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Kyle Walker back at practice as Silvertips embark on first road trip

Published 1:30 am Thursday, September 28, 2017

By Jesse Geleynse

Everett Silvertips rookie defenseman Kyle Walker skated in practice Wednesday while wearing a non-contact jersey.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound defenseman broke his collarbone during training camp and had surgery shortly thereafter. He took part in most of Wednesday drills while avoiding contact.

“(I’m) just going day-by-day with how my collarbone is doing,” Walker said after practice. “I’m a two-way defenseman. I like to kill penalties, I like to jump in the play too, rush the puck.”

Walker, a 2000-born native of Leduc, Alberta, signed with the Tips during training camp in 2016 and spent the season playing for the Leduc Oil Kings midget AAA team that reached the Telus Cup in Prince George, B.C. Walker recorded two goals and 13 assists in 31 regular-season games and registered a pair of assists in six playoff games.

He’s living with teammate Wyatte Wylie’s family and likens his play to that of his billet brother.

“He likes to use his size, even though he’s not as big as me, he really utilizes his body to his advantage,” Walker said. “He plays big even though he’s 6-1… I look up to him a lot.”

Everett skated early on Thursday and is now en route to Kelowna where the Tips will take on the Rockets Friday night. Walker and rookie forward Ethan Browne (upper body, 1-2 weeks) will remain behind to continue rehab.

In other news:

– Everett goalie Carter Hart was named the Herald’s Man of the Year in Sports and he accepted his award Wednesday night:

– Everett forward Patrick Bajkov is the WHL’s nominee for Goal of the Week:

– The Regina Pats remained ranked No. 1 in the CHL poll despite a 1-2 record and a Wednesday night loss (the poll came out before Wednesday’s game). Meanwhile, the Tri-City Americans dropped out after opening 0-2 despite a depleted lineup. Portland is up to No. 4 and Kelowna is in at No. 7.

– The Los Angeles Kings sent Jaret Anderson-Dolan back to the Spokane Chiefs, but linemate Kailer Yamamoto remains with the Edmonton Oilers. Yamamoto is putting himself in position to make the opening day roster in his draft year.

For the latest Silvertips news follow Jesse Geleynse on Twitter.

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