The Cranbrook Bucks have traded 2005-born forward Walker Gelbard to the Langley Rivermen for future considerations.

Gelbard was a key piece of the team’s inaugural season, but has struggled to find the same consistency in his second BCHL campaign.

During the 2020-21 Pod Season last spring, Gelbard contributed two goals and seven assists for nine points in 12 games played. His 0.75 points-per-game was the best among Bucks players who appeared in more than six games.

This season, Gelbard managed just one goal and three assists in 22 games with the Bucks. He seemed to lack the confidence that he had last season, which may have suggested he needed a fresh start.

A fresh start is exactly what he will get, as the trade to Langley gives Gelbard a new opportunity much closer to his home of North Vancouver.

In the team’s official news release, head coach and general manager Ryan Donald shared his thoughts on trading Gelbard back to the coast.

“The Cranbrook Bucks wish Walker nothing but the best in his future,” said Donald. “As a coach, Walker has been enjoyable to work with every day and to see the growth and development that he has made as a player and person. We will miss his enthusiasm at the rink, but wish him the best in his move closer to home.”

Gelbard finishes his Bucks career with three goals and 10 assists for 13 points in 34 games played.

He will be remembered in Cranbrook for showing up to the Bucks first-ever training camp as a 15-year-old and making an instant impression. He followed that up by being named to Cranbrook’s pod season roster as an affiliate player, only to be the Bucks best player before suffering an injury.

The trade leaves Cranbrook with just 21 players on its active roster, and only 12 forwards, heading into this weekend’s games.