No fury like that of jilted Silvertips fans

Comcast Arena will be abuzz tonight.

This is the moment Everett Silvertips fans have eagerly awaited. For more than three years, they’ve waited patiently for their opportunity to see superstar defenseman Seth Jones take the ice in Everett.

Unfortunately, Tips fans won’t be seeing Jones in the context they wished.

Jones makes his first visit to Everett as a member of the Portland Winterhawks tonight, and it’s certain he’ll receive an icy reception from a home crowd he jilted.

The saga by now is well known. Everett, with two first-round picks in the 2009 bantam draft, took a chance on Jones. Jones was considered perhaps the top talent available in the draft, and as the son of former NBA basketball player Popeye Jones he came complete with a compelling backstory. However, Jones slid to 11th overall because of questions about whether he would choose to play in the WHL or the NCAA.

For three years, the Tips courted Jones and his family. Then team general manager Doug Soetaert always maintained his confidence that Jones would end up in Everett, even after Jones decided to play his 16- and 17-year-old seasons for the U.S. National Team Development Program.

Jones was the game changer. He was considered the type of talent capable of single-handedly turning around Everett’s flagging fortunes, which have seen the Tips fail to advance past the first round of the playoffs since 2007. He was billed as the complete package of size, skill and hockey sense. Images of a defensive pairing including Jones and Ryan Murray caused salivary glands in Everett to gush like waterfalls.

But Soetaert was dismissed in February. Then in April, Jones’ representatives announced he wouldn’t sign with the Silvertips. Everett was compelled to trade him to Portland for a package of four prospects, and Jones wasted no time signing with the Winterhawks.

By all accounts, Jones has been every bit as good as advertised. Going into Friday night’s game against Seattle, the 18-year-old had six goals — including a beauty solo effort during Portland’s 5-2 victory over Everett on Halloween — and 11 assists in 24 games, as well as a plus-17 rating. He’s solidified his position as one of the top two prospects for the 2013 NHL draft, and he helped Portland compile the league’s best record at 20-4-1-0.

Everett fans are left wondering what might have been.

We still haven’t received an explanation from Jones as to why he wouldn’t sign with Everett, but was willing to sign with Portland. Jones was not made available for an interview this week as the Winterhawks closed ranks in response to the crippling sanctions handed down by the league Wednesday for player benefit violations.

As if tonight’s game wasn’t charged enough by Jones’ first visit to Everett, it’s also Portland’s first road game since the sanctions were imposed. Think the Winterhawks may hear a few choice words from the fans?

But it’s certain Jones will be the primary target of those barbs. When Portland played Everett during the Everett Silvertips Preseason Tournament, Jones heard a smattering of boos every time he touched the puck. There were maybe 1,000 fans in the stands that night, and the game meant nothing. It will be an exponentially larger crowd tonight, and a completely different atmosphere.

After all, it’s hard to get over a broken heart.

Check out Nick Patterson’s Silvertips blog at http://www.heraldnet.com/silvertipsblog, and follow him on Twitter at NickHPatterson.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.