The Game
The Everett Silvertips fell 3-2 Saturday night in Kent to the Seattle Thunderbirds and were eliminated in the Western Conference semifinals for the second consecutive year. Like last year’s loss to Portland the Tips won game one before losing the next four and bowing out.
You can’t overstate what the loss of Noah Juulsen and Carson Stadnyk due to injury after game two did to the Tips. You throw in the loss of Graham Millar after game three and the game four suspension of Dawson Leedahl, and the Tips were certainly out-gunned as they were outshot 36-16 and 42-19 in the final two games.
“You could see that getting offense created and getting shots and getting scoring chances became a challenge in the last two games,” head coach Kevin Constantine said. “That’s to Seattle’s credit, but the loss of Stadnyk was also a big part of it.”
Juulsen and Leedahl are also Everett’s most physical players and the Tips struggled to match Seattle’s physicality.
Yet each game was a one-goal loss with the result in doubt into the final minute. That’s due not only to goalie Carter Hart and the defense in front of him, but the relentless tenacity of the Tips.
“I think not being out of it is related to the people, not the system and the details,” Constantine said. “The kids just kept working. That’s why we weren’t out of it. That’s a credit to them.”
Added overage forward Remi Laurencelle: “Obviously we played in our own zone for most of the last three games and guys blocked shots and kept working. Even though they were up 3-1 and had all the momentum we kept working and made sure that we still had a chance. I can’t ask for more.”
The T-Birds are on to face either Kelowna or Victoria for the Western Conference title. The Tips will pack up and begin preparing for next season.
The Turning Point
Ryan Gropp – who else? – potted what proved the game-winner at 11:43 in the second period.
Three Stars
1. Seattle F Scott Eansor: Eansor had a goal and was plus-one on the night.
2. Seattle F Ryan Gropp: Gropp, who gave the Tips fits all season long, scored the game-winner.
3. Seattle F Nick Holowko: Holowko had a goal and was plus-one
Honorable Mention: Everett F Matt Fonteyne (2A, plus-2), Everett G Carter Hart (39 saves).
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
