T-Birds Shut Out Tri City, 6-0

The stage was set last night at ShoWare Center and there were two ways the Seattle Thunderbirds could play their role.  They could come out and hand the Tri City Americans their 8^th win of the season against Seattle, following a 4-2 loss Friday night against the Americans.  Or they could come out and show everyone what makes the T-Birds such a darn good team.   By all accounts, Friday night’s meeting between the two was ugly, to say the least, disintegrating into three simultaneous fights involving 6 players in the third period.

Fast forward 24 hours.  The two teams faced off again at ShoWare Center; the Americans without head coach Don Nachbaur, who was serving a one-game suspension levied by the WHL because Friday’s fight was his team’s fourth “multiple fight” of the season. (“Multiple fight” = more than one fight taking place on the ice at the same time). During the third period Friday night, three sets of players dropped the gloves: Seattle’s Chris Cloud and Tri City’s Mitch McColm; Seattle’s Devon LeBlanc and Tri City’s Lane Werbowski; Seattle’s Luke Lockhart and Tri City’s Brooks Macek.  All six received major fighting penalties.  Lockhart and Macek also received game misconducts.  If you’re keeping count, Friday’s fight was Seattle’s second “multiple fight” of the season.  For that, the WHL fined the team $250 (Tri City was fined $750).

The T-Birds had a lot to prove last night and they would have to do it without star forward Prab Rai, who missed the game with a leg injury.  Also out of the T-Birds’ lineup: Mitch Berg (D), Steve Chaffin (D) and Lindsay Nielsen (C).  Tri City was without starting goalie Chet Pickard (older brother of T-Birds goalie Calvin Pickard).  Chet was injured last weekend as the result of a nasty hit by Spokane Chiefs forward Ryan Letts.  That hit sparked a massive brawl.  It also resulted in a 10 game suspension for Letts.

                                   T-Birds v. Tri City

So, the stage was set.  ShoWare was packed (attendance last night: 5596).  Fans were yelling their support even before the opening faceoff, and the soundtrack matched the mood.  The opening strains of Marilyn Manson’s “The Beautiful People” pounded the arena as the teams lined up.  The puck dropped and things got physical.  The first period was peppered with lots of hard hits by both teams.  T-Bird Jonathan Parker took a hit that sent him face-first into the ice.  He skated off with a trainer holding a towel to his mouth.  He returned later, but another hit sent him to the locker room for good. I later learned that the first hit cut his upper lip and that he needed to be stitched up before he could return to the ice. The second hit knocked out a tooth.

With six minutes left in the first period, Tri City was outshooting Seattle 8-1, but that was about to change.  At 16:03, the Americans’ Brendan Shinnimin was called for kneeing.  He had barely gotten to the box when Greg Scott scored for Seattle, assisted by Jeremy Boyer and Jim O’Brien.  Before the announcer finished calling the assists, the T-Birds struck again.  This time, Devon LeBlanc found the net, with help from Sena Acolatse.  All of a sudden, Seattle is up 2-0.  As time runs out in the first, there’s a minor scrap between T-Bird David Richard and Tri City’s Tyler Schmidt, but the refs step in and the clock runs out.  Score:  Seattle 2, Tri City 0.

                                   Seattle scores

The second period was barely under way when a Tri City player went to the penalty box for a double minor.  Johnny Lazo spent four minutes for high sticking, and the T-Birds got to work. I wish I could describe the amazing power play set up by the players.  You’ll just have to watch the game “On Demand”, if you have Comcast, to see what I’m talking about.  They were patient, they were precise and it paid off.  Sena Acolatse finally scored.  Jim O’Brien and Greg Scott were credited with the assists, although I think every T-Bird on the ice should have shared in this one.  11:35 into the second period, Seattle scored again.  Jeremy Boyer did the honors this time, with help from Greg Scott and Brad Haber.   Again, this was a beautiful goal. Greg Scott took the puck all the way to the Tri City zone with just a wonderful bit of skating.  He shot it at the net, it bounced away, but Jeremy Boyer was right there to tap it in.

                                   Thomas Hickey/T-Birds Defenseman

The T-Birds were now up 4-0 and you could see them playing more confidently.  They killed off two successive penalties very decisively and Calvin Pickard stopped every shot aimed at him, again showing off his cat-like reflexes by snatching a few pucks in mid flight.  As the second period wound down, Jim O’Brien nearly stole the puck twice to set up more scoring chances, but couldn’t control it long enough.  It didn’t matter.  The second period ended with the score: Seattle 4, Tri City 0.

