Shane Harper (Photo Courtesy: Frank Dienes III/Everett Silvertips)
We begin this week with a big CONGRATULATIONS to Everett Silvertips forward SHANE HARPER, who just joined the Adirondack Phantoms, after signing an entry-level contract with the Phantoms' NHL team, the Philadelphia Flyers. Shane flew to Adirondack after the Silvertips lost Game 7 in the first round of the WHL playoffs to the Kelowna Rockets. The Phantoms are excited to have Harps in their lineup, as they well should be! He finished the regular season with a whopping 42 goals and 38 assists for 80 points, then continued to light a fire under the 'Tips in the playoffs with 6 goals and 4 assists. You can read the Phantoms' news release about acquiring Harper & D-man Erik Gustafsson from Northern Michigan University. Just click here.
Speaking of WHL playoffs, round 2 is set and two US Division teams are still in the fight. The Tri City Americans take on Kelowna in Games 1 and 2 tonight and tomorrow night in Kennewick. The puck drops at 7:05pm both nights. Tickets are available and I've made it easy for you to get them. Just click here to be linked to the Ams homepage!
The Portland Winterhawks will host the Vancouver Giants tomorrow and Sunday at Memorial Coliseum in the Rose City. Game 1 starts at 7pm. Game 2 starts at 5pm. To get tickets, just click here to be linked to the Winterhawks' website.
You can watch these and ALL WHL playoff games online at the WHL's website. Just click here to check it out.
Some odds and ends to wrap up a pretty uneventful week. Speaking of uneventful, the general consensus is that the NHL trade deadline was less than stellar. I don't know. I'm not an expert.
Mueller as an Av (Photo: Reuters)
I do know that former Silvertip Peter Mueller is no longer a Coyote (much to some fans' chagrin). But he made quite an impression on Avalanche fans by scoring his first goal in his first game with Colorado. He also sounded pretty enthusiastic in an interview during the first intermission. Of course, anyone going to a new team would want to make a good impression, so wouldn't really bad mouth a move, so I guess only time will tell with Peter.
Riley Armstrong (the player whose number you can't see)
Former Silvertip Riley Armstrong is on the move as well. We all know Riley signed with Calgary this season, following half a dozen years in the San Jose Sharks organization. He was having quite a year with Calgary's AHL team, the Abbotsford Heat. Calgary big wigs seemed to think so, too, because they traded him to Detroit, in exchange for Andy Delmore. To check out Delmore's numbers, click here. I may get to catch up with Riley after he's settled in Grand Rapids, his new home for the rest of the season. I'll post an update if this works out. Meanwhile, click here for the last interview he did with me, shortly after he arrived in Abbotsford.
Shane Harper (Photo: Frank Deines III)
Current Silvertip Shane Harper is celebrating. Well, he's not actually celebrating yet- he's focused on helping the 'Tips finish the regular season strong and steamroll through the playoffs. But, we're celebrating for him! The Philadelphia Flyers signed Harper to an entry-level deal. Not bad for a kid who was not drafted, either for the WHL or NHL. Want to know about his youth hockey experience? Click here. Click here to read an interview he did with me last season. Good kid. Good work ethic.
Bud Holloway (Manchester Monarchs)
Former T-Bird Bud Holloway is sharing his journalistic talents, along with his hockey skills over in Manchester. Not only is he having a stellar season with the Monarchs, he's also writing a blog and interviewing teammates. Click here to watch him chat up Justin Acevedo. Meanwhile, Bud's Manchester (and Seattle) teammate Thomas Hickey showed off his reading skills by taking part in "Read Across America." He and several teammates visited a local elementary school to entertain students. Click here for more information. It's a good think Thomas is keeping his brain matter healthy, as he is still listed as "month to month" with an "upper body injury." He's actually recovering and rehabbing from shoulder surgery in November.
I interviewed WHL US play by play guys Jon Rosen (Silvertips), Thom Beuning (T-Birds) and Andy Kemper (Winterhawks) for a story. I'm still trying to catch up with Craig West (Americans) and Mike Boyle (Chiefs) so I can wrap this thing up and post it.
L-R: Lew, Betty, Ed, Jay (Photo: Ed Petrullo)
Nice job by T-Birds off-ice officials Betty Petrullo, Ed Petrullo, Jay Carbon and Lew Sellers, who helped keep track of Olympics men and women's hockey games! They worked their butts off and blogged about their experiences at the same time! Now that the Winter Games are over, you can sit back, relax and relive some of the more exciting moments through their eyes. To read Betty's blog, click here. To read Ed's blog, click here. To read Lew's blog, click here.
The T-Birds teamed up with Microsoft for the 12th Annual Hockey Challenge to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. They ended up raising more than $100,000 for the charity in a series of games last Saturday, culminating in a Celebrity All Star Game featuring celebs like former Mariners' catcher Dan Wilson, actors Michael Rosenbaum (“Smallville”), Jason Thompson (“General Hospital”); 2006 US Olympic hockey bronze medalist Kelly (Stephens) Tysland; media personalities Bill Wixey (Q13 Fox News); Ian Furness (KJR 950AM & play by play announcer for WHL games on FSNW) and former T-Birds Jamie Huscroft, Al Kinisky, Regan Mueller, Blake Knox, Lloyd Shaw, Pat Smith, Danny Lorenz and Ryan Gibbons. KING 5 Sports Anchor Paul Silvi coached one of the All Star teams. To read more, click here.
