A familiar face returns to Silvertips Country!

Silvertips fans are surely rejoicing today, as a familiar face returns to helm the team.  Kevin Constantine was re-introduced as Head Coach at a news conference this afternoon. I could go over all of his statistics, but Travis Huntington, the team's radio play by play guy and Director of Broadcasting and Public Relations has already taken the time to do that, so I'll just share his press release here.

I think I join Silvertips Country in saying: WELCOME BACK, COACH! (I just hope he keeps Mitch Love behind the bench with him).

Kevin Constantine, during his time coaching the Houston Aeros (AHL)

(Photo credit: Fred Trask)

Here's the Everett Silvertips' press release:

For Immediate Release:
June 13, 2013

Kevin Constantine Returns to Coach Silvertips

EVERETT – The Everett Silvertips of the Western Hockey League today announced the return of original Silvertips Head Coach Kevin Constantine to the franchise, where he will resume the role he first held with the club from 2003 until 2007.  Already the winningest Head Coach in franchise history, Constantine will step back behind the Everett bench this fall to begin his second stint with the club in 2013-14.

“Looking through the criteria we had identified for our coaching position, Kevin quickly rose to the top of our list of candidates,” said Silvertips General Manager Garry Davidson.  “He is a teacher and a developer with plenty of head coaching experience and a proven track record of success at numerous levels, including ours.  I believe his work ethic and attention to detail make him the right coach to take us where we want to be over the next few years, and that is contending for championships among the top teams in the WHL.”

Constantine led the Silvertips to four wildly successful seasons during his first tenure in Snohomish County, winning three US Division titles (2004, 2006 and 2007), the 2004 Western Conference Championship and the 2007 WHL regular season title while posting 162 victories for a .613 regular season winning percentage.  After his inaugural Silvertips smashed nearly every WHL record for an expansion team on their way to a stirring run to the 2004 WHL Championship series, he was awarded the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy as the league’s Coach of the Year.

“My family and I are eager for the opportunity to come back to a team and an area that has been an exciting part of our lives in years past,” Constantine said.  “I have such a high comfort level with coming back to this organization, these fans, and this region that it really is a blessing to be able to return to the Silvertips.  Hopefully we can have the same type of success we enjoyed the first time around.  Of course some things have changed since then, but I don’t think the work you do as a coaching staff is much different.  The same process of preparing the players and knowing the league is what will combine to make us successful on the ice.”

Hailing from International Falls, Minnesota, Constantine guided the Silvertips to all seven of the franchise’s playoff series victories over his four seasons.  He coached the highest-scoring team in franchise history in 2006-07 and oversaw the four best defensive seasons the club has enjoyed as well.  Seven of the eight former Silvertips who have gone on to play in the National Hockey League spent the bulk of their Everett careers under his tutelage.

Before coming to the ‘Tips in 2003, Constantine spent parts of seven seasons in the NHL coaching the San Jose Sharks, Pittsburgh Penguins and New Jersey Devils.  He posted a .515 winning percentage with a 161-150-61-5 record behind the bench and is one of only two coaches to lead two #8 seeds to playoff series victories over #1 seeds.  Constantine was the runner-up for the 1994 Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year after engineering the biggest single-season turnaround in NHL history in his first year with San Jose (a 58-point improvement from 1992-93). 

In addition to the WHL and NHL, Constantine has coached at a number of other levels during a career spanning nearly 30 years.  Starting out in the USHL junior ranks in the mid-1980s, he graduated to the International Hockey League and won both a Turner Cup Championship and the IHL Coach of the Year honor in his first year with the Kansas City Blades in 1992.  Since leaving the Silvertips in 2007, he spent three seasons with the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League and coached overseas for Ambri-Piotta of the Swiss National League A.

The Silvertips are currently preparing for our 11th year in the WHL in 2013-14.  Visit our website throughout the offseason for updates on the 2013 NHL Entry Draft, CHL Import Draft and much more!  For more information call 425-252-5100.  To keep up with all the latest ‘Tips news, “like” us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter .

 

NHL, AHL, WHL & NAHL playoffs, plus TWO former T-Birds doing well

Last night, while I was watching the San Jose/Detroit game go into overtime, I commented on Twitter, "I hope Clowe or Marleau scores for the Sharks in OT." Several minutes later, Patty Marleau did just that, surprising the HECK out of me and making me wish that I could have the same effect on winning Lotto numbers.

I have friends who are Red Wings fans and I feel bad for them that Detroit is now down 3 games to 0. But seeing Patty put one past Jimmy Howard filled me with pride. Marleau is one of the Seattle Thunderbirds' biggest success stories, and even though I didn't go to many games when he played (just the 2 or 3 games a season at which I sang the anthem), I still join with other T-Birds fans at fawning over him like proud parents.