The third period saw yet more amazing playing by the home team.  Seattle scored just 15 seconds into the period, on a beautiful shot by Chris Cloud.  Captain Thomas Hickey and Devon LeBlanc were credited with the assists.  The crowd went wild because they knew what this meant.  The T-Birds had scored five goals.  Everyone at ShoWare Center would leave with a coupon for a free Dairy Queen burger.  They were cheering again a minute and a half later, as Center Brenden Silvester found the net for an unassisted goal.

With the T-Birds now up 6-0, the focus turned to helping goaltender Calvin Pickard get his third shutout of the season.  Everyone stepped up and tempers started flaring again as well.  A Tri City player knocked Thomas Hickey from behind, sending him face first to the ice.  Luckily, he landed on his knees, but you could tell the wind had been knocked out of him.  He skated slowly to the bench, but was back out again a couple of minutes later.  Halfway through the third period, Tri City D-man Spencer Humphries was hit with a double minor penalty- 2 minutes for holding and 2 minutes for boarding (hitting a player from behind into the boards).  The ref had barely closed the penalty box door on him when teammate Brett Plouffe was called for holding.  This put Seattle two men up for a 5 on 3 power play.  They made lots of great shots, but did not score. 

                                   Face off in Seattle's end

The Americans kept pushing into Seattle’s end, trying to put a goal on the board, but time and time again, the T-Birds denied them.  Calvin Pickard made another great catch with 50 seconds left in the period, and no one could blame him for jumping up and down in jubilation when the clock ran out. His teammates rushed to congratulate him on his third shutout of the season, and his WHL career.  Sometimes, when I watch Pickard play in the net, I forget that he is just 16 years old and in his rookie season.  This kid is only going to get better.

                                   T-Birds celebrate Pickard's 3rd shutout

The three stars of the game:   3. Jim O’Brien (2 assists), 2.  Calvin Pickard (stopped 24 shots), 1. Sena Acolatse (1 goal, 1 assist and a heck of a game)

                                   3 Stars of the Game: O'Brien (#19), Pickard (#1), Acolatse (#17)

After the game, the T-Birds showered and spent extra time signing autographs for their youngest fans.  I watched these young men, who I know must be exhausted and wanting nothing more than to have a good meal and relax, patiently make their way down a very long line, signing shirts, programs, and posters.  Posing for pictures and answering questions.  Getting down on their knees to talk to the smallest fans. For a moment, I forget that the oldest player on this team is just 20, the youngest, 16.  It’s easy to see that these guys really appreciate their fans.  Even Prab Rai, on crutches, made his way slowly down the line.  And the fans returned that love, waiting patiently for the players to reach them.

                                   Kids Club Autograph session; Prab Rai (on crutches), Jim O'Brien (kneeling)

                                    Kids Club autograph session: Jim O'Brien

                                  Kids club autograph session:  Devon LeBlanc

                                   Kids Club autograph session: Thomas Hickey

                                     Kids Club autograph session: Sena Acolatse

The T-Birds are now off until Wednesday, March 11, when they welcome the Prince George Cougars to ShoWare Center. The puck drops at 7:05 and tickets are still available.  Click here for more information.

My Hockey Crush(es)

I have a confession to make. I have been harboring a crush all season. And not just on one player, either. Nope. I have been crushing on two players who are as different as they can be. One is a smart defenseman who keeps his head up, makes amazing plays, and is universally respected by everyone, from his teammates to the team that drafted him 4th overall in 2007. The other is a smart forward who is as well known for his antics as he is for his skill. He’s as brash on the ice as he is easygoing outside the rink. His draft day was filled with teams and analysts questioning his psychological state, but that didn’t stop him from going #11 overall in the 2008 Draft.

I don’t know why these two stand out in my mind over some of their equally talented teammates. Is it their looks? I’m not sure. As a woman, I’m sure many people will immediately jump to the conclusion that I think these two are the hottest guys on their teams. That’s not how I judge a man’s attractiveness. Physical features only count for a percentage of the overall score, so to speak. I’ve never met either one. They are not my friends on Facebook. We don’t share Twitter messages. Okay, I have interviewed one of the guys, but via email, and using his team’s PR guy as an intermediary. His answers to my questions were intelligent and thoughtful, but I knew that from reading other interviews with him. I’ve requested an interview with the other one and dutifully submitted my questions via email once we realized we couldn’t coordinate schedules for a phone interview. I’m still waiting for the answers, but that doesn’t matter either. I’ve seen and read what this guy has to say. His answers to my questions will not change anything.

