Bulldogs Acquire Gurkan and Brandes from Vernon Vipers

(Blackfalds, AB) The Blackfalds Bulldogs have acquired (F) Kurt Gurkan and (D) David Brandes from the Vernon Vipers of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) in exchange for Future Considerations.

Gurkan (‘04) and Brandes (‘04) both come with NCAA Division 1 commitments. Gurkan is committed to Yale University and Brandes to Sacred Heart University. 

Bulldogs Director of Hockey Operations, Al Parada, spoke about what Gurkan adds to the team, “Kurt brings speed and intensity to our already skilled forward group. Kurt is tenacious on the puck and has elite-level speed with very good puck skills.”

Gurkan is excited to be joining the Bulldogs, “It’s a new opportunity and it seems to be a great group of guys and great program, so I’m excited to start.” 

Gurkan scored 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists) this season in 19 games with the Vipers. 

Parada also commented on what Brandes brings to the Bulldogs roster, “David is a very smooth skating defenceman who defends very well and makes a great first pass out of his own end. David also has the ability to add some offence on our back end and makes good reads on when to jump up in the play.”

Brandes is eager to get started with the Bulldogs, “I’m excited to really get going. I think it’s going to be great. I’m looking forward to having a bunch of success with the boys and having a good rest of the year.”

Brandes scored 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) this season in 15 games with Vernon.

The Bulldogs would like to welcome Gurkan, Brandes, and their families to the organization.

The next game for the Blackfalds Bulldogs is Friday, December 2nd, at the Eagle Builders Centre against the Bonnyville Pontiacs. Puck drop is at 7:00 PM.



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