SIGNED // F Max Graham, WHL SPA
Silvertips Sign Listed Prospect, 2004-Born Forward Max Graham to a WHL Standard Player Agreement
EVERETT, Wash. – The Everett Silvertips, two-time Western Conference champions and seven-time U.S. Division champions of the Western Hockey League, have signed listed prospect and forward Max Graham to a WHL standard player agreement, Silvertips general manager Garry Davidson announced today. By signing a WHL Standard Player Agreement, Graham is guaranteed a WHL Scholarship for every year he plays in the WHL and is eligible to join the Silvertips, full time starting in the 2020-21 season as a 2004-born prospect.
“Max first caught our attention as an invited prospect in training camp and has dedicated himself to taking exceptional steps this season,” said Silvertips general manager Garry Davidson. “The trajectory he’s taken as a skilled forward has his future trending in a really positive manner. He’s had a great first half, plays a hard-nosed game and has shown signs of adding more layers to his offensive abilities. We’re proud to welcome Max to the Silvertips family and look forward to his continued development this season with the Okanagan Rockets program.”
This season, Graham leads the Rockets (BCMIML) program and is second in the league in points (47) while leading the league in goals (26), suiting up in 25 games while recording 68 penalty minutes, 10 power play points, a pair of shorthanded goals and ranking tied for second on the Rockets with three game winning goals.
The native of Kelowna, British Columbia has appeared in three additional games with the Rockets BCMML program, notching two penalty minutes. Last season, Graham debut with the Rockets (BCMIML) in four regular season games and had an assist in a pair of playoff games.
“It’s really exciting to join such a great organization in the Everett Silvertips,” said Graham. “Training camp provided an incredible opportunity to see what Everett had to offer and I loved everything about it. I take pride in a 200-foot game, winning battles, and playing with a gritty approach, but also enjoy putting up points and being a finisher in the offensive zone. I understand that hard work will make my chances greater to reach the next level, and I’m looking forward to contributing as a Silvertip.”
Graham, who suited up for in Silvertips training camp in 2019-20 and skated in the Silvertips Prospects Game, joins the Silvertips corps of signed players to WHL standard player agreements along with Rockets teammate Austin Roest, currently second on the program with 45 (23g-22a) in 22 games. Roest was originally selected by the Silvertips in the third round (64th overall) in the 2019 WHL Draft and signed a WHL standard player agreement with the Silvertips on Sept. 3, 2019.
“He definitely played a role in part of my decision,” said Graham. “I’ve known him since age six and we have a close relationship as friends, teammates, and linemates. It’s a bonus he’s already committed to the Silvertips program, too and we push each other to improve, every day.”
His father, John, suited up as a forward for four full years with Merritt, New Westminster, and Penticton (BCJHL) from 1988-92, earning 28 points and 183 penalty minutes in 35 games with Penticton in 1990-91 under Silvertips general manager, Garry Davidson, working behind the bench that year as Panthers head coach.
ABOUT THE WHL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
A player signed to a WHL standard player agreement is able to attend any career enhancing institution of his choice, including universities, colleges, technical institutes, trade schools, or any other institution which will help the player achieve his academic and career goals. For each season played in the WHL, a player receives a one-year post-secondary scholarship, which includes: Tuition, Compulsory Fees and Required Textbooks. The WHL provides the top young hockey talent in the United States and western Canada with the opportunity to develop their skills on the ice at the highest possible level, without compromising their academic goals. The WHL is committed to recognizing academic excellence.
UP NEXT: A first and second place showdown in the U.S. Division awaits the host Silvertips and Portland Winterhawks, Friday at 7:35 p.m. at Angel of the Winds Arena in downtown Everett. Ticket packages for Hockey Happy Hour presented by Broad Stroke Associates are on sale as low as $25, available at the link below, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m.
2019-20 SCHEDULE, TICKET INFORMATION
The Tips full regular season schedule offers ticket plans for as little as $215 total per seat, available at www.everettsilvertips.com/season or by calling (425) 252-5100 during normal business hours. Seven game packs are now on sale.
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