I think that's it for now. If more happens before this day ends, I'll add to it. Happy Hockey!
I'm re-posting my first interview with Shane Harper (Everett Silvertips) here because the original interview seems to have vanished from the KING 5 website. It must have happened they switched systems. Anyway, lots to learn about this soon-to-be Flyer below:
If you’ve been to an Everett Silvertips game the last few seasons, you may have noticed him: a scoring machine flying up and down the ice, making plays that end in goals for the guys in green. If you haven’t seen Shane Harper in action yet, then get your tickets now, because he’s eligible for the NHL Draft this year and I predict he won’t be hanging around Comcast Arena much longer.
The season is 53 games old and Harper has already racked up 24 goals and 27 assists for a total of 51 points. He’s scored 50 goals in his Silvertips career; only the third ‘Tip to reach that mark. Read any write up of an Everett game and I guarantee you’ll see his name somewhere in the story. (I highly recommend Nick Patterson’s Silvertips coverage in the Everett Herald).
So, Harper can skate. He can score. He can make plays. Not bad for a kid who grew up in Southern California and started his hockey education on roller blades. Switch to ice, team up with The “Great One’s” kids, and let the talent start flowing! (By the way, Shane was selected to represent Team USA at the Under-18 World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic in 2006. Team USA brought home a silver medal)
Here, Shane Harper takes a few minutes in between games to share his road to the WHL, the Everett Silvertips, and the upcoming NHL Draft.
About growing up playing hockey in southern California:
It was right on the rise of the hockey boom because when I started playing , that’s when (Wayne) Gretzky was playing for the LA Kings, so a lot of kids wanted to play hockey and we loved going to watch Wayne Gretzky play at the Great Western Forum.
Did watching Gretzky play influence your decision to play hockey?
It didn’t make me decide. I played all the sports growing up, all the usuals like soccer and baseball, all the normal sports and then my parents found a flyer to go play roller hockey. It was an outdoor rink, on top of the boards where was a chain link fence. It was a real simple rink and then I started playing roller hockey there.
What made you decide to move inside for ice hockey?
About a year later, I loved playing roller hockey so my parents decided to sign me up for ice hockey and that’s where the Kings actually practiced, in Van Nuys. I played, actually, with Gretzky’s son and daughter. They were on m y team, ah just by chance.
Describe your transition from growing up playing hockey in Southern California to really getting serious about playing hockey and transitioning to the WHL.
I played locally for years and then when I started getting better around the age of Pee Wee, I started playing for the Junior Kings down in El Segundo-LA area, and that’s when I became more serious. I was like, around 13 or 14 and that’s when I started to travel a lot. And then, 14, 15, that’s when I played for the California Wave and we traveled all over Canada, to some WHL cities and that’s when I made the transition.
It’s obviously a pretty big jump, you know, playing minor hockey to playing in this beautiful rink and having a lot of people watch you play. It was a lot different and the speed of the game is very fast, but it’s an amazing thing once you get to play here. It’s a lot of fun.
About his big night- December 28, 2008 in Chilliwack (scoring his 100th WHL point)
This year’s obviously been a good year for me. Last year, I kinda broke out, I guess; showed what I could do. The first years were a little slow, I guess, because it’s hard to get used to the league, but this year I just stepped it up a little bit more and hopefully I can keep it going. (Note: Shane was voted Most Improved Player by the Silvertips in 2007).
Who’s been the biggest influence in your hockey career so far?
My parents. Gretzky was one of my favorite players but I never had a close hockey (mentor). I kinda took my own path and my parents have always been there to support me.
You’re eligible for the NHL draft this year. Any thoughts or dreams about where you want to play?
I would just love to play in the NHL anywhere but I guess if I had to pick I’d love to play for the LA Kings. That would be pretty awesome.
What can people expect when they come to a game at Comcast Arena for the first time?
Fast-paced action. I know a lot of people who don’t watch hockey don’t realize how fast it is once you get there. There’s a lot of hitting. When I sat out this pre-season and watched a game, I was pretty impressed. It was really fun to be there, actually and just watch. I liked it a lot.
Describe your style of play:
I’m in an offensive role. I’m supposed to produce and score for my team and obviously be viable on defense, be responsible in my own end and then when we get the puck in the offensive zone, I’m supposed to make plays and produce.
Some firsts:
First WHL goal:
It was in Portland. It was my first year, before Christmas (December 13, 2005). The D-man shot it from the point and I tipped it in for my first goal.
First win that you played a part in:
My first game ever was in Kamloops and the next game after that, I believe was at home. So it was my first ever home game, I believe and we won so that was pretty neat.
Is there a loss that still kinda stings a little bit?
Two years ago in playoffs when we lost to Prince George. We were up two games and they went on to beat us 4-2 so that was pretty hard to take.
You mentioned Wayne Gretzky. What did you like about him, aside from the fact that he was great at everything he did?
Yeah. Another thing was—he’d come out to our practices. He even came out to my birthday one year because I invited everyone on the team to my birthday when I was seven years old and he actually came and brought me a bunch of gifts so aside from the fact that he was a great player he was an awesome guy.
Who’s your favorite player now?
Pavel Datsyuk and Alex Kovalev. I’d say Alex Kovalev is my favorite player and Pavel Datsyuk is my second favorite player. You can’t even describe the way they’re gifted offensively and the hands they have, the way they can maneuver the puck, it’s like they’re magicians, it’s unbelievable to watch.
