Tuesday, May 29, 2012

TIPS' SIMPSON SIGNS WITH CHICAGO

Press Release

EVERETT – The Chicago Blackhawks today announced the signing of Everett Silvertips goaltender Kent Simpson to a three-year, entry-level NHL contract. Simpson was selected by Chicago in the second round (58th overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Simpson, 20, has spent the past four seasons manning the Everett goal crease. Since making the team as a 16-year-old in 2008-09, the Edmonton, Alberta native has become the most tenured player on the current roster. Along the way, he has moved into the second place in the Silvertips’ all-time record book in career wins (71) and minutes played (10,031) while tying for third in career shutouts (6).

The 6-3, 200-pound netminder was a big reason the Silvertips qualified for the playoffs in 2011-12, posting a .909 saves percentage and making the second-most saves of any WHL goaltender last year. He earned 14 of his 20 wins in the last two months of the regular season on his way to being named to Vaughn WHL Goaltender of the Month for March. During a January 6 game in Portland, Simpson set a new Everett franchise record with 55 saves on 57 shots in a narrow defeat.

In 175 WHL games, Simpson holds a 71-71-11-10 career record with a 3.02 goals-against average and a .911 saves percentage. He has three 20-win seasons and six shutouts in his Silvertips career. He was originally selected by Everett in the first round (#22 overall) of the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft.

Check back here at everettsilvertips.com throughout the offseason for all the latest Silvertips news and events, including the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and CHL Import Draft. The Silvertips tenth anniversary 2012-13 WHL season begins in September. For more information, call 425-252-5100.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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