Another former T-Bird is having a heck of a post-season. Bud Holloway leads the Manchester Monarchs with 5 goals and 4 assists for 9 points in the playoffs. He's scored 5 game-winning goals and has been en fuego all season since he joined the Monarchs from the Ontario Reign of the ECHL. Hopes are also high for another former T-Bird, Thomas Hickey, to dominate the D-line once he fully recovers from shoulder surgery.

A recap of the latest NHL, AHL, WHL and NAHL action is posted over at the big KING 5. Click here to read it.

WHL: Profile: Silvertips Goalie Thomas Heemskerk

                                                      (Photo: Frank Deines III/Everett Silvertips)


He's been a stalwart goaltender for theEverett Silvertips since they acquired him from the Kootenay Ice in December 2008. Spend time chatting with Thomas Heemskerk, though, and you'll notice that he's about as laid back in person as he is intense in net, and pretty mature for someone who doesn't turn 20 until April.

But get to know a little about Thomas, and you'll start to piece together what makes this young man tick. For one, he doesn't have a hockey background. He also had a bit of trouble skating when he was younger. But when a skating instructor stuck him in net out of frustration, not only did Thomas take it in stride, he found he actually liked it. What's more, he became quite GOOD at it.

He honed his talent with a couple of strong seasons for the Silvertips; and that talent was recognized by the San Jose Sharks, who invited Thomas to training camp over the summer. They were so impressed with his workouts and preseason play (he registered 2 wins against the Anaheim Ducks), they signed him to an entry-level contract.

Since returning to Everett, Thomas has helpd the 'Tips win two games (against theVancouver Giants) and lost one (against the Portland Winterhawks). Read on to learn more about his amazing summer, what he learned from San Jose Sharksgoaltender Evgeni Nabokov, his introduction to hockey, and the lessons he's learning from new Head Coach Craig Hartsburg, on and off the ice.

KING 5: How did the invitation from the Sharks come about?
TH: I was training and had contact with my agent all summer. We were kind of hoping on something and he kept saying to hang in there and wait and finally it did come.

KING 5: What did you think when you learned you were being invited down to San Jose?
TH: I was so excited. I didn't have any expectations; just to go there and see what it's like, more than anything - just to compare myself.

KING 5: When you got down there, what was the first thing you noticed about being at an NHL camp?
TH: The amount of employees there were. I was trying to learn everybody's name. Everybody was real nice an introduced themselves but it was hard to remember all the names.

KING 5: What do you think was the biggest success of your time at camp?
TH: I think, throughout, I just tried to work as hard as I could all the time, show them my work ethic and it seemed to really come in during the games. They went better than I probably could have hoped.

KING 5: How has spending this time at camp with so many quality guys helped you prepare for your season here in Everett?
TH: For sure, it's helped a lot. It was kind of nice going (to San Jose) and being the young one again and looking up towards the older guys and realizing just how much you do look up to them. I'm trying to take that back with me now and make sure that I do the same (for our younger guys) this year.

KING 5: Did you spend a lot of time with (San Jose goaltender) Evgeni Nabokov?
TH: We had a little bit of time together, stretching. For main camp, we were actually on the same team so we played together and we stretched together. We got to talk quite a bit. It was really nice.

KING 5: Did he offer you any good advice?
TH: We kind of kept it light - not so much about hockey. He's a pretty funny guy. He doesn't take it too seriously but still works hard. It was good to see how much fun he still has.

KING 5: Going back to your younger days, how did you decide you wanted to become a goalie?
TH: Nobody in my family played hockey or really skated. My parents own a flower nursery and one of the workers played hockey. I think that's kind of how I got into it. From there, it snowballed. He took me out skating and I went for skating lessons. That didn't go so well. I had a problem with being pigeon toed when I was younger and the skating instructor started to put me in net because he was getting a little frustrated that I was always at the back of the line and I couldn't do anything. It kind of just stuck from there on.

KING 5: When did you decide you really enjoyed it and that's what you wanted to do- and pursue it?
TH: I always liked it when I was young. During minor hockey, you got to switch in and out and I always wanted to be in the net, so it really started pretty young, from the start, I'd say.

KING 5: How old were you when you first started skating?
TH: I think I must have been 7 when I started skating and 8 when I first started playing hockey.

KING 5: Where did you play your bantams?
TH: I played Bantam in Chilliwack.

