Spruce Grove Saints made a pair of roster moves prior to the January 10th deadline.
In the first transaction as part of a 3 team deal the Saints acquired ’97 born forward Chase Olsen (Olds, AB) from the Olds Grizzlies. To complete the transaction the Saints traded ’98 born forward Tyson Gruninger (Drayton Valley, AB) to the Sherwood Park Crusaders. The Olds Grizzlies received the rights to ’99 born defensemen Tyler Pang (Victoria, BC) and future considerations.
Olsen comes to Saints after spending his entire AJHL career with the Grizzlies organization, and served as the team’s captain during the 2017-18 season. Olsen amassed 158 points (67 Goals, 91 Assists) in 155 career games with the Grizzlies, which was highlighted by an 81-point campaign in the 2015-16 season. In 12 career playoff games Olsen has compiled 4 goals and 3 assists.
In the second move the Saints traded ’97 born defense/forward Garan Magnes (Edmonton, AB) to the North Battleford Stars of the SJHL for a Player Development Fee.
Magnes departs Spruce Grove after spending 80 games in a Saints uniform. In that time Magnes marked the scoresheet with 24 goals, 20 assists and 48 penalty minutes.
Spruce Grove Saints General Manager Rob Sklaruk broke down both of the deadline deal trades.
“Chase Olsen is player we have been looking at and coveted for a while. Not only is he a top end player in this league, but he is a proven leader (Olsen wore the ‘C’ for Olds this season) who we think can really help our group towards our goal of making a deep run in the playoffs. To get a player like Chase you need to give up a lot, and this was definitely a hockey trade. Tyson came in an had an immediate impact on our team, we appreciate his contributions to the Saints and wish him and his family nothing but the best.”
Sklaruk continued “After acquiring Chase, we were over our allotted six 20-year-old spots and had to make a move. Garan has been a tremendous player and ambassador for the Saints, the Broncos are not only getting a quality hockey player, but a quality person. We wish him all the best.”
Olsen is expected to make his Saints debut on Friday at the Grant Fuhr Arena versus the Canmore Eagles. Game time 7:00 pm. Get your tickets to catch the newest Saint in action here: https://tickets.sprucegrovesaints.ca/events/6192-canmore-eagles-spruce-grove-saints