WHL Portland Winterhawks

Luke Walker Signs with Colorado Avalanche

Published on September 28, 2010 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Portland Winterhawks News Release


Luke Walker has signed an entry level contract with the Colorado Avalanche, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2010 National Hockey League Entry Draft. He has been assigned to the Lake Erie Monsters' training camp, the Avalanche's American Hockey League affiliate.

"Luke worked extremely hard for this opportunity and the entire time he kept his eye on becoming a professional player. He improved every year in the WHL and last season he was a key player in our turnaround," said Portland Winterhawks General Manager & Head Coach Mike Johnston. "Although he was never drafted by a WHL team, and passed through the NHL Draft twice without being selected before Colorado took him this year, he continued to improve his game and now it's now paid off. I am confident he will become a solid contributor for the Colorado Avalanche."

Walker joined the Winterhawks in 2007, and played 202 games over three seasons. He registered 65 goals and 65 assists for 130 points in his career, with his scoring output going up each season, from 21 points as a rookie, to 52 in 2008-09, to 57 last season. Walker then had 10 points in 13 playoff games, helping Portland reach the second round. Following the season he was taken in the fifth round, 139th overall, by the Avalanche in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Walker played for the United States team that won the gold medal at the 2010 World Junior Championship. The U.S.'s victory snapped Canada's five-year gold medal streak.

Walker was never drafted by a WHL team, and made the Winterhawks as a training camp invitee in 2007.

Full season, 18, 10 and 5-game ticket plans for the 2010-11 season are on sale now. Group rates start at just 10 people and every ticket includes a free Winterhawks hat. Contact the Winterhawks at 503-236-HAWK or seats@winterhawks.com to secure the best locations.

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 28, 2010


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