A friend who writes about the Red Wings calls this one scoring play the “Datsyukian Deke”, because he’s just so good at the net.
Yes. He makes goalies look like they’re in Pee Wees.
Favorite “away” arena:
I know we haven’t played there much but that new Kent (ShoWare) Arena. I always like playing in Kelowna. I really like that arena a lot.
You had a really good night that first night at ShoWare Arena (January 3, 2009). You had two goals.
One goal they disallowed. I would have had a hat trick. I ended up with two goals and an assist but they disallowed a goal so that was a bummer.
Favorite thing to do when not playing hockey?
My favorite thing to do when the weather’s nice is go play golf. When I was a freshman and sophomore in high school I played on my golf team in Valencia so that was pretty fun. I don’t really have a handicap anymore. I don’t play very often but I’ll shoot in the 80’s on a par 72.
Favorite bands or songs that get you ready to play:
It always changes but lately I’ve been listening to Coheed and Cambria. A band I always like to listen to is System of a Down.
Shane Harper is a rocker. He certainly likes to rock the rink, especially in the opposition’s end. So, get your tickets and get a first-hand look at the show. And if you get the chance to say hi to Shane, tell him Happy Birthday. He just turned 20 on February 1st. Then sit back and let the celebration begin!
You know I'm all about the good news. Here's some good news regarding Everett Silvertips winger Shane Harper, who now has a new nickname with the team: IRON MAN.
I'd take time to write out everything that Shane's done leading up to lacing them up for his 288th straight game on Saturday night against Tri City, but Silvertips PR guy Jon Rosen has already written a stellar news release.
So... I'm copying and pasting it here.
Everett Silvertips Press Release/"Iron Man" Harper Rewrites Silvertips Record Books
Everett, WA – November 30, 2009
Having become a model of consistency with the Everett Silvertips, Shane Harper played in his 288th career Western Hockey League game in Saturday’s 6-1 win at Tri-City to set a new club record for games played. The previous record of 287 games played was set last season by Canucks prospect Taylor Ellington, now a member of the Manitoba Moose.
Harper, a 1989-born winger from Valencia, California, punctuated the night by netting two goals, completing a week in which he had five goals and three multi point efforts featured in wins over Spokane and Tri-City. With 35 points on 19 goals and 16 assists this season, Harper has also compiled a +21 rating as the Silvertips have surged to a 16-8-1-0 record in the competitive U.S. Division.
Throughout his five-year Silvertip career, which began as a 16-year old in the 2005-06 season, Harper has accumulated 169 points on 77 goals and 92 assists. Though he won’t reach Zach Hamill’s club record of 262 career points, Harper’s 77 goals present him a clear opportunity to surpass Hamill’s club record of 87 career goals, while Harper is currently on track to surpass John Lammers’ single season record for goals, set in the 2005-06 season with 38.
These accolades can be attributed to a remarkable run of consistency, beginning with the 2007-08 season and continuing through the games this past weekend. Throughout that time, Harper has played in 168 out of a possible 169 games, a run he credits to his workout regimen both in the regular season and the off-season.
“A lot of it has to do with experience, but I think weightlifting helps with my endurance,” Harper explained. “When I came into the league, I was 155 pounds. My first two years in the league, I worked out with weights every day after practice, and now I just try to maintain it. It helps me withstand the physical play, which keeps me healthy.”
That endurance will be on display as the Silvertips’ 25 games played this season is a league-low. Harper, along with the rest of his hard-working teammates, return to the ice Wednesday evening when they host the Kelowna Rockets at 7:05 pm.
The Seattle Thunderbirds welcomed the Everett Silvertips to ShoWare Center last night, and the Silvertips made themselves right at home. The first period went by pretty quickly, with a lot of back and forth action, and some great stops by T-Birds goaltender Calvin Pickard and ‘Tips netminder Kent Simpson. Seattle got on the board first, in the final 10 seconds of the period. Everett defenseman Radko Gudas went to the box at 18:33 for tripping and Seattle went on the power play. With 8 seconds left on the clock, Prab Rai connected with Lindsay Nielsen and Jeremy Schappert to score, and the period ended with the T-Birds up 1-0.
The Silvertips took control during the second period and never looked back. At 9:47, Shane Harper found a way past Calvin Pickard. Alex Theriau and Scott McDonald got the assists. Everett scored again less than four minutes later. This time, Tyler Maxwell found the back of the net, with help from Harper and Chris Langkow. The Silvertips went up 3-1 before the second period ended. Harper scored again at 15:39. Maxwell and Langkow were credited with the assists. Tempers started flaring this period as well, although the refs only called 2 penalties, after Everett’s Alex Theriau dropped the gloves and traded punches with T-Bird Chance Lund. Both went to the box to serve 5 minute majors for fighting.
During the third period, Everett skated as though they owned ShoWare Center, and in a sense, they did. They controlled every aspect of the game, while the T-Birds looked as though they had completely lost their focus. Silvertips Center Chris Langkow scored at 3:34, with help from Tyler Maxwell and Drew McDermott. Seattle let their frustrations get the better of them and took a number of penalties. Brendan Dillon was hit with back-to-back penalties about halfway through the period. He had just come out of the box for an interference call, when he was sent right back for boarding. The T-Birds had 2 power play chances late in the third, as Silvertips defenseman Radko Gudas served back to back penalties for hooking and roughing, but it was a case of too little, too late for Seattle, and the game ended with the final score: Everett 4, Seattle 1. The Three Stars of the Game: 1. Shane Harper (Everett), 2. Tyler Maxwell (Everett), 3. Prab Rai (Seattle).
