A local hockey player is making the jump to the big leagues, signing with a professional NHL team.

The Everett Silvertips, a major junior hockey league within the Western Hockey League, announced that Forward Shane Harper has signed an agreement to play with the Philadelphia Flyers.

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Harper, 20, grew up in Valencia and has been playing with the Silvertips for five years.

"Shane came to us with a good deal of skill and hockey background and continued to refine his abilities through strong coaching over the last several seasons," said Jon Rosen Director of Public Relations and Broadcasting for the Silvertips. "Shane is the clubs all-time record holder in goals scored, goals in one season, games played and consecutive games played."

Throughout his career the 5'11, 193 pound forward has played in 331 games, with 211 of them being consecutive. He leads his team with 98 goals scored, and also has a record with 210 points scored overall.

"We couldn't be more proud of Shane," said Doug Soetaert, Everett Silvertips Vice President and General Manager. "This contract is the result of a great deal of hard work and buying into our system. Shane is someone who was never invited to an NHL training camp, yet continued to persevere and earned this contract by showing a firm commitment and dedication to improving his game."

The Western Hockey League, which Harper plays for, is part of the Canadian Hockey Leagues. It draws on players between the ages of 16 and 20, with the goal of the league to develop future professional hockey players.

"This is an alternative to playing NCAA hockey," said Rosen.

The league also provides a year of college tuition for every year the player plays in the league.