By Tribune Sports Staff
January 28, 2014
The Great Falls Americans announced Wednesday that leading scorer Aaron McInnis has been traded to the Kenai River (Alaska) Brown Bears of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
It’s essentially a promotion for McInnis. The NAHL is a Tier II league while the American West Hockey League, which includes the Americans, is a Tier III league.
In exchange for McInnis, who had 24 goals in 33 games and was the AWHL’s second-leading scorer with 57 points, the Americans will receive Steven Butts, a forward from Anchorage, Alaska.
“Aaron has been a shining star on this program this season and has been a huge part of our success on the ice thus far,” said Americans’ coach Jeff Heimel, whose team plays host to Glacier tonight at 7:30 at the Great Falls IcePlex. “However, on this day the goal for both of our league (AWHL) and this organization is always going to be developing and moving players to the next level. Although, we are sad to see Aaron go, we are excited for the opportunity that this brings him. He has a bright future and we look forward to watching (him) as he takes this next step in what we hope will be a very bright hockey career.”
Story Courtesy: Great Falls Tribune: Americans lose McInnis; play tonight (January 28, 2014)