WHL Everett Silvertips

This Week In Silvertips Hockey

Published on July 1, 2009 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Everett Silvertips News Release


Everett Silvertips Vice President / General Manager Doug Soetaert announced that the Silvertips have selected defensemen Rasmus Rissanen and Radko Gudas in the CHL Import Draft on Tuesday.

Rissanen, an 18 year old left- handed shooter who stands in at 6'2 and weighs 185 pounds, was recently drafted by the Carolina Hurricanes in the sixth round of the NHL Entry Draft. The Kuopio, Finland native was selected by the Silvertips after completing a season with KalPa of the Finnish junior league in which he posted one goal, eight assists and 56 penalty minutes in 29 games. He was a member of Finland's bronze-medal entry at the 2009 IIHF World Under-18 Championships.

"Rasmus is someone who is very hard to play against. He's strong and likes to move the puck," Soetaert noted.

For analysis of Rissanen's playing characteristics, follow this link to watch an interview with Carolina Hurricanes Director of Amateur Scouting, Tony MacDonald. The video can be accessed on the right-hand drop down bar by selecting "Ready to Rumble Rasmus".

Gudas, at 6'1 and 190 pounds, is a 19 year old right-handed defenseman out of Kladno, Czech Republic. He suited up for two teams last season, posting one assist and eight penalty minutes in seven games for HC Kladno in the Czech Extraliga in addition to registering three assists and 74 penalty minutes for HC Berounsti Medvedi. Gudas also gained valuable experience at the 2008 World Junior Championships, totaling two goals and an assist along with eight penalty minutes over six games played while registering as one of the most valuable players on the Czech team.

"Radko plays a very hard and physical game and does a good job of keeping the game simple," Soetaert said.

Previous Silvertips selected in the CHL Import Draft include Ivan Baranka (Slovakia - 2003), Martin Ruzicka (Czech Republic - 2003), Karel Hromas (Czech Republic - 2004), Ondrej Fiala (Czech Republic - 2005), Lukas Vartovnik (Slovakia - 2006) and Vitaly Karamnov (Russia - 2007).

Abney, Froese Selected at 2009 NHL Entry Draft

Everett Silvertips right wing Cameron Abney and center Byron Froese were selected at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, held at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec last Friday and Saturday. It was the fourth consecutive year at least one player was chosen from Everett's roster.

Abney, of Aldergrove, British Columbia, was selected by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round, 82nd overall. The 6'4, 195 pound right wing finished with one goal and three assists for four points along with 103 penalty minutes while playing in 48 games as a Silvertip rookie in 2008-09. He appeared in four games as a 16 year old in 2007-08 before his ascdance to the team for the entire 2008-09 season. Acknowledged as one of the league's most promising fighters, Abney endeared himself to Silvertips fans in his rookie season through the steadfast defense of his teammates.

Froese, of Winkler, Manitoba, was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the fourth round, 119th overall. The center becomes the tenth player in Silvertip history to be selected in the NHL Draft. Froese finished with 57 points while playing all 72 games as a Silvertip rookie in 2008-09, tallying 19 goals and 38 assists. The 6'0, 175 pound forward recently returned from the World Under-18 Championships in Fargo, North Dakota, where he tallied four goals and three assists for seven points in six games played. His four goals and +6 rating tied for second on the team while his hat trick on April 9 propelled Team Canada to an 11-2 victory over Germany. Froese enjoyed a breakout rookie campaign as a two-way center with extensive special teams experience in 2008-09. He recorded a hat trick in a 6-3 victory over the Red Deer Rebels on December 31, 2008 as part of fourteen multi-point games in his debut season.

Froese was also instrumental in the team's efforts around the community and was recognized for his appearances at schools and his work with children around Snohomish County when the club presented him with a Community Relations Award at the conclusion of the season. He received an Iron Man Award for appearing in all 72 games.

