Brahmas add two

Acquire forward, defenseman to complete trades

The Brahmas announced today that they have acquired right wing Chris Shaffer from Corpus Christi and defenseman Jamie McKinven from Amarillo to complete trade commitments from

the past season.

Chris Shaffer

Shaffer, 29, a 5’ 11", 195 pound winger from Dryden, Ontario, is approaching his fifth as a professional. He played three seasons of Junior A hockey with the Thunder Bay Flyers (USHL), tallying 84 points (37 G, 47 A) and 375 penalty minutes in 161 games played.

He attended Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario and played three seasons with the Thunderwolves (OUA). During his time at Lakehead, he amassed 94 points (42 G, 52 A) and 171 penalty minutes in 77 games played.

Shaffer went pro in 2005-06, signing with the Youngstown Steelhounds. He scored 22 points (10 G, 12 A), leading the 'hounds in rookie scoring in 42 games played. The following season, he played in all but two regular season games and tallied 28 points (12 G, 16 A). 12 games into the 2007-08 season, he was acquired by the Corpus Christi Rayz as part of the deal that sent Jason Baird to Youngstown. He scored five points (3 G, 2 A) with the Steelhounds and then played in 51 games with the Rayz, contributing 16 points (8 G, 8 A). He had six points (3 G, 3 A) in 42 games played with Corpus Christi last season.

This transaction completes the three-way trade between the Brahmas, Wichita Thunder and Corpus Christi dated back from February 4, which included sending Marc Belanger to Wichita.

Jamie McKinven

McKinven, at 6’1" and 194 pounds could bring some size to the Brahmas' blueline. The 27-year-old native of Kingston, Ontario, played Junior A with the Kingston Voyageurs (OPJHL) during the 2000-01 season, scoring 26 points (5 G, 21 A). He attended Clarkson University (NCAA) in New York, playing three seasons with the Golden Nights. During his time there, McInven scored 11 points (2 G, 9 A) in 56 games played.

He went pro during the 2007-08 season, playing in 13 games with the Augusta Lynx (ECHL). He had one assist and 19 penalty minutes during the regular season. In the post-season, he had a goal and 8 penalty minutes in five games played.

McKinven began last season with the Lynx, playing in seven games before signing with the Amarillo Gorillas. He registered 16 points (6 G, 10 A) in 54 games played. His six goals ranked second on the Gorillas roster among all defenseman.

This transaction completes the Alex Greig and Ryan Waldner trade from October and November.

This ties up the loose ends of last season for the Brahmas regarding trades. Will either of these players make the 2009-10 roster? Sure, they have an opportunity. They also provide Dan Wildfong with two players to expose for the upcoming expansion draft. We'll know more in time.

Photo Credits: Corpus Christi IceRays, Amarillo Gorillas.