WHL Everett Silvertips

Murray 2nd, Walters Climbs in Final Rankings

Published on April 9, 2012 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release


EVERETT - Everett Silvertips defenseman Ryan Murray was listed second among all North American skaters and defenseman Nick Walters moved up to #67 in the final rankings of 2012 draft-eligible players from NHL Central Scouting, which were released this morning. A total of 48 Western Hockey League players were included in the rankings of the top 210 skaters and 35 goaltenders eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, which is set for June 22 and 23 at CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh.

Murray, 18, has been a Second Team WHL All-Star in each of the past two seasons and is this year's Western Conference finalist for the WHL's 2012 Most Sportsmanlike Player Award. Despite being limited to 46 games this season due to injury and his appearance with Team Canada at the World Junior Championships, the Silvertips' Captain led all Silvertips defenseman and ranked seventh on the team in scoring with 31 points (9g/22a). The White City, Saskatchewan native then led the club in playoff scoring with five points (3g/2a) in four postseason games against the Tri-City Americans. Murray was ranked third in the January mid-term rankings from Central Scouting.

Walters, who turns 18 on Wednesday, enjoyed a breakout sophomore season with the Silvertips in 2011-12. The St. Albert, Alberta product followed up his 16-year-old campaign by setting new career highs in goals (6), assists (12), points (18), and penalty minutes (95) while playing 62 games this season. Walters found himself in a top-four role on the Silvertips blueline throughout the year; playing extensive minutes on both the powerplay and penalty kill in addition to even-strength time. The 6-2, 190-pound defender is among the top 15 WHL players listed in this year's rankings at #67 overall, up from the 68th spot in the mid-term rankings.

Joining Murray in the Top 12 skaters in the final rankings are four other WHL defensemen. Moose Jaw Warriors' rearguard Morgan Rielly is ranked fifth despite having played just 18 games this season, while Edmonton Oil Kings rearguard Griffin Reinhart comes in at No. 10 on the list. Mathew Dumba of the Red Deer Rebels is the fourth-highest ranked WHL skater at No. 11 in the final rankings, and Portland's Derrick Pouliot is right behind him at No. 12.

Colton Sissons of the Kelowna Rockets remains the highest ranked WHL forward at No. 14 on the list. Mike Winther of the Prince Albert Raiders moved up to No. 21 in the rankings with his strong play. Saskatoon Blades defenseman Dalton Thrower also continued to move up the CSS rankings, slotting at No. 26 after coming in at No. 30 in the mid-term rankings.

18-year-old Russian netminder Andrey Makarov remained the top-ranked WHL goaltender in Central Scouting's final rankings, coming in at No. 7 among North American netminders. Red Deer's Patrik Bartosak moved up to 8th despite missing the last half of the season due to injury. In total 43 WHL skaters and five WHL goaltenders are among those ranked in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings ahead of the 2012 NHL Draft.

Log on to www.everettsilvertips.com throughout the offseason for all the latest Silvertips news and events, including the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft on May 3 and the 2012 NHL Entry Draft in June. The Silvertips tenth anniversary 2012-13 WHL season begins in September. For more information, call 425-252-5100.

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Western Hockey League Stories from April 9, 2012


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