WHL Everett Silvertips

This Week In Silvertips Hockey - May 8, 2008

Published on May 8, 2008 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release


Tips Select Eleven Players in Bantam Draft

The Everett Silvertips bolstered their talent and depth last Thursday at Calgary's Round Up Centre, home of the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft. With the ninth overall pick and ten subsequent selections, the Silvertips selected a talented array of skilled hockey players.

Of Everett's eleven drafted players, six are forwards, four are defensemen, and one is a goaltender. Many of the players selected came from central Canadian provinces, as four players were drafted out of Manitoba, three out of Alberta and two out of Saskatchewan. Everett chose one player from both British Columbia and the United States.

The 'Tips selected defenseman Ryan Murray in the 1st Round (9th Overall). Murray scored eleven goals while compiling 31 assists and 42 points, along with 26 penalty minutes for the Balgonie Prairie Storm of the South Saskatchewan Bantam AA League. The Balgonie, SK native stands in at 5'10 and weighs 160 pounds. Along with leading the South Saskatchewan Bantam League in defensive scoring, Murray also gained experience at the Midget ranks, posting seven points in ten games for the Prairie Storm's midget team.

The complete list of Everett's draft picks are as follows:

1st round (9th overall)

Ryan Murray (D) - White City, SK

Height: 5'10

Weight: 160

Date of Birth: September 27th, 1993

2007-08 Stats: Bantam AA Balgonie Prairie Storm: 25 GP, 11 G, 31 A, 42 Pts, 26 PIM

Scouting Report: Murray led his bantam league last season in defensive scoring while also appearing in ten games for Balgonie's midget team, where he scored twice and added five assists for seven points. He is widely regarded as the best power play specialist in the entire draft. An excellent leader, Murray has been the captain of his team of virtually every team he has played for.

Previous First Round Selections: Zach Hamill (2003), Eric Doyle (2004), Kyle Beach (2005), Kellan Tochkin (2006), Kent Simpson (2007)

2nd round (27th overall)

Tyler Giebel (C) - Balgonie, SK

Height: 5'10

Weight: 155

Date of Birth: February 28th, 1993

2007-08 Stats: Bantam AA Balgonie Prairie Storm: 25 GP, 29 G, 27 A, 56 Pts, 38 PIM

Scouting Report: A teammate of Ryan Murray's, Giebel is a smooth skater with a lot of offensive potential and a knack for scoring. A first- team SHA Saskatchewan nomination along with Murray, Giebel also sees the ice well and has excellent grit.

Previous Second Round Selections: Peter Mueller (2003), Keegan Bourelle (2004), Matt Ius (2005), Jeff Regier (2006), Gabe Minville (2007)

3rd round (53rd overall)

Joshua Winquist (LW) - St. Albert, AB

Height: 5'10

Weight: 150

Date of Birth: September 6th, 1993

2007-08 Stats: St. Albert Bantam: 32 GP, 26 G, 39 A, 65 Pts, 56 PIM

Scouting Report: Winquist is a skilled two-way player who has excelled on the power play and possesses an excellent shot.

Previous Third Round Selections: Taylor Ellington (2003), Cameron Brodie (2003), Zack Dailey (2004), Matt Strong (2005), Brody Moen (2006), D.Jay McGrath (2007)

4th round (75th overall)

Michael Berry (D) - Edmonton, AB

Height: 6'0

Weight: 180

Date of Birth: June 30th, 1993

2007-08 Stats: Edmonton CAC Bantam AAA: 33 GP, 18 G, 23 A, 41 Pts, 76 PIM

Scouting Report: Berry is a tough-nosed, rugged defenseman who is difficult to play against and possesses a very heavy shot.

Previous Fourth Round Selections: Brady Calla (2003), Chris Ward (2004), Tyler Skauge (2005), Justin Waskewitch (2007), Devan McLean (2007)

6th round (112th overall)

Kole Harvey (RW) - Virden, MB

Height: 6'1

Weight: 185

Date of Birth: March 31st, 1993

2007-08 Stats: Virden Bantam AA: 31 GP, 61 G, 43 A, 104 Pts, 78 PIM

Scouting Report: Harvey is a power forward with good hands who shows excellent tenacity and is a true competitor. Kole shows excellent character and plays with a strong physical element while also displaying a strong skating ability for someone his size.

