WHL Everett Silvertips

Irving, Ellington Return to Everett

Published on September 20, 2007 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release


EVERETT, WA - Vice President / General Manager Doug Soetaert announced today that goaltender Leland Irving and defenseman Taylor Ellington have been reassigned from their respective NHL clubs and will be eligible to play for the Everett Silvertips in this weekend's opening games against the Tri-City Americans and Vancouver Giants at Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center. Following the returns, Everett now has four players remaining in NHL training camps in Zach Hamill (Boston), Peter Mueller (Phoenix), Ondrej Fiala (Minnesota) and Dane Crowley (Tampa Bay). Irving, 19, recorded eleven shutouts in 48 games last season while compiling a 1.86 GAA, establishing himself as the most accomplished goalie in the history of the franchise. Prior to the start of this year's training camp, he played three full games in net for Team Canada in the Canada-Russia Super Series, going 3-0 with a 1.33 GAA and a .955 save percentage while matching up with some of the brightest young stars from the two countries. His lofty accolades also include appearances in the 2005 Under-18 World Cup, the 2006 CHL Top Prospects Game, and the 2007 IIHF Under-20 World Junior Championships. The Swan Hills, AB native was drafted in the first round by the Calgary Flames (26th overall) in 2006, though he did not see any live game action for Calgary in the preseason.

Ellington, 19, has been a steady presence on the Everett blue line whose defensive talents and work ethic were a major influence on the Silvertips ceding the fewest goals in the WHL last season with 142. Drafted in the second round by the Vancouver Canucks (41st overall) in 2006, Taylor established his strong defensive presence in camp, though he did not see on-ice action in Vancouver's exhibition schedule. The Victoria, BC native tallied five goals and eight assists for thirteen points with the Silvertips last season, compiling 65 penalty minutes over sixty games in his third season with the club.

The regular season begins on Friday, September 21st at Comcast Arena at Everett Events Center as the Silvertips host the rival Tri-City Americans in a Western Hockey League contest beginning at 7:35 pm. For ticket information, including season seats and ticket packages, please call the Silvertips' front office at (425) 252-5100. As always, radio coverage of Silvertips hockey will be provided by ESPN Radio KRKO 1380, while highlights of audio broadcast, video packages and relevant multimedia will be provided by the Western Hockey League's website, www.whl.ca.

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