The ten Silvertips selected in the NHL Draft include Peter Mueller (Phoenix, 1st round - 2006), Leland Irving (Calgary, 1st - 2006), Ondrej Fiala (Minnesota, 2nd - 2006), Brady Calla (Florida, 3rd - 2006), Zach Hamill (Boston, 1st - 2007), Taylor Ellington (Vancouver, 2nd - 2007), Dan Gendur (Vancouver, 7th - 2007), Kyle Beach (Chicago, 1st - 2008), Cameron Abney (3rd - 2009) and Byron Froese (4th - 2009).

Beginning with the 1980 Entry Draft and continuing today, all 18, 19 and 20-year old North American and non-North American born players have been eligible to be drafted. In addition, non-North American players aged 21-years or older are eligible for claim. From 1987 to 1991, the selection of 18 and 19-year-old players was restricted to the first three rounds of the draft, unless the player met qualifying criteria that dealt with hockey experience in major junior, U.S. college and high school or European hockey. Starting with the 1992 Draft, those players were available in all rounds.

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and Radio-Canada provided the first live network television coverage in both English and French in 1984, coverage in the United States was first provided by SportsChannel America in 1989. This year's Entry Draft was seen in the United States on Versus and in Canada on TSN.

Silvertips' Home Opener, Preseason Schedule Released

Everett Silvertips Vice President / General Manager Doug Soetaert revealed the club's September schedule earlier this week, highlighted by the Everett Silvertips Pre-Season Tournament and early regular season games against two of the Silvertips' top rivals.

The Silvertips' regular season home opener is scheduled for 7:05 pm at Comcast Arena on Saturday, September 26 against the Vancouver Giants.

The Silvertips will be hosting the Sixth Annual Everett Silvertips Pre- Season Tournament at Comcast Arena, scheduled over Labor Day Weekend from September 4-6. The Silvertips, along with the Portland Winterhawks, Seattle Thunderbirds, Spokane Chiefs, Tri-City Americans and Prince George Cougars will be participating. Everett is scheduled to face off against Tri-City on Friday, September 4, Seattle on Saturday, September 5, and Portland on Sunday, September 6. All Silvertips games throughout the tournament will begin at 7:00 pm.

Everett will also travel to the Toyota Center in Kennewick for the Red Lion Hotels Pre-Season Tournament, where they will play the Spokane Chiefs on Thursday, September 10 at 7:05 pm and the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Friday, September 11 at 2:05 pm.

The Silvertips return back to the greater Puget Sound region to counter the Seattle Thunderbirds on Saturday, September 12 at 7:05 pm at the ShoWare Center in Kent for their final pre-season tune-up.

The Silvertips will open the 2009-10 regular season on the road with games scheduled at Seattle on Friday, September 18 and at Vancouver on Friday, September 19.

Season tickets and ticketing packages are currently on sale for 2009-10, with the announcement of tournament packages and single- game pre-season and regular-season ticketing information coming at a later date.

For ticket information, including season seats and mini-plans, please call the Silvertips' front office at (425) 252- 5100. As always, radio coverage of Silvertips hockey will be provided by NorthSound 1380 KRKO, while highlights of audio broadcasts, video packages and relevant multimedia will be provided by the Western Hockey League's website, www.whl.ca. Further updates can also be found on the social networking site Twitter, where the Silvertips operate under the handle WHLsilvertips, as well as Facebook under "Official Everett Silvertips".

PRESEASON SCHEDULE

Friday, September 4: SILVERTIPS vs Tri-City Americans, 7:00 pm, Comcast Arena*

Saturday, September 5: SILVERTIPS vs Seattle Thunderbirds, 7:00 pm, Comcast Arena*

Sunday, September 6: SILVERTIPS vs Portland Winter Hawks, 7:00 pm, Comcast Arena*

Thursday, September 10: SILVERTIPS vs Spokane Chiefs, 7:05 pm, Toyota Center (Kennewick, WA)

Friday, September 11: SILVERTIPS vs Lethbridge Hurricanes, 2:00 pm, Toyota Center (Kennewick, WA)

Saturday, September 12: SILVERTIPS vs Seattle Thunderbirds, 7:05 pm, ShoWare Center (Kent, WA)

*Everett Silvertips Pre-Season Tournament

HOME OPENER

Saturday, September 26: SILVERTIPS vs Vancouver Giants, 7:05 pm, Comcast Arena

Silvertips Office Closed on Friday, July 3

Due to the July 4th holiday, the Silvertips Office will be closed on Friday, July 3 and will re-open on Monday, July 6. Happy Canada Day to our friends north of the border!