KING 5: Who were your favorite players growing up?
TH: Growing up, nobody really in my family watched a lot of hockey but I always liked Patrick Roy. I had every Don Cherry movie and I would memorize all the words. I actually just liked watching everyone. I didn't really have a favorite team. I just loved watching everything.

KING 5: Is there anybody that you particularly follow or look up to now?
TH: I like the way (Marc-Andre) Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins) and (Cam) Ward(Carolina Hurricanes) play because I kind of like to think that they went the same way, especially Ward, who played in the WHL. I like the way he plays, too. (NOTE: Cam Ward played junior hockey with the Red Deer Rebels/WHL between 2000-2004)

KING 5: How would you describe your style?
TH: I like to think that technically, I'm pretty sound but I can definitely come out of the box and make some strange saves once in a while; definitely in practice and now I can kind of see it following into games. I wouldn't say it's completely butterfly. I like to make some different kinds of saves once in a while. This summer and last summer too, I worked with goalie coaches and I found that it wasn't just learning technique anymore. It was visual contact, reading shots and once I got the hang of it, some of the saves you make seem really easy. It's hard to explain but you don't even think about what you're doing and that's why sometimes it's not the perfect technique but you just stop it.

KING 5: It seems like once you get in tune to it, it's almost like a reflex.
TH: Yeah, you kind of forget everything you've learned and hope that it just comes naturally during the game, hope that you're making the reads right and save selection is close.

KING 5: What "away" arena do you enjoy playing at?
TH: I like going back to Moose Jaw. I know a lot of people don't like it, but it's kind of neat playing in such an old arena. It's a different feeling, for sure.
KING 5: Is that the place they call The Barn?
TH: Yes, that's The Barn, with the roof that dips down into the ice. It's pretty unique.

KING 5: Who's your favorite opponent? Who do you think you play your best against?
TH: I think I've done pretty well against Vancouver for the past year and a half. When I get a lot of shots, I enjoy that. I enjoy having busy nights. I kind of rise up to (the occasion) when there's a lot of shots.

KING 5: Do you have a pre-game ritual/meal?
TH: I always eat spaghetti before, nap for two hours, eat and then come to the rink the same time. I kind of stick to the same routine, tape my stick, stuff like that. I like to be early and take it easy and slow and work into it; get ready for the game mentally then warm up physically and then have warm ups. I don't think it's too strange.

KING 5: I've heard that some people have some pretty strange things that they have to do.
TH: I try not to let it get too crazy but sometimes I find myself trying to remember what I did ten days ago when we won, so (laughs). It's a mental thing.

KING 5: What kind of music do you listen to, to help you get pumped up for a game?
TH: I like the newer stuff. I don't put my iPod on the stereo. Usually, other players deal with that, as long as it's something upbeat. Sometimes, some guys in the room want to play some country but that doesn't do it for me before games.

KING 5: You've been with Everett for a year and a half. What do you like best about being a part of this organization?
TH: Every day I come and look forward to it. Even practice is a good time; it's a good atmosphere here. And when it comes to games it's just next to none. The fans are just incredible. The way everything's run, so smooth, you have no excuse but to play the best that you can.

KING 5: How is it adjusting to Coach Hartsburg and a new coaching style?
TH: It's been different, very high-paced. He doesn't back down to anything. He's not afraid to speak the truth, which I think is a good thing for this team. It's a lot different from last year and it's going to pay off. The guys are starting to see that he definitely knows what he's doing; from practice to days off. Everyone should appreciate where he's been and how much he's been through. He's coached the best players in the world and he even played against them.

KING 5: Do you think he's helped you guys become more focused as a team?
TH: Yes. He definitely wants us to be more professional. Even though some guys are 16, everyone's gotta act professional. If a 16 year old's gotta act 20, then that's what it's got to take. Everyone enjoys it, but to be treated professionally, you've gotta act it. That's what he's definitely trying to get across to us.

After I interviewed Thomas, I found an article in the Chilliwack Progressnewspaper that really opened my eyes to just how hard he has worked to make it in the WHL, much less secure an NHL tryout and contract. Reporter Eric Welshcaught up with Thomas as he worked out in his hometown, waiting for a camp invitation and our easygoing goalie opened up about the frustrations he faced with his first WHL team, the Kootenay Ice, the bold move he made to try to keep his career from bombing, and the hopes he has for this season with Everett. To read the article, click here.

Silvertips Goalie Heemskerk Signs with San Jose

                                           Photo Courtesy: San Jose Sharks

Congratulations go out to Everett Silvertips goaltender Thomas Heemskerk, who just signed an entry level contract with the San Jose Sharks. By all accounts, Thomas had an outstanding training camp with the Sharks last month. According to a news release posted at San Jose's website, he posted a 2-0 record along with a 1.50 goals-against average and a .948 save percentage. Those two wins came against the Anaheim Ducks.