Previous Sixth Round Selections: Reed Simonar (2003), Trevor Conrad (2004), Tyler Hlookoff (2005), Michael Smith (2006), Brett Kolins (2007), Markus McCrea (2007)

7th round (141st overall)

Evan Morden (D) - Swan River, MB

Height: 6'1

Weight: 195

Date of Birth: May 31st, 1993

2007-08 Stats: Swan River Bantam AA: 43 GP, 32 G, 37 A, 69 Pts, 28 PIM

Scouting Report: Morden is a steadily improving defenseman with excellent size who plays very physically. A strong puck mover, Evan plays well in his defensive zone. He was recently captain of his Swan River Bantam AA team.

Previous Seventh Round Selections: Lenny Young (2003), Matt Meropoulis (2004), Matt Pesut (2005), Ryan White (2006), Mitch Boucher (2007), Campbell Elyniuk (2007)

8th round (163rd overall)

Ryan Cadieux (G) - Edmonton, AB

Height: 6'1

Weight: 160

Date of Birth: September 24th, 1993

2007-08 Stats: Notre Dame Bantam AA: 12 GP, 1.17 GAA, .915 Pct

Scouting Report: Cadieux has good size, moves well, and is adept at challenging the shooter. He is also known for having a calm disposition.

Previous Eighth Round Selections: Mike Alexander (2004), Steven Seigo (2005), Wade Zakaluzny (2006), Devin Dambrauskas (2007)

9th round (185th overall)

Matthew Lumsden (RW) - Winnipeg, MB

Height: 5'11

Weight: 160

Date of Birth: February 18th, 1993

2007-08 Stats: Winnipeg Bantam Sharks: 29 GP, 21 G, 35 A, 56 Pts

Scouting Report: Lumsden improved as the season progressed and has developed into a reliable two-way forward with strong puck skills.

Previous Ninth Round Selections: Graham Potuer (2003), Matthew Grassi (2004), Brandon Bentz (2005), Paul Grenier (2006)

10th round (207th overall)

Jeremy Ward (C) - Langley, BC

Height: 5'6

Weight: 140

Date of Birth: April 3rd, 1993

2007-08 Stats: 36 GP, 29 G, 41 A, 70 Pts, 75 PIM

Scouting Report: Ward is a smaller skilled player who has a good offensive skill set and plays bigger than his size.

Previous Tenth Round Selections: Zach Sim (2003), Jesse Burt (2004), James Reid (2005), Riley Halwa (2006), Ben Wilson (2006), Jordan Duncan (2007)

11th round (229th overall)

Keifer Johnston (D) - Virden, MB

Height: 5'11

Weight: 165

Date of Birth: March 28th, 1993

2007-08 Stats: Virden Bantam AA: 31 GP, 10 G, 32 A, 42 Pts, 44 PIM

Scouting Report: A teammate of Kole Harvey's on the Virden Bantam AA team this past season, Johnston is a smooth puck moving defenseman who can quarterback a power play.

Previous Eleventh Round Selections: Brennan Zastiko (2003), Shayne Barrie (2004), Chris de la Lande (2005), Zach Budish (2006)

12th round (245th overall)

Austin Wuthrich (RW) - Anchorage, AK

Height: 5'11

Weight: 160

Date of Birth: August 11th, 1993

2007-08 Stats: Alaska All-Stars Bantam AAA: 45 GP, 24 G, 45 A, 69 Pts, 55 PIM

Scouting Report: Wuthrich is a smart playmaker with decent finish and works extremely hard.

Previous Twelfth Round Selections: Jonathan Harty (2003), Joe Rodwell (2003), Brett Gagnon (2006)

Silvertips Introduce Ticket Referral Plan: The Power Play Program!

With summer quickly approaching, the countdown to the 2008-2009 Silvertips season has begun. New season tickets sales have begun and with consistently high renewal rates, now is the chance to help get friends or family into the best seats at Comcast Arena. To reward fans that introduce new people to Silvertips hockey, the Everett Silvertips have put together a new program. The Silvertips are proud to present the Power Play Program.

