The Game
The Silvertips came up with another statement victory Friday as they knocked off the Kelowna Rockets 3-1 in their “Throwback Game.”
The sweaters were inspired by the 1960s style while the Rockets wore throwbacks of their own that were reminiscent of their days as the Tacoma Rockets.
Those things are nice for the fans. Back on the ice the Tips never trailed as they scored the game’s first three goals and held off the Rocket for the 3-1 victory that vaulted Everett back into first place in the U.S. Division standings.
Defenseman Brycen Martin scored his first goal since being acquired in a trade with Saskatoon at the beginning of the month with a beautiful wrist shot from the slot that was by Kelowna net minder Michael Herrington before he could react.
Martin now has four goals and a team-best 25 assists (though the majority came with Saskatoon). Look for Martin to increase his point total as he continues to grow accustomed to Everett’s systems and style of play.
This was shaping up to be a difficult week with Everett following back-to-back losses to Vancouver. With two games against defending league champion Kelowna and tomorrow’s game at Kamloops the Tips could conceivably have gone on a significant losing streak for the first time this season. Instead they’ve risen to the challenge to retake first place.
Of course Kelowna is without three players at World Juniors, another due to injury and a fifth to suspension. Head coach Kevin Constantine said it wasn’t really fair to assess Kelowna when the Rockets were missing five of their top players. So we won’t read too much into the past two victories.
The Turning Point
Brycen Martin scored his first goal as a Silvertip at the 18:37 mark of the opening period and it held up as the game-winner.
Three Stars
1. Everett F Remi Laurencelle: The overage assistant captain scored Everett’s first goal and added an assist.
2. Everett D Brycen Martin: Martin scored his first goal as a Silvertip
3. Kelowna F Nick Merkley: Merkley assisted on Kelowna’s goal.
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