Sbisa to stay with Flyers
October 29, 2008 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Lethbridge Hurricanes News Release
Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes are very proud to congratulate Swiss born defenseman Luca Sbisa on his agreement to stay with the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers past the nine game limit for junior players to return to their junior clubs. Sbisa, who hails from Oberägeri, Switzerland went from a relative unknown last season to being ranked and then drafted 19th overall in the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Flyers.
"We are very proud to congratulate Luca and his family on this achievement and we certainly wish him the best of luck as he continues his development into an NHL level talent." said Canes GM Roy Stasiuk "It's bitter-sweet in that you a losing a very skilled player, but it's a testament to the work that Luca, our coaches and our staff have put in as we fulfill our mandate of preparing players for the next level."
Despite being unranked coming into the 07-08 season, Sbisa made an immediate impact, tallying 33 points (6A, 27A) in 62 regular season games. He was the recipient of the 2007-2008 Carl Trentini Memorial Award, awarded to the Lethbridge Hurricanes Rookie of the year and represented his home country of Switzerland in the IIHF U-20 World Junior Hockey Championships. Sbisa then capped a solid rookie season by leading all WHL defensemen in playoff scoring with 15 points (3G, 12A).
"On behalf of Luca Sbisa I would like to thank General Manger Roy Stasiuk and the Lethbridge Hurricanes coaches and organization for helping Luca in his development" said Sbisa's agent Andre Rufner via phone "They have all played a big part in getting Luca to where he is today, thank you."
Sbisa joins a number of young defenseman drafted in 2008 who look to be sticking with their NHL clubs, including the likes of top five picks: Luke Schenn (Toronto), Drew Doughty (Los Angeles), Zach Bogosian (Atlanta) and Alex Pietrangelo (St. Louis).
Western Hockey League Stories from October 29, 2008
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- Kelowna Rockets' Benn named Boston Pizza CHL Player of the Week - WHL
- Simpson, Welsh, Viveiros to be added to Raiders Wall of Honour - Prince Albert Raiders
- Sbisa to stay with Flyers - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Silvertips Come Back To Win, 7-6 - Everett Silvertips
- Americans Reclaim First Despite 7-6 SO Loss to 'Tips - Tri-City Americans
- Oil Kings Record First Shutout Of The Year - Edmonton Oil Kings
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