The Trail Smoke Eaters sent 20-year-old forward Kurt Black to the Surrey Eagles in exchange for forward Kyle Star last week.
Star joined the Smokies in Merritt and promptly got his first point, setting up Harlan Orr on Trail’s first goal in the 3-2 win. The six-foot, 170 pound forward, is a Langley native and accumulated five goals and 10 points with Surrey before the trade.
“He started the year in Surrey as their captain and has had a strong year offensively,” said coach and GM Nick Deschenes. “We were looking to add more offense to our line up and he brings a level of experience that will help our group.”
Star played two full seasons in the Alberta Junior Hockey League prior to joining the Eagles in June. He is both a skilled and gritty forward who racked up 29 goals and 43 assists in 108 games, as well as 176 minutes in penalties.
“We know he’ll compliment our group and look forward to helping him achieve his goals,” added Deschenes.
Black, a Winfield native, was acquired earlier this summer and compiled 11 points in 18 matches with the Smoke Eaters.
The former Nitehawk got off to a good start with the orange and black, netting seven points in his first four games, but was snake bit for eight games in which he didn’t score a point.