Tuesday Puckpourri: Silvertips, WHL Playoffs, UAH and a guy named Calvin

                                            Everett Silvertips (Photo: Su Ring)

The Everett Silvertips are in Kelowna, BC for Games 3 and 4 of first round WHL playoff action. The 'Tips ride a 2-game lead into Kelowna, winning the first game 5-4 in overtime and the second game by a decisive 5-2 score over the Rockets. I wrote up the first two games for a story on the big KING 5 website. Click here and you can read the whole thing. I went to Game 2 Saturday night and sat with my friend Brynna in the nosebleed section (Section 217 to those of you familiar with the seating at the Cable Box). I think my favorite parts of the game (aside from the scoring) was watching play by play guy Jon Rosen lean out of the broadcast room each time the game got exciting. I was kind of worried that he'd actually topple over the ledge, but luckily, he kept his balance. Tonight's game starts at 7. The pre-game show starts at 6:35, I think, over on KRKO-AM (NorthSound 1380). Or, you can listen online at the Silvertips' website. Just click here. Or, you can watch the game live online, at the WHL's website. Just click here. (See how easy I make it for you to keep up?)

Other WHL teams in action tonight:

Tri City Americans v. Chilliwack Bruins:  7pm Pacific time. Tri City manhandled Chilliwack in Games 1 and 2. The Ams won Game 2 by a score of 8-1. 8-1! Brendan Shinnimin had a hat trick in that game. Todd Kennedy had 2. Eric Mestery and Jordan Messier also added to the Ams blowout. Justin Feser had 3 assists. Can we call that a "hat trick" of assists? Why not! Young goalie Drew Owlsey had a shootout going. Well, technically, he kind of still has a shootout in this game, as Chilliwack scored on Alexander Pechurskiy late in the 3rd. I know, it doesn't count on the scoresheet. So what.

Calgary Hitmen v. Kamloops Blazers: 7pm Mountain time (please don't make me break it down by time zone). Calgary's actually down 2 games to 1, which is surprising to most and shocking to some. But don't count the Hitmen out. They're not one of the league's top teams for nothing.

Brandon Wheat Kings v. Swift Current Broncos: 7pm Mountain time. Brandon won the first two games at home. Matt Calvert scored two goals for the Wheat Kings and assisted on 2 other goals in Game 1. A guy named Schenn (Brayden) also scored for Brandon in Game 1. Schenn also scored in Game 2, along with 4 other guys. Swift Current scored 2 in the first game and 3 in the second, so don't count them out either, especially in front of  a home crowd.

Vancouver Giants v. Kamloops Blazers: 7pm Pacific time. One useful thing I learned from the "Today" show during the Olympics is that crooner Michael Buble is one of the Giants' owners. I may be the only hockey fan on the PLANET who didn't know that, but I'm not ashamed to admit that I did not know, until he and Matt Lauer suited up and fired some shots during one contrived segment. I think I like Buble a little more, knowing that he's a hockey fan. Anyway... Vancouver won Games 1 and 2 before a home crowd. (Game 1 went to OT). Now, they're in Kamloops, hoping to keep their winning ways going. Craig Cunningham factored majorly for Vancouver in both games. We'll see if he continues his scoring streak. Meanwhile, here's that segment featuring Michael Buble, Matt Lauer, and a few Giants:



Kootenay Ice v. Medicine Hat Tigers: 7pm Mountain time. Kootenay won the first two games at home. (Am I sensing a trend here?). Now, they have to show they can do it on the road, blah blah blah, just like I wrote for every team above. I just checked out the sheet for Game 2 and noticed 21 PENALTIES, including 3 10-minute misconducts. Do these teams not like each other or what? I also noticed several "checking from behinds" and 2 "unsportsmanlike conduct" calls. Hmm... these two teams might be worth going to see in person, if you're anywhere near Kootenay or Medicine Hat. I'm not, but I might be willing to pay for the live streaming video on the WHL's website. Once again, if you're interested in any of these games, you can follow the score tracker or watch online at the WHL's website. Just click here. If you'd rather watch or listen via a specific team's website, go to the WHL's site anyway-- you can click on any team logo to visit their site.

The other WHL US Division match-up I'm following pits the Portland Winterhawks against the Spokane Chiefs. The Chiefs won the first two games - IN PORTLAND - and drop the puck tomorrow night at home for Game 3. Kyle Beach scored twice in Game 1, including the game winner late in the 3rd period. He didn't score in Game 2, but went to the box several times. It's worth it to watch the streaming video just to see what he'll do next.

UAH: An undeserved honor?

                                CHA Champs! (Photo: UAH Chargers)

Several blogs have taken aim at my would-be alma mater, the University of Alabama Huntsville (I say "would-be" alma mater because I did not graduate).  Late last week, an article appeared in Puck Daddy's column suggesting that UAH didn't deserve to be in the NCAA tournament. You can read it for yourself by clicking here.  Today, our friends at From the Rink took a slightly different view of UAH's CHA championship and seeding in the NCAA tourney. Click here to read that story. For those of you interested in watching the Chargers, they play Saturday at 1pm Pacific (figure out the other time zones for yourself) on ESPNU.  They'll take on Miami (OH), a CCHA team. I know people who have kids at Miami, but I hope that UAH just crushes them, and gives the CCHA a face wash while doing it. Sorry, I'm still choked about all the stupid happenings from last August. Want to follow the team? The best way to do it is to support the group SAVE UAH Hockey. Click here to visit their wonderful site!

