The Surrey Eagles have shaken up their roster in a big way – by dealing 18-year-old captain Brandon Morley to the division-rival Coquitlam Express.
In exchange for Morley, the Eagles receive 20-year-old forward Brady Shaw, who has six goals and nine points in 12 games so far this season.
Morley, in his first year wearing the captain's 'C' after taking over from older brother Tyler, was in his third year in Surrey. He was named the team's top rookie after he posted 47 points in 49 games in the 2010/11 season.
This season, Morley had yet to score, posing zero goals and five assist in 11 games.
“The Eagles would like to thank Brandon for all that he’s given to our program,” said Head Coach and General Manager Matt Erhart in a press release. “He’s a hard worker and a mature young man that has a bright future ahead of him. Coquitlam is getting a quality individual.
Shaw, an Ottawa native, is in his second year in the BCHL. He is the son of former NHL defenceman – and current St. Louis Blues assistant coach – Brad Shaw.
“The Eagles are very excited to acquire a proven goal scorer like Brady,” said Erhart. “He possesses a great release and has always been dangerous against us. We expect him to provide an immediate offensive threat for our hockey club."
Morley is the third player to join the Express after beginning the season in Surrey. In Coquitlam, he'll join Brett Seldon – who was acquired from Ontario in exchange for Sean McGovern in the offseason – was shipped to the Express after being a healthy scratch twice during the BCHL Showcase in September, and veteran blue liner Beau Orser, who was released by the Eagles earlier in the year.