Chilliwack Chiefs general manager Harvey Smyl wasted no time identifying and addressing the problem of a leaky defence.
After watching his team surrender an obscene amount of shots and scoring chances in a 6-1 loss to Powell River and 1-1 tie with Vernon, the Chiefs boss went out Monday and reaquired a dependable D-man.
Shay Laurent is back, picked up from the Coquitlam Express in exchange for future considerations.
The 20 year old, known as ShayBear to former captain David Thompson, suited up for 110 games over two regular seasons with the Chiefs.
He had 33 points and 121 penalty minutes during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 campaigns.
Laurent was sent to Coquitlam in the offseason to complete the trade deadline deal that brought Phil Zielonka to Chilliwack.
Garrett Forster and Ben Isreal also went to the Express in that trade, but Smyl was particularly sad to include Laurent.
He’s happy now to have him back.
“Shay is the true definition of a Chilliwack Chief,” Smyl said. “He works hard, cares a lot about his teammates, never complains and is very humble.”
As for Laurent, the Alberta native is thrilled to return to the Chiefs.
“I want to thank Barry Wolff and the Coquitlam Express for providing me the opportunity to go back to Chilliwack for my final season of junior hockey,” he said. “My heart has always been with the Chiefs and I can’t wait to rejoin the club.”
Laurent’s arrival comes with a cost.
The team had to release 17-year-old defenceman Michael Wilms.
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