at reginapats.com, the Brandt Centre Box Office or stop by any Regina Safeway to get Safeway Fun Zone tickets for just $13.

(Phil Andrews/ReginaPats.com)