After the game, T-Birds Head Coach Rob Sumner gave the Silvertips much credit, telling radio play by play guy Thom Buening, “They outworked us, they outplayed us. They were the better team tonight.” Sumner said the team will focus on improving play in a number of areas, including special teams. The T-Birds will also be without standout goaltender Calvin Pickard when they face the Regina Pats on Wednesday night (November 25). Pickard has been selected to play for Team WHL in the Subway Super Series in Victoria, BC on November 25 and 26. No word yet whether he’ll be back to backstop the T-Birds when a strong Portland Winterhawks team rolls into ShoWare Center on Friday, November 27.
Everett Silvertips forward Byron Froese has also been selected to represent Team WHL in the tournament. As of this writing, he’s on the roster for the November 25th game in Victoria. To learn more about the Subway Super Series, including full rosters, click here. The Silvertips host the Spokane Chiefs at Comcast Arena Wednesday night. The Chiefs will be without Captain and defenseman Jared Cowen, or forward Levko Koper, are also playing in the Subway Super Series. However, former Silvertip Kyle Beach is now part of the Chiefs lineup, and should receive a warm welcome.
To learn more about the Everett Silvertips, click here. And to keep up with the Seattle Thunderbirds, click here.
Zack Dailey, Shane Harper, Paul Sohor (Photo: Su Ring)
The Everett Silvertips kept a pretty high profile on KING 5 this week. RW Kellan Tochkin traded his uniform for a snazzy black suit to hang out with Sports anchor Paul Silvi on NorthWest Sports Tonight. They chatted about everything from Kellan's new contract with the Vancouver Canucks (youngest player in Silvertips history to sign a pro contract), new 'Tips Head Coach Craig Hartsburg and the new season. If you missed it, don't worry. I've posted the entire segment online. All you have to do is click right here to see it. I'll say this about Kellan: he gives a great interview. Need proof? Click here to read his first interview with the KING 5 Hockey page early last season. Click here to read the interview he did just after signing his Canucks contract.
Also, this week, we aired a promo video we shot with Silvertips fans, mascot Lincoln, PR guy Jon Rosen, and players Zack Dailey, Shane Harper and Paul Sohor. Photographer Jim Scott had a blast shooting and editing the piece, and as you can see by clicking here, the anchors had a great time watching it. I hope you do, too.
As with any story that airs on TV, we don't use an entire interview. So, I edited the interviews with Zack, Shane and Paul together and posted that online, too. Click here to see what else they had to say!
It's a sight that can be found at ice rinks all over the world: pint-sized hockey players gliding en masse toward the same net. The kids skate at different speeds, many going just a short distance before they fall, seemingly in slow motion, to the ice. And it doesn't matter where the first player falls, you can bet that others will follow suit. I remember watching this scene unfold during the first intermission of every University of Alabama Huntsville home game when I was a student there. My friends and I would wait until the kids had played before rushing to the snack bar.
There's something about the sight of a 5 year old half-skating, half-wobbling on the vast rink that brings out tenderness in almost everyone who attends a hockey game. It's such a stark contrast to the much older players who speed up the ice with skill, deliver crushing hits and maneuver the puck with almost blinding quickness. We forget, as we watch the bruisers, that once upon a time THEY were the little tykes trying to balance on skates wearing what felt like a ton of bulky equipment and trying to shovel a hard rubber disk along a slippery, icy surface with a stick.
But that's exactly how every single player you've ever cheered or booed started out. Gordie Howe wobbled on skates. Bob Probert probably fell quite a lot before he learned to be good with his feet-- and his fists. Sidney Crosby had to work on his hand-eye coordination. Alexander Ovechkin had to learn to stay upright, before learning to launch himself into the boards. In fact, I think only Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux were actually born knowing how to skate and handle the puck as amazingly as they did (I'm kidding. Well, sorta).
No, every hockey player at every level of the game began his or her career at a very young age, usually with a local skating club or team. Crosby played in the Timbits program in his hometown in Nova Scotia. Gretzky played in Brantford, Ontario. Former Seattle Thunderbird Captain (current Manchester Monarch) Thomas Hickey played with Trails West Hockey Association in Calgary. His teammate, Bud Holloway (currently with the Ontario Reign) played near his hometown of Wapella, Saskatchewan. Former T-Bird (current Toronto Marlie) Greg Scott grew up playing youth hockey in Victoria, BC, alongside former Everett Silvertip (and current Manitoba Moose) D-man Taylor Ellington. I could go on but you get the picture.
I spoke with several people about the benefits of playing youth hockey. Not everyone I spoke with went on to pursue a pro hockey career. But everyone agrees, hitting the ice young helped them develop more than great skating and puck handling skills. It helped them develop determination, concentration and dedication, skills that are crucial to navigating a much tougher game called "Life."
Everett Silvertip Right Wing Shane Harper grew up playing hockey in what would once have been thought a very unlikely place: Southern California. But that was before the Edmonton Oilers turned the NHL on its head by trading "The Great One", Wayne Gretzky, to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988; the stunning trade following ten years of stellar play in Edmonton, including four Stanley Cups.