CONGRATULATIONS go out to Seattle Thunderbirds Head Coach Rob Sumner, who's been selected as an Assistant Coach for Team Canada's Under-18 team heading overseas to compete next month. I wrote something up about this for the KING 5 site. Click here to read it. Good Luck, Coach!

And last, but certainly not least! 

                                                 Calvin Pickard (Photo: Mick White/Kent Valley Sports)


CONGRATULATIONS go out to T-Birds goalie Calvin Pickard for being named the Western Conference finalist for the WHL Goaltender of the Year award. (His brother Chet is a past winner of this very same award). Calvin's also been named a Western Conference First Team All Star. His teammate, the very talented Prab Rai (a Vancouver Canucks prospect), has been named a Second Team All Star.  Calvin is currently the top ranked goalie by NHL Central Scouting for the 2010 NHL Draft. I wrote a nice story about Calvin, his brother Chet and their dad Bill a few months back. Since there may be some of you who have not read this story yet, I've linked it again. Just click here. I'm quite proud of it-- and thank the Pickard family again for such candid interviews and cute pix of their boys as budding young hockey stars.

I guess that's it for now. As always, I welcome your feedback. Happy Tuesday!

Tuesday Puck Talk: Chargers, 'Tips, buzz cuts, Bertuzzday Award... and Tokarski

Chargers Wait

The UAH Chargers are waiting to hear where they'll head to kick off the NCAA Division I hockey tournament, after beating the Niagara Purple Eagles 3-2 in overtime in the final championship game of the CHA division, which is now no more. The Chargers could play in Albany, NY, St. Paul, MN, Fort Wayne, IN or Worcester, MA. I know I'm not the only UAH fan who hopes the Chargers meet a CCHA team in the first round-- and just creams them! Eh. I know it's sour grapes at this point to still be upset that the CCHA denied UAH's application to join the division, but it still rankles to feel like the odd man out, after Niagara and Robert Morris went to the Atlantic Division and the WCHA took in Bemidji. It's not even that the CCHA had no room - it DID, because UNO decided to move from the CCHA to the WCHA. Again, it's water under the bridge, but still. GO CHARGERS! Follow the NCAA tourney by clicking here. Follow the Chargers and re-live all the goals from the CHA Championship on SAVE UAH Hockey's website. Just click here. In the meantime, here's a great shot of a victorious Chargers team posing again with the CHA trophy back home in Huntsville.

                                 Chargers Victorious! (Photo: UAH Chargers)

BTW, I wrote a passionate (well, I think so, anyway!) blog about the Chargers' cloudy future back in August, when news broke of CCHA's rejection of UAH. It mentions a bit of history, especially during my years at UAH. If you want to check it out, click here.

Silvertips prepare.

                                            Silvertips (photo: Su Ring)

The Everett Silvertips are preparing for a playoff run that many hope will end with the boys bringing the Memorial Cup home to Western Washington. Everett goes into the playoff with a 46-21-3-2 record; Kelowna has a 35-31-2-4 record. But when it comes to playoffs, records really don't matter, do they? Who's gonna have the heart and drive to make it to the next round? The Silvertips have played the entire season with lots of heart and great teamwork. Throw in Shane Harper's 42 goals and 38 assists, along with great work by Kellan Tochkin (28G/48A), Tyler Maxwell (33G/36A), Byron Froese (29G/32A), some great defense by Radko Gudas and company, and steller netminding from Kent Simpson and San Jose prospect Thomas Heemskerk. Kelowna will bring power from the likes of Brandon McMillan (25G/42A), Tyson Barrie (19G/53A), Shane McColgan (25G/44A) and goaltender Adam Brown.  If you're anywhere within driving distance of either city, I suggest you take in a game (or 3). You won't be disappointed. You can follow all the WHL playoff action by clicking here. And if you have any doubt as to who I'm cheering for in the Memorial Cup run: GO 'TIPS GO!

'Tips ready to bare... their heads

Speaking of playoff runs, the Silvertips are shaving their heads to prepare for the post-season. In fact, a few will get buzzcuts LIVE, tonight during the Silvertips weekly radio show on KRKO NorthSound 1380. Among those getting shorn are play by play guys Jon Rosen & Al Kinisky, and LW Scott MacDonald. Wanna watch? Go to Sporty's Beef & Brew in Everett tonight before 6:05 (that's what time the show starts). Click here for more info.

Bertuzzday Award!

In my last post, I lashed out at the Penguins' Matt Cooke over his nasty hit on Marc Savard last week. By now, we've all heard the rant by Don Cherry (see my last post if you haven't). Now, the good folks at NBC's Pro Hockey Talk have named Cooke as the recipient of its first ever "Bertuzzday Award."  Good stuff. You can read more by clicking here. Many kudos to writer James O'Brien. If his name sounds familiar, you may know him from his other blog, "Cycle Like Sedins." He's over on my blogroll so check him out!

Tokarski talks!

                                 Dustin Tokarski (Photo: Mike Carlson-AP)

I don't know if I'm saving the best for last, or if this is just how it turned out, but my good friend Cassie McClellan from "Raw Charge" just interviewed Norfolk Admirals (former Spokane Chiefs) goalie Dustin Tokarski. If you follow the WHL at all, you know the name. In addition to helping lead Spokane to the Memorial Cup in 2008, he also backstopped Team Canada to its 5th straight gold medal in the World Juniors last year. (Another WHL star, Thomas Hickey [Seattle T-Birds/Manchester Monarchs] was Captain of that glorious team!). 

Anyway-- here's a link to Cassie's interview with awesome Tampa Bay prospect Dustin. Awesome stuff.

