Chilliwack Chiefs head coach Harvey Smyl picked up a pair of players in two separate swaps this week, adding a veteran defenceman and a skilled forward to the mix.
Smyl picked up 19-year-old Vancouver product Josh McKissock from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Kindersley Clippers on Tuesday, sending Brad Buckingham in the other direction.
McKissock spent last season with the BCHL’s Salmon Arm Silverbacks, appearing in 34 games with five points and 27 penalty minutes.
“Josh skates extremely well, has very good skill and good hockey sense,” Smyl said of the five-foot-10 and 170 pound forward.
McKissock was part of the 2007 Burnaby Winter Club squad that won the bantam western Canadian championships. He also helped the Revelstoke Grizzlies of the junior B KIJHL capture a western Canadian title.
The second move came Wednesday morning, with Smyl picking up Tyler Miller from the Langley Rivermen. The 20-year-old played for Smyl last year, and was acquired for future considerations.
“Tyler has played four seasons in the BCHL and is one of those players who has a presence on and off the ice,” Smyl said of the veteran blueliner. “Tyler is very difficult to play against and has the ability to chip in offensively from the back end. He also knows what it takes to be a Chief.”
Miller has logged 133 BCHL games with 26 points and 246 penalty minutes. The six-foot-three and 210 pound D-man is a Prince George native and was an assistant captain with the Rivermen last season.
Miller and McKissock will be at the season ticket pick-up event this Saturday at Prospera Centre.