WHL Everett Silvertips

Mueller, Lotz Ready for U18 Worlds

Published on April 17, 2013 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release


EVERETT - Two members of the Everett Silvertips are preparing to take part in this year's IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship, as defenseman Mirco Mueller will skate for Team Switzerland and goaltender Austin Lotz for Team Canada. The ten-nation tournament begins Thursday in Sochi, Russia, which is also the site of the 2014 Winter Olympics.

Canada and Switzerland will both compete in Group B at the event and face each other on Monday, April 22 in the third of four preliminary round games. The Canadians open the tournament Thursday against Slovakia before taking on Germany on Saturday, Switzerland on Monday and finally Sweden on Tuesday, April 23. The Swiss begin Friday against the Slovaks and continue Saturday vs. Sweden, Monday vs. Canada and Tuesday vs. Germany. The top four finishers in Group B will advance to the playoff round beginning Thursday, April 25.

Mueller, who recently completed his 17-year-old season with the Silvertips, has already represented Switzerland this year at the World Junior Championships. The native of Winterthur posted two assists and ranked fifth in the entire tournament with a +7 plus/minus rating as the Swiss finished in sixth place. In 63 games with Everett this year, Mueller was second among all WHL rookie defensemen with 31 points (6g/25a) on his way to Silvertips Rookie of the Year honors. He played in the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in January and is currently ranked 12th by NHL Central Scouting among all draft-eligible skaters playing in North America ahead of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.

Lotz, 17, will compete internationally for the second time following last year's stint with Team West at the World U-17 Hockey Challenge. One of three goaltenders on Canada's roster, he played the second half of a 4-3 shootout win over the Czech Republic in exhibition play on Tuesday. The St. Adolphe, Manitoba product posted a 15-19-3-1 record, .907 saves percentage, 3.37 goals-against average and one shutout in 42 appearances for the Silvertips in his sophomore WHL season this year. Lotz stopped at least 40 shots on nine different occasions this season, upping his stock for the 2013 NHL Entry Draft after being ranked 11th among North American goaltenders in the midterm rankings from NHL Central Scouting.

Group A for the 2013 World Under-18 Hockey Championship includes the defending gold medalist in the United States, along with host Russia, the Czech Republic, Finland and Latvia.

With their 10th Anniversary season concluded, the Silvertips are now preparing for their 11th year in the WHL in 2013-14. Visit www.everettsilvertips.com throughout the offseason for updates on our head coaching search, the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft, NHL Entry Draft and much more! For more information call 425-252-5100. To keep up with all the latest 'Tips news, "like" us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter .

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Western Hockey League Stories from April 17, 2013


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