Silvertips Hockey Camps - Coming Very Soon!

We're getting close to our Silvertips Hockey Camps, designed to nurture and enhance the development of young hockey players throughout Washington State. This year, the camps will be run by Assistant Coach Mark LeRose and Director of Game Operations Rob Ramsburgh, while Kellan Tochkin and Zack Dailey will also be on hand to provide expertise.

The goal of the Everett Silvertips Summer Hockey Schools is to enhance player development through qualified, professional instruction and innovative, challenging programs. The schools will focus on hockey fundamentals, skills, tactics and systems. Our coaches and counselors will emphasize the importance of the characteristics the Silvertips expect from their WHL stars. A strong work ethic, teamwork and sportsmanship will be encouraged. The Everett Silvertips Summer Hockey Schools mandate is to provide all of this for your son or daughter in an enthusiastic and fun atmosphere.

The Summer Camp (July 20 - July 24) is designed for any level hockey player, ages 7-13. This camp is an opportunity for young athletes to learn the game of hockey in a fun environment. Each camper will have two hours of ice time and one hour of off-ice sessions each day.

The Silvertips Elite Camp (July 27th - July 31st) is designed for competitive hockey players, ages 10-15 looking to gain an edge. This will be an intense training regiment that will include both on and off-ice segments. The off-ice training will include dry land training seminars with the Silvertips Staff. On-ice sessions will consist of skill development, tactical play, and small area games. Each camper will have two hours of ice time and one hour of off-ice sessions each day.

Each of the camps will feature professional instruction from current Silvertips coaches as well as from current and former WHL players. Instruction over the five day camp will include power skating, passing, shooting, positioning, small games, in-depth goaltending instruction and off-ice conditioning.

For more information call (425) 252-5100 or download the camp application online.

Space is limited so make sure you enroll now before it is too late.

Silvertips Season Ticket Photo Contest

This is the final reminder that YOU can adorn our 2009-10 Season Tickets!

We are asking that residents of Silvertip Country submit a photograph or two that best captures your Silvertips spirit, whether at home, in the garden, around town or on vacation. Your image could be one of 36 selected photos to appear on this year's season ticket stock. If we choose your picture, you'll win two club tickets - on us.

PRIZING:

*Photo to appear on 2009-10 season stock. *Uncut Sheet of the 2009-10 season stock signed by the team. *Two club seats to the game that your image is featured on.

GUIDELINES:

*Photos must be in digital format and high resolution (greater than 1MB). *Deadline for submissions is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 20. *Please include all of your contact information when submitting photos, including home address, e-mail and phone number. *All photos submitted become property of the Silvertips. By submitting a photograph you are granting the Silvertips the rights to the image.

TO ENTER:

1) E-mail photo to info@everettsilvertips.com 2) Mail photo CD to: Everett Silvertips Hockey Club Attn: Season Seat Photo Contest 2000 Hewitt Ave, Suite #100 Everett, WA 98201

2009-10 Season Tickets Now On Sale!

Sporting an NHL All-Star as Head Coach, five former WHL first round draft picks, three NHL drafted players and two incoming Europeans poised to make the team, this will prove yet again that Silvertips Hockey is the most exciting activity taking place over the fall and winter months. We're happy to announce that full-season, 22-game and 14-game packages for the 2009-10 season are now available by contacting the front office. Prime upper and lower bowl seats (including the upper club and lower club) are available, where you'll be able to save up to $315 off the price of individual game tickets while enjoying the benefits of monthly financing options. A three month payment plan is available (minimum monthly charge: $80), while 14-game packs start at $160 per seat.

Make sure you get in on the action while good seats are still available. The upcoming season's action is available at last season's prices! Please call (425) 252-5100 to request more information or to reserve your seats today.

Check out the Everett Silvertips Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from July 1, 2009


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