Head Coach and General Manager Steve Spott announced today that the Kitchener Rangers have completed a trade with the Peterborough Petes. In the deal, Kitchener sends left winger Zach Lorentz and the Rangers’ second-round draft picks in the 2014 and 2016 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selections to Peterborough in exchange for forward Matt Puempel.

Puempel has played three seasons with the Petes, recording 166 points in 144 regular season appearances. At the end of the 2009-10 season, he was recognized by both the OHL and the Canadian Hockey League as the Rookie of the Year. He also won a silver medal with Team Ontario at the 2010 World U-17 Hockey Challenge in Timmins, Ontario.

The Essex, ON-native was selected by the Ottawa Senators in the first round (24th overall) of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, and appeared in nine games with their American Hockey League affiliate in Binghamton last season.

“We would like to thank Zach for his two years with the Rangers organization, and wish him all the best in the next chapter of his career in Peterborough,” said Spott. “At the same time, we are excited to welcome Matt to Kitchener.”

Matt Puempel
Pos.: LW
Shoots: Left
Height: 6.00
Weight: 190 lbs
Birthdate: January 24, 1993
Hometown: Essex, ON

(Photo courtesy of Aaron Bell/CHL Images)

Media inquiries can be directed to:
Michelle Fortin
Manager of Media Relations,
Kitchener Rangers Hockey Club
519.576.3700 ext. 23
519.580.7632