Everett Selects Zhebelev in CHL Import Draft

Published on July 2, 2014 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release

EVERETT - The Everett Silvertips added one new player in the 2014 CHL Import Draft on Wednesday, selecting 1997-born Russian winger Alexander Zhebelev with the 45th overall pick. Zhebelev joins Everett's two returning import players, defenseman Mirco Mueller and forward Ivan Nikolishin, on the club's protected list ahead of next season.

Although Canadian Hockey League teams are allowed a maximum of two import players on their rosters, the Silvertips are currently permitted to carry three such players because Mueller is a first-round NHL draft pick. If Mueller is returned to Everett by the NHL's San Jose Sharks next season, the 'Tips would once again be limited to holding the rights of only two European imports.

Zhebelev, who turns 17 on Saturday, spent his 16-year-old season in his home city of Moscow playing in the Dynamo Moscow organization. The 5-foot-11, 187-pound forward scored 27 goals and assisted on 27 others for a total of 54 points in 41 games with Dynamo last season. He also scored a goal in one appearance with HC MVD Balashikha of Russia's primary junior league, the MHL.

"All the reports we've seen on Alexander are very positive," said Silvertips General Manager Garry Davidson. "I understand he's a strong kid coming in around 190 pounds that can score goals and finish. He was on the Russian U-17 national team last year and I'm sure will be considered for their U-18 team at the Ivan Hlinka tournament, which takes place next month. I had an NHL scout tell me after the pick that he was very confident we had grabbed a good player who should be a good fit in the CHL."

Competing for Team Russia at the 2014 World U-17 Hockey Challenge in Nova Scotia, Zhebelev tied for fourth in the tournament with four goals and totaled five points to help Russia win the Bronze Medal. He was also selected in the second round (65th overall) of the 2014 KHL Draft in May by HC Admiral Vladivostok.

Visit EverettSilvertips.com throughout the offseason for news and updates on our summer appearances, the NHL Draft, CHL Import Draft and much more. For more information, call the team office at 425-252-5100, "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Western Hockey League Stories from July 2, 2014

• Rockets Draft Czech Forward in CHL Import Draft - Kelowna Rockets
• Everett Selects Zhebelev in CHL Import Draft - Everett Silvertips
• Americans' Sarthou Named to U.S. U-18 Select Team - Tri-City Americans
• Americans Draft Offense in 2014 CHL Import Draft - Tri-City Americans
• T-Birds Select Two Forwards in CHL Import Draft - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Milekhin, Skumatov Selected in Import Draft - Lethbridge Hurricanes
• Hitmen Select Karnaukhov in 2014 CHL Import Draft - Calgary Hitmen
• Rebels Take a Pair of Defencemen in the CHL Import Draft - Red Deer Rebels
• Spokane Adds Size, Strength with Hungarian Defenseman - Spokane Chiefs
• Pats Select Defenceman Sergey Zborovsky - Regina Pats
• Oil Kings Select Defenceman in Import Draft - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Royals Select Kristian Ferletak in CHL Import Draft - Victoria Royals
• Blades Select Two Players at CHL Import Draft - Saskatoon Blades
• Blazers Select Michael Fora in CHL Import Draft - Kamloops Blazers
• Raiders Make Selection in CHL Import Draft - Prince Albert Raiders
• Broncos Select St. Louis Blues Prospect in CHL Import Draft - Swift Current Broncos
• Oil Kings Re-Sign Training Staff - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Giants Select Vladimir Boby - Vancouver Giants
• Warriors Select Smejkal - Moose Jaw Warriors
• Blazers Select D Patrik Maier in CHL Import Draft - Kamloops Blazers
• Ice Select Forward in CHL Import Draft - Kootenay Ice

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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