The Richmond Sockeyes have added experience to their blueline in a three-player swap with the Ridge Meadows Flames.
Ryan Wellburn joins Richmond after playing 124 games over three seasons with the Flames. The 20-year-old provides some offence from the backend — producing 15 points, including three goals, in 19 games this season.
Heading the other way are veteran forward Trevor Townsend and defenceman Max Fookes. Townsend had nine points in 20 games with the Sockeyes, while Fookes recorded three points in 17 games.
The deal was finalized soon after the Flames trimmed Richmond 6-5 last Thursday at Minoru Arenas. Teddy Prior’s empty net goal proved to be the winner after captain Matthew Brown scored for Richmond with just two seconds remaining.
Noah Kelly scored twice for the Sockeyes. Isaac Alvarado and Marcus Pantazis also scored. Richmond outshot the visitors 50-36.
Richmond takes its 16-6-2-1 record into Thursday’s game when the Grandview Steelers visit Minoru at 7 p.m. The Sockeyes also travel to Mission on Saturday.
