Final thoughts as Everett Silvertips bow out to Seattle Thunderbirds

Final thoughts as Everett Silvertips bow out to Seattle Thunderbirds

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).

Bonus Coverage

The Box Score

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.