Mitch Meek's brief time as a Prince George Spruce King has come and gone.
Meek, a 19-year-old defenceman, was sent to the Cowichan Valley Capitals for 20-year-old defenceman Rylan Bechtel.
Bechtel, a five-foot-10, 195-pound native of Chilliwack, has 173 games of B.C. Hockey League experience after three seasons with the Capitals. In 56 games last season he collected five goals 42 points and 60 penalty minutes. Bechtel began his BCHL career with the Chiliwack Chiefs.
"Rylan is a veteran player with a lot of experience in our league,"said Kings general manager Mike Hawes, in a team release. "He is a very solid two-way defenceman who will come in here and play in all situations for us while providing a lot of leadership. He's also a tremendous young man who will fit in well with our core values and provide some mentorship for our younger players."
Meek was acquired July 9 in a three-way deal which also involved the West Kelowna Warriors and Vernon Vipers. The six-foot, 200-pound native of Victoria was first traded by Vernon to West Kelowna for 20-year-old defenceman Mackenzie Bauer, then sent to Prince George.
In return, the Kings gave the Warriors the rights to 20-year-old forward Luke Harrison.
Bechtel is expected to report to the Kings main training camp at the Coliseum on Monday, Aug. 24.
