http://www.heraldnet.com/article/201...ver.Silvertips

Kulchar picks school over Silvertips

The defenseman's departure clears up what could have been a crowded overager field

By Nick Patterson
Herald writer
EVERETT -- Everett Silvertips defenseman Curtis Kulchar has decided not to return to the team for his overage season.

The 20-year-old Kulchar has one year of WHL eligibility remaining. However, he decided to enroll in college rather than return for his overage season.

The Tips wanted Kulchar back for the upcoming season. However Kulchar, who was traded four times during his four seasons in the Western Hockey League, wanted to be closer to his family in Martensville, Saskatchewan. Having already earned his full four years of WHL scholarships, he decided to begin his schooling now.

"He really struggled with the decision because he told me he liked it here," Everett general manager Doug Soetaert said. "But he's bounced around the league a little and he'd had enough. He wants to stay close to home and his family."

Everett acquired Kulchar last December in a trade with Kamloops. In 32 games with the Tips he had one goal and five assists. Then in the playoffs he had a goal and two assists in seven games, raising his game when called upon to replace the injured Radko Gudas on Everett's top defensive pairing.

"We're fine with this," Soetaert said, "but it's unfortunate because he's a really good kid. We were looking at him being here because of his character and leadership. He's great in the dressing room."

Soetaert said the door remains open for Kulchar to return should he change his mind.

Despite the loss of Kulchar, Everett still has plenty of depth on defense, with six defensemen returning from last season's team.

Kulchar's departure also clears up Everett's overage situation. The Tips originally had six candidates to fill three overage spots. The departures of Kulchar and left wing Dan Iwanski, who was released, cut the number to four. Two of those remaining four, Gudas and goaltender Thomas Heemskerk, already have signed professional contracts and are eligible to play in the minors. Gudas is not expected back and Heemskerk was described by Soetaert as a 50-50 bet. Even if Heemskerk returns, Kent Simpson is expected to be Everett's No. 1 goalie this season.

That leaves center Clayton Cumiskey and defenseman Chris de la Lande as Everett's current overagers, while Heemskerk will also attend Everett's training camp, which begins Aug. 26. Soetaert said he was comfortable moving ahead with just two overagers if that's how things worked out.

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So after reading that article, here is how I have the roster sitting. Bold is who my "locks" to make the roster are.

Forward
Clayton Cumsikey – 1990
Kellan Tochkin – 1991
Tyler Maxwell – 1991
Landon Ferraro – 1991
Josh Birkholz – 1991
Scott McDonald – 1991
Cody Fowlie – 1992
Campbell Elyniuk – 1992
Manraj Hayer - 1993
Jesse Huhtala – 1993


D Jay McGrath – 1992
Markus McRea – 1992
Tyler Giebel – 1993
Josh Winquist – 1993
Mitchell Loose – 1993
Justin Boyd – 1994
Jari Erricson - 1994

Defense
Chris DeLaLande - 1990
Rasmus Rissanen – 1991
Alex Theriau – 1992
Ryan Murray – 1993


Paul Sohor - 1991
Gabe Minville – 1992
Evan Morden - 1993
Nicholas Walters - 1994

Goalie
Thomas Heemskerk - 1990 (signed pro contract WILL be in camp)
Kent Simpson – 1992
Luke Siemens - 1992
Andy Desautels – 1994
Alec Rounds - 1994

Others
Radko Gudas – 1990 (signed pro contract - won't be at camp)
Dan Iwanski – 1990 (retired)
Curtis Kulchar – 1990 (retired)