Tuesday Talk: Chargers, 'Tips and some cool links

The UAH Chargers are waiting to hear where they'll head to kick off the NCAA Division I hockey tournament, after beating the Niagara Purple Eagles 3-2 in overtime in the final championship game of the CHA division, which is now no more. The Chargers could play in Albany, NY, St. Paul, MN, Fort Wayne, IN or Worcester, MA. I know I'm not the only UAH fan who hopes the Chargers meet a CCHA team in the first round-- and just creams them! Eh. I know it's sour grapes at this point to still be upset that the CCHA denied UAH's application to join the division, but it still rankles to feel like the odd man out, after Niagara and Robert Morris went to the Atlantic Division and the WCHA took in Bemidji. It's not even that the CCHA had no room - it DID, because UNO decided to move from the CCHA to the WCHA. Again, it's water under the bridge, but still. GO CHARGERS! Follow the NCAA tourney by clicking here. Follow the Chargers and re-live all the goals from the CHA Championship on SAVE UAH Hockey's website. Just click here. In the meantime, here's a great shot of a victorious Chargers team posing again with the CHA trophy back home in Huntsville.

                                 Chargers Victorious! (Photo: UAH Chargers)

BTW, I wrote a passionate (well, I think so, anyway!) blog about the Chargers' cloudy future back in August, when news broke of CCHA's rejection of UAH. It mentions a bit of history, especially during my years at UAH. If you want to check it out, click here.

Now, on to exciting post-season hockey in the WHL. The Everett Silvertips are preparing for a playoff run that many hope will end with the boys bringing the Memorial Cup home to Western Washington. They kick off a "best of seven"-game series against the Kelowna Rockets this Friday (March 19) at Comcast Arena, more affectionately known as the "Cable Box."

Weekend Puck-Pourri: UAH, Silvertips, T-Birds & ONE BAD COOKIE

Three cheers go out this weekend-- and one very loud, resounding BOO.

First Cheer: University of Alabama Huntsville Chargers hockey team

                                Your 2010 CHA Champs: UAH Chargers (Photo: UAH)

UAH beat Niagara last night 3-2 in overtime to claim the CHA Championship crown and a berth in the NCAA Division I hockey tournament. This is the second CHA trophy for the team from Huntsville and an amazing way to cap a season that began under a cloud of uncertainty. The CHA was dissolving and other divisions were absorbing teams into their folds. UAH requested to join the CCHA, which had an opening, but the CCHA declined, leaving UAH with two options at the end of the season: continue as an independent or fold. We still don't know exactly what's going to happen, but the group SAVE UAH HOCKEY has been working hard all season to keep us updated and also offer up ways to support the team and the program that made UAH the "Hockey Capital of the South" for a more than a quarter of a century. Click here to catch up on SAVE UAH HOCKEY's great works. And: GO CHARGERS GO!!!!

Second Cheer: Everett Silvertips (WHL)

                                Everett Silvertips (Photo: Frank Deines III/Everett Silvertips)
                   
The Silvertips are one win away from claiming the US Division and Western Conference championships, after shutting out the Chilliwack Bruins 5-0 in their last home game of the regular season last night. Shane Harper opened the scoring in the first, with his 41st goal. I lost count, but I think this is also something like the 20th game in which he's scored the first goal. Harper scored again in the third, notching his 100th career goal. Chris Langkow, Byron Froese and Captain Zack Dailey also scored, while goalie (and San Jose signee) Thomas Heemskerk stopped all 25 Chilliwack shots for the shutout. For a more complete play by play, click here for an "official" recap. I don't know who wrote it, but they did a very thorough job. The Silvertips could clinch the abovementioned championships with a win tonight in Spokane. 'Tips fans should also thank the Chiefs, because Spokane knocked off Tri City 5-4 last night, thus toppling the mighty Americans out of the top spot and opening the door for Everett to sneak through.  You can listen to the game on the radio at KRKO-AM, NorthSound 1380.  Jon Rosen is sure to provide the exciting play by play. If you're a Chiefs fan, you will no doubt tune in to Mike Boyle on Sports Radio 1510 KGA.

Third Cheer: Seattle Thunderbirds (WHL)

                                Seattle Thunderbirds (Photo: Mick White/Kent Valley Sports)

The Seattle Thunderbirds deserve a big cheer for pushing through a very tough season. They'll close out the season tonight against the Vancouver Giants and salute their supporters with Fan Appreciation Night.  As of right now, the T-Birds' record is: 18-41-7-5 and 41 points. The team is heavy on youngsters, including about half a dozen 16-year-olds.  Star Goalie Calvin Pickard is 17 years old. Anyone who's been to even a handful of games knows how heartbreakingly close some of the losses were and should be confident that the team can only go up from here. Think about all those youngsters who now have a full season under their belts; a full season of life away from home, a grueling 72 games, travel and personal growth. Things can only look up for this young team! Want to cheer them on tonight? The game starts at 5:05pm at ShoWare Center in Kent. Click here to access the T-Birds' website and buy a ticket! This may be your last chance to see veterans Prab Rai, Jeremy Schappert and Lindsay Nielsen on the ice. To re-live the high points of the season through photos, click here to check out Mick White/Kent Valley Sports' amazing photo galleries!

Now, to the resounding BOO.

It pains me to criticize any player from one of my favorite teams, but I cannot be a good hockey fan if I don't. I'm talking about that vicious hit by Penguins' Matt Cooke that knocked Boston's Marc Savard out indefinitely with a serious concussion. If that wasn't bad enough, the NHL decided NOT TO PUNISH HIM FOR IT. I've been a Pens fan since the late 80's, but I wholeheartedly disagree with this. Matt Cooke should have been suspended and for more than a few games. The league needs to crack down on this kind of viciousness or someone is going to get killed. That sounds dramatic, but it's true. And in case you missed it, Don Cherry tackled the subject (and showed the hit) last night on HNIC. Here's the video. Go ahead and watch it, I'll wait.



