Monday, June 29, 2009

Plymouth trades Geldart to hometown Fronts

The Plymouth Whalers announced today the acquisition of the sixth pick in Tuesday’s Canadian Hockey League Import Draft from the Kingston Frontenacs in exchange for overage right wing Kaine Geldart, a third-round selection in the 2010 OHL draft and a fifth-round selection in the 2011 draft.

The Whalers also have the 39th and 102nd selections in tomorrow's Import Draft. Canadian Hockey League teams can play two imports and Plymouth has veteran defensemen Michal Jordan and Jan Látal currently on the roster.

Geldart – who turns 20 in August – has an opportunity to play his overage season in his hometown of Kingston. Originally selected by Plymouth in the 12th round (229th overall) of the 2005 OHL draft, Geldart developed into a fan favorite for the Whalers and was awarded the team’s Labatt Blue Collar Player of the Year in 2007-08 for his in-your-face, hard forechecking style of play.

In three years in Plymouth, Geldart scored 30 goals with 52 assists for 82 points, 280 penalty minutes and was plus-3 in 178 games.

Geldart’s trade also brings Plymouth to three overage players and frees up a spot on the roster for returning overagers Joe Gaynor, Ryan Hayes and Leo Jenner. OHL teams can play three overage players at one time.

Vellucci’s acquisition of the sixth pick in Tuesday’s draft gives the Whalers their highest selection in the draft since Sergei Fedotov was taken fourth overall in 1996. The CHL started the Import Draft in 1992.

Photo by Walt Dmoch

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