Jeff Chynoweth knew a few eyebrows would be raised when he pulled the trigger to acquire his son, Ryan Chynoweth, from the Tri-City Americans on Wednesday.
However, the Kootenay Ice GM offered a simple reason for the deal.
"If I didn't think he could help our hockey club, I wouldn't have made the trade," Chynoweth said.
In exchange for Chynoweth, Kootenay sent a fifth-round draft pick in the 2014 or 2015 WHL Bantam Draft to the Americans.
For his part, the trade came as a bit of a shock to the younger Chynoweth.
"It's a different feeling, for sure," said Ryan Chynoweth. "I didn't see it coming, but I'm excited to come back and I'm excited to play, I think it's going to be fun to play for the team I grew up watching."
Ryan Chynoweth, 18, spent the last two seasons in the U.S. Division of the WHL, starting with his rookie season with the Everett Silvertips before moving to the Tri-City Americans for his sophomore year via a trade deal. In 107 career WHL games, Chynoweth has totalled three goals and 10 assists.
Jeff Chynoweth had conversations with Americans general manager Bob Tory regarding a few players before a deal with Ryan emerged.
"Ryan will complement our existing age group of 1995-born players," the Kootenay GM said. "He adds versatility playing either wing or centre, and is one of only three left shot forwards on our team.”
Tory has connections with the Kootenay Ice, serving as GM many years ago when the franchise relocated to Cranbrook from Edmonton in 1998.
“With an abundance of forwards, we felt that a situation for Ryan in Kootenay was best for his development as a player,” Tory said in a press release. “We thank Ryan for his commitment, dedication, and work ethic to our team and we wish him all the best as he gets to play in his hometown.”
Ryan Chynoweth said he is looking forward to meeting his new teammates and getting down to work.
"I'm a hard working two-way forward, I can play in the offensive and defensive zones," he said. "I can play all three forward positions and pretty much do whatever I can to help the team win."
The Silvertips selected Chynoweth 24th overall in the second round of the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft. He will be at team practice on Thursday and it will be up to the coaches whether or not to get him into the lineup for the weekend double-header with the Hurricanes and the Pats.
The Chynoweths are just one example of family ties currently within the WHL. Adam Lowry was a standout with the Swift Current Broncos, while his father, Dave Lowry coached the Victoria Royals. Connor Clouston, son of Tigers GM/coach Shaun Clouston (brother of former Ice coach Cory Clouston), is suiting up for the Kamloops Blazers.