Once Gretzky donned the (then) black and silver of the LA Kings, hockey exploded in Southern California. But even then, there weren't that many leagues for kids. Harper lives in Valencia (in the San Fernando Valley). He began his hockey career at age 5 on roller blades, playing in a roller hockey league at his neighborhood YMCA. He enjoyed it so much, his parents enrolled him in the West Valley Wolves ice hockey league the next year, putting him on a collision course with "The Great One" himself.
Photo Courtesy: Shane Harper
"I loved playing roller hockey so my parents decided to sign me up for ice hockey," Shane remembers. "That's (the league was) where the Kings practiced, in Van Nuys. I played, actually, with Gretzky's son and daughter. They were on my team, just by chance."
Shane not only played on a team with Gretzky's children, they also came to his 7th birthday party, along with their famous dad. To this day, Shane considers that one of the high points of his life. (Who wouldn't!)
As Shane grew older and his skills increased, he joined higher-level teams filled with players of the same skill set. This team practiced in Orange County, and traveled a lot, which made for some grueling drives. But Shane's parents were always there to make the trip, sometimes leaving work early to make sure he made it to practice on time.
"We would have to drive an hour on a good day and with traffic, sometimes two hours down to Orange County from Valencia and that's rough right after school, doing my homework in the car, driving down and practicing for an hour, an hour and a half and then driving back and going to sleep and then doing it again. We usually practiced 2 to 3 times during the school week and then weekends we had games."
Picture going to school all day, then jumping in the car for a trek, in rush hour, to hockey practice, doing homework or wolfing your dinner in the back seat. But Shane says his commute was nothing, compared to some of his teammates'. "I remember not wanting to do any homework just because I was so tired. It was really tough but a lot of the guys on my team did it as well. There were some guys that commuted from San Jose all the way down to Orange County. They'd fly down on the weekends."
When Shane was 13, he joined the prestigious "California Wave" youth hockey team. (The Wave merged with LA's other top-notch youth team, the Junior Kings, to form one powerhouse program). The Wave travelled all over the US and Canada, winning many tournaments. There's even a documentary chronicling the team's winning reputation ("In the Crease"/Stickmen Pictures). And it's not just lip service. In 2005, the year he joined the Everett Silvertips, 7 of his teammates were also selected by WHL teams.
"It's almost unheard of from a California team turning out 7 top notch WHL players. I know my old coach is pretty proud and California hockey is just going up right now," says Shane.
Along with a winning reputation comes coaches who are tough, sometimes maybe a little too tough on 13 and 14 year olds who are still trying to develop emotionally, even as their physical skills skyrocket. Shane concedes that Wave coach Jack Bowkus was tough behind the bench, but a different person off the ice.
"He's a very hard-nosed guy on the ice. He gets what he wants and he's gonna let you know if you're not bringing it. But off the ice, he's a great guy and that's how coaches are and that's how they should be."
Shane Harper/Photo: Frank Deines III/Everett Silvertips
Shane just wrapped up his second year with the Silvertips. He had a great season, scoring 32 goals and 34 assists in 72 games for 66 points. He and the 'Tips advanced to the first round of the WHL playoffs, where they lost in 5 games to the Tri City Americans. When I caught up with him, he was home in Valencia, but not sitting idle. Shane trains at a local gym in the off-season, hits the rink, and also hits the driveway for games of road hockey with his friends. It's a way for him to hang out with his buddies, but much more than that.
"It's a lot of fun and it keeps you wanting to play but also at the same time, you don't even realize you're getting better. You're improving your hand-eye coordination, you're improving your stick-handling skills, you're better while practicing out in the driveway just having fun with your friends."
Shane Harper/Photo: Frank Deines III/Everett Silvertips
When Shane joined the 'Tips, he had no idea he would run into someone else who had benefitted from the same youth hockey league that helped hone his early skills. Jon Rosen, the team's Director of Broadcasting and Public Relations, also cut his teeth as part of the West Valley Wolves organization in the San Fernando Valley. The hockey bug bit Jon at a young age.
"I was 5 years old when my dad first took me to a game (during the 1986-87 season). It was a Kings/Canucks game, in the Marcel Dionne years with the Kings wearing their purple and gold jerseys. It was just an amazing night that I will never forget. The Kings lost 5-3 to the Canucks and there's been a lot of losing ever since. But ever since that first game, I've been a huge fan."
Jon watched Kings games but didn't learn to skate until he was about 7 or 8 years old. He joined the West Valley program until he was a little older. Jon says the rigors that come with practicing and playing the game, helped him develop in other areas as a child.
"It gave me good tenacity and good commitment because we would regularly have practice times at 4 or 5 in the morning. So we would have to get up at 3am and schlep all the way out to the middle of the Valley. Once I was able to do that, all other extra-curricular (activities) became easy and fun."
Jon says the teams he played with were recreational. But by no means, were they easy. He remembers what happened when, as a 13 year old, he moved up into a mixed Bantam/Midget league.
"There were not enough players in the midget league that year so they combined bantam and Midget. I was the youngest Bantam player (13 - 17 years old). That year, I had the crap beat out of me. It was a full-on contact, full-hitting league and I was the youngest and one of the smallest players there and every game I would go out and just get leveled, get destroyed, get the wind knocked out of me and repeatedly thrashed. I never scored any goals and as like a 4th line guy but it felt like the most important thing to me at that time."
Jon's team went on to win the championship game that year against a team that included some of his friends. He says that rough year at age 13, helped him develop a variety of skills and he started scoring the next year. He continued playing hockey in college (on an intramural team at Michigan), but knew that his road did not lie with pro hockey. He played for the pure joy of the game. He says his experience also helps him understand a little better, the stress and pressure facing players who are coming into the Everett program from various Bantam leagues.
