WHL Everett Silvertips

NHL Draft Weekend Has Arrived

Published on June 22, 2012 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release


EVERETT, WA - Everett Silvertips defensemen Ryan Murray and Nick Walters are anxiously awaiting the start of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft from the CONSOL Energy Center in Pittsburgh, PA, home of the NHL's Penguins. Murray should be one of the first players chosen when the first round gets underway this afternoon, while Walters is expected to be a second-day pick as rounds two through seven take place tomorrow.

Murray and Walters are expected to become the 14th and 15th picks produced by the Silvertips over the past seven NHL drafts, with Murray becoming the fifth first-round selection in franchise history. Murray hopes to be the highest draft pick ever to play for Everett - an honor currently shared by Peter Mueller (8th overall to Phoenix, 2006) and Zach Hamill (8th overall to Boston, 2007) - and could even be the first player from a team in the WHL's Western Conference ever to be selected first overall.

Murray, 18, has turned in a stellar three-year career with the Silvertips. Taken 9th overall by Everett in the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft, he has gone on to become the youngest Captain in franchise history, win back-to-back team MVP awards and represent Team Canada in multiple international events including the IIHF Men's World Championship, World Junior Championships and World Under-18 Championships.

The White City, Saskatchewan native has recorded 104 points in 168 career games with the Silvertips and holds the franchise record for career plus/minus rating (+51). He is ranked second among all North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, behind only sniper Nail Yakupov of the OHL's Sarnia Sting.

Walters, 18, upped his draft stock significantly in his sophomore season in the WHL. The 6-2, 190-pound blueliner increased his production to six goals and 18 points to go with 95 penalty minutes last year while playing in all situations for Everett. Hailing from St. Albert, Alberta, Walters is expected to be drafted somewhere in the middle rounds after being listed 67th in the final rankings from NHL Central Scouting.

Two recent trade acquisitions on Everett's protected list are also hoping to hear their names called this weekend. Forward Jujhar Khaira, who had 79 points last season with the BCHL's Prince George Spruce Kings, is ranked 74th on the central scouting list. Defenseman Reece Willcox of the BCHL's Merritt Centennials also made the top 100, listing at #90.

To celebrate this rare draft moment, the Silvertips are hosting an NHL Draft Watch Party for the first round this afternoon at Sporty's Beef & Brew (6503 Evergreen Way in Everett). Draft coverage starts at 4:00 pm on the NBC Sports Network and Sporty's is offering great happy hour specials from 3 to 6 pm, including $2 domestic drafts, $3 craft drafts and select $3 happy appys. The 'Tips will also have giveaways and great prizes, so join the celebration today at Sporty's! For more information, visit www.everettsilvertips.com.

Check out the Everett Silvertips Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Western Hockey League Stories from June 22, 2012


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.

OurSports Central