Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor
Rockets acquire feisty forward

A trade with the Tigers

Dec 31, 2023 | 10:29 AM

Kelowna Rockets Press Release:

The Kelowna Rockets announced today they have acquired 2005-born forward Brett Calhoon a 2024 third-round pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick from the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for 2005-born forward Marcus Pacheco.

“Brett is a big-bodied forward that is very responsible with the puck who will add to our team,” said Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton. “I think a change of scenery will be good for Marcus. We’d like to thank him for his time as a Rocket and wish him all the best in Medicine Hat.”

Regan’s Take: A healthy scratch after the Christmas break in games against Kamloops in a home-and-home series and then last night vs. Calgary, it appeared something was in the works to move the likable forward. Pacheco, highly touted in bantam due to his tremendous speed, will get a new lease on life in Medicine Hat, where the Tigers like to play an up-tempo game. I often felt for Marcus, who played in the shadows of Andrew Cristall and Caden Price, after being picked in that same draft class. As for Calhoon, the Rockets pick up a player with fire in his belly, fighting now teammate Ismail Aboughouche when the Tigers beat the Rockets 9-2 back on October 14th. The Rockets do well by this trade, getting a third round pick as well, which Pacheco was in 2020, and get an additional fifth-rounder to use as they choose. Calhoon is from Oliver, but considers Kamloops home. 

Calhoon, a product of Oliver, BC, has appeared in 28 games for the Tigers this season, posting six points (1G, 5A), a +6 plus/minus rating and 20 penalty minutes.

The 6’1, 170-pound winger was selected in the ninth round by Medicine Hat in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft.

Pacheco, 18, has appeared in 14 games for Kelowna this season, recording five points (2G, 3A), a +4 plus/minus rating and 2 penalty minutes. Originally a third-round pick of the Rockets in 2020, the 5’11, 194-pound winger has appeared in 133 games over the last three seasons, posting 42 points (15G, 27A), a -13 plus/minus rating and 40 penalty minutes.

Calhoon will join the Rockets this week, he will wear number nine.

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