Turner Ottenbreit, who started the Western Hockey League season in Saskatoon, is on his way to Seattle after the Thunderbirds acquired the 6'4", 180-pound defenceman from the Blades for 20-year-old blueliner Adam Henry.
A Yorkton native, Ottenbreit, 17, spent last season with the Yorkton AAA Midget Harvest then finished with the Yorkton Junior 'A' Terriers through their extended playoff run.
He told Yorkton This Week the trade was something he never expected would happen.
"It was a complete surprise, I had absolutely no idea I was getting traded," he said. "I got to the rink after school expecting to practice and got called into the coach's office and that's when they told me I was traded to Seattle."
The young defenceman said he had felt his season had been going well in Saskatoon with the Blades.
"I was excited knowing I had a good opportunity in Saskatoon," he said, adding he hopes things progress with the Thunderbirds. "I felt like I was fitting in really well in the WHL so far and hopefully things continue to get better in Seattle."
The trade will have Ottenbreit a long way from home for the first time, but he said he expects to adapt well.
"Yeah it's definitely a long ways from home but Seattle is a great place and a great organization. I can't wait to get there," he said.
The trade being so fresh, Ottenbreit said he hasn't even gotten around to learning exactly where he might fit in terms of his new team.
"I have not talked to the coach yet," he said.
Still in high school, Ottenbreit will need to adapt his schooling too with the move.
"It hasn't really set in yet I'm been busy packing up and saying goodbye and what not but I'm sure school and everything will work out," he said, adding, "I actually think I am taking online classes."
