Panthers swap Michael Sproule to Braves for Gavin Yee

North Saanich, British Columbia

18-year-old Defenceman Gavin Yee and 19-year-old Forward Michael were given a new postal code on Wednesday afternoon when the Peninsula Panthers and Saanich Braves hooked up to complete a one-for-one player transaction.  Sproule was in his 2nd year with the Panthers while Yee was in his 1st year in the VIJHL with the Saanich Braves when the deal was completed between the two Clubs.  Yee will not have to wait long as the Panthers play the Victoria Cougars Thursday night at the Archie Browning before coming back into the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre on Friday when they will host the visiting Kerry Park Islanders.

It was a homecoming in a peculiar way for both players.  Yee lives on the Peninsula and only two minutes from the Panorama while Sproule finished off his Midget Career in Saanich and is now returning to an Organization that he knows well.

"The two Brad's were at it again," quiped Panthers General Manager Pete Zubersky in discussing Panthers Head Coach Brad Tippett and the Braves Bench Boss Brad Cook.  "They got together and did the deal that saw Drew Coughlin come here and Mitch Moloney head to Saanich back in October and the two were dance partners once again today."

Sproule is a dynamic forward who can skate, score and add a physical component as well while Yee is a steady defenceman who should help in all situations on the back end for the Panthers. 

"We gave up a lot in Michael Sproule however we wanted to solidify our defensive corps," explained Zubersky.  "I actually spoke to Gavin during the summer however he had already signed in Richmond with the Sockeyes.  Things did not work out and we tried to trade for him but Saanich had an asset that Richmond wanted and we were left at the alter back in late September.  We have been trying to acquire his rights for a while and the timing was right for us and for the Braves.  I think both players will thrive and that would be great for both Clubs."

Fans on the Peninsula will be able to see Yee and the rest of the Peninsula Panthers face off against the Islanders with the puck set to drop at 7:30 pm at the Panorama Recreation Centre.