KULCHAR, DRAFT CHOICES ACQUIRED FROM GIANTS

January 8th, 2009 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KAMLOOPS, BC – The Kamloops Blazers announce today the completion of a trade with the Vancouver Giants which sees the Blazers add 18-year-old defenseman Curtis Kulchar, 3rd and 4th round selections in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft, and a 2nd round pick in the 2010 Bantam Draft in exchange for 19-year-old defenseman Nick Ross and 19-year-old forward Alex Rodgers.

"Curtis is a steady defenseman who fits in nicely with our younger blueline," says General Manager and Vice President Craig Bonner.  "We feel he will help improve our back end this season and in the future."

"We also feel it's very important to build our team through the Bantam Draft and by adding three selections to our upcoming drafts we are putting ourselves in a strong position to do just that," says Bonner.

Kulchar is a 6'0", 185-pound right-shooting defenseman from Martensville, SK.  He began his WHL career with the Regina Pats before becoming a Vancouver Giant at the start of the 08-09 season.  Kulchar has played 22 games for the Giants this season - recording one assist, 24 penalty minutes, and a +6 rating. Kulchar played 50 games - posting 3 assists - with the Pats as a 17-year-old.  He also played 3 games with Regina as a 16-year-old.

"We would also like to take this opportunity to wish Nick and Alex all the best in Vancouver," says Bonner.

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