Rissanen Makes NHL Debut with Carolina
EVERETT- Former Everett Silvertips defenseman Rasmus Rissanen made his National Hockey League debut for the Carolina Hurricanes Friday night against the Minnesota Wild. Rissanen becomes the 13th alumnus in Silvertips history to reach the highest level of hockey’s professional ranks.
In Friday’s game, Rissanen played just over 16 minutes and registered a team-high eight hits in a 3-1 loss to Minnesota. The following day he took part in a 7-4 comeback victory over the visiting Edmonton Oilers, where the defenseman logged 17:52 of ice-time with two shots on net.
Throughout two seasons with the Everett Silvertips from 2009-2011, Rissanen played 139 games and was named an alternate captain in his second year with the team. During that time the native of Kuopio, Finland accumulated 27 points (5g/22a) and 192 penalty minutes for the ‘Tips.
A sixth-round draft pick (178th overall) of the Hurricanes in the 2009 NHL draft, Rissanen turned pro as a 20-year-old for the 2011-2012 season. He joined the Charlotte Checkers, Carolina’s top American Hockey League affiliate, where he has spent the past four seasons. The 6-foot-3, 217-pound defenseman amassed 36 points (7g/29a) and 301 penalty minutes in 240 AHL games before finally making his debut with the Hurricanes last weekend.
The ‘Tips are back in action Wednesday night for a pivotal U.S. Division matchup against the Portland Winterhawks at 7:05 pm at XFINITY Arena. After a road game against Seattle Friday in Kent, the ‘Tips are back on home ice to host the rival Thunderbirds for the final time in the regular season Saturday at 7:05.
For more information visit www.everettsilvertips.com or call 425-252-5100. To keep up with all the latest team news and information, “like” the Everett Silvertips Hockey Club on Facebook or follow @WHLSilvertips on Twitter.
