BROOKS, AB (June 15, 2021) – The Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) have acquired a pair of ’02-born forwards, Liam Hughes and Nolan Wutzke, from the Sherwood Park Crusaders in exchange for ’02 born defenceman Tyler Bates and Future Considerations, the team announced on Tuesday.
Hughes (Edmonton, AB) appeared in 19 games for Sherwood Park in the 2020-21 season, scoring 9 points (6G, 3A), and finished 3rd in team goal scoring. He played his U18 AAA with the CAC Canadians, where he led the Alberta Midget Hockey League (AMHL) in scoring and assists with 52 points (22G, 30A) in 32 games. He was named to the AMHL First All-Star Team. Prior to that, he played for Team Edmonton Yellow at the 2017 Alberta Cup.
Wutzke (Calgary, AB) is an Edge School grad who appeared in 15 games with the Crusaders in the COVID-shortened regular season, adding 1 assist and 23 penalty minutes.
Bates (Calgary, AB) is also an Edge School grad who affiliated with the Bandits during the 2018-19 season when the team won an AJHL and National Championship. He’s dressed in 38 regular season games with Brooks since, scoring 10 points (1G, 9A). He’s committed to Colorado College. The Bandits thank Bates for his contributions to the team.
Preparations for the 2021-22 season are underway, with the Bandits Training Camp is scheduled for late August.