POKERTHUMB

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have acquired overage forward Justin Gutierrez from the Tri-City Americans in exchange for a fourth round draft pick in the 2017 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft.

Gutierrez hails from Anchorage, Alaska and has spent the last three seasons with the Americans appearing in 186 games collecting 59 points (18g-41a) along with 218 penalty minutes. Last season, the 6’4”, 201-pound centreman set career highs with 29 points (11g-18a) along with 78 penalty minutes last season in 67 games.

“He’s a big, strong left-hand shot centreman that can eat up some important minutes for us this year,” said Hurricanes General Manager Peter Anholt. “He is a character person and we are excited to add him to the fold. It was important to add some size down the middle and with Justin we’ve done that.”

The 19-year-old has improved his stats every year in the WHL and appeared at St. Louis Blues training camp last season on a tryout basis.

Gutierrez is the second overager the Hurricanes have added joining Cory Millette as the other. The Hurricanes still have one open spot for the 2015-2016 season.

Catch up on all the latest on the Lethbridge Hurricanes by visiting the team’s website at www.lethbridgehurricanes.com, and/or follow on Twitter @WHLHurricanes.