Thrashers Agree to Terms with Draft Picks Rylan Kaip and Arturs Kulda

The Atlanta Thrashers have agreed to terms with forward Rylan Kaip (KIPE), the team’s ninth round selection (269th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, and defenseman Arturs Kulda, who was selected in the seventh round (200th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, according to Executive Vice President and General Manager Don Waddell.

Kaip, 24, recently completed his senior season at the University of North Dakota where he tallied 38 points (15 goals, 23 assists) and 230 penalty minutes in 143 career games over four seasons with the Fighting Sioux (NCAA).

The 6-1, 190-pound center served as team captain for the 2007-08 campaign after serving as an alternate captain during his junior year. The native of Wilcox, Saskatchewan registered his highest goal (eight) and point (15) totals of his collegiate career and tied a career-high with seven assists in 42 games last season.

Kulda, 19, is currently competing in the American Hockey League’s Calder Cup Playoffs with the Chicago Wolves, who signed him to an Amateur Try Out on March 30. In five regular season games with the Wolves, Kulda recorded one assist and has added three points (one goal, two assists) in 14 post-season contests.

The 6-2, 200-pound defenseman played this past season with the Peterborough Petes of the Ontario Hockey League, where he ranked second among team defensemen with 34 points (seven goals, 27 assists), along with a team-high plus-nine rating in 55 games. He added four points (one goal, three assists) in five post-season contests.

Kulda appeared in the 2008 World Junior Championships (Division I) with Latvia, recording five points (one goal, four assists) in four games. He also represented Latvia in the 2007 World Junior Championship (Division I), where he tallied two assists in five games.

The native of Riga, Latvia has appeared in 113 career OHL games over two seasons with the Petes, registering 45 points (nine goals, 36 assists).

Atlanta Thrashers Season Tickets start as low as $10 per game and are on sale now for the 2008-09 season by visiting atlantathrashers.com or calling (866) 715-1500.