EVERETT — The Western Hockey League last week announced the Team WHL roster for the annual Canada-Russia Series and Everett Silvertips goaltender Carter Hart was named to the roster for the third consecutive year.
Hart has been recovering from mononucleosis for the past few weeks, but returned to practice Monday as the Tips prepare for weekend games at Kamloops Friday and at Portland Sunday.
At the past two Canada-Russia Series, Hart has been joined by teammate Noah Juulsen who is now recovering from a broken foot in the professional ranks.
“It’s always a great event to go and take part of,” Hart said. “I’m very excited for another opportunity to go up there and play against the Russians again. Any time you get that chance to go and represent your league, the WHL, it’s always an honor.”
Team WHL names captains
Team WHL takes on the Russian team Monday, Nov. 6 in Moose Jaw, and Tuesday, Nov. 7 in Swift Current.
The league Tuesday announced its leadership group for the two-game series. Kelowna Rockets forward Dillon Dube is the captain for Team WHL. Brandon defenseman Kale Clague, Calgary defenseman Jake Bean and Moose Jaw forward Brett Howden are the alternates.
Everett’s Juulsen was last year’s team captain.
The Russians take on Team OHL Thursday in Owen Sound, Ontario, and Friday in Sudbury, Ontario. The series concludes next week against QMJHL with a game at Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on Tuesday and a game at Moncton, New Brunswick on Thursday.
Spokane makes big trade
The Spokane Chiefs made a big splash on the trade market last week when they acquired Zach Fischer from the Medicine Hat Tigers.
Fischer, an overage forward, scored 34 goals with 29 assists in 62 games for the Tigers last season, but had left the team prior to the trade. He has an assist in two games so far with the Chiefs.
The addition of Fischer is important — particularly if forward Kailer Yamamoto remains with the Edmonton Oilers past nine games this season.
Yamamoto, a first-round pick in last June’s NHL draft, unexpectedly made the Oilers roster out of training camp. The Spokane native has played in six games and tallied three assists so far for Edmonton.
Players can play nine games in the NHL before their rookie contracts kick in, so a number of prospects are sent back to the junior teams at that juncture.
Steenbergen honored again
On Monday Swift Current forward Tyler Steenbergen was named the WHL Player of the Week for the second straight week and third time this season.
Steenbergen scored five goals and three assists including a four-goal game in just two contests last week. He leads the WHL in goals (21) and points (33).
Spokane Chiefs goaltender Dawson Weatherill was named the Goaltender of the Week. He finished the three-game week with shutout, a 2-1 win and a 3-2 shootout loss for a .960 save percentage and an .097 goals-against average.
Hockey Canada names U-17 roster
The annual World Under-17 Hockey Challenge takes place from Nov. 5-11 in Dawson Creek and Fort St. John, British Columbia.
Hockey Canada fields three teams of 22 players each, including 23 from the WHL. There are no Silvertips on the roster, but four hail from the U.S. Division including Tri-City forward Sasha Mutala (Team White), and Tri-City forward Connor Bouchard, Seattle forward Alex Swetikoff and Seattle defenseman Jake Lee (all Team Black).
For the latest Silvertips news follow Jesse Geleynse on Twitter.
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