On trade deadline day in the B.C. Hockey League, the Vernon Vipers have sent a defenceman to the Trail Smoke Eaters while inking a Czech blue liner to a contract.
The Vipers traded Isaac Fecteau to the Smoke Eaters in exchange for future considerations on Saturday (Feb. 10). Fecteau scored one goal and added four helpers in 22 games with the Vipers this season, the 18-year-old’s first in the BCHL.
The trade makes room on the left side of the Vipers’ blueline for Filip Krajcik, who the team signed Saturday from the U20 HC Energie Karlovy Vary program in Czechia.
“This trade will allow Isaac an opportunity to play more minutes,” said Vipers GM and head coach Jason McKee. “Trail had a need for a defenceman and with the recent acquisitions, we needed to get down to roster numbers.”
Krajcik, 19, is a six-foot, 180-pound defenceman who scored three goals and 12 points in 18 U20 games in his home country this season.
From the city of Vsetin, Krajcik has represented Czechia on a number of levels at international tournaments and played in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in 2022.
“Filip is a steady, veteran, and experienced defender that will help our team down the stretch and into the playoffs,” McKee said. “We look forward to his contributions to our team.”
Krajcik said he is excited to join the Vipers blueline in time for the team’s playoff push.
“I’m looking forward to playing for the Vipers and I’m very happy to have this opportunity,” says Krajcik, who will wear No. 2 for the Vipers. “I’ve always wanted to play in Canada and can’t wait to get started.”
The Vipers will play on the road in Cowichan Valley at 6 p.m. tonight.
The BCHL trade deadline is 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10.
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