The part that really gets me is that Cooke doesn't seem to care. That makes him more than a dirty player. It makes him downright dangerous. Even his own teammate Bill Guerin thinks he should have been suspended. Click here to read the story.

The thing that bothers me even more is the chatter that flooded Twitter after the NHL decided not to punish Cooke. A good number of people think a fitting retaliation is to have teams try to take Sidney Crosby out; in short, to hurt a player who had NOTHING TO DO WITH THE ORIGINAL HIT. How is that fitting retribution? What is this, the code of Hammurabi, hockey-style? (A star for a star, instead of an eye for an eye?).

Just as I said I would not be a good hockey fan if I didn't call out crappy & dangerous plays by members of a team I love, I say this:  Anyone who thinks hurting Crosby would make up for Cooke not being punished, DOES NOT DESERVE TO BE A HOCKEY FAN. You are stupid and ignorant if you believe this is a good idea, and even if you are my best friend, I do not want to know you.

Please - place the blame where blame truly goes: to Matt Cooke for being a dangerous punk and to the NHL for not being strong enough to stand up and do what's right.

That's all for this week. As always, I welcome your comments.

WHL: Silvertips playoff tickets on sale Thursday

News release below from the Everett Silvertips, who are in the playoffs! Even better- they sit atop the WHL's Western Conference as we head into the final week of regular season play.  Read on to see when and how to buy playoff tix (act fast, I know they'll sell quickly!).  There's also info about Fan Appreciation Night next Saturday against the Chilliwack Bruins!

                                                      (Photo: Su Ring)

Everett Silvertips News Release

Everett Silvertips Vice President / General Manager Doug Soetaert released the club’s ticketing information for the 2010 WHL Playoffs, which begins at home over the weekend of Friday, March 19^th and Saturday, March 20^th against an opponent to be determined.  Single game tickets will go on sale Thursday morning, March 11^th, at 10:00 AM at the Silvertips offices, online at www.everettsilvertips.com, and via phone at (866)332-8499. Tickets will also be available at noon Thursday at the Comcast Arena Box Office.

The Friday, March 19^th game will begin at 7:35 pm, while the Saturday, March 20^th game will begin at 7:05 pm.

Fans may also purchase an eight-game playoff package, available by calling or visiting the front office.  The eight-game playoff packs allow fans to save up to $100 off normal ticketing prices while avoiding extra fees. A priority number for the 2010-11 season will be established by picking up one or more playoff packs, which range from $110 (orange-level upper bowl seats) to $180 (blue-level lower club seats).  To speak with a Silvertips representative about package and ticketing information, please call (425) 252-5100.

Pre-ordered packages will be available for pickup at the BECU Guest Services Table outside Section 116, beginning with Friday’s game against the Seattle Thunderbirds, and all of next week at the Silvertips offices.  Playoff packages will be on sale through 5:00 pm on Friday, March 19^th.

The Silvertips have made it easier for groups to join the playoff atmosphere at Comcast Arena, as parties of ten or more now qualify for discounted group rates.  All group tickets, regardless of location throughout the arena, will be on sale for $15.  Please call a Silvertips representative at (425) 252-5100 for more group ticketing information.

Individual tickets for further home playoff games will go on sale at a later date.  Please check www.everettsilvertips.com for up to the minute ticketing and playoff information.

The Silvertips close out the home portion of the regular season at Comcast Arena – Everett against the Seattle Thunderbirds at 7:35 pm on Friday, March 12^th on Monster Energy Drink Cowbell Night, and against the Chilliwack Bruins at 7:05 pm on Fan Appreciation Night on Saturday, March 13^th.  To reach a Silvertips ticketing representative, please call (425) 252-5100.

Friday Puck-pourri

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!

WHL: Interview with Shane Harper (originally posted February 2009)

 

(Photo: Frank Dienes III/Everett Silvertips)

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 100^th 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 1^st.  Then sit back and let the celebration begin!

All the Marbles

To quote a line from the movie "The Princess Bride": "So now it's down to you, and now it's down to me." Team USA and Team CANADA go for the Gold in Vancouver, with the winner taking more than bragging rights. For Team Canada, it's the culmination of a quest to reclaim the crown of supremacy in a game created on its icy ponds and lakes. Canada won its first gold in 50 years back in 2002. In the 2006 Olympics, the team finished in a dismal 7th place. So... there's a lot of redemption on the line here for the guys in red and white, and on "home" ice, too.

Team USA faces similar pressure. The last time Americans sported the gold, the year was 1980 and the team had pulled off a "Miracle" upset of a powerhouse Soviet team. In fact, the anniversary of that game just happened to fall this past week (February 24), adding pressure to a team already feeling the weight of history on its back. One week ago today, USA beat Canada for the first time in 50 years, since the 1960 Winter Games, the only other time Americans won hockey gold. And even though it was a preliminary game, it didn't lessen the sweetness of a 5-3 victory for Team USA fans. The fact that the team took the ice wearing replica jerseys (sweaters) from 1960 seemed fitting.

Team USA powered through Switzerland and Finland to reach this day. Canada battled past Germany, Russia and Slovakia. The arena will be jam-packed with patriotic Canadians. Canada goalie Roberto Luongo will man the net in a rink he already knows like the back of his hand. But Ryan Miller has been outstanding in net for Team USA, shutting down all comers. And his teammates have pretty much made themselves at home over the past two weeks, dominating nearly every opponent they faced.