So what is it? For one of the guys, I can tell you that it comes down to his notoriety. Yep, I like him because of his reputation as a “bad boy.” He makes me laugh when he agitates. And no matter what anyone else says or writes, I do NOT put him in the same league as Sean Avery, so get that thought right out of your head. People love him or hate him, but one thing is sure, you do not ignore this guy. He is a spark plug, and whether he revs your engine or makes you blow a gasket, you will not forget him anytime soon. He gives a great interview, is well spoken and you can tell that the wheels are turning upstairs. But it’s that edginess he shows you on the ice that makes you wonder what’s really going on inside his mind.

For the other guy, I cannot put my finger on the source of my adoration. I think he has just grown on me over the past four years, mostly through his play. He is, hands down, the best skater I have seen in a long time. If I could sneak into his team’s practice and watch him skate around and around the rink, I would be happy. Add to his skating prowess the fact that he can see the entire ice, identify a play and block a score in a matter of seconds, well, you can imagine just how impressive that is. When you factor in a stint as Captain of Team Canada, which won its 5th consecutive gold medal in the World Junior Championships this year, the admiration only grows stronger. Everything I’ve heard about him describes a nice young man who has his head screwed on straight. In short, a young man you would not be afraid to take home to meet Mom and Dad.

I’ve been spoiled. I’ve had access to these two guys for the last four years, along with all the other fans of the two teams that have them in their lineups. But after this season is over, they’ll both be gone, hopefully on to the NHL level, where I will have to continue subscribing to NHL Centre Ice in order to watch them play.

Well, one of my crushes is already gone. His team traded him away earlier this season. Since then, I’ve had to follow his career on his new team’s website, or go to a game when his team plays one of the two local teams. The other one would have been gone last summer, called up to the NHL team which drafted him, but ankle surgery kept him out of their lineup, and back here for another season. I’ll lose them both after this season, though, because whether their NHL teams call them up or not, they cannot play at the WHL level next year. They will be too old.

So, I take advantage of the time I have left this season to watch them play, and no matter where they end up, I will follow their careers, along with scores of their other fans. But when you think about it, isn’t that what sports is all about? Not just hockey, but all sports? You may like a team because they’re in your hometown. You may like a team because someone you love likes them. But once you start liking a team, a player or two inevitably starts to grow on you, and you end up becoming their fan, along with the team. Anyone who tells me that this isn’t true is either not telling the truth, or not a true fan!

You may wonder why I have not named my two crushes in this blog. I don’t think I need to. Those of you who are familiar with the teams will know exactly who I’m talking about. To those who don’t know, it’s not important. This story is not about liking these guys as people, but liking them as players. And I’m sure you can fill in whatever blanks there are, with players of your own choosing. Because isn’t that what makes us fans?

New Interviews + Mitch Love

I posted three new interviews at the station site.

1. Seattle Thunderbirds Goalie Calvin Pickard
http://blogs.king5.com/sports/2009/03/whl-seattle-thunderbirds-inter-1.html

Calvin Pickard/Photo: David Pitcher/Seattle Thunderbirds

2. Seattle Thunderbirds Center Jonathan Parker

http://blogs.king5.com/sports/2009/03/whl-seattle-thunderbirds-inter-2.html

Jonathan Parker/Photo: David Pitcher/Seattle Thunderbirds

3. Everett Silvertips RW Cameron Abney

http://blogs.king5.com/sports/2009/03/whl-everett-silvertips-intervi.html

Cameron Abney/Photo: Frank Deines III/Everett Silvertips

Plus, Houston Aeros D-Man (and former Everett Silvertip) Mitch Love has filed his 12th blog of the season: http://blogs.king5.com/sports/2009/03/whlahl-mitch-love-blog-12.html

Mitch Love/Photo: Houston Aeros

Another T-Birds Interview

I just posted an interview with T-Birds D-Man Brenden Dillon.

He's ranked #41 this year by the NHL Central Scouting for players in North America for the 2009 Draft. But there's more to this kid than meets the eye.

