Silvertips Claim Connor Cox; Release Cody Fowlie

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EVERETT – The Everett Silvertips today announced the addition of former Moose Jaw and Saskatoon defenseman Connor Cox in Thursday’s WHL Overage Cut-Down Draft. In order to reach the league-required limit of three overage players, the Silvertips subsequently released 20-year-old forward Cody Fowlie.

Cox, 20, had three assists in seven games this year before being released by Saskatoon Wednesday when the Blades acquired a fourth overager (forward Adam Kambeitz) in a trade with Red Deer. Cox racked up a career-high 41 points last season, with his 38 assists tying for second-most on the Blades. He also led Saskatoon with a +26 rating in 65 appearances last season.

The Lethbridge, Alberta native is currently in his fifth WHL season after splitting the previous four years between the Blades and Moose Jaw Warriors. He has totaled 86 points (11g/75a), a +25 plus/minus rating and 102 penalty minutes in 219 career WHL games. In 21 career playoff games, Cox has seven points (1g/6a) and a +4 rating.

“We had the second pick in the overage draft and felt it made sense to bring in an experienced, puck-moving defenseman like Connor,” said Silvertips General Manager Garry Davidson. “He had a bunch of points last year, and I’ve heard a number of good things about him in addition to seeing him play quite a bit myself. This was a very difficult decision to make because Cody Fowlie is such a first-class young man. We certainly hope he lands on his feet and that things work out in the best way possible for him.”

Fowlie, from Airdrie, Alberta, leaves the Silvertips after playing 149 games for the club over the past two-plus seasons. His career totals include 21 goals and 36 assists for 57 points, 119 penalty minutes and a -23 rating. Coming off a career-high 40 points (14g/26a) and 68 penalty minutes in 72 games last season, he posted two assists and 12 penalty minutes in seven games for Everett this year.