Sports

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Report scores and results to 425-339-3470 or 1-866-6-SCORES (Call after 4:30 p.m.) E-mail information including items for Tuesday's Communities Sports Roundup and Thursday's Outdoor Calendar, to sports@heraldnet.com Kevin Brown, Sports Editor kbrown@heraldnet.com   Published: Thursday, September 25, 2008 Familiar face back with Tips Everett reinstates Jordan Mistelbacher, but team still missing key pair at NHL camps By Nick Patterson Herald Writer EVERETT -- The Everett Silvertips welcomed one of their players back Wednesday. But it wasn't one of their NHL campers, it was their prodigal son. Winger Jordan Mistelbacher has been reinstated after serving more than three weeks on suspension. He returned to Everett late Tuesday night and took part in Wednesday's team-building dodgeball session at Everett Skate Deck. "It feels great to be back, I'm really happy," the 18-year-old from Winnipeg, Manitoba, said. "I'm glad I'm back here to help the team out." Mistelbacher, along with defenseman Tyler Kieffer, was sent home over Labor Day weekend for violating team rules. Kieffer was subsequently shipped to Medicine Hat in exchange for defenseman Shayne Brown, and Mistelbacher's future with the club seemed to be in doubt. However, the Tips deemed Mistelbacher worthy of a second chance. "He has served his sentence," Tips general manager Doug Soetaert said. "I think three weeks away was an opportunity for him to think long and hard about his hockey career and what he wants to do. We had good communication with him, he's on board with what we're trying to do, and we're going to move forward." The team never gave any details regarding the nature of the rules violation, and Mistelbacher also declined to discuss the specifics. Mistelbacher was almost completely isolated from hockey during his suspension. He had his tryout with the NHL's Minnesota Wild cut short when he wasn't cleared medically to play -- he had a concussion last season and there wasn't enough time for the Wild to perform the necessary tests to allow him to play. While home in Winnipeg, he practiced with his junior A team, the Winnipeg Saints, but did not play in any games. Therefore, he had plenty of time to ponder his situation. "My thoughts were just to get back and play hockey," Mistelbacher said. "I'm just happy they brought me back. "And I learned just to stay out of trouble." Mistelbacher was right back into full interaction with his teammates Wednesday, who seemed to welcome him back with open arms. "You could see here with the guys, this is probably what you miss more than anything, the friendships and camaraderie with your teammates," Everett coach John Becanic observed. "He's got a great attitude, we've turned the page and we'll move forward." Mistelbacher's return adds another physical presence to Everett's lineup. The punishing 6-foot-2, 209-pounder had 10 goals and 10 assists in 67 games as a rookie last season. With the Tips having so much inexperience up front this season, Mistelbacher was being counted on to increase his contributions. He should get that chance immediately. Becanic said Mistelbacher likely would be back in the lineup this weekend when the Tips host Portland on Friday and Seattle on Saturday. "We're happy to have him back," Becanic said. "We're obviously a bigger, stronger, better team with him in the lineup than without him." While Mistelbacher is in line to play Friday, it's looking unlikely that either of Everett's NHL campers, left wing Kyle Beach and defenseman Taylor Ellington, will be sent back in time to feature this weekend. Neither Beach (Chicago Blackhawks) nor Ellington (Vancouver Canucks) has yet appeared in an NHL preseason game, and both are expected to get into at least one contest. "The teams have until Oct. 5 to do whatever they want with them," Soetaert said about Beach and Ellington, neither of whom has signed an NHL contract. "We haven't heard anything from their teams. They have to make decisions sooner or later, but it probably won't happen until Oct. 5." Nick Patterson's Silvertips blog: http://www.heraldnet.com/silvertipsblog READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

1. Dad admits drinking before girl's shooting, police say 2. Marysville girl, 6, fatally shot, father held 3. Everett approves new cement plant 4. Economy forces teens to cope with smaller allowances, lost jobs 5. Everett trucking firm is stuck In the slow lane 6. Tax hike sought to clean up Puget Sound 7. Faster bus service coming to Highway 99 8. Oso residents want to use old school as community center 9. Take off to the Great White North 10. Train wreck fans rejoice, it's Apple Cup week 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Edmonds arts legend Murphey dies • Meadowdale can't hang on against Capital • Heffernan's goal puts Shorecrest in state 3A semis • Jackson wins state 4A swim title • Wildcats stuff Black Hills, move on to quarterfinals • Woodinville ends Shorewood girls season • King’s wins first state volleyball title • King's volleyball advances to tonight's 1A title match • King's soccer back in state semifinals • Building energy independence from the ground up