Many people bring friends and family to games every year and now is your chance to help them turn their interest into a passion. With every referral that purchases seats as a season ticket, your prizes get bigger and better. Prizes range from having your season ticket paid for, all the way on up to a night in a suite for you and 20 of your closest friends. Listed below are the different levels with the prizes awarded.

2 seats referred - $25 Gift Card for the Silvertips team store

4 seats referred - Autographed Stick

6 seats referred - Season Parking Pass

8 seats referred - Silvertips Jersey (option to be autographed)

10 seats referred - Your Season ticket paid for (1 seat)

12 seats referred - 20 tickets for a Silvertips game in Suite 16 at center ice!

For more information or full program details call the Tips office at 425 252-5100.

2008-09 Season Tickets Now On Sale

Season tickets for the Silvertips' 2008-09 season are now on sale at the Silvertips office, or by calling (425) 252-5100. Fans now have a chance to lock up their favorite seats for the upcoming season while also receiving priority ticket selection for the playoffs. Purchasing season tickets also gives you access to team events such as the Season Ticket Holder Pick-Up Party, Skate with the Silvertips, as well as Silvertips Night with the AquaSox. Other benefits include discounts at the team store, the ability to trade in unused tickets for a future game, and two-for-one Chuck A Puck nights. In addition to these benefits, the Silvertips have a five-month payment plan to make tickets affordable for everyone! Tickets are available in every price level, though some sections have limited availability.

Thanks so much to the best fans in the WHL! We can't wait to see you at Comcast Arena in September!

For further information, please contact the Silvertips Front Office at (425) 252- 5100.

Silvertips Speakers Bureau

If you're looking to get the best attendance and participation at a business luncheon, or looking to connect with other Snohomish County entrepreneurs in an entertaining, "hockey-centric" environment, why not host several members of the Silvertips staff as part of our Silvertips Speakers Bureau? Former Stanley Cup winning goaltender and current Silvertips Vice President / General Manager Doug Soetaert will be happy to speak with your company, integrating business ideas and providing stories from the road. Director of Business Operations Zoran Rajcic, Radio Broadcaster Jon Rosen, and our entire coaching staff are also available for private engagements.

For more information, please call Jon at (425) 609-2808.

Sign Up For Silvertips Hockey Camps

During the hot Snohomish County summer, there is no better way for local youths to beat the heat than hitting the ice and playing hockey, which is why the Everett Silvertips are excited to announce their fifth annual summer hockey camp schedule.

The goal of the Everett Silvertips Summer Hockey Schools is to enhance player development through qualified, professional instruction and innovative, challenging programs. The schools will focus on hockey fundamentals, skills, tactics and systems. Our coaches and counselors will emphasize the importance of the characteristics the Silvertips expect of their WHL stars. A strong work ethic, teamwork and sportsmanship will be encouraged. The Everett Silvertips Summer Hockey Schools mandate is to provide all of this for, your son or your daughter in an enthusiastic and fun atmosphere.

The Summer Camp (July 28 - August 1) is designed for any level hockey player, ages 7-13. This camp is an opportunity for young athletes to learn the game of hockey in a fun environment, while the Silvertips coaching staff is dedicated to high quality instruction for all levels. Each camper will have 2.5 hours of ice time and 30 minutes of classroom sessions each day.

The Elite Camp(August 4 - August 8) is designed for competitive hockey players, ages 10-15 looking to gain an edge. This will be an intense training regiment that will include both on and off-ice segments. The off-ice training will include classroom discussions using NHL video clips and dry land training seminars with the Silvertips Staff. On-ice sessions will consist of skill development, tactical play, and small area games. Each camper will have 2.5 hours of ice time and 30 minutes of classroom sessions each day.

Each of the camps will feature professional instruction from current Silvertips coaches as well as from current and former WHL players. Instruction over the five day camp will include power skating, passing, shooting, positioning, small games, in-depth goaltending instruction and off-ice conditioning.

