Calgary Hitmen trade Carson Wetsch, acquire Ben MacBeath in WHL draft day shakeup
The Calgary Hitmen have traded forward Carson Wetsch and a conditional second round pick in the 2028 WHL Prospects Draft to the Kelowna Rockets in exchange for 2008-born defenceman Ben MacBeath, a first-round pick in 2027 (Kelowna), second-round pick in 2025 and third-round pick in 2025 WHL Prospects Draft.
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'We have seen Carson grow as a player and person as part of the Hitmen organization since he was 15 years old,' said Hitmen vice-president Mike Moore. 'He has had a significant impact as a player and as the captain of our team. His dedication to the community over his tenure with us will leave a lasting impact on our organization.'
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Added general manager Garry Davidson: 'Carson is a character person and player and has demonstrated this through his commitment and exemplary representation of the Hitmen organization.'
Wetsch was drafted in the third round by the Hitmen in 2021 and went on to play 181 games with the club, recording 124 points (68g, 56a).
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MacBeath. a product of Calgary, played the 2024-25 season with the Salmon Arm Silverbacks of the BCHL, tallying 34 points (4g, 30a) in 53 games.
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'Ben is the complete package with a high hockey IQ and great feet,' said Davidson. 'He is coming off a great season in the BCHL and will be a welcomed addition to fill in our back-end as a left-handed defenceman.'
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Earlier Wednesday, the Hitmen traded 2006-born forward Chase Valliant and 2008-born prospect Easton LaPlante to the Penticton Vees in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. This move completed Calgary's requirements for the Vees' expansion draft later in the day.
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'With this trade we are fulfilling our requirements for the expansion draft with the Vees while also recouping a draft pick,' said Davidson. 'This process involves giving up two quality hockey players and individuals. We wish Chase and Easton the best in Penticton.'
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Valliant was selected in the third round of the 2021 draft by the Hitmen and went on to record 38 points (12g, 26a) in 116 games with the club. LaPlante was selected by Calgary in the second round of the 2023 draft.
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The Hitmen did not have a pick in the first round of this year's Prospects Draft, which continues with Round 2 on Thursday. The U.S. Priority Draft will also be held on Thursday.
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