Allen Americans goalie Chris Whitley will attend the Detroit Red Wings' training camp in September.
After teasing their Twitter followers for a little while (congratulations @donocdn for guessing correctly), the Americans confirmed that newly signed netminder Chris Whitley will be attending the Detroit Red Wings Training Camp in September. This is great news for Whitley, obviously, but also for the Allen Americans, as it could bring increased recognition to the team as a development organization. Congratulations to both. Here is the press release from Allen, TX:
ALLEN, TX – The Allen Americans announced today that recently signed goaltender Chris Whitley will attend the National Hockey League training camp of the Stanley Cup Finalist Detroit Red Wings in September.
The opportunity for the Oshawa, Ontario, native came after Red Wings Assistant General Manager Jim Nill was impressed by Whitley’s performance at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) men’s hockey championship this past March.
“It’s very exciting. Not very many guys have the opportunity to attend an NHL camp,” Whitley said. “I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
Americans Head Coach and General Manger Dwight Mullins shares the netminder’s enthusiasm. “He has worked very hard for this chance, and we are thrilled for him,” Mullins said Wednesday. “It’s an exciting thing for our entire organization to know our guys are getting NHL opportunities.”
The Red Wings, a club known for its Hall of Fame players and winning tradition, come off two straight Stanley Cup Final appearances and their eleventh championship title in 2008.
The 26-year-old graduated from Lakehead University this year and holds a myriad of school records, including the top slot for most career overall wins (82). Whitley also led the Thunderwolves to a Queen’s Cup championship title in 2005-06.
For a complete list of Whitley’s records, visit thunderwolveshockey.com.