According to friends who attended Sharks training camp in San Jose, Thomas was stellar in net, and they can't wait to see him develop his chops and don the teal and white for which they are so passionate.

In a news release posted at the Sharks' website, San Jose's Executive Vice President/General Manager Doug Wilson said, "Thomas played very well during this year's rookie tournament and made a big impression on our staff. Doug Soetaert and Craig Hartsburg have done a tremendous job working with Thomas and we look forward to him continuing his development with our organization."
A news release from the Silvertips quotes Thomas as saying, "It's something that I've been thinking about since I was little kid, and for it to come true is incredible. It's very exciting, but I'm more focused on putting together a strong season in Everett."


Thomas already has two victories under his belt for Everett, both coming against the Vancouver Giants, including an exciting home opener Friday night that ended in a shootout. The 19 year old Chilliwack, BC native began his WHL career with theKootenay Ice before being traded to the Silvertips in December 2008.

Silvertips Vice President/General Manager Doug Soetaert is very happy with the way Thomas has performed since joining the team. In the news release, he is quoted as saying, ""Thomas has worked extremely hard since we acquired him last year to put himself in position to earn this contract."

Thomas is the third Silvertip this year to sign an NHL contract this year. ForwardKellan Tochkin became the youngest Everett player to ink a deal. The 18 year old signed a three year contract with the Vancouver Canucks. Defenseman Taylor Ellington also signed with the Canucks and should see a lot of action this season as part of the team's AHL affiliate, Manitoba Moose.

You can catch Thomas Heemskerk and the rest of the Silvertips in action next Wednesday, October 7th, when they welcome a strong Portland Winterhawks team to Comcast Arena. The game starts at 7:05. You can find more information about the Silvertips by clicking here.

                                         Photo Courtesy: San Jose Sharks

New Riley Armstrong Interview posted at KING 5 Site

                                    Riley Armstrong/Photo Courtesy:  Scott Berg

I had the extreme pleasure of interviewing Riley Armstrong not too long ago.  We chatted about all kinds of things, from his early days as a figure skater, to his wild ride with the Everett Silvertips in their inaugural season, and his road to the Worcester Sharks and its parent club in San Jose.

Riley is open and comfortable talking about all kinds of things.  Follow the link below to see what he has to say about his team's playoff bid, his memories of the Silvertips and their fans, his love even now, for the billet family who opened their doors (and their hearts) to him in Everett, and the one race in which he's beating older brother Colby.

Enjoy.

http://blogs.king5.com/sports/2009/05/ahlwhl-catching-up-with-former.html

Mitch Love Blog #16 and other New Stuff

I just posted Mitch Love's newest blog at the KING 5 site.
Here's the link:

http://blogs.king5.com/sports/2009/04/ahlwhl-mitch-love-blog-16-1.html

There are also a couple of great photos by Fred Trask.
I'm including one here. For more, check out his amazing blog about the Houston Aeros: The Third Intermission. Here's the link: http://thethirdintermission.blogspot.com/

Mitch Love/Photo Courtesy: Fred Trask

Also... my good frind and blogger extraordinare Joanne Giuliano takes a look at the players who have helped drive the San Jose Sharks to the top of the NHL heap, including a key player from the Worcester Sharks. Here's the link:

http://blogs.king5.com/sports/2009/04/nhl-san-jose-sharks-the-view-f.html

I'm still working on the season retrospective and thank my good friend Amy Van Dalen SOOO much for her amazing photos! If you want to check out Amy's other photos and her excellent blogging, click here to visit her blog: Chuckapuck.blogspot.com

A Puck by Any Other Name

I was watching the Penguins/Islanders game recently when a name caught my attention. “Richard Park” the announcer said, referring to an Islander player. Immediately, my interest was piqued. “Park” is commonly a Korean surname. I am half-Korean and spent my formative years in South Korea with my mother while my dad did his duty for Uncle Sam in Vietnam for 6 years. My mother was keen on making sure I kept up with my Korean heritage. Hence, even now, decades later, I still speak the language and know and respect the culture. And I cook a mean bulgogi.

But I digress.

I became interested in Richard Park because as long as I’ve watched hockey, I don’t remember hearing any Asian names. So, like any self-respecting nosy person, I started digging for more. And I came up with some interesting info. Richard, I learned, was born in South Korea and raised in the US. I also learned he is the second Korean-born player in the NHL. (more on the first Korean-born player just ahead). He was drafted in 1994 by my favorite team- the Pittsburgh Penguins. I did not know this and my only excuse is that I stopped watching NHL hockey for several years (between 1990 and 2000) for reasons I’d rather not go into here. Richard bounced around from team to team , marking a measure of success with each, before landing with the Islanders in 2006. Since then, he seems to have grown, both as a player and a humanitarian. Last season, the Islanders presented him with the Bob Nystrom Award, which is awarded to the Islander who “best exemplifies leadership, hustle and dedication.” This year, Park sports the “A” and from what I can see, is living up to it.

After reading up on Richard, I searched through team rosters to see if I could find any other Asian players. I found two, including one I’ve liked for years but never realized he had Asian blood.

Paul Kariya's mother has Scottish blood. His father is Japanese and sports quite a life history. His grandparents were sent to an internment camp in BC during World War II. His father was born there. The family doesn’t talk much about it and by his own admission, Paul was raised more Canadian than Japanese. He and one of his sisters attended a Japanese school for a while to honor their grandmother but the rest of their lives were spent more or less immersed in sports. I read that Paul nearly gave up hockey to pursue golf and join others in breathing a sigh of relief that he didn’t. I learned that Paul is more revered in Japan than stars like Wayne Gretzky. I also learned he detests labels and does not like to talk about himself. That’s okay. He speaks volumes on the ice. After years with Anaheim, he landed with the Blues. From what I read, the transition was not that pleasant and he is no longer a favorite with many Ducks fans.

Paul Kariya is a favorite player of the next Asian player I found.

Devin Setoguchi is also half-Japanese/half-Canadian. He was born and raised in Alberta. Like Paul Kariya, Devin’s family has been touched by a shameful part of history: his grandparents were also sent to an internment camp during World War II. Unlike Paul, hockey runs through Devin’s blood. His father Dale played junior hockey in Alberta (he was the AJHL’s MVP in 1979), spent a year playing in Japan and still plays in a senior hockey league.

It’s kind of funny. I identify as much with Paul Kariya as I do with Richard Park. I have straddled two cultures all my life, like Paul (and probably Devin, too). Unlike Paul, my mother insisted that I not only know my heritage, but live it too. When you look at me, you won’t automatically think I’m Asian, yet speak to me in Korean and I will respond. I’ve had fun standing in line or shopping in a Korean store here in the Seattle area, eavesdropping on others as they chatter away, not realizing that a “hapa” (half Asian) is standing nearby who can understand almost every word. My mother taught me to be as proud of my Korean heritage as I am of being American, or being German-Irish on my dad’s side. We lived in Germany for 6 years and traced his mother’s family to a town outside Cologne. I know how his grandfather arrived in NYC from Ireland in 1910. But ask me about my background and I will veer more toward the Korean side because it was so pervasive. My older brother and sister are full Korean. They and our mother became American citizens in 1971. I still remember the ceremony. My oma (mom) chose the American name “Lee” to complement her Korean name “Hyon”. My unee (sister) chose the name “Sharon” to go with “Kyong”. My opa (brother) chose the name “Richard” to sit alongside his Korean name “Byong.”

This brings me back to Richard Park. I don’t know his Korean first name, but I do know the given name of the first Korean-born player in the NHL. It’s Chison Paek.

His parents gave him the Anglo name “Jim” when he was three, so he could integrate into Canadian society a little more easily. Call him Jim or call him Chison, one thing is very clear. He picked up hockey like a native! By the time he reached Juniors, his parents were such fans they attended 106 of 108 games he played with the Oshawa Generals. His first NHL team is my favorite: the Pittsburgh Penguins. He joined them in 1992 as the Pens rode a high from winning their first Stanley Cup. He arrived in time for the 92 playoffs. We all know what happened next. (for non-hockey fans: The Penguins won their second Stanley Cup championship)

Jim Paek left the Pens in 1994 and played with the Los Angeles Kings and Ottawa Senators before ending his career in the IHL and joining the coaching ranks. Last year, he returned to Pittsburgh, but this time, he was on the Red Wings bench. He is part of the coaching staff of the team’s Grand Rapids affiliate and spent last year’s Stanley Cup finals working with the Red Wings’ extra players.

What is the meaning of this blog? I really don’t know. I guess when I look back at it, the message I see is that it doesn’t matter where you come from. If you’ve got the talent and desire, you can make it in the NHL. You don’t have to be a Russian powerhouse, a Finnish or Swedish superstar. You can be from a country like South Korea, and make it to the Stanley Cup.

In fact, you can make ANY dream come true, if you believe in yourself.