Alex Von Sprecken is no longer an Estevan Bruin.

The Estevan native and local fan favourite has been traded to the Flin Flon Bombers, the Bruins announced Tuesday morning.

In return, the Bruins receive a player development fee and the CJHL rights to defenceman Marek Schneider. The Bombers also acquire the SJHL list rights to forward Jeremy Fortin as part of the deal.

Von Sprecken, who was an assistant captain to start his 20-year-old season, played the first six games of the year before being scratched for the last three.

"Difficult trade to make," said Bruins head coach Jason Tatarnic. "Obviously being a local guy and a guy that spent two years here and won a championship. Just one of those things where Alex wanted a little bit more an opportunity offensively. And we had some discussions and he felt it was better to move on, and we understand that."

Von Sprecken had spent his entire junior career with the team he grew up watching, dating back to the 2017-2018 season.

"It's just one of those things that happens in hockey sometimes. We all know he's a great kid, and it's sad to see him leave. That's just the way it goes sometimes," Tatarnic said.

Perhaps fittingly, the Bombers will travel down to Estevan next week for a game on Wednesday Oct. 12 at Affinity Place.

Listen to Tatarnic's full interview below: