Leland Irving

Leland Irving (born April 11, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League (AHL) and is a prospect for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Early life
A native of Swan Hills, Alberta, 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, overcoming the illness.

Playing career
Irving was drafted in the first round, 26th overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Calgary Flames. He played five seasons of major junior hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL) with the Everett Silvertips. 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. He finished his WHL career tied with Bryan Bridges for the league's all-time record for career shutouts with 21 (he was later surpassed the following season by Tyson Sexsmith of the Vancouver Giants).

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 (AHL). He practiced with the club, and dressed in two of the final playoff games behind starter Curtis McElhinney. For the 2008–09 season, Irving was assigned to the Quad City Flames, Calgary's AHL affiliate.

International play
In June 2007, Irving was named to Team Canada as one of three rotating goalies for the 2007 Super Series between Canada and Russia's national under-20 teams. 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. Canada defeated Russia 7-0-1 in eight games.

Awards

 * WHL West Second All-Star Team - 2006