Storm sign local product Schellenberg, make moves before December cut-down date.

Dec 3, 2019 | 9:45 AM

The Grande Prairie Storm have announced the signing of local product Austin Schellenberg.

Schellenberg, a native of Grande Prairie, has spent the last three seasons playing in the WHL, serving time with the Red Deer Rebels, and Kootenay/Winnipeg ICE (The ICE relocated to Winnipeg for the 2019/2020 WHL season).

The 19-year-old centre notched 21 points in 120 regular season games over the span of his three seasons in the WHL.

Over the course of his career, Schellenberg grew up playing his minor hockey as a member of the AAA Bantam and Midget Grande Prairie Storm. He also played three games as an affiliate for the Storm in the 2016-17 season.

Storm Head Coach and Assistant GM Matt Keillor coached the forward during his AAA days.

“I coached Austin in Bantam and Midget AAA, he was a dynamic skater and playmaker. His skating was special and the WHL noticed that early on. Austin will bring a veteran presence and add some offence to our young forward group. He does things at high speed and can make an impact with his compete level. We’re very excited to have him back in a Storm jersey.”

Austin will be in the lineup this Thursday as the Storm face off in an exhibition match against the Czech Republic.

The Storm have also announced a pair of departures ahead of the December cut-down date.

Defenceman Ryan MacLean has been traded to the SJHL’s Melfort Mustangs for future considerations, and they have released forward Jackson Savoie.

Savoie had 5 points in his 25 games with the Storm.

by Shane Clausing