A 6'4" 230-pound forward who suited up for Merritt last season will play in Langley next season.

The Langley Rivermen traded one native son for another last week.

On Thursday, the 'Men traded forwards Austin Plevy (1994 born) and Sebastien Pare ('93) to the Merritt Centennials in exchange for forward Jakob Reichert ('93).

Like Plevy, Reichert is from Langley.

He has played two seasons in the B.C. Hockey League, recording 21 goals and 30 assists for 51 points to go along with 165 penalty minutes.

"I found out last Monday morning about the trade and was very excited to hear the news," Reichert said. "I grew up in Langley and have watched the Langley organization very closely like the Langley Hornets [and] the Langley Chiefs and [I am] just so excited to play in my hometown. I can't emphasize that enough."

Although he can hardly wait to play in front of family and friends on a nightly basis, the 6'4" 230-pound Reichert was surprised to hear he was traded.

"I was pretty surprised to hear I was traded, but I had a feeling it could happen and when I heard I was going to Langley I was so pumped because I have heard nothing but good things about the organization," Reichert said.

Rivermen head coach/GM Bobby Henderson explained that the team has been interested in acquiring Reichert since last season.

"We attempted to get him, but the timing wasn't right at the time, but we got him now and we are very thrilled to have him," Henderson said. "Jakob fills a need for us up front and overall is a character kid that is a leader and has pro potential written all over him."

Reichert hopes to add a veteran presence to a young Rivermen squad in September.

"It will be my fourth year playing junior hockey," Reichert said. "I spent my first year up in Revelstoke where we won the Western championship, and my last two seasons were in Merritt where we had good teams, so I hope to add some experience to a relatively young team."

To acquire Reichert, the Rivermen had to send Plevy and Pare the other way.

After a slow start to his season, Plevy saw a huge jump in points from his rookie campaign.

He scored 14 times to go along with 30 assists for 43 points in 58 games played. In 2010/11, his first year of junior A, with the Langley Chiefs, Plevy tallied four goals and eight assists in 53 games.

Pare played a full 59 games for the 'Men last season, scoring six goals and eight assists in 59 games.

He went pointless in six appearances with the Chiefs last season.

"On behalf of the organization we wish Austin and Sebastien the best of luck in Merritt," Henderson said. "They were good players for us last season and are confident they will do well up there."

Rivermen season tickets are available. Visit www.langleyrivermen.com or call Brandon Astle at 604-455-8832.