Photo: Darren Francis
Penticton, BC. – The Penticton Vees Junior Hockey Club has acquired B.C.-born defenceman Lucas Sorace (’04) from the Chilliwack Chiefs, in exchange for forward Parker Murray (’03), the team announced Tuesday.
“We are a program that over the past few seasons have made very few roster moves, averaging basically one per season. It was a difficult decision, but our staff felt we needed to add to our blueline if we wanted to take a serious run at a third-straight championship. Lucas will provide us a stabile physical presence to our backend.” said Vees’ President, General Manager & Head Coach Fred Harbinson.
The trade, while undoubtedly bolstering the Vees’ defensive core, comes with a mix of emotions as the organization bids farewell to a talented player in Parker Murray. “To add a proven top four quality defenceman, we had to give up a proven forward in Parker Murray. Parker will provide scoring to Chilliwack and great presence in their locker room,” commented Harbinson.
Lucas Sorace, a native of Port Moody, B.C., is a key addition to the Vees’ blueline. The 6’1, 192-pound defenceman brings a wealth of BCHL experience to the backend, having played the last three seasons with the Chiefs. This season, he has three points (1G, 2A) in five games. Sorace has played just a handful of games after recovering from an injury sustained in the BCHL Playoffs last spring. Over the last three seasons in Chilliwack, the 19-year-old has accumulated 30 points (3G, 27A) in 85 career regular season games. He has also added three points (1G, 2A) in 16 career playoff games. Sorace is committed to Quinnipiac University.
Murray, 20, signed with the Vees in June after spending the last two seasons with the Wenatchee Wild. In seven games this season Murray had five points (1G, 4A). He made his Vees’ regular season debut on November 11th, after missing the first 16 games due to an upper-body injury.
The Penticton Vees organization extends its gratitude to Parker Murray for his dedication, hard work, and commitment to the team, and the organization wishes him continued success in Chilliwack.
