The Spirit send team captain Vince Trocheck to the Whalers in exchange for forward Zach Bratina, along with 2nd and 3rd round picks in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection, and a 3rd round pick in 2016.
SAGINAW -- With the OHL trade deadline set for 12:00 pm today, the Saginaw Spirit announce the completion of a transaction with the Plymouth Whalers. In the deal, the Spirit send team captain Vince Trocheck to the Whalers in exchange for forward Zach Bratina, along with 2nd and 3rd round picks in the 2015 OHL Priority Selection, and a 3rd round pick in 2016. The 3rd round pick in 2015 was originally owned by the Kitchener Rangers
Trocheck leaves the Spirit after spending his entire OHL career in Saginaw and his legacy with the franchise is noteworthy. The Florida Panthers prospect is the second highest point producer in the history of the organization, as his 240 points are behind only Ryan McDonough, who posted 247 points during his career in Saginaw. Trocheck is also the franchise’s all-time leader in assists with 146. Trocheck also was a main contributor to the recent Gold Medal winning effort by Team USA at the 2013 World Junior Hockey Championship in Russia. So far this season, the Pittsburgh native is the 12th leading point producer in the OHL with 24 goals and 26 assists in 35 games played. His career totals in the league read 94 goals, and 146 assists for 240 points in 236 games played.
In Bratina, the Spirit bring into the fold the Whalers 1st round pick in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection as the native of Lindsay, Ontario was the 19th overall choice league wide. Bratina spent last season at the midget level with the Central Ontario Wolves program where he recorded 22 goals and added 21 assists in 30 games played. In 37 games played in his first OHL campaign Bratina has recorded 4 goals and 4 assists on the season.