So... it now comes down to Canada... and it now comes down to USA. Millions will tune in at 3pm Eastern/Noon Pacific to see who skates away with all the marbles.

New Blog posts from Vancouver by Olympics (and T-Birds) off-ice official Ed Petrullo

 

Game-used Pucks bound for Ebay (Photo: Ed Petrullo)

Ed Petrullo, one of four off-ice officials taking a break from Seattle Thunderbirds/WHL games to work men's and women's Olympic hockey games up in Vancouver, updated his blog from the Winter Games. I've posted it over at the KING 5 site. You can catch the latest, including who's been selected to work medal games, by clicking here.

T-Birds: Hockey Challenge features former M's Catcher Dan Wilson, actors and local media celebs

 

Photo Courtesy: RMHC

One of the Seattle Mariners’ best-loved players will show off another side of his athletic prowess this weekend at ShoWare Center in Kent. Former catcher Dan Wilson will lace up the skates and hit the ice as part of the 12^th Annual Hockey Challenge, benefitting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington and Alaska.  

Wilson, who played 12 years for the M’s, also played goalie for the hockey team at Barrington High School in suburban Chicago, Illinois. He’ll join a host of celebrities for this year’s Challenge, including 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.  A few “surprise” celebrities and former hockey pros may also make an appearance.

KING 5 Sports Anchor Paul Silvi has been recruited to coach one of the All Star teams. Ian Furness will coach the other team.

But the big heroes of the annual Hockey Challenge are the men and women at Microsoft and Amazon.com who recruit players, form teams and raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities.  In the 12 years since the Challenge began as an internal charity game between Microsoft’s US and Canadian divisions, the event has raised nearly  $4 Million dollars for the RMHC and drawn such celebrities as Kiefer Sutherland (“24”), D.B. Sweeney (“Criminal Minds”, “Cutting Edge”), Chad Lowe, Tom Arnold, Paul Guilfoyle (“CSI”); and NHL greats Pat LaFontaine, Bob Sweeney, Bruce Courtnall and the Great One himself, Wayne Gretzky.

John Barr, who works in Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices Division, got involved with the Challenge six years ago as a player. Last year, he formed one team for the event. This year, he’s recruited enough players for three teams and raised at least $40,000 in the process. Barr says he became interested in the Hockey Challenge while working for a Microsoft vendor in Reno, Nevada, nearly a decade ago.

“I saw Brian Valentine (former Microsoft Senior Vice President, now with Amazon.com and a longtime Hockey Challenge participant) speak about the Challenge some seven or eight years ago. It inspired me to want to play for that team. When I transferred to Corporate (in Seattle), I found a way to get involved with and participate on the Windows team,” Barr remembered.

Since joining his first Windows team six years ago, Barr has increased his participation and fundraising for the Challenge. He says it wasn’t difficult to put together three teams for this year’s event, as there are hundreds of people at Microsoft who play hockey. This weekend, he’ll play on his “E and D” team against the “Microsoft Mystery Team” (a team he put together with players from various Divisions within the company). Those two will face off at 1:30pm on Saturday. A third team he compiled will play earlier, at 11:35am against a team from Amazon.com. Barr is most excited about this third team, called the “Spartans,” which is made up of people playing in their first Hockey Challenge.

“Six years ago, when I first participated, it was really cool,” Barr said. “My hope is that I create the same kind of excitement for these people. Not everyone will enjoy it as much as I did, but I just hope that people enjoy it and have a good time and want to do it next year.”

Barr is showing his appreciation the biggest fundraisers on his team by offering them the chance to play on one of the Celebrity All Star teams that face off following the Seattle Thunderbirds/Portland Winterhawks game Saturday night.

The Ronald McDonald House Charities thrive on the enthusiasm and philanthropy exhibited by the participants and donors to events like the Hockey Challenge. More than 80% of their operating costs come from communities and corporations. Just last year alone, the RMHC in Seattle housed more than 700 families with seriously ill children undergoing various medical treatments at nearby Seattle Children’s Hospital. Breaking it down, that’s more than 28,000 nights of housing and services to those families. In addition to the home-like atmosphere, families have use of a communal pantry and can utilize services like daily visits from pet therapy dogs and a program where volunteers come in and cook meals for families that may be a bit too focused on their children’s needs to focus on their own needs.

Vanessa Kirk Briley, RMHC’s Co-Director of Development says all these services are crucial to families, some of whom left homes far away to be with their children. But perhaps the biggest benefit for these families, is meeting others who are facing similar challenges.

She says, “There’s a support system among the families themselves that, even though the staff is here, is something we can’t participate in because they’re going through a unique situation and bond with each other.”

One big highlight of Hockey Challenge weekend for the children, she says, is a visit by members of the Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team.  Players join the kids in their giant playroom and get down to the business of fun, playing everything from foosball to tag, making necklaces or letting kids paint their faces or decorate them with stickers.  Some players, like Greg Scott from last year’s T-Birds team, act as “reporters” and file video dispatches. Here's one of those video dispatches (just click on the title):  2008 Foosball; 

One of the most visible Hockey Challenge participants recently underwent his own battle with serious illness. Bill Wixey, 10pm News Anchor for Q13 Fox News, has played in the Challenge for 10 of its 12 years.  He says he’s had a great time lining up alongside such stars as Kiefer Sutherland (“24”), NHL great Pat LaFontaine and fellow news anchor, KING 5’s Brad Goode. Bill has always supported the work that RMHC does and has visited the House in Seattle many times. His own cancer fight gives him another perspective.