For more information call (425) 252-5100 or download the camp application at www.everettsilvertips.com

Alumni Spotlight: Jason Fransoo

Thanks again for checking out our Alumni Spotlight this week! After last week's chat with Shaun Heshka, we thought it would be a good idea to bring back another smooth, puck-moving defenseman. Jason Fransoo, who put up twelve goals and 49 assists through two seasons in Everett, recently just completed his freshman season with the University of Alberta Men's Hockey program, where he scored two goals and added twelve assists for fourteen points along with a +13 rating. Juggling a hockey lifestyle with homework and added class time might seem daunting, but Jason responded resoundingly well with a terrific rookie season as he helped guide the Golden Bears to a Canada West title as well as a Canada CIS Championship after Alberta defeated the University of New Brunswick 3-2 in the title game. The former Silvertip captain caught up with broadcaster Jon Rosen last week as he was departing school for summer vacation.

Jon Rosen: It sounds like you're driving right now. Leaving school for summer break?

Jason Fransoo: I'm just leaving Edmonton. I just finished finals just about four days ago, so I'm leaving Edmonton to go back to North Battleford.

JR: You better give Jesse Burt a call then.

JF: Yeah, yeah, I'll be seeing Jesse.

JR: So let's talk about your freshman season. You won a national championship while being key contributor on a strong team. On both a team-wide and a personal level, it sounds like you had a hell of a year.

JF: Anytime you win at any level, it always caps off the season in a nice way. That was good, and I had a good year personally, school-wise and hockey. It's been a good spot for me right now.

JR: Speaking of the school work, how did you like your classes? What are you studying?

JF: I started off kind of up in the air when I came here. I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do. I took some business classes, but I think I'm going to try to get into law in a few years. That's my goal right now. I want to get an arts degree first, and then apply for that. It's a bit of a process, so it's a few years down the road. But those are my aspirations when it comes to school.

JR: What were your first thoughts when you were traded from Swift Current to Everett in 2005?

JF: My first thoughts were that it was a big opportunity for me to grow as a player and as a person Just moving to the U.S. - it's a little bit of a different culture there than Swift Current, which is a prairie city. Both of those aspects I saw as opportunities, and obviously getting traded to a team with Kevin Constantine coaching, whatever team it was, you knew you were in for something good.

JR: How is the Canadian University style of play different from the WHL style of play?

JF: It's a lot different from Silvertips hockey. When I played there with Constantine, it wasn't as much of a wide open game. There's a little more opportunity in these systems to get more points.

JR: How did the WHL prepare you for your current role with the Golden Bears?

JF: I think how hard you need to work to be successful whether it be hockey, or in my case, school it's a little bit different, but the WHL made me responsible and taught me how hard it takes to become a professional at either hockey or other things in life.

JR: You suited up against the University of Saskatchewan in the Canada West finals this year and got to play against former a couple former Silvertips, including Jeff Harvey, Jeff Schmidt and Jesse Zetariuk, whom you played with last year. What was that atmosphere like?

JF: They're a really competitive team, as are we. There's always a rivalry between those teams, and they're always great games. Unlike maybe when we play some other teams, they're always high-tempo games, especially in the playoffs when we meet up. The hockey is a lot better than you might think.

JR: Was there every anything said between you and Zetariuk on or off the ice?

JF: No. Maybe unspoken. I mean, I knew he wanted to win as badly as I wanted to win because we're both competitive guys. You obviously sense that out there. But once it was all said and done, we were friends, and you don't let that get in between your friendship.

JR: As an underclassmen, did you ever bear the brunt of any pranks?

JF: Ha. No. Nothing really. Guys are just so into school. There's a good team atmosphere here. But it's obviously a more mature crowd than the Western League, where there are seventeen, eighteen, nineteen year olds.

JR: Final question. What was your favorite Silvertips memory?

JF: I just think as a whole, last year winning the league was pretty special. Things didn't go as planned in the playoffs, but winning the league was unbelievable. With a little bit of luck, things could've been different in the playoffs.

JR: Jason, it's been a pleasure chatting with you today. Thanks so much!

JF: Yeah, no problem. Thanks for having me!

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Western Hockey League Stories from May 8, 2008


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