You can read about him here:

http://blogs.king5.com/sports/2009/02/whl-seattle-thunderbirds-inter.html

Brenden Dillon/Photo: David Pitcher/Seattle Thunderbirds

New Stuff

Mitch Love (former Everett Silvertip, current Houston Aeros bruiser) files his latest dispatch from the road.  Seems our resident tough guy has tied a team record this week.  Check out his life in the AHL blog here:

http://blogs.king5.com/sports/2009/02/ahlwhl-mitch-love-blog-11.html

                                   Mitch Love/Photo: Houston Aeros

I also continue my quest to get to know the lineup of the Seattle Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips. Today, we learn about T-Birds defenseman Stefan Warg (boy, do  love saying that name!).  This talented Swede spills the beans about his life, his hockey career and getting picked by Anaheim:

http://blogs.king5.com/sports/2009/02/whl-seattle-thunderbird-interv.html

                                                   Stefan Warg/Photo: David Pitcher/Seattle Thunderbirds

Tomorrow (Thursday), I interview Cameron Abney, RW for the Everett Silvertips.

Over the next few days, I'll also post interviews with T-Birds rookie goalie Calvin Pickard (if his name looks familiar- his brother Chet backstops the Tri-City Americans), D-Man Brenden Dillon and rookie Center Jonathan Parker.

So, keep watching this page.

New Interview with T-Bird Jim O'Brien

I just posted a new interview with Seattle Thunderbirds Center Jim O'Brien.

Since the interview was done in the course of work, I cannot post it here.

However, I can link it.

Here it is:

http://blogs.king5.com/sports/2009/02/whl-tbirds-player-interview-ji.html

Jim O'Brien/Photo: Seattle Thunderbirds

Geno, Ovie and... Ballet?

I’ve been engaging in a love-hate battle all season.  And it all centers around one player.  I hate that he’s harbored a feud with one of  my favorite players for most of the season.  I hate that he’s so cocky in interviews and swaggers, even on the ice.  I hate that I can’t take my eyes off him when he plays.  And I hate that however hard I try, I am falling hard for Alexander Ovechkin.

I  admit wanting to smack him every time he targeted Evgeni Malkin like a rogue bludger whenever the Caps played the Pens. But even then, when Ovie had the puck, everything else disappeared. I’d watch him zig and zag and half-wish he’d miss the net and half-wish he’d score (yes, even against my own team!).  Don’t get me wrong, I love love love Geno.  I could watch him skate for days.  He is so smooth and so deceptive.  One second he’s back in the Pens’ end.  Blink, and he’s scoring.  He is that amazing a skater.  Watch him and tell me he doesn’t resemble a shark (the animal not the team), circling until he nabs his prey.

I would have to say that right now, Ovie and Geno are my two favorite players, although others are in contention.  And as I watch, compare and contrast these two, I find that they remind me of two other Russian rivals back in the 80’s.  Not hockey players, but ballet dancers.

Ah… those two words have no doubt turned a good many of you away.  Ballet?  Su is going to compare these hockey studs to ballet dancers?  Well, hear me out.  Then you can one-puck me to your icy hearts’ delight.

Where was I?  Oh yes, ballet. 

Well, here’s where I’m coming from.  In one corner, you have Alexander Ovechkin; flashy and brilliant, possessing a personality that transcends hockey.  He has a band. He has a clothing line.  He is charming, ready with a practical joke.  He is exuberant on the ice, celebrating goals by throwing himself joyously into the glass, hugging his teammates and inviting the crowd to celebrate with him.  He seems easily accessible, living the ultimate American Dream.

In the other corner, you have Evgeni Malkin.  Tall and intense, powerful on the ice, yet reticent off of it.  Only this season has he started giving interviews in English, possibly feeling that it’s part of the responsibility that comes with wearing an “A” on his jersey.  He has quietly amassed the most points in the NHL, but remains pretty unassuming.  He will celebrate the occasional goal by throwing himself into the glass, but Geno’s act is more intense, less the joyous flair that Ovie possesses.  He didn’t even fight back when Ovie targeted him repeatedly, shrugging off the unusual attention, only allowing that it’s a “personal” matter.

So what does this have to do with ballet?  

Mikhail Baryshnikov

I look at Ovechkin and I see Mikhail Baryshnikov.  Remember him?  He exploded onto the American ballet scene in the 70’s. He was flashy and brilliant, possessing a personality that transcends ballet.  He successfully transitioned from ballet to the big screen, and made several movies with varying levels of success; the most notable being “White Nights” with Gregory Hines.  I don’t know whether Baryshnikov had his own clothing line but it wouldn’t surprise me.  He continued to straddle both ballet and entertainment, most recently showing up as an alternate love interest for Sarah Jessica Parker in “Sex in the City.”

