Image

Levi Bews - photo from scbroncos.com

The Swift Current Broncos got an early start on Tuesday's WHL trade deadline by adding 17-year-old forward Levi Bews from Vancouver for a 6th round pick in the 2012 bantam draft.

Click here for an in depth interview with Broncos Coach/GM Mark Lamb

Bews scored 8 points in 34 games this season with the Giants and Saskatoon Blades. The Blades drafted him 42nd overall in the 2009 draft before trading him to Vancouver early this season.

“Levi is a big body, power forward type that fits well into the age group we are looking to improve on,” said Broncos Assistant General Manager Jamie Porter.  “He’s moved around a little bit this season, but we are hoping we will be a great fit for him.”

Bews entered the WHL as a 16-year-old and produced 7 points over 52 games of limited duty with Saskatoon. He had 2 points in 6 games with Team Pacific at last year's U17 Hockey Challenge. Bews scored 22 points in 31 games with the Midget AAA UFA Bisons as a 15-year-old.

"We think he could be a good find," said Broncos Coach/GM Mark Lamb. "We've been watching him for a long time, our scouts really like him. He's a big right winger with a big shot. We think he could be a good player for us in the future."

The Broncos were looking to add some talent to their 1994 cluster.

"I like that he is a 94... we are short in that age group," Lamb said.

The Giants had recently reassigned Bews to the Okotoks Oilers of the AJHL. Instead of staying home, Bews will join the Broncos for a game against some familiar faces. His debut will come on Friday against his old club from Saskatoon.

Swift Current heads into tomorrow's trade deadline nine points out of a playoff spot. They have three overage players and six 19-year-olds that are drawing some interest and speculation. The most talked about name has been Broncos captain and leading scorer Taylor Vause.

"It's pretty quiet," Lamb said. "This year is a little bit different. There are so many teams that really don't think they have the team to take them all the way.

Lamb feels they have done a good job in building up their draft picks and is instead looking for young players who can step into their lineup.

"If we did trade any of our overage guys we would need a young player coming back... that our organization feels would be an impact player moving forward," Lamb said. "If it's the right player we would even put in a pick. If it's a good young player that we know can play, sometimes that is better than taking a guess on a draft pick."

Lamb is comfortable keeping his roster in tact if he doesn't find a deal that fits with their plan.

The two contending teams that had spots open for overage forwards filled them in recent weeks. Kamloops added Brandon Herrod from Prince Albert for a 2nd round draft pick and forward Logan McVeigh. On Monday, Moose Jaw sent a 1rst round pick in 2012 and a 2nd round pick in 2013 to Lethbridge for overage centre Cam Braes.

Monday's other deals saw the Warriors ship 19-year-old defenceman Tyler Vanscourt to Vancouver for a 5th round draft pick. Prince Albert also traded a 5th round pick to add 17-year-old Riley Guenther from the Tri-City Americans.

Watch Swift Current Online and keep tuned to your radio for the latest on the WHL trade deadline on Tuesday.