“I am now much more sympathetic and understand exactly what these brave kids are facing,” Bill said. “Since going public with my fight, I have become a bit of a sounding board for folks who are either dealing with cancer personally know someone who is battling it, or folks who fear they may have cancer.”

Bill took his cancer fight very public; sharing sometimes very painful treatment on the air with his viewers. He also started a blog and posted updates on Facebook and Twitter, which drew thousands of followers, including those who were undergoing their own battles or had successfully beaten cancer. Bill welcomed them all. “I consider it an honor that folks approach me and discuss sensitive health issues with me.”

Bill grew up playing hockey in and around Western Washington and still plays in a lunch league on the Eastside. At last year’s Challenge, he scored the winning goal to give his team the shootout victory. But that’s not all he enjoys about playing in the yearly event.

Bill: “The Challenge, to me, is always a thrill. It's a day where I get to feel like a sort of celebrity, even though I'm really not. I get to hang out with bonafide stars and ask them why they never look to the slot when I am wide open. That's pretty cool.”

This year’s Hockey Challenge gets under way at ShoWare Center on Saturday morning at 9:40am, when the Windows women’s team takes on the Exchange women’s team. Here’s the rest of the schedule:

Hockey Challenge 2010 Schedule
Game 1 - Windows Women vs. Exchange Women, 9:40 a.m.
Game 2 - Microsoft Spartans vs. Amazon.com, 11:35 a.m.

Game 3 - Entertainment & Devices vs. Microsoft Mystery Team, 1:30 p.m.

Game 4 - Windows Live vs. MS IT, 3:25 p.m.

Celebrity Autograph Session - 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on west concourse of ShoWare Center

Game 5 - Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Portland Winterhawks, 6:05 p.m.

Game 6 - Celebrity All-Star, immediately following T-Birds/Winterhawks game

A ticket to the T-Birds/Winterhawks game will gain you entry to all the Hockey Challenge events, including the Celebrity Autograph Session and the All Star game. For more information or to buy tickets, go to the T-Birds website. Just click here.

To learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington and Alaska, including the many ways they help families and how to volunteer your services, time or donate money, just click here.

Video: KING 5 story with 4 local off-ice officials in Vancouver

KING 5's Chris Daniels caught up with four of our friends who are up in Vancouver, working men's and women's Olympic hockey games. You may recognize Betty, Ed, Lew and Jay from T-Birds/WHL games at ShoWare Center in Kent. They told Chris they're having the time of their lives-- and ONE OF THEM gets to off-ice officiate the men's Gold Medal Game!

Click here to see the story and find out who drew the lucky assignment!
Good luck, Guys!!!!

Reliving "The Miracle"... again

I'm reposting a blog I posted last year-- about reliving that amazing Miracle on Ice game of 1980-- and remembering what the game meant to my father, a career-Army man who really isn't a hockey fan. to commemorate the 30th anniversary of that game, here's a link to the original blog:

Reliving the Miracle... through Dad's eyes

Would love to read your memories of the Game, as well.

Olympics: USA stuns Canada 5-3

 

Kesler & Parise celebrate empty net goal (Photo: AP)

Team USA wore historic jerseys on the ice tonight- throwbacks to the 1960 team that won gold at the Winter Olympics in Squaw Valley. It was also the last time the US beat Canada in an Olympic game. Perhaps it was fitting, then, that they took the ice dressed to remind everyone of that victory 50 years ago.  Tonight's game had Team USA fans saying, "What took you so long!"

To read my wrap up on the KING 5 site, just click here.

Mitch Love - Blog #7 Posted

I recently posted Mitch Love's 7th blog of the season. In this missive, he reminisces about former teammate Ian White, who is doing well in the NHL. Click here to read it. Mitch and the Peoria Rivermen (AHL) are trying to regain their footing following a string of losses. You can follow Mitch and the Rivermen at Peoria's website. Click here for a link.

Mitch and some teammates took time out of their schedule to attend funeral services for a 17 year old special needs student who collapsed at a Rivermen game and died later at a hospital. According to the Peoria Journal Star, Tyler Dawson was a huge Rivermen fan and was buried wearing a team jersey. The team also observed a moment of silence in Tyler's memory before Friday night's game.

Also of interest, Dave Eminian of the Peoria Journal Star, wrote a piece about 5 former Rivermen who are competing in the Winter Games. Click here to read more.

From the WHL to the Olympics: 4 local off-ice officials live a dream in Vancouver

 

From left: Lew Sellers, Betty Petrullo, Ed Petrullo, Jay Carbon (photo: Ed Petrullo)

Four off-ice officials who work all the Seattle Thunderbirds home games are living a dream in Vancouver right now. Jay Carbon, Betty Petrullo, Ed Petrullo and Lew Sellers were selected to work as off-ice officials for men's and women's Olympic hockey games.  Ed is blogging for KING 5.
Click here to read what he's written so far.

Betty is blogging for the students in the Shoreline School District, where she works.
Click here to read her blog.

Lew is blogging for the Kent Valley Hockey Association.
Click here to read his blog.

Brief wrap up: USA v. Norway, Canada v. Switzerland, Russia v. Slovakia

Posted a brief wrap up of Friday's men's hockey excitement at the Vancouver Olympics, where the US beat Norway 6-1 but did not look amazing doing it; where Canada needed a shootout to beat Switzerland 3-2; and where Slovakia stunned Russia in a shootout 2-1.
Click here to read the wrap up-- and also be linked to some awesome coverage from the Games themselves.

