EVERETT — The Everett Silvertips acquired Edmonton Oil Kings left wing Brandon Ralph in exchange for a fourth-round pick in next year’s WHL bantam draft, the organization announced Tuesday.
Ralph, 19, is a 6-foot-2, 191-pounder originally from Fort McMurray, Alberta, who is entering his third full year in the WHL. Last season he tallied five goals and six assists in 67 games for the Oil Kings.
During the 2013-14 season he had eight goals with two assists in 46 games. He appeared in one game during the 2012-13 season as a member of Edmonton’s Memorial Cup championship team. He was signed by the Oil Kings as a listed player in Sept. 2011.
“He’s a player we had interest in last year, but we were unable to acquire him,” Everett general manager Garry Davidson said. “He’s a left wing and we’re a little thin on that side. He’s got two years of experience, size and a physical presence that will be a nice addition to our group.”
Nineteen-year-old Dawson Leedahl and 18-year-old Matt Fonteyne are the other two left wings currently on Everett’s roster, so Ralph will bring welcomed depth to the position. In contrast, Ralph was one of eight left wingers on Edmonton’s roster prior to the deal.
He appeared in three preseason games this year for Edmonton, scoring one goal against Red Deer on Sept. 5.
“He’s very excited to be here,” Davidson said, after speaking to Ralph by phone Tuesday afternoon. “He doesn’t come with a background of a lot of points, so if he increases his offensive production it will be a nice plus for us.”
Davidson hopes Ralph will be at the facility Wednesday and will see his first game action as a Silvertip in Friday’s home game against Portland at 7:05.
“He’s played on two very good teams — playoff teams — and he’s got a wealth of experience,” Davidson said. “Hopefully he’ll bring that to us here.”
Follow Silvertips writer Jesse Geleynse on Twitter @jessegeleynse
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