The Everett Silvertips have sent defenseman Eddie Friesen home.
The Silvertips suspended the rookie 17-year-old defenseman from the team Monday, citing disciplinary reasons. He returned to his home in Gladstone, Manitoba.
“We set a standard here that we’re trying to maintain,” Everett coach John Becanic said. “When guys fall below that standard then you have to act accordingly.
“We’re trying to make good hockey players and good people,” Becanic added. “Sometimes you have to do some things to make sure they understand what’s right and wrong. I think we got that clarified this weekend.”
Friesen was one of three players who were left home for disciplinary reasons when the team traveled to Tri-City on Saturday. Becanic did not elaborate on the reasons for the disciplining.
The other two players, center Vitali Karamnov and left wing Jordan Mistelbacher, have been reinstated.
Although Friesen was just suspended, Becanic said he doubted Friesen would be brought back to the team later in the season.
Friesen, a 5-foot-9, 166-pounder, was originally a third-round pick in the 2005 bantam by the Swift Current Broncos. The Tips claimed his rights during the offseason after the Broncos released him from their 50-player protected listed.
Friesen played in four games for Everett, registering no points and two penalty minutes.
Friesen’s release leaves Everett with 24 players — 14 forwards, seven defensemen and three goaltenders. Becanic said there were no plans to fill Friesen’s spot on the roster.
Around the WHL: Kamloops added toughness to its lineup when, in a swap of 20-year-old defensemen, the Blazers acquired reigning WHL penalty minutes champ Mike Gauthier from Prince Albert in exchange for Ryan White. … Edmonton lost a pair of players when 20-year-old defenseman Michael Hengen and 19-year-old forward Scott Skrudland both left the team because of a lack of playing time. Their departures left the Oil Kings with just 21 players on their roster. … Prince George picked up 18-year-old forward Matt Sokol, who was released by Portland because of disciplinary reasons. … Spokane and Medicine Hat swung a pair of deals, the Tigers acquiring 18-year-old defenseman Patrick Kozyra for a fifth-round pick in the 2008 bantam draft, then picking up the rights to 17-year-old defenseman Andrew MacWilliam for future considerations. … Medicine Hat also celebrated its 200th straight sellout when the Tigers beat Kootenay 4-1 Saturday. … Tri-City center Jason Reese was named the WHL Player of the Week. Reese had three goals and four assists in three games as the Americans went 2-1.
League leaders: Points — Mark Santorelli (Chilliwack) 28; goals — Jordan Eberle (Regina) 16; assists — Santorelli 24; penalty minutes — Kyle Beach (Everett) 66; wins — Tyson Sexsmith (Vancouver) 11; goals against average — Sexsmith 1.63; save percentage — Tomas Vosvrda (Medicine Hat) .926.
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