The Victoria Cougars have bolstered the defensive and offensive threat with a recent trade.
The Cougars have asquired 19-year-old forward Cody Hodges and 19-year-old defenseman Connor Harding from the Chase Heat of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations.
“Cody is a quick and skillful forward who will add a strong offensive presence to our lineup,” Cougars associate coach Thomas Kala said.
“Connor will bring experience to our back end as well as adding a tough physical presence.”
Both players have been with Chase the past two seasons.
Hodges, a right-handed shooter, led the Heat in scoring last year with 28 goals and 31 assists for 59 points in 49 games.
Harding, who is as tough as nails, finished last season with a team-high 114 penalty minutes.
“We look forward to both players joining our team in August and working hard throughout the year to achieving our team goal of a provincial championship,” Kala said.
Victoria is the host entry for the 2016 Cyclone Taylor Cup.
“Our club is committed to icing a competitive team every year capable of competing in the Cyclone Taylor Cup,” Cougars president Gary Boyer said. “This year will be even more special with us being the host.”
The four-team tournament, featuring one other team from the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League and the champions from the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League and Pacific Junior Hockey League, will be held at the Archie Browning Sports Centre from April 7 to 10.