OKOTOKS, AB (October 28, 2022) — The Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) have acquired 2005-born defenceman Rylan Brown (Sherwood Park, AB) from the Drayton Valley Thunder, the team announced today.
In exchange, the Oilers have sent the rights to 2003-born defenceman Sam Moshurchak (Calgary, AB) and future considerations to the Thunder.
Brown, 17, was named to the AJHL’s All-Rookie Team for the North division last season in a vote of league coaches, after recording 35 points (12 goals, 23 assists) in 58 games in his first season of Junior A hockey. So far this season, the OHA Edmonton grad was the fourth-highest scoring active player on the Thunder and tied for its team lead among defencemen with 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists) in 12 games.
Moshurchak, 19, had dressed in three games for the Oilers so far in his sophomore season, after recording 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in 43 games for the Oilers last season, after signing with the team from the Calgary Buffaloes.
“We’re excited to add a player of Rylan’s calibre to our defence,” said Oilers head coach and general manager Tyler Deis. “We think he’ll have a great chance to make an impact with our team right away.
“The Thunder are getting an absolutely fantastic player in Sam Moshurchak, and will be the better for it,” he added. “Sam was an incredible contributor to our team and our culture, and we can’t thank him and his family enough for what he did while he was here.”
The Oilers will look to keep their seven-game streak without a regulation loss going on Saturday night when they host the Lloydminster Bobcats at 7 PM at Centennial Arena. Tickets are available online at tickets.okotoksoilers.ca.