Alexander Godunov

I look at Malkin and I see Alexander Godunov.  Tall and intense, powerful on the dance floor, yet reticent off of it. His defection caused an international incident between the US and USSR. (Malkin’s road from the Russian league to the Penguins also involved a little bit of controversy) Only later in his career did Godunov open up and give interviews.  He also dabbled in film, yet with the exception of “The Money Pit” , in which he played a conductor who was trying to get his ex back from Tom Hanks, he played roles that involved more brawn than brain (“Die Hard”, anyone?)  In his personal life, he was unassuming.  He never acknowledged the feud that built up with Baryshnikov. In fact, he took his side of that feud to the grave with him.

I think I see more of Godunov in Malkin, mostly because I knew Alexander Godunov.  I worked for him in the 80’s.  He was intense, yet sweet.  He didn’t know the ins and outs of Hollywood yet and threw himself 100% into every project that came his way, whether they involved dance or not.  I look at Malkin and I see someone who seems intense, yet sweet, someone who hasn’t really learned the ins and outs of pro hockey and all it takes to play in and represent the NHL.

I do see a lot of Baryshnikov in Ovechkin.  Ovie is well on his way to becoming one of the greats of the game.  He is exciting to watch.  You grow to love him, in spite of yourself.  Whether you follow the Capitals or not, he is a player you cannot ignore.  Baryshnikov was the same way in the 70’s and 80’s. I found myself attending the ballet to watch him in action and I am not really a ballet type.  But that’s how exciting he was. 

As I watched the feud between Ovie and Geno grow, I was drawn back to the 80’s and the feud between Baryshnikov and Godunov.  There was no reason for Mikhail and Alexander to fight.  They were two totally different types of dancers; each with their congregation of fans.  Was it something personal?  Until Baryshnikov decides to spill the beans, we’ll never know. Alexander Godunov died in 1995, and like I said, took his part of the feud to the grave with him.

When I saw Ovie and Geno team up at the NHL All Star Game, I breathed a giant sigh of relief.  I read in interviews that they have decided to bury the hatchet, even though they will continue to push each other on the ice.  That’s good. They should push each other to be even better than they already are.  They are two of the most dynamic players out there right now and the future can only get brighter for them, if they stay focused on their game, and leave the past in the past.  

T-Birds @ Silvertips, Friday 2/13/09

The last time I saw the T-Birds and Silvertips square off, it was to christen the ShoWare Center in Kent last month. I know the guys have faced each other since then, with victories on both sides. Last night, they met again at Comcast Arena, with ‘Tips fans out in full force. I’ve been to Silvertips games, but always as a fan. I’ve never covered a game there. In fact, to tell you the truth, this is only the second hockey game I’ve covered from a writing standpoint. (My first game was the ‘Tips-T-Birds game at ShoWare on January 3, 2009). So, I really didn’t know what to expect.

It began with a little confusion at the door, because my name wasn’t on the list, but I handed the nice woman my business card and she whipped up a game pass without calling someone to double check, and showed me how to get to the Green Room. From there, it was up an elevator to the third level, where Michael, the Silvertips intern, helped me get set up on a platform behind the other reporters (it was a packed night!). The only drawback, he explained, was that I would have to stand for the entire game in order to see the ice. Oh-kaaay. Well, I needed to burn the extra calories anyway, so I set up and prepared to watch the game on my feet.

The anthem was sung by a man named Paul Kline, who was introduced as a “fan favorite.” I heard this guy last weekend at two T-Birds games; on Friday against Lethbridge and Sunday against Vancouver. He has a very nice voice and I enjoyed listening to him last night, as well.

Seattle vs. Everett, 2/13/09 (Photo: Su Ring)

Then, the puck dropped and I could tell immediately that this was going to be Everett’s night. They were more aggressive off the bat, outshooting Seattle for a good portion of the first period. In fact, the T-Birds didn’t mark their first shot on goal until about 8 minutes into the period, although goalie Calvin Pickard stopped some pretty intense shots. Here’s the odd thing, the T-Birds’ formations looked pretty good- they moved the puck into the Silvertips end pretty well, but they could not score. About 7 minutes into the first, T-Bird Chris Cloud was called for slashing, setting the stage for a night of penalties by an increasingly frustrated Seattle team.
(NOTE: I’ve talked before about the “audience participation” factor at ‘Tips games, like shouting “LOVE” and “FIGHT” during the anthems. Seems, they have a little shout for penalties as well. When the announcer said, “The Seattle Thunderbirds are back at full strength”, the crowd yelled, “But they still SUCK!”)

