In dire need of some offence, Victoria Grizzlies general manager and head coach Bill Bestwick acquired triplets Myles Fitzgerald, Leo Fitzgerald and Gerry Fitzgerald in a six-player trade with the Prince George Spruce Kings on Wednesday.
Cam Lawson and Coltyn Hansen -- whom the Grizzlies relied heavily upon after last season's trade deadline -- and David London are headed to northern sa国际传媒 in the swap.
The deal shouldn't come as a major surprise as Bestwick continues to surround himself with familiar players. The Fitzgerald triplets -- Port Alberni natives who are heading into their third sa国际传媒 Hockey League season -- first began playing for Bestwick in Nanaimo with the Clippers.
In a news release, Bestwick described the swap as: "An exciting and significant move in the rebuilding of our roster for the upcoming season." He further described the diminutive trio as: "Dynamic, skilled players that compete and entertain during every single shift."
The trio had 113 points last season in Prince George. Myles collected 20 goals and 20 assists, Leo added 15 goals and 19 assists, and Gerry totalled 17 goals and 22 assists. In 169 total BCHL games, the triplets have combined for 77 goals and 104 helpers.
"These guys love the game and are as durable as any players in the BCHL," Bestwick added in the statement. "I expect them to generate offence and reach a point-a-game status or more."
Newly appointed Grizzlies' captain Zach Urban is also delighted by the addition. "This is great news and I am very excited to play with them. Game in and game out, they were the hardest line to play against last year. I hated playing against them," Urban added.
The triplets will be introduced to media today,The team opens pre-season play at home Aug. 24 against the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
