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KIJHL: Thunder Cats acquire Sanderson from Campbell River

Creston Valley Thunder Cats acquire F Zack Sanderson (1996) from Campbell River Storm in exchange for future considerations
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Creston Valley Thunder Cats

The Creston Valley Thunder Cats have acquired forward Zack Sanderson (1996) from the Campbell River Storm of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League in exchange for future considerations.

The Thunder Cats announced the trade via press release Tuesday.

"We're very happy to be adding a player in Zack, who we feel is ready for a breakout season," said Jeff Dubois, Thunder Cats head coach and general manager, via a team press release. "Zack has proven over the past two seasons that he can play a strong two-way game, but with his skating and skill level we think that he's ready to play a key role on the offensive side of the puck.

"We're also excited to add a player from a winning program who is hungry to be a part of another successful team."

Sanderson, a native of Merritt, B.C., tallied eight goals and 24 points in 32 regular-season games as the Storm claimed the 2015 VIJHL championship, Cyclone Taylor Cup and Keystone Cup.

Though the bulk of Sanderson's Junior 'B' career has been spent with the Storm, he suited up for eight games with the KIJHL's Princeton Posse during the 2012-13 season, registering two assists.

"I'm very excited to play in Creston," Sanderson said in a team release. "I'm excited to see a different part of the province and I've heard great things about the team and coaching staff, which made it an easy decision. My goal this season is to help the Thunder Cats win a KIJHL championship."

Sanderson becomes the second player acquired by Dubois to have suited up for the Campbell River Storm during the 2014-15 season.

On May 27, the Thunder Cats announced the acquisition of forward James Severs (1996) from the Westshore Wolves of the VIJHL. Severs split last season between the Wolves and Storm.

During Dubois' first season at the helm in Creston, the Thunder Cats finished 28-18-1-5, good enough for 62 points and a third-place finish in the competitive Eddie Mountain Division.

The Thunder Cats went on to drop a five-game, first-round playoff decision to the eventual league champion Kimberley Dynamiters.

The Creston Valley Thunder Cats are slated to open training camp Aug. 21 at the Johnny Bucyk Arena in Creston.