EVERETT — Thomas Heemskerk is getting his first taste of professional hockey.
The Everett Silvertips goaltender will finish out the season in the pro ranks as he’s joining the Worcester Sharks of the American Hockey League, the Tips announced Monday. Worcester is the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s San Jose Sharks.
Heemskerk joins Worcester just in time for the playoffs. The Sharks, who finished first in the AHL’s Atlantic Division, face the Lowell Devils in a first-round, best-of-seven series beginning Wednesday.
Heemskerk, who was never selected in the NHL draft, was invited to San Jose’s rookie camp in September on a tryout. Heemskerk impressed during his time with San Jose, and shortly after he returned to Everett he signed a free-agent contract with the Sharks.
Heemskerk recently completed his 19-year-old season with the Tips. Splitting time in goal with Kent Simpson, Heemskerk finished 24-12-2-2 with a 2.34 goals against average and .927 save percentage. That save percentage ranked first in the WHL.
Heemskerk is eligible to return to Everett next season as an overager. However, it is unlikely he’ll play next season for the Tips. As an overager Heemskerk is eligible to play professionally full-time in the minors, and there’s a good chance he’ll be back in Worcester. If Heemskerk is returned to juniors by San Jose, Everett general manager Doug Soetaert said Heemskerk would likely be traded as the Tips turn over full goaltending duties to Simpson.
Nick Patterson’s Silvertips blog: http://www.heraldnet.com/silvertipsblog
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