TRANSACTION » Alex Swetlikoff Acquired from Kelowna
Silvertips Acquire 2001-Born Forward Alex Swetlikoff and a Sixth Round Selection in the 2023 WHL Draft in Exchange for Forward Max Graham
EVERETT, Wash. – The Everett Silvertips (@WHLSilvertips), two-time Western Conference champions and eight-time U.S. Division champions of the Western Hockey League, have acquired center Alex Swetlikoff and a sixth round selection in the 2023 WHL Draft from the Kelowna Rockets in exchange for forward Max Graham, Silvertips general manager and head coach Dennis Williams announced today.
Alex Swetlikoff had 15 points in 15 games last season for Kelowna. (Photo by Marissa Baecker)
“Alex brings a package of offensive abilities and an upside we believe can make an impact with our group,” said Williams. “He took another step with his development last season, and we’re looking forward to him bringing valuable experience to share with our younger players. At the same time, we appreciate and thank Max for his contributions with a U.S. Division title last season. He was a terrific teammate and we wish him nothing but the best for his future.”
Swetlikoff, 20, enters his final season of WHL eligibility with three seasons and 110 games of experience with Kelowna, notching 54 points (25g-29a) with 70 penalty minutes. Last year, the 2001-born forward finished tied for second on the Rockets in points (15), goals (6), and assists (9) in 15 games while leading in face-off wins (175), face-offs taken (305), and finishing with a +2 rating.
The 6-foot-4, 190-pound forward was held scoreless only four times during the shortened 2021 season, contributed with five power play points which were tied for second on the program, earned a shorthanded assist and tallied four multi point games.
The native of Kelowna, British Columbia suited up for Team Canada-White with an assist in six games at the 2017 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and earned 19 points (8g-11a) in 27 games with Vernon of the British Columbia Hockey League in 2018-19. That season, he was named to the Canadian Junior Hockey League Top Prospects Game as a commit to the University of Denver program before signing a WHL standard player agreement with Kelowna, who acquired his rights from the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Dec. 19, 2018.
Swetlikoff, a product of the Yale Hockey Academy Prep program where he had 45 points (19g-26a) in 28 games in 2016-17, was originally selected by the Seattle Thunderbirds in the third round (62nd overall) of the 2016 WHL Draft.
Graham, a 2004-born forward, earned a pair of assists in 18 games last season. The native of Kelowna was originally listed by the Silvertips, signing a WHL standard player agreement on Jan. 29, 2020.
TIPS IN THE NHL
After selections on Jul. 24 for Niko Huuhtanen (Tampa Bay) and Olen Zellweger (Anaheim), the Everett Silvertips have elevated 29 players to be drafted by NHL clubs, including ten in the previous four years. Last season, three Silvertips were selected in the draft – Gage Goncalves (Tampa Bay) in the second round, Kasper Puutio (Florida) in the fifth round, and Ronan Seeley (Carolina) in the seventh round. Entering the 2021-22 season, their 19th in the WHL, the Silvertips have helped promote 20 players to make their NHL debut.
COMING UP:
- PRE-SEASON NHL HOCKEY: The “Three Rink Rush” and the Silvertips host a battle between the Seattle Kraken and Edmonton Oilers at Angel of the Winds Arena on Oct. 1. at 7:00 p.m. PT.
- OPENING NIGHT in downtown Everett: the Silvertips host the Portland Winterhawks at Angel of the Winds Arena, Oct. 8 at 7:05 p.m. | TIPS TICKET PACKAGE INFO
- The Silvertips will open their 19th season in the WHL on Oct. 2, visiting the Kelowna Rockets at 7:05pm.
- Silvertips pre-season: Opens Sept. 10 vs. Spokane at 6pm as part of the Silvertips Pre-Season Classic at Angel of the Winds Arena. Ticket information will be announced soon.
Follow the Silvertips: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Snapchat (evt_silvertips)
