There are always two sides of a trade.
As the January 10 deadline approaches, the post-Christmas holiday season triggers an active trade market in the Western Hockey League. The Regina Pats were active this past week as they tried to restock the organization’s draft capital.
One of the moves Regina made was sending 20-year-old defenceman Parker Berge in exchange for 20-year-old defenceman Ty Gibson, along with a second-round pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft.
Both players were pillars of their respective franchises. Berge played a pair of games in the 2019-20 season in Regina and then suited up for 23 games in the 2020-21 season before playing 122 games between the 21-22 & 22-23 campaigns. The former assistant for the Pats had 37 points (10G-17A) in 36 games with Regina this year.
Like Berge, Gibson played two games with Everett during the 2019-20 season. He spent the following four seasons in Everett, including this year, where he picked up 16 points (2G-14A) in 37 games.
Both players felt similar emotions with the news of the trade.
Berge and Gibson both joined Sean Kleisinger this week on the Sportscage.
For Berge, leaving the Pats was difficult, considering the time he spent with the Pats organization.
“Having to say good-bye to the guys who have I grown with pretty much my whole career in Regina.”
When Gibson found out he would be leaving the only WHL team he had ever played for, he was flooded with emotions. But as a 20-year-old player, he was aware of the possibility of being traded before the deadline.
“Being a 20-year-old and you can only have three of them on a team, anytime you get called in a little bit earlier, obviously a little bit anxious.” He added,” you always think that something could happen.”
Shortly after the trade, Berge and Gibson were off to their new destinations, as they each began the new year with their new teams.
Berge received a warm reception from Everett in his first game, as he picked up an assist in the Silvertips’ 6-5 loss to the Edmonton Oil Kings.
The Edmonton native believes the trade can benefit himself and the Pats, as he can compete for a playoff spot in the Western Conference while Regina adds additional picks.
“As much as it can be difficult, it’s something that should work out great.”
He noted that he’s excited to be in the middle of the Silvertips’ playoff push.
Gibson also got off to a quick start on the scoresheet with his new team. He collected an assist for Regina on Monday in their 5-4 overtime loss to the Moose Jaw Warriors.
Even though Gibson grew up along the West Coast in Victoria, B.C. and spent his time in the WHL in Everett. However, he is well aware of the prestigious history of the Pats and was honoured to wear the Pats jersey for the first time.
“It was special, obviously wearing those red jerseys so that was a change.”
Gibson received a warm welcome from the team and coaching staff upon arriving in Queen City.
Now situated along the Pats blueline, Gibson hopes to provide a solid presence in the Pat’s end of the ice.
“I think I’m a bit of a 200-foot defenceman, I take pride in my defence, I try to play physical down low, even though I’m a bit of a smaller guy, definitely not afraid to get up in the rush.”
The Pats and Silvertips will meet only once in the 2023-24 regular season as a part of the Pats American road trip. Regina will visit Everett on Saturday, March 2.