My Favorite Olypmics Commercial

Hands down, it's this tribute to moms of Olympians, very deftly produced by P&G.
LOVE. IT.

Men's Hockey: Day One

Posted a Day One wrap up over at the KING 5 site.

Click here for the link.

A weekend of games: Silvertips, T-Birds, Totems and more!

Hockey fans in the Western Washington area have a number of games to choose from this weekend, to get that fix. If you’ve made a resolution to experience a hockey game for the first time, you’re in luck too. You can start out by catching the Seattle Thunderbirds face off against a strong Portland Winterhawks team in Portland. The Western Hockey League (WHL) will air this game LIVE on FoxSports NW at 7:30 tonight. Like what you see? Then head to ShoWare Center in Kent tomorrow night to see the two teams in action (in Game 2 of a “Home and Home” series). The puck drops at 7:05. You can find more information about the T-Birds and buy tickets by visiting their website. Just click here. You can also listen to all T-Birds games on the radio- at 104.9 FM Funky Monkey.

Head up I-5 to Everett tomorrow night to catch the red-hot Everett Silvertips in action against the Spokane Chiefs. The ‘Tips will be looking for revenge against the team that snapped their 14-game winning streak on Wednesday night in Spokane. Tomorrow’s game is also Firefighter Appreciation and Public Safety Night, so get there early to enjoy any pre-game activities at Comcast Arena. Find more information about the ‘Tips and buy tickets. Here’s the link to their website. You can listen to every Silvertips game on the radio- at NorthSound 1380 AM – KRKO.

The Seattle Junior Totems are dominating the Northern Pacific Junior Hockey League (NORPAC). They face off against the Rogue Valley Wranglers tonight and tomorrow night at Olympic View Ice Arena in Mountlake Terrace. There is absolutely no love lost between these two teams and what’s more, a ticket to see the action up close is just $5. For more information, click here to be linked to the Junior Totems website. 

If you feel like catching some hockey, Canadian-style, take in an Abbotsford Heat game. The Heat are the AHL affiliate of the NHL Calgary Flames and play at the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre. Tomorrow night, they take on the Chicago Wolves (the Atlanta Thrashers’ AHL affiliate). The puck drops at 7:30pm. Click here for schedule, roster and ticket information. (Note: Former Everett Silvertips players Riley Armstrong and Leland Irving play for Abbotsford. Former NHL great Chris Chelios is in the Wolves’ lineup.) Check the Heat’s website for suggestions on how to watch or listen online.

The Victoria Salmon Kings feature up and coming players within the Vancouver Canucks’ organization (representing the ECHL). Tonight and tomorrow night, they drop the puck against the Utah Grizzlies, who are affiliated with the New York Islanders and the Calgary Heat. Both games start at 7:05 at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Center. For more information, click here. One fun way to take in the Victoria experience is to take the Victoria Clipper, have high tea at the Empress Hotel, take in the beautiful Butchart Gardens then cap off the day by cheering on the Salmon Kings. 

In addition to junior and minor league, there’s plenty of hockey featuring a great number of talented youngsters across Western Washington. Contact your local ice arena for more information.

Mitch Love has a new blog up at the KING 5 site

Our favorite pugilistic poet has a new blog up on the KING 5 site. In his latest post, Mitch Love talks about how he spent his time during the AHL All Star break and reminisces about breaks in years past. Mitch and the Peoria Rivermen took on the Rockford IceHogs tonight in Rockford for "Pink the Rink" night.  The Rivermen lost, but Mitch dropped the gloves and engaged in a little "debate" with IceHogs Captain Jake Dowell. I'm sure someone will post photos of this tilt.

Tomorrow night, Mitch and the Rivermen will face his former team, the Houston Aeros. I look forward to a recap from our friends at The Third Intermission (http://thethirdintermission.blogspot.com/) for a full recap of the game.

In the meantime, enjoy Mitch's latest musings:

http://www.king5.com/community/blogs/blogger-king-sports/HockeyAHL-Mitch-Love-Blog-6-82308242.html

WHL: Silvertips look for Lucky win #13

Many people fear the number 13. Not the Everett Silvertips.  In just a few minutes, the ‘Tips will hit the ice at Comcast Arena gunning for their 13^th straight win as they face the Portland Winterhawks. The Winterhawks sit just behind the Silvertips in the WHL's Western Conference standings and will work hard to break the Silvertips' winning streak.

Everett has been on fire since 2010 began, tearing through the WHL, leaving a string of victims in its wake. Their last loss came on New Year's Eve, when they fell 2-1 to the Saskatoon Blades. For those of you who haven’t been keeping track, here’s a quick recap of the Silvertips’ scoring frenzy in the new year:

January 2:  ‘Tips defeat the Tri City Americans 6-5 in a shootout in front of a vocal home crowd. Captain Zack Dailey and forward Tyler Maxwell each scored twice in regulation. Shane Harper also scored in the game, which ended in a 5-5 tie in regulation. Overtime ended with no score, setting up the shootout, which went seven rounds. Maxwell, Dailey and Byron Froese scored in the SO, one more than Tri City, claiming the victory for the Silvertips.  (Note: a number of Silvertips registered “assists” in this game, including: Scott MacDonald, Clayton Cumiskey, Shane Harper, Chris Langkow (2), Radko Gudas, Alex Theriau, Zack Dailey and Chris de la Lande) Click here for highlights (select 1/02/10).

January 3: ‘Tips defeat the Portland Winterhawks 2-1 at Memorial Coliseum in Portland.  Forwards Clayton Cumiskey and Byron Froese scored for Everett. Curtis Kulchar, Tyler Maxwell, Chris de la Lande and Scott MacDonald registered assists. Goaltender Thomas Heemskerk stopped 32 of 33 shots to keep the Silvertips in the “Win” column.

