Mitch Andres has never been traded before, so it was a weird feeling packing his bags and leaving Vernon for Chilliwack.
But if he had to move, he’s glad to join a contender and hopefully finish his junior A career with a long playoff run.
“I’m excited to be on the first place team in the league, so I can’t complain about anything,” said Andres, who was acquired last week in exchange for younger defenceman Will Dow-Kenny. “I didn’t really expect to be traded, but once I heard it was Chilliwack I was happy.
“Everything happens pretty quick, and I didn’t have much time to get packed up. I just wanted to get here in time to be in the lineup Friday night.”
Andres debuted in a 4-3 overtime loss at Coquitlam and picked up his first Chiefs point Sunday when he led a two-on-one rush and fed the puck to Harrison Blaisdell.
“I try to give it (the puck) to guys who can make plays and usually good things happen,” the Minnesota native noted. “I try to trust my game and my abilities.”
Chilliwack coach Brian Maloney thought Andres might have been restrained in Vernon and believes there’s more than his point totals (44-1-15-16) would suggest.
His active effort against PG suggests the bench boss might be right.
“I am a defence-first guy, but whenever I can I do like to move up on the rush, get the puck to the forwards and try to get open.”
Andres leads Chilliwack into battle Thursday, visiting the Merritt Centennials followed by road games Friday and Sunday in Surrey.