Music: {allcanada} GIANTS TRADE CAPTAIN TO WINTERHAWKS FOR TWO PLAYERS, PICKS

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

{allcanada} GIANTS TRADE CAPTAIN TO WINTERHAWKS FOR TWO PLAYERS, PICKS

VANCOUVER -- The Vancouver Giants traded captain Craig Cunningham to the Portland Winterhawks on Tuesday for left-winger Spencer Bennett and centre Teal Burns.

The Giants also received a first-round pick in the 2011 WHL bantam draft and a second-round pick in 2012. Portland also got a sixth-round pick in 2011.

Cunningham leaves the Giants as the franchise leader in career regular-season games played with 295. He won four division titles and a Memorial Cup with Vancouver.

"Without a doubt, this is the hardest trade I have ever had to make in my WHL career," general manager Scott Bonner said in a release. "Craig has been a part of this organization since 2005 and epitomized Giants hockey. However, this is a deal that works for both teams."

Cunningham has 45 points (10 goals, 35 assists) in 36 games this season. With his departure, head coach Don Hay has named James Henry team captain.

Bennett has 21 points (12-9) in 37 games this season while Burns has seven points (1-6) in 32 games.