Tri-City Americans acquire Jessey Astles

KENNEWICK - Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory has announced that the team has acquired 20-year-old forward Jessey Astles from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for a conditional 6th round pick in the 2014 Bantam Draft.

Astles, a 6-2, 205-pound left wing from Coquitlam, British Columbia, spent last season with the MasterCard Memorial Cup host Blades. He was limited to two points (1+1) in just 26 games in 2012-13 after suffering a wrist injury in November.

Originally a 6th round (120th overall) pick by the Kelowna Rockets in the 2008 Bantam Draft, Astles made his WHL debut in 2009-10 and played three full seasons with the Rockets before being traded to Saskatoon last May. In all, Astles appeared in 157 games for the Rockets, collecting six goals, 16 points and 241 penalty minutes.

Astles also has 27 playoff games to his credit, split between Kelowna and Saskatoon, recording three goals and four points.

"I have watched Jessey since his time in Kelowna and have appreciated his game and have tried to acquire him a couple of times in the past," Tory said. "He will bring an important element to our team."