Tips ready for next step in the ‘process’

EVERETT — The Western Hockey League preseason is an evaluation process, and Everett Silvertips head coach Kevin Constantine trusts that process.

“I’ve learned over the years to really not even worry about your opinion of players too much because the (preseason) games seem to give you that information,” Constantine said. “You have to be patient with your opinion. You have to let the process take its course.”

The next step in that process begins today as the three-day Holiday Inn Classic gets underway at Xfinity Arena in Everett. The action starts at 11:30 a.m. each day, with games involving six WHL teams: Everett, Tri-City, Seattle, Spokane, Portland and Victoria.

“I think it’s a great kickoff to the season,” Silvertips general manager Garry Davidson said. “It allows us to get all our players in one game if not two. It’s the first time it’s real bullets out there, so to speak, because you’re playing against the other teams.”

Seattle and Tri-City open the classic at 11:30 a.m. Friday, with Spokane and Portland following at 3 p.m. The Tips play the 7 p.m. game each night. Everett faces Victoria on Friday, Spokane on Saturday and Portland on Sunday.

The seven-game exhibition schedule continues next week with Everett playing games against Prince George and Portland at the Tri-City Preseason Tournament, and concludes the following weekend with a game at Portland and a home game against Victoria.

There are 32 players still at camp angling for a spot on the roster. The Silvertips can carry 25 during the regular season and usually try to keep the roster at 23. The regular-season opener is Sept. 25.

“The first three (games) give us a chance to look at everybody,” Davidson said. “The (next) two are actually difficult because we lose some players to NHL camps. They’ll be gone for the whole weekend and that could extend depending on when they get sent back.”

The focus at camp this week has shifted from the scrimmages of “Phase One” to teaching and competing against other opponents in “Phase Two.” The coaching staff will have a much better idea of who ultimately will make the roster following this weekend’s three exhibition games.

“(Teaching and competition) really help you evaluate players,” Constantine said. “For some players the process of teaching a team game plan makes their game better. And some players can’t play in a team environment. … We play a team game so you’ve got to be able to play within a team style. That will separate a few of the remaining guys.”

Notes

The Silvertips on Thursday announced the signing of 17-year-old defenseman Cam Dykstra, soon-to-be 16-year-old defenseman Jake Christiansen and 15-year-old defenseman Montana Onyebuchi to WHL standard player agreements. Onyebuchi is not eligible to play this season as a 15-year-old, but has remained at camp this week. … Everett defenseman Noah Juulsen is still out with the concussion he suffered last week. Davidson said Juulsen won’t skate this weekend and could miss next week’s Tri-City Preseason Tournament. Davidson added that Juulsen is progressing positively through the concussion protocol.

Follow Silvertips writer Jesse Geleynse on Twitter @jessegeleynse and check out his Silvertips Blog at http://www.heraldnet.com/section/BLOG12.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

X
Prep roundup for Monday, March 18

Prep roundup for Monday, March 18: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

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.