Leland Irving

Infobox Ice Hockey Player


image_size=200px
team=Calgary Flames
former_teams =
prospect_team = Everett Silvertips
prospect_league = WHL
league = NHL
position = Goaltender
catches = Left
height_ft = 6
height_in = 0
weight_lb = 177
nickname =
nationality = CAN
birth_date = birth date and age|1988|4|11
birth_place = Barrhead, AB, CAN
draft = 26th overall
draft_year = 2006
draft_team = Calgary Flames
career_start = TBA

Leland Irving (born April 11, 1988) is a junior ice hockey goaltender playing for the Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League. He was drafted in the first round, 26th overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames.

The 2007–08 WHL season was his fifth and final season with the Silvertips. He played 56 games and sported a 2.45 goals against average.

On January 18, 2007 Irving was signed by the Flames to an entry level contract. On April 22, 2007 he was assigned to the Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben Knights of the American Hockey League. He practiced with the club, and dressed in two of the final playoff games behind starter Curtis McElhinney.

In June, 2007, Irving was named to Team Canada as one of three goalies that would play for the team during the 2007 Super Series between Canada and Russia. He made his first appearance in the series, starting game 3 on August 31, 2007. He stopped 32 of 34 shots on goal and was awarded as Canada’s Player of the Game.

Childhood

Leland Irving was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer as an eight year old when a bump resembling an insect bite above his left ear was found to be cancerous. He endured 13 months of chemotherapy. About his life now he says:

"I think it's great for inspiring young kids who are fighting cancer, and I hope I can help give them the ability to keep going no matter how hard it is. It's part of my life and it is something that made me a better person. It brought a different perspective and I am thankful to be alive."

Awards

*WHL West Second All-Star Team - 2006

Career statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

References

*"Hardships Overcome-Irving, McCardle have persevered" by Terry Koshan -- "Toronto Sun" 1/2/2007

External links

* [http://whl.ca/en/stats/player.php?id=24049 Irvings player card on whl.ca]