North Vancouver, B.C. – The North Vancouver Wolf Pack have been involved in a trade before the start of the Pacific Junior Hockey League regular season.
The Wolf Pack have traded 2004-born defenceman Jonathan Soares to the Surrey Knights in exchange for 2004-born defenceman Caleb Cruz.
Cruz made his PJHL debut with the White Rock Whalers during the 2021-22 regular season. He amassed 28 points (9-19) in 74 regular season games and eight points (3-5) in 24 playoff games with White Rock. Cruz was dealt to the Surrey Knights in the offseason.
“Caleb has been a player we have looked at trying to acquire for a couple of seasons. He is a mobile puck-moving defenceman who will fit right into our top four,” said General Manager and Associate Coach Matt Samson. “Great character, work ethic, and compete level, and he will bring leadership and experience to our backend. I’m really happy to add a good player and a person who wants to be a part of this group, which we think has a chance to be special,” explained Samson. “We are excited to see what he will bring to the team on and off the ice.”
The Pack is excited to add Caeb to the den and wants to welcome him and his family to the organization.
Soares arrived in North Vancouver from the VIJHL’s Kerry Park Islanders when the Wolf Pack dealt forward David Coyle back in October. The right-shot defenceman had points in his first seven games in grey and blue, including a five-assist night in his second game with Surrey providing the opposition.
The native of Surrey, BC, had eight goals and 26 assists for 34 points in 31 regular season games. Soares was held without a point against Grandview in the Survivor Series.
North Vancouver starts their regular season with a home game against the Richmond Sockeyes on Saturday, September 9.