January 5: ‘Tips defeat the Kamloops Blazers 5-3 at the Interior Savings Centre in Kamloops.  Five different Silvertips scored in this game: Defensemen Curtis Kulchar and Rasmus Rissanen, Right Wings Kellan Tochkin and Shane Harper, and Center Byron Froese found the net for Everett. Assists went to:  Scott MacDonald, Clayton Cumiskey, Shane Harper, Chris Langkow (2), Radko Gudas, Alex Theriau, Zack Dailey and Chris de la Lande. Thomas Heemskerk stopped 27 of 30 shots for Everett.

January 6: ‘Tips defeat the Kelowna Rockets 6-2 at Prospera Place in Kelowna. Again, different Silvertips players stepped up to score: Zack Dailey, Josh Winquist, Byron Froese, Kellan Tochkin, Shane Harper and Chris Langkow. Many of the same players also showed up in the “Assist” column: Dailey and Harper had 2 assists each, along with Tyler Maxwell. Langkow notched an assist, as well as Rasmus Rissanen, Radko Gudas, Clayton Cumiskey, Ryan Murray and Alex Theriau. Kent Simpson was stellar in net for Everett, stopping 23 of 25 Kelowna shots.

January 8: ‘Tips shutout the Seattle Thunderbirds 3-0 at ShoWare Center in Kent. Josh Winquist, Shane Harper and Alex Theriau scored for Everett, assisted by: Scott MacDonald, Chris de la Lande, Clayton Cumiskey and Zack Dailey. Winquist also had an assist in this game.  San Jose Sharks prospect Thomas Heemskerk stopped all 21 Seattle shots to notch his second shutout of the season.

January 10: ‘Tips defeat the Spokane Chiefs 4-3 in a shootout at Comcast Arena. Byron Froese, Scott MacDonald and Ryan Murray scored for Everett in regulation. Tyler Maxwell assisted on all three goals. Rasmus Rissanen, Alex Theriau and Kellan Tochkin also had assists. Maxwell and MacDonald scored in the shootout to keep the Silvertips’ winning streak going. Thomas Heemskerk stopped 33 of 36 shots- and 3 of 4 shootout attempts by the Chiefs. Click here for a highlight.

January 15: ‘Tips defeat the Chilliwack Bruins 3-2 at Prospera Centre in Chilliwack. Byron Froese, Chris Langkow and Kellan Tochkin scored for Everett. Tochkin and Langkow also notched assists, along with Shane Harper (2), Rasmus Rissanen and Zack Dailey. Thomas Heemskerk continued his winning ways, stopping 28 of 30 Bruins shots. Click here for a highlight.

January 16: ‘Tips defeat the Chilliwack Bruins 5-1 before a home crowd at Comcast Arena. Just 24 hours after beating the Bruins in BC, the Silvertips added to their winning streak by dismantling Chilliwack in Everett. Chris Langkow and Byron Froese each scored twice, and Kellan Tochkin added a goal and an assist. Zack Dailey, Shane Harper and Tyler Maxwell each had 2 assists. Froese and Tochkin each had one, along with Radko Gudas. Kent Simpson was excellent in goal for the Silvertips, stopping 19 of 20 Chilliwack shots. Click here for a highlight.

January 17: ‘Tips defeat the Seattle Thunderbirds 4-3 in overtime at Comcast Arena. Shane Harper had two goals on this night, including the overtime winner. Josh Winquist and Markus McCrea also scored for Everett. McCrea also registered an assist, along with Chris Langkow, Radko Gudas (2), Ryan Murray, D. Jay McGrath and Captain Zack Dailey, who assisted Harper’s OT goal.  Thomas Heemskerk stopped 29 of 32 Seattle shots and continued his stellar net minding in the overtime period. Click here for a highlight.

January 20: ‘Tips defeat the Vancouver Giants 3-2 at Comcast Arena. Clayton Cumiskey, Byron Froese and Shane Harper scored for Everett, with help from: Scott MacDonald, Josh Winquist, Kellan Tochkin, Tyler Maxwell and Radko Gudas). Kent Simpson handled goaltending duties, and handled the Giants fairly well, stopping 28 of 30 shots. Click here for a highlight.

January 22: ‘Tips defeat the Portland Winterhawks 4-3 in Portland.  Shane Harper, Ryan Murray, Alex Theriau and Byron Froese scored for the Silvertips on this night. Assists went to: Theriau, Harper, Zack Dailey, Chris Langkow, Josh Winquist, Radko Gudas and Tyler Maxwell.  Kent Simpson walked away with the victory, stopping 28 of 31 Winterhawk shots.

January 24: ‘Tips defeat the Spokane Chiefs 3-2 at Comcast Arena. Shane Harper opened the scoring, and Kellan Tochkin notched two goals in the Silvertips’ victory.  Zack Dailey, Ryan Murray, Curtis Kulchar, Tyler Maxwell, Chris de la Lande and Alex Theriau registered assists.  Kent Simpson marked his 15^th win of the season, stopping 34 of 36 Spokane shots. Click here for a highlight.

As I wrap up this update, the time is 7:18pm. The puck drops between the Silvertips and Portland Winterhawks at Comcast Arena at 7:35pm. Will Everett pull out its 13^th straight win? If you can’t make it to the arena in time to see the game in person, you can listen on the radio: KRKO-AM – NorthSound 1380. You can also find a link at the Silvertips website to listen online. Just click here. What's your favorite moment of the Silvertips' run? Please share them below!