The Humboldt Broncos have made a trade they feel will help them compete with the likes of the Battlefords or Nipawin if they have to come up against the rough and tumble teams of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in the post season.

On Friday morning they acquired 19 year-old Kinistino product Tristen Elder from Coburg of the Ontario Junior Hockey League. The former Northest Bantam Wolfpack and Tisdale Trojan had 13 goals in 24 games with LaRonge this year before they moved his rights to the Cougars.

He didn't report to the RBC Cup host team opening the door for Humboldt to make the move for the former Swift Current Bronco. You do have to give up something in return for a player of Elder's ilk, Humboldt did that sending 19 year-old sniper Daniel McKitrick the other way.

"A guy just a little bit bigger in size, he's more of a local boy as well," General Manager Darcy Haugan said following the completion of the blockbuster. "We're very grateful what Danny brought to our hockey club the last year and a half. We wish him nothing but the best and he has a great opportunity there."

That opportunity of course being the national championship tournament in May. McKitrick had 34 goals in his time in the green and gold.

Haugan knew he was giving up a dynamic player but he is excited for what Elder brings.

"Any little bit of extra size we can add to our line up is beneficial we think. It's a tough grind and we felt we needed to address that."

Elder's Elite Prospects page lists him at 6' and 159 pounds, McKitrick, the Cole Harbor, Nunavut product is slated at 5'6" and 148 pounds.

Elder will make his Bronco debut on Saturday night when Humboldt hosts the Melville Millionaires. Puck drop is 7:30.

You can hear more from Haugan below in his interview with Bolt FM's Clark Stork.