A star hockey player from P.E.I. has been traded from the Moncton Wildcats to the Shawinigan Cataractes.

Brandon Gormley, 19, was traded Saturday. Gormley was last week named best defenceman at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

He was traded for Michael Matheson in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League deal.

Wildcat coach Danny Flynn said it was a difficult decision.

"This is a very difficult trade for our organization and for me personally, but we think long term this is the best move for the Moncton Wildcats at this time," said Flynn.

"We want to congratulate Gorms on a tremendous world junior tournament and a great career here with Moncton. We wish him the best of luck as Shawinigan prepares to host the Memorial Cup."

Gormley, who is from Murray River, was picked in the first round of the NHL 2010 draft by the Phoenix Coyotes.