With two strokes of the pen, the Prince George Spruce Kings just got a bit older.
The Kings have acquired 20-year-old forward Michael Colantone from the Victoria Grizzlies as well as future considerations, giving up 18-year-old defenceman Jesse Ursic in exchange.
In 57 games last season for the Grizzlies, Colantone collected 13 goals and 22 assists, as well as 42 penalty minutes. The six-foot, 190-pound native of Cave Creek, Ariz., had two assists in two games this season with Victoria.
Ursic picked up one assist last weekend as the Kings opened the season at home, splitting a two-game set with the Merritt. He joined the Kings in an off-season trade with the Nanaimo Clippers. The six-foot-four, 200-pound native of Port Alberni had three goals and seven points in 42 games with the Clippers in 2010-11.
Already well-stocked with defencemen, the Kings announced Wednesday that Chase Golightly, 19, will be returning to the BCHL after a tryout with the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL. The five-foot-10, 180-pound native of Temecula, Calif., was a fan favourite in Prince George last season. In 26 games with the Kings he picked up 13 points, including two goals.
"The return of Chase Golightly to our defense really helps solidify an already strong group," Spruce Kings general manager Mike Hawes said in a team release. "Chase proved last season that he is capable of being a top defenceman at this level and will be looked upon to play some big minutes for us in all situations."
He joins a group of defencemaen that includes Trevor Esau, Ben Woodley, Ben Matthews, Cody Bardock, Skylar Pacheco, Jared Crossan, and Sam Waterfield.
The Kings will travel to Penticton for a Friday game against the Vees, followed by a Saturday game in Vernon against the three-time defending BCHL champion Vernon Vipers.
Three Kings are among a group of nine players tied for the league scoring lead. Leo Fitzgerald (three goals, one assist) heads that list, while teammates Paul DeJersey (2-2), Gerry Fitzgerald (2-2) and Jujhar Khaira (2-2) are also in the top nine.
