Wild reaquires Jacob Barber

WENATCHEE, Wash. - The Wenatchee Wild reacquired Jacob Barber , the high-energy, high-scoring forward who was a catalyst on last season's team that contended for a West Division championship. The Wild also acquired defenseman Tyler Rostenkowski and the rights to forward Alec Shields.

Barber was a 2011 USHL Entry Draft first-round selection by the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. He notched four points (1G, 3A) and was plus-6 in 11 games with Cedar Rapids. The RoughRiders dealt Barber to the Jersey Hitmen of the EJHL at the end of November. With the Hitmen, Barber posted eight points (1G, 7A) in 11 games.

"It feels great," Barber said of his return to Wenatchee. "I'm glad to be back. I loved it here last year."

Barber was originally acquired by the Wild on Feb. 4, 2011, from the Alaska Avalanche. He was plus-4 and scored 10 goals and five assists in 16 games for the Wild through the remainder of the regular season and was selected for one SBK Hockey West Player of the Week.

Barber went to tally seven points (3G, 4A) and was plus-4 in seven playoff games with the Wild.

"He could have a big impact," said Wild head coach John Becanic. "Jacob's such a dynamic player, and he brings a certain attitude to the bench that I thought was really good for us."

Rostenkowski was in his third season with the Texas Tornado. Committed to Air Force, the left-handed blueliner scored three goals this season with 10 assists (13 points).

He was also plus-6. In his regular-season career with the Tornado, Rostenkowski racked up 36 points (10G, 26A) and was plus-19.

"We really felt we needed a left shot defenseman," said Becanic. "Tyler's a veteran player that has played in really good programs. He's a high, high character guy, and he should help give us some more offense on the back end."

The Wild also acquired the rights to Shields, though he will not be eligible to play for several weeks as he continues to recover from an injury.

A Mercyhurst College recruit, Shields spent the last three seasons with the Traverse City North Stars. In 80 games with the North Stars since 2009, he notched 66 points (29G, 37A) and was plus-22.

Shields was with the North Stars during their 2010 playoff run that concluded with a trip to the Robertson Cup Championship Tournament that was held at the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee.

"Alec's a world class skater and a point-per-game guy in our league," Becanic said of Shields. "He's an impact player that's a first line center on any team in this league."

To clear room on the roster the Wild traded defenseman Sam Johnson (Dallas, Texas) to the Amarillo Bulls. Johnson recorded 10 points (1G, 9A) and was plus-10 in 34 games with the Wild this season.

The Wild play host to the Kenai River Brown Bears this weekend (Jan.. 27-28) Both games will begin at 7:05 p.m.