Regina Pats/Morning Star Staff
The Regina Pats traded two players and three draft picks to get forward Cole Sanford from the Medicine Hat Tigers in a Sunday Western Hockey League blockbuster trade.
Sanford, a 20-year-old Vernon product, rang up 50 goals and 95 points last season. He compiled 21 goals and 38 points in 33 games this season, playing without linemate Trevor Cox, who was traded to the Vancouver Giants earlier this season.
“This was a unique opportunity to acquire one of the premiere goal scorers in the Western Hockey League,” said Regina head coach John Paddock.
“We’ve been looking to add a consistent scorer to play with Sam Steel. The chance to add a 50-goal scorer like Cole enhanced that opportunity. It’s important for our young players to gain playoff experience and this enhances our drive for the playoffs.”
Regina is seventh in the Eastern Conference with 42 points, while Medicine Hat is ninth, eight points back.
Sanford participated in the Young Stars Tournament in Penticton with the Edmonton Oilers where he played on a line with Connor McDavid and was invited to Edmonton’s main camp.
Sanford has played 230 games in the WHL, all with the Tigers. The dynamic centre has 217 points and 197 penalty minutes.
In exchange for Sanford, the Pats sent to Medicine Hat: forward Brian Williams (’95), prospect forward Gary Haden (’99), the Pats’ 2018 second-round, 2017 fifth-round, and Lethbridge’s 2016 third-round WHL Bantam draft picks.
Regina acquired Williams from the Tri-City Americans last week. Williams, 21, of Claremont, Calif., produced 7-13-20 with Tri-City.
Medicine Hat also received Gary Haden, a prospect playing with the Calgary Foothills CFR Chemical Bisons of the AMHL. Haden leads the league with 16 goals and 44 points.