Wheat Kings bring Brandon native Cole Slobodian home

The Brandon Wheat Kings have brought a familiar face home, acquiring defenceman Cole Slobodian from the Portland Winterhawks in a trade announced Thursday.

The 20-year-old Brandon product was acquired in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2028 WHL Prospects Draft and a third-round selection in 2030.

Slobodian, a 6-foot-2, 198-pound left-shot defenceman, has 128 games of WHL experience with Portland, recording 22 points on two goals and 20 assists. He has also appeared in 27 WHL playoff games.

The move adds veteran experience and size to a young Wheat Kings blue line. Head coach and general manager Marty Murray said Slobodian has established himself as a defence-first player who can handle difficult matchups and heavy minutes.

The Brandon native previously played two seasons with the U18 AAA Wheat Kings before moving on to the Virden Oil Capitals and eventually Portland.

Slobodian joins the Wheat Kings while the club is on a six-game road trip through the B.C. Division and is expected to make his Brandon debut Friday against the Prince George Cougars.