"I remember what it was like to be a little bit younger, to be in a locker room after a loss and a locker room after a win and so, I just kind of step back a little bit and let them have their fun, let them take their lumps a little bit and just know that while I was never really at the same level, at the very high level that they play, I've been through wins and losses before and learn to let the team and let the locker room savor it and learn from it."
Like other players I've interviewed, Jon pays tremendous respect to his parents for helping feed his hockey passion. He urges any parents who are considering signing their kids up for a hockey program to really think about the commitment. Hockey is expensive and a huge commitment not just for kids, but moms and dads, too. Not only do they need to ferry their kids to and from practice at odd hours of the day and night, or travel with them to games and tournaments in other cities, states and countries, but provide a constant stream of positive reinforcement and support. To this day, he remembers something his mother would tell him before every game.
"She always said, right before the last time she would see me before I would go on the ice or go leave for a game, 'Just keep your head up,' which meant a couple of things. She would say 'Keep your head up' while you're skating on the ice and don't keep your head down or else you'll get hit but also 'Keep your head up' in the sense that that if you make a mistake or if there's a goal scored against you, it's fine. Just let it go. Keep your head up."
Photo Courtesy: Jon Rosen (taken at Herb Brooks Arena in Lake Placid, NY)
One memory of his youth hockey experience that sticks out in Jon's mind centers around one practice at the old Iceoplex in Van Nuys that turned into an amazing lesson at the hands of a player from the team he grew up idolizing. The Los Angeles Kings also practiced at the Iceoplex and sometimes, the Kings' and Jon's team's schedules overlapped a little, as happened on this one particular day.
"One of the Kings stayed after his own practice and came onto the ice and worked with us and taught us how to take slapshots and taught us how to skate quicker backwards and was there really to just goof around with the kids and just have fun with us. That man was actually Dan Bylsma, who is now the head coach of the (newly crowned Stanley Cup Champions) Pittsburgh Penguins. He was absolutely the most accessible King and one of the friendliest and one of the best LA Kings I can ever remember wearing that jersey."
Dan Bylsma/Pittsburgh Penguins
In addition to doing radio play by play for all Everett Silvertips games and spearheading the team's media and community relations, Jon still plays hockey in an adult league based in Everett. And from what I hear, he's still pretty good on the ice!
So... we've heard from a player who moved up quickly through the youth hockey ranks at high skill levels and is well on the road to an NHL career. And we've heard from a former player who still uses the mental and physical skills he learned playing hockey in his everyday life. Now, it's time to hear from a young lady who's tearing up the ice as part of the Seattle Junior Hockey Association.
Nat Zieroth has been playing hockey for 3 years. In addition to hockey, she takes ice skating lessons. But the first thing she learned had nothing to do with how to move on the ice.
"The first thing they taught us to do was to get up in hockey gear," she said. "There's a different way to get up in hockey gear than regular skating. It's easier when you fall down sometimes on your stomach because you stand up better. It's a lot easier when you fall on your stomach."
Nat Zieroth/Photo Courtesy: Scott Berg
The 8 year old likes to play goalie and defense. As we talked, I learned that her game preparation is different, depending on which position she's playing that day.
As a defenseman: "We get dressed and we have this time that the coach talks to us and then we have time to think about the game. Then we do warm ups, then we start the game."
As a goalie: "You have to put a lot more gear on and you have to focus a little more than all the other players and you have to work harder than everybody else."
Nat Zieroth/Photo Courtesy: Scott Berg
Nat likes everything about goaltending. She says her best move is her glove save, although she also uses the butterfly technique quite a bit. She can use her stick too, but says most goals come a little high so she relies on her reflexes and her glove. She enjoys playing defense because that position helps out the goalie.
Like the other players we've heard from, Nat's schedule is pretty jam-packed as she fits in practice and games, along with school and homework. At the beginning of the season, practices usually fall on Sundays and Mondays. As the year progresses, practice moves to Wednesday to Sunday, with games on Saturdays. Their mornings start bright and early at 4am during the week, 5am on weekends.
"Thursday mornings I go to stick and puck before school. We have to get up early so I can skate a bit. We have a lot of things going on. Mondays we have a lot of homework (practice book page and cursive). Wednesdays we have math and reading to do."
Nat Zieroth/Photo Courtesy: Scott Berg
But Nat has a deal with her mom Natasha. In order to play hockey, she must have her homework completed by the time Mom comes to pick her up from extended care.
Natasha Zieroth is a single mom who works full time. But she has found a way to make sure Nat gets to all of her practices and games. And she is always encouraging her daughter to focus, try hard, and most of all, enjoy herself on the ice. Natasha offers up some advice to parents thinking about signing their kids up for hockey but aren't too sure whether to make such a big commitment.
"There are so many options out there," Natasha says. "Learn to Play programs are relatively inexpensive in the scheme of things. Seattle Junior (Hockey Association) has a rental program where you can rent all the gear for the younger kids for about $75 for the year, which is great because you don't have to invest so much money up front. "
She also likes how Seattle Junior handles the beginner classes, which take place with kids on the ice and parents behind a glass partition.
"They took the kids and put them out on the ice and shut the door. In some ways as a parent that's wonderful because you're not the sideline coach that's yelling and screaming."
