Monday . . ..

F Luke Walker of the Portland Winterhawks returned to the ice Monday for the first time since taking a puck to the face during a game in Everett on Tuesday. He underwent surgery the next morning and now has a plate in his face along with at least 50 stitches. . . . Walker skated wearing a full faceshield and I am told that he was “in a fair bit of pain.” . . . But he’s a hockey player. Right? . . . So he will get on a plane Wednesday and head for Grand Forks, N.D., and the U.S. national junior team’s selection camp that opens Thursday.
———
The Red Deer Rebels have acquired D Brad Haber, 19, from the Seattle Thunderbirds for a 2010 conditional seventh-round bantam draft pick. He will make his Red Deer debut Wednesday against the visiting Regina Pats. Haber had six points in 26 games with the Thunderbirds after putting up 12 points in 59 games last season. The conditions? If he isn’t on the Rebels’ roster at the Jan. 10 trade deadline, Red Deer keeps the draft pick.
———
The Brandon Wheat Kings have brought in D Rene Hunter, 16, for a look-see this week. He plays for the MJHL’s Portage Terriers, who have a break in their schedule right now. Hunter will skate with the Wheat Kings and perhaps get into a game on the weekend. Later in the month, he will play for Team West at the U-17 World Hockey Challenge in Timmins, Ont.
———
The Brandon Sun reports that LW Toni Rajala (hip flexor) didn’t practise on Monday and is listed as day-to-day. . . . The Wheat Kings go home-and-home with the Moose Jaw Warriors this weekend. They’re in the Crushed Can on Friday and in Brandon on Saturday.
———
There’s a good read on former Tri-City Americans G Chet Pickard right here.