Travis Banga acquired in four-for-one trade

Former CHL All-Star to start for the Brahmas on Friday against the Riverkings

The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League today announced a four-for-one trade that sends center Travis Banga to the Texas Brahmas in exchange for forward Topher Scott, center Matt Byrnes and a pair of future considerations.

The deal involves acquiring both Scott and Byrnes from the Brahmas and includes end-of-the-season futures picks from both Rocky Mountain and Rapid City. Those picks were originally owed to Texas from each club in earlier deals. Byrnes was acquired by Texas from Wichita to complete a futures transaction and then dealt to the Killer Bees.

Both Scott and Byrnes are expected to be in the lineup on Tuesday night when the Killer Bees host the Laredo Bucks at the Dodge Arena.

“This trade addresses the immediate need of getting additional players in our lineup,” Killer Bees Head Coach Chris Brooks said. “Both Matt and Topher are young, fast, skilled players who I think will blend into our lineup smoothly.”

Banga, 29, arrives from Rio Grande Valley where he has two years of his five year professional career in the Central Hockey League. In 246 games played, Banga has averaged over a point a game with 269 points (116 G, 153 A). The two time CHL All-Star (2007 and 2008) had his second strongest season in his career last year, leading the Bees in scoring with 61 points (23 G, 38 A).

Prior to playing with Rio Grande Valley, Banga spent three seasons in Memphis with the RiverKings.

Brahmas Head Coach Dan Wildfong expects great things from Banga in a Brahmas uniform.

"Travis has been an all-star in our league and will add a scoring touch and energy to the lineup. It is always tough to lose a guy, but we believe the addition of Travis will help us to our goal; the President's Cup," said Wildfong.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith