From the Canucks to the Hitmen: Luc Trevors and Brad Moran find success in the WHL

The Calgary Hitmen and Medicine Hat Tigers are set for Saturday, with a couple of Hitmen making a smooth transition from the AJHL to the WHL.

Last year, Brad Moran and Luc Trevors celebrated winning the Centennial Cup with the Calgary Canucks.

This year, both have made the move to the Calgary Hitmen.

Moran is the team’s assistant coach and Trevors is a forward.

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Trevors says it was actually Moran who suggested he give the Hitmen a shot.

“I got an opportunity from Brad a couple of weeks before camp,” Trevors said. “He invited me to come out and I gave it my all and thought, ‘I had a great camp.’ And the rest is history; I’m extremely happy to be here.”

“Obviously, it’s a bit of a faster pace,” Trevors said. “This is a great league, but I feel every game I’ve grown and developed, and I’m playing with some players who have helped me do that.”

Smooth transition

Trevors made the most of his opportunity.

He says the transition was easier because he had a familiar face.

“I’ve got so much respect for Brad,” Trevors said.

“I loved him as a coach last year. We have a great connection and relationship, so it was awesome.”

Deserved a spot on the team

Trevors, 19, has put up three goals and added five assists in 20 games with the Hitmen this season.

The WHL is a step up from the AJHL, but Moran says he isn’t surprised that Trevors is having some success.

“He had the ability to bring some things maybe we needed, and with the different rules now, there’s opportunities for some older guys to get those chances in the Western Hockey League,” he said.

“We’ve seen a few guys throughout the league, and good on him for sticking with it. He continues to grow his game.”

Feels like home

Moran played five seasons with the Hitmen, scoring 204 goals and adding 246 assists for 450 points.

His number 20 jersey was retired by the Hitmen in 2005 and hangs from the rafters in the Scotiabank Saddledome.

Moran says it feels like he’s home.

“It’s really fulfilling and kind of nice to go full circle and to be back in the building with this organization as well,” he said.

“Guys are one step away from the NHL, and to be able to work with those players is really rewarding and fun most days.”

The Hitmen face the Medicine Hat Tigers for a pair of games this weekend.

They’re in Medicine Hat on Saturday night, then back home to face the Tigers at the Saddledome on Sunday.