The Prince George Spruce Kings are now searching for another defenceman.
That's after Cole McCaskill, one of their top blueliners, accepted a college scholarship with the Colorado College Tigers for the 2015-16 season.
The Tigers, based in Colorado Springs, Colo., are an NCAA Division 1 team that competes in the Northern Collegiate Hockey Association.
The 19-year-old six-foot 180-pound McCaskill, who calls Kamloops home, split his time last season between two B.C. Hockey League teams. He appeared in 18 games with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks before being acquired by the Kings midway through the season where he suited up in 22 games, collecting six goals and 11 assists.
"We are very happy for Cole," said Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes. "He is a terrific player and a great young man who is very deserving of this scholarship. He came to our team part way through last season and immediately started playing key minutes, in all situations for us. We had planned to have Cole back next season leading our defense group, and he will be very hard to replace."
The Kings announced Friday they traded 20-year-old forward Daniel Nachbaur to the Wenatchee Wild in exchange for future considerations.
Nachbaur was acquired by Prince George on Nov. 29, 2014 from the Merritt Centennials. He picked up two goals and two assists in only 17 games after he missed significant time due to a broken hand after he was acquired.
"Daniel was acquired last season to provide some energy and much needed depth to our forward group," said Hawes. "He was able to do that although he was slowed by an unfortunate injury that limited his games played. He is a veteran BCHL player that Wenatchee is excited to add to their lineup."
