The NHL's Edmonton Oilers announced the signing of Cranbrook native Ben Betker to a three-year entry-level contract Thursday afternoon.
Betker, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound defenceman with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips, was originally selected by the Oilers in the sixth round (158th overall) of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft.
In 64 games with the Silvertips this season, the 19-year-old blue-liner registered a career-high 31 points, including six goals.
As a 1994-born player, Betker will age out of junior hockey following the 2015 WHL Playoffs.
In 201 regular-season WHL games, Betker tallied 14 goals and 58 points.
Betker and the Silvertips open the 2015 WHL Playoffs Friday night when they host the Spokane Chiefs.