Silvertips Select Karamnov in CHL Import Draft

Published on June 27, 2007 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release

Everett, WA - June 27, 2007: Everett Silvertips VP/General Manager, Doug Soetaert, has selected Vitali Karamnov in the 1st round (60th overall) in the 2007 CHL Import Draft on Wednesday afternoon. The Moscow, Russia native was the captain for Team Russia at the 2007 Under-18 World Championships and the 2006 World Junior-A Challenge

During the 2006-2007 season, Karamnov recorded 27 goals and 26 assists for 53 points in 50 games for Dynamo Moscow. At the Under-18 World Championships in Finland, the 6'1, 180 pound center tallied 3 assists in 7 games to help Russia win the gold medal. At the 2006 World Junior-A Challenge in Yorkton, SK, Karamnov posted 2 goals and 2 assists in 4 games to help Russia win the bronze medal.

NHL Central Scouting had Vitali ranked 19th among all European Skaters in their final rankings but was not drafted in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. According to Central Scouting, Karamnov is a skilled two-way center with good skating skills and soft hands. He has a good hockey sense and passes the puck well. Vitali is very defensively reliable and does what it takes for the team to win.

Karamnov's father, Vitali Karamnov Sr. played in 92 career NHL games with the St. Louis Blues and tallied 32 points. He was a 3rd round pick (62nd overall) of the Blues in the 1992 NHL Entry Draft.

The CHL, which governs the three Major Junior leagues, (WHL, OHL, QMJHL) annually, holds an Import Draft. This draft allows Major Junior teams to select players who are of junior age (17-20) and are playing outside of North America, and are thereby given an opportunity to play in the CHL. Each junior team is allowed only two import players per year on their active rosters.

Western Hockey League Stories from June 27, 2007

• Hitmen Select Two Players in CHL Import Draft - Calgary Hitmen
• Silvertips Select Karamnov in CHL Import Draft - Everett Silvertips
• Americans Trade Valach in Annual CHL Import Draft - Tri-City Americans
• Giants Acquire Import Defenseman - Vancouver Giants
• Wheat Kings Opt For Russian - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Chiefs Select Austrian Defenseman - Spokane Chiefs
• T-Birds Select Finnish Goalie In Import Draft - Seattle Thunderbirds
• Hansch Steps Down As Director Of Player Personnel - Kamloops Blazers
• Red Deer Rebels Make Import Pick - Red Deer Rebels
• Cougars Select Magnusson 28th Overall - Prince George Cougars
• Bruins select David Hoda in Import Draft - Chilliwack Bruins
• Bruins select David Hoda in CHL Import Draft - Chilliwack Bruins
• Edmonton Oil Kings Select Tomas Vincour In CHL Import Draft - Edmonton Oil Kings
• Rockets Announce First Round Pick in 2007 CHL Import Draft - Kelowna Rockets
• IMPORT DRAFT BEGINS - Brandon Wheat Kings

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.

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