Ex-Silvertip Morden ponders hockey future

Evan Morden appeared to be in the perfect situation. The 20-year-old defenseman had locked up an overage spot with the Prince Albert, which is poised to contend for the Western Hockey League title, and he played a part in the Raiders’ flying start to the season.

But appearances aren’t always what they seem.

The former Everett Silvertip left the Raiders last week, reportedly to ponder his hockey future.

Morden, who played two seasons in Everett from 2010-12, was in his second season with the Raiders after being traded by Everett prior to last season. He had a solid 2012-13 campaign, and was pegged as one of Prince Albert’s three overagers this season as the