The Kootenay ICE added some depth up front Monday afternoon, acquiring 1998-born forward Jake Elmer from the Regina Pats in exchange for a ninth round pick in the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft.

“With our current roster situation, it was important that we add more depth to our lineup,” said Jeff Chynoweth, president and general manager of the ICE, in a team release. “Jake Elmer adds WHL experience and potential to our club and will get an opportunity to continue his development within our group.”

A 6-foot-1, 170-pound product of Calgary, Elmer has 20 career WHL regular season games to his name after being selected in the sixth round (116th) of the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft by the Pats.

Elmer skated in three games with the Pats during the 2014-15 campaign before getting in 17 outings during the 2015-16 season, registering no points and six penalty minutes.

Elmer opened the 2016-17 season with the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, tallying 12 points (9G-3A) in 20 games. In 42 career AJHL regular season contests, Elmer has 16 points (10G-6A).

The transaction gives the ICE 23 players, including 14 forwards, seven defencemen and two goaltenders.