WHL Everett Silvertips

Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Forward Cole Fonstad to an AHL Contract with the Cleveland Monsters

July 26, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release


EVERETT, Wash. - The Everett Silvertips (@WHLSilvertips), two-time Western Conference champions and eight time U.S. Division champions of the Western Hockey League, announced today that the Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Cole Fonstad to a one-way American Hockey League contract with the Cleveland Monsters. Fonstad made his AHL debut with the Monsters at the end of the 2020-21 season, originally signing an amateur tryout offer (ATO).

Fonstad, 21, completed his final WHL season as one of three Silvertips players born in 2000 with 34 points (16g-18a) in 23 games, also named co-recipient of the WHL U.S. Division Top Scorer Award (along with teammate Gage Goncalves) and honors as a member of the league's U.S. Division All-Star Team. The Estevan, Saskatchewan native tied for the program and U.S. Division lead in points, also finishing tied for third overall in the WHL scoring race.

Named co-captain before the start of the 2021 season, a total of 13 of his 16 goals scored this season were at even strength situations, and he delivered nine multi point games this season. He was only held scoreless in two games the entire season and earned a season high four points (1g-3a) in a 6-4 win on home ice over Portland on Apr. 6.

Fonstad was also fifth in the WHL in shots (102), and on the Silvertips tied for second in plus-minus (+17), first in power play assists (7), tied for second in power play points (9), tied for first in game winning goals (3), and scored both game winning goals for the Silvertips in overtime.

The 5-foot-10, 183-pound forward completed his time in the WHL with 281 points (92g-189a) in 293 career regular season games with the Silvertips and Prince Albert Raiders and earned an assist in his pro debut with the Monsters following the conclusion of the WHL regular season. Named Silvertips co-Most Valuable Player in 2019-20, Fonstad was originally acquired on Oct. 13, 2019 from the Raiders and posted 65 points (13g-52a) in 51 games with the Silvertips after the transaction.

He was originally selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the fifth round of the 2018 NHL Draft.

TIPS IN THE NHL

After selections on Jul. 24 for Niko Huuhtanen (Tampa Bay) and Olen Zellweger (Anaheim), the Everett Silvertips have elevated 29 players to be drafted by NHL clubs, including ten in the previous four years. Last season, three Silvertips were selected in the draft - Gage Goncalves (Tampa Bay) in the second round, Kasper Puutio (Florida) in the fifth round, and Ronan Seeley (Carolina) in the seventh round. Entering the 2021-22 season, their 19th in the WHL, the Silvertips have helped promote 20 players to make their NHL debut.

COMING UP:

- PRE-SEASON NHL HOCKEY: The "Three Rink Rush" and the Silvertips host a battle between the Seattle Kraken and Edmonton Oilers at Angel of the Winds Arena on Oct. 1.

- OPENING NIGHT in downtown Everett: the Silvertips host the Portland Winterhawks at Angel of the Winds Arena, Oct. 8 at 7:05 p.m. | TIPS TICKET PACKAGE INFO

- The Silvertips will open their 19th season in the WHL on Oct. 2, visiting the Kelowna Rockets at 7:05pm.

- Silvertips pre-season: Opens Sept. 10 vs. Spokane at 6pm as part of the Silvertips Pre-Season Classic at Angel of the Winds Arena. Ticket information will be announced soon.

Check out the Everett Silvertips Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from July 26, 2021


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