But Natasha remembers worrying about her daughter. "She spent the whole hour standing for two seconds then falling on her face. I honestly thought when the hour was up she was going to be like, 'That's it, I never want to do this again.' And she came off and said, 'When can I do it again?'"
One thing that beginner classes do is get kids into hockey gear before taking them out on the ice. So, not only are the youngsters learning to skate with all the extra gear, it doesn't hurt as much when they do fall down.
In addition to extra ice skating lessons, Natasha makes sure Nat gets to take part in community or public skating sessions with her friends. The public skates let kids hang out with their friends, while getting in a skating workout at the same time. It just doesn't feel like a workout.
Natasha confirms that hockey parents are a close-knit community. They become very close during those long hours they spend at rinks, either with practice or traveling to and from games. But she urges any parent who wants to know more about what it takes to have a young hockey player in the family to just come up and start a conversation. Most hockey parents are very friendly and willing to share whatever information or advice they can give. But if you want the answer to the most important question about youth hockey, you have to go to the source, the players themselves.
When I asked Nat what she likes best about hockey, she doesn't hesitate. "The best thing I like about hockey is that it doesn't matter if you win or lose. It just matters that you had fun."
I think she wraps it up pretty perfectly there.
If you're interested in learning more about youth hockey programs around Western Washington, just click on the links below. They'll take you to the home pages of the organizations around the greater Everett-Seattle-Tacoma area.
If you're a hockey player or parent and would like to share your own experience, leave a comment. I'd love to share your stories, too.
Please also email me if you don't find your hockey association in the list below. I'll be happy to add it.
KING 5 Morning News showed its support for the Everett Silvertips and Seattle Thunderbirds’ quest for the Memorial Cup, by using its “Friday Playlist” segment to feature songs that Silvertips and T-Birds say help them get pumped for a game. Players shared their favorite music in interviews conducted during the course of the season for the hockey blog at king5.com (www.king5.com/sports/hockey).
Here’s the list of players, songs and bands featured on Friday:
1. Lady Gaga - "Poker Face" (Dan Iwanski/Silvertips) 2. Dierks Bentley - "Sideways" (Calvin Pickard/T-Birds) 3. MGMT - "Electric Feel" (Taylor Ellington/Silvertips) 4. Nickelback - "Someone that You're With" (Jim O'Brien/Thomas Hickey - T-Birds) 5. Coheed & Cambria - "Welcome Home" (Shane Harper/Silvertips) 6. Kevin Rudolf - "Let It Rock" (Jonathan Parker/T-Birds - and a ShoWare favorite)
If you’d like to read interviews with any of these players, just click on their names.
Emotions ran high on the ice and in the stands at Comcast Arena last night for the Everett Silvertips’ final home game of the regular season against the Chilliwack Bruins. The game was sold out, yet people braved the icy wind blowing outside the Arena, hoping to score a ticket.I thanked my lucky stars that I had bought my ticket earlier in the week.I ended up in a great location, Section 108, Row 6, Seat 10. It’s four rows up from center ice in what the arena calls the “club section.”(One perk, you don’t have to get up to buy food; someone can do that for you, so you don’t miss a second of action).
I ended up next to a nice woman whose family have been season ticket holders for years.She knew all of the players and had a great grasp of the game.At first, she thought I was a Chilliwack fan because I was there alone.I quickly pointed out my green shirt and white tank top, Silvertips colors.The Bruins are black and gold, like the Boston team for which they’re named.Once we got that settled, we sat back to enjoy the game.
Right off the opening puck drop, both teams played at a furious pace.The puck seemed to whiz from one end to the other, players racing to keep up with it.I noticed lots of hits being leveled by both teams.Early in the period, the pace of play sent a Chilliwack player crashing into Everett’s net, knocking goalie Kent Simpson flat.About four minutes into the period, a play near the Everett net knocked Chilliwack’s Ryan Howse (#22) to the ice.He remained on the ice for several minutes while trainers checked him out.Two of his teammates lifted him to his feet and one helped him skate off the ice into the locker room.I noticed that he kept his right leg lifted and just let his teammate glide him off the ice.The bad thing about injuries is that you never hear exactly what’s wrong, because coaches don’t want to tip off opponents to any perceived weaknesses.I’m going to guess he will end up having a “lower body injury”, when all is said and done.It looked like an ankle or knee problem to me.
Play got pretty chippy here.Players were hitting each other all over the place. I mean, every player was leveling hits any chance they could get.Chilliwack got on the board first, about 12 minutes into the first period.David Robinson (#18) snuck it past Simpson. Kevin Sundher (#9) was credited with the assist.The Bruins struck again, with about six seconds left in the period, when Everett’s Ryan White went to the box for interference.This time, Sundher scored, with help from David Robinson and Dylen McKinlay (#19). The first period ended with Chilliwack up 2-0.
*Interesting note:the referees left the ice to the left of where I sat.As they walked past, I noticed one ref pull a puck out of his pocket and hand it to a young girl who was peering over the railing.The girl looked to be about 4 years old.I thought that was a sweet gesture from someone who spends pretty much every hockey game being booed.
The second period started with a change in net for the Silvertips.Kent Simpson was out, replaced by Thomas Heemskerk.This period featured more hitting and a faster pace, if this could be possible.Heemskerk made a few good saves and took a hit, when teammate Mike Alexander accidentally knocked fellow Silvertip Campbell Elynuik into the net.Everyone shook themselves off and play continued.At the 9:07 mark, Chilliwack’s Brandon Manning (#32) was called for cross-checking, setting Everett up on a power play.Kellan Tochkin rose to the occasion, finding the net a minute later and sending the puck through.Tyler Maxwell got the assist.