Thomas Heemskerk 2/13/09 (Photo: Su Ring)

Seattle started making shots after the 8 minute mark, and Everett goalie Thomas Heemskerk was ready. He turned away a hard shot and two rebounds about 14 minutes in, then stopped another shot by T-Bird Prab Rai just seconds later. Seattle’s lines seemed to start gelling but still could not score. In contrast, the Silvertips looked more intense, almost like mavericks on the ice, working to keep the action down on the Seattle end. Even early in the game, there were several scrums around the Seattle net and a little pushing and shoving. Then a fight about 18 minutes in that sent Taylor Ellington of Everett and Seattle’s Jim O’Brien to the locker room. I heard O’Brien got 2:00 for roughing and another 2:00 for unsportsmanlike conduct. I never heard what Ellington got, because Everett scored as the announcer was calling the penalties. Byron Froese took a shot from Shane Harper and put it past Calvin Pickard. Kellan Tochkin was also credited with an assist here. The first period ended just after that goal.

Calvin Pickard 2/13/09 (Photo: Su Ring)

During the first intermission, the Silvertips organization had several contests to keep the fans engaged. They drove a car out to center ice from Bryant Ford (sorry, I didn’t notice what model), and had two contestants fire one shot on goal each. If they scored, they would be entered into a contest to win the car. Both contestants missed wide. Then they brought two more contestants on for another game, this time, to build a puzzle. The pieces were scattered at each goal. The guys had to run (or slide) to pick up pieces, bring them back to center ice and put them together. The Silvertips’ mascot “Lincoln” made things fun by stealing pieces while the guys’ backs were turned. Finally, one guy won, although I don’t remember the prize. I think it was dinner.

Puzzle Game 2/13/09 (Photo: Su Ring)

You’d think that would be it for entertainment, but no! They turned the camera on unsuspecting couples in the crowd while romantic music played, for a bit called “Kiss Cam”. Some couples embraced the opportunity to smooch in public. Others looked mortified until the camera turned away from them. If you plan to attend a Silvertips game with a member of the opposite sex, be warned, or bring chap stick and mints. You’ll most likely end up on “Kiss Cam”.

The second period started out a little more slowly than the first, but ‘Tips fans showed their support by ringing their cowbells and boy, were there a lot of cowbells in the arena. Seattle’s Brad Haber was called for a tripping penalty about a minute into the period and Everett capitalized. About 30 seconds later, Taylor Ellington scored, assisted by Daniel Bartek and Byron Froese. The game really started getting physical here. I saw a lot of grabbing and shoving. The T-Birds seemed very off their game in the second, not connecting on shots, not keeping the puck out of their own end, which is very uncharacteristic of this team, whose top pairing of Greg Scott and Prab Rai usually seem to make great plays instinctively. Even Captain Thomas Hickey seemed off his game last night. I did see something that made my heart stop for a minute. Chance Lund of Seattle fell and an Everett player nearly skated into him, but leapt over him at the last second. Goalie Calvin Pickard made several good saves for Seattle this period, including one that seemed like an accident. He lost his balance just as Everett took a shot and blocked the puck with one flailing leg.

8:26 into the second period, Markus McCrea took a penalty for tripping, leaving the Silvertips short handed, but Everett killed this penalty fairly easily, as the T-Birds continued to miss scoring chances, including a nice wraparound attempt by Chris Cloud that just didn’t go in. Seattle went shorthanded about 12 minutes in, as Brendan Dillon got called for hooking. Again, Everett capitalized on the power play. Mike Alexander took a pass from Graham Potuer and found the net. Shane Harper was also credited with helping set up this goal.

Seattle started to get more physical here, almost a little too much so. Sena Acolatse was called for slashing about 18 minutes in. Thomas Hickey and Kellan Tochkin exchanged words before a ref stepped in between them. Then Mike Alexander went to the penalty box for interference. Thomas Heemskirk stopped a big slapshot from Jim O’Brien with about a minute left in the period. The second period ended with the Silvertips up 3-0.

