The Vancouver Giants have traded overage forward Tim Kraus and import defenceman Juraj Valach to the Regina Pats for 19-year old defenceman Craig Schira and 19-year old center Mike Reich.

Schira, 6'0 and 196 lbs and Reich, 5'10 and 192 lbs, should both be in the lineup this Saturday for the Giants home opener. Kraus apparently requested a trade during training camp after rejecting a move to Regina in the summer. Assistant GM Craig Bonner's recent trip out east was obviously to scout the Pats players. Valach, acquired from Tri-City in the summer, was a constant resident in Don Hay's doghouse and his lack of physical play combined with his defensive lapses made him an easy trade.

The trade puts the Giants one player under the WHL maximum for both 20-year old players and import players. Scott Bonner indicated in an interview withe the Team 1040 that the team could get back one of their 20-year olds currently in camp with AHL clubs. That group includes Brendan Mikkelson (Portland Pirates), Cody Franson (Milwaukee Admirals), Mario Bliznak (Manitoba Moose) and Kenndal McArdle (Rochester Americans).

There are a few teams in the WHL who will be forced to trade or release overager players as the October 11th deadline approaches.