EVERETT, WA – Defensemen Nick Walters became the second Everett Silvertips player selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft Saturday morning in Pittsburgh when the St. Louis Blues picked him in the fourth round with the 116th overall pick. Walters joins Ryan Murray, who was taken second overall in the first round on Friday, as the two Silvertips drafted this year.
Walters, 18, became the 15th player drafted out of Everett in the past seven years and the third to be taken in the fourth round. A total of 32 Western Hockey League players were selected in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
“I’m definitely excited to be chosen by a good organization like St. Louis,” Walters said. "It’s a little stressful to watch and wait, so it was a relief to get the phone call. It’s a great feeling to spend that moment with family and then see your phone light up with congratulations. I’d like to thank all the people who have helped me accomplish this goal: specifically my family, teammates, coaches, trainers, agent and the fans who have supported me.”
Hailing from St. Albert, Alberta, Walters was slotted 67th among North American skaters in the final pre-draft rankings from NHL Central Scouting. In his second year as a Silvertip in 2011-12, the 6-2, 190-pound blueliner increased his offensive production to six goals and 18 points in 62 games. He also finished the year with 95 penalty minutes and brought a physical presence to the Everett lineup throughout the season.
In his rookie campaign in 2010-11, Walters had four assists and 52 penalty minutes in 48 games as a 16-year-old. He played for Team Pacific at the 2011 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and represented Team Alberta at the 2009 Western Canada Under-16 Challenge Cup.
Silvertips list player Jujhar Khaira, a BCHL forward whose WHL rights were acquired by Everett during the Bantam Draft, was selected today in the third round (63rd overall) by Edmonton. BCHL defenseman Reece Willcox, whose WHL rights were acquired by Everett in the Seth Jones trade, was taken by Philadelphia in the fifth round (141st overall).
For complete coverage of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, visit www.nhl.com/draft.