The second intermission featured the ever popular “Chuck a Puck” contest, but they do it a bit differently in Everett than they do at ShoWare. They drove the car onto the ice, or in this case, a Suzuki Grand Vitara, but fans don’t chuck their pucks at the sunroof. Instead, they aim for a square of ice at center ice, surrounded by four mats. Those who get their pucks into the center are entered into a drawing. Those that land on the mats get the chance to win other prizes, like a $500 gift certificate to Les Scwab Tires.

Comcast Arena 2/13/09 (Photo: Su Ring)

I must say I like the layout of Comcast Arena slightly better than ShoWare Center. The floor plan is very open, meaning you can grab a drink or a hot dog without missing any of the action. At ShoWare you have to leave the ice area to go to concessions. Picture a smaller and nicer KeyArena and you get the picture. I was told that ShoWare’s floor plan is a lot like Kelowna’s, which is a very popular place to play.

Comcast Arena 2/13/09 (Photo: Su Ring)

After “Chuck a Puck”, a guy drove around the ice in a little mobile thingy with a cannon attached to it, shooting t-shirts into the crowd. Watching this brought to mind a funny series of “Bud Light” radio commercials called “Real Men of Genius”. They include “T-Shirt Launcher Inventor”. Click here to listen to it. I’m not saying it’s a bad thing to do. I’m just saying that it came to mind as I watched the guy drive around launching shirts into the stands. The crowd also did their best “Chicken Dance” for a chance to win dinner at Alfy’s Pizza.

The third period got underway with the teams 4 on 4, as they worked off penalties from the end of the second period. Everett has lost 11 of its last 13 games, but you can’t tell. They are playing lights out, physical, getting into Seattle’s end again and again. The T-Birds, on the other hand, have won 3 of its last 5 games (and tied one), but really looked as though something is “off”. I know several players are injured, including Devon LeBlanc, Brad Richard and Lindsay Nielsen, but something else seems to be up. Illness? Off-kilter from having several days off? It was hard to tell, even from my lofty perch.

Everett ran into penalty trouble about 6:50 into the period, as Graham Potuer got called for interference. But once again, the Silvertips’ penalty kill was stellar and Seattle failed to score. Everett didn’t have such problems, as they found the net again just before the 9 minute mark. Graham Potuer came out of the penalty box to score, with help from Byron Froese.

Frustration continued to build on Seattle’s end. Sena Acolatse got into a scrap with Dale Hunt, then Jim O’Brien got called for his second penalty of the night, this time for high sticking. The cowbells began ringing in force and the music guy pumped things up by blasting AC/DC and other heavy rock songs. The action on the ice continued with more scraps. The T-Birds pulled goalie Calvin Pickard with a little over 3 minutes left, but Everett nearly capitalized on that, too. Dale Hunt missed the empty net goal, though, at the same time that Captain Zack Daily got called for interference. Pickard went back in goal and the action continued. A scrum down at the Everett goal knocked the net off its moorings and more pushing and shoving ensued.

As the clock ticked down the final minute, the crowd went crazy, screaming and ringing their cowbells. , Sena Acolatse got called for kicking from behind just as the game ended, capping off a night of great frustration for the T-Birds and great jubilation for the Silvertips.

Final score: Everett 4, Seattle 0.

After the game, they announced the three stars of the game and I’m proud to say I picked them, in order, but it really wasn’t that difficult, if you look at the way Everett played.

3 Stars of the Game:

1. Byron Froese (one goal, two assists- and really a playmaker the entire game)
2. Thomas Heemskerk (stopped 24 shots and recorded his second shutout)
3. Shane Harper (had two assists and played extremely well all night)

If I could, I would have also named Everett’s defense as a star of the game. They did a great job breaking up scoring chance after scoring chance. The penalty kill unit was also stellar.

NOTE: According to an Everett Silvertips press release, rookie Kellan Tochkin’s assist on the first goal broke the franchise record for points by a rookie. Tochkin’s 62 points surpassed a record of 61 held by Kyle Beach. Congratulations to Kellan! (You can read my interview with Kellan Tochkin by clicking here.)

I know that this isn’t the type of game recap you normally read, but I like to include as much of the game experience as I can, not just what happens when the clock is actually running. If you prefer a more “sports-like” recap, I highly suggest you read Nick Patterson’s column in the Everett Herald. He is a stellar writer whom I greatly admire. I like to focus on the fan’s perspective and hopefully, help you decide whether to go see a game in the future. I hope I've accomplished that this time.