More hits, pushing and shoving ensue here.The Bruins’ David Robinson (#18) seemed to be spoiling for a fight and tried to pick on with Ryan White.The refs stepped in and separated the two, and dispersed other players who had converged around them.Shortly after that, Chilliwack’s Matthew Ius (#27) went to the box for roughing and the Silvertips wasted no time taking advantage of the situation.This time, D-man Taylor Ellington sent a shot flying into the net, on a pass from Byron Froese and Kellan Tochkin.
Chilliwack got called for two more penalties and Everett went to the box for one, but neither team could capitalize on their respective power plays, so the second period ended with things all tied up at 2-2.
The third period featured more physical play, and both teams fighting to keep the play in their opponent’s end.Neither team lost focus nor energy and it would only be a matter of time before one team scored to pull ahead.On this night, Chilliwack would prevail.Just under eight minutes into the third period, Dylen McKinlay got past Thomas Heemskerk, putting the Bruins up 3-2. No matter how hard the Silvertips tried, they could not find a way to tie things up.They pulled Heemskerk late to give themselves an extra attacker on the ice.But as time ran out, the score remained: Chilliwack 3, Everett 2.
As the Bruins celebrated on the ice, the Silvertips grouped together and skated around the rink, raising their sticks in salute to the fans who have supported them from Day One.The crowd responded by cheering more loudly than I’d heard through the entire game (and believe me, they were pretty loud throughout the game).
The 3 Stars of the Game:1. Kellan Tochkin (1 goal, 1 assist), 2. Kevin Sundher (Chilliwack- 1 goal, 1 assist), 3. Taylor Ellington (1 goal).
Following the game, the ‘Tips remained on the ice.First, the team paid tribute to three players who would not be returning next year, because they have reached the WHL age limit:
Defenseman Taylor Ellington (#3).Ellington played his entire WHL career with Everett. This 20 year old was drafted 33rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.He’ll most likely play for the Canucks’ ECHL affiliate, the Victoria Salmon Kings, which is good news for Taylor, as he’s from Victoria.In an interview earlier this week, Taylor told me about being drafted by his favorite team (Vancouver). You can read the interview by clicking here.
Defenseman Graham Potuer (#8).Potuer also played all four years in Everett. This 20 year old was an Alternate Captain for this year’s Silvertips, along with Ellington.The native of Red Deer, Alberta, has not decided on the next move in his hockey future, although college remains a consideration.
Center Daniel Bartek (#29).Bartek joined the Silvertips at the start of this season in a trade with the Brandon Wheat Kings, for a fourth round draft pick in the 2009 Bantam Draft.The 20 year old is from Olomouc in the Czech Republic.It’s not clear what he plans to do next, although I’ve heard that college is also possibly in his future.
The tribute was followed by presentation of player awards.
MVP:Two players received this award:Right Wing Shane Harper (#11) and D-Man Taylor Ellington (#3).Harper has played an amazing regular season.In 70 games, he’s amassed 32 goals and 34 assists for 66 points.That surpassed the team record for most points scored by a Rookie, which was held by Kyle Beach.Ellington was honored not only for his amazing play, but also his leadership and for being such a wonderful mentor for younger players.
Rookie of the Year:Right Wing Kellan Tochkin (#16).Tochkin leads the WHL in Rookie scoring. In 70 games, he has 20 goals and 54 assists for 74 points.If you haven’t seen this kid play, you need to. His star is rising quickly.Tochkin was the first Silvertip I interviewed this year. You can read about his journey to the WHL by clicking here.
Most Improved:Right Wing Cameron Abney (#26). This 17 year old has worked hard to improve his skating and puck handling skills.Extra training sessions before and after practice have paid off for this hard hitting player, who ends the regular season with one goal and 3 assists.In an interview two weeks ago, Cameron told me about his extra training sessions and his desire to be more than a hitter.You can read that interview by clicking here.
Unsung Hero:Defenseman Graham Potuer (#8).He led the team in blocked shots and pretty much makes an impact every time he steps on the ice.Last night, the announcer said his number may not be on many fans’ jerseys, but he is the backbone of the team.Funny thing. I saw more Graham Potuer jerseys where I was sitting than anyone else.
Coaches’ Award:Center Byron Froese (#14).Byron joined the Silvertips on September 18, 2008 and made his impact felt right away. He’s been a key player all season and has 19 goals and 36 assists for 55 points.
Iron Man Award:Four players were recognized for playing in the first 71 games of the season: Center Zack Dailey (#21), RW Kellan Tochkin (#16), C Byron Froese (#14), RW Shane Harper (#11) (Read interview with Shane Harper here)
Scholastic Player of the Year Award:This was given to Center Tyler Maxwell (#9) for his achievements in high school.Several players are still in school and must combine a grueling playing schedule with classes and work hard to keep their grades up.Byron seems to have had the most fun in Drama.To see what happened when KING 5 cameras went to class with Byron and several other ‘Tips, click here.
Community Relations Award:The was presented to C Byron Froese and D-Man Shayne Brown (#5) shared this award, which highlights their work in the community, which ranged from reading to elementary children to other appearances within the community.
The Silvertips wrap up the regular season tonight against the Seattle Thunderbirds at ShoWare Center. The puck drops at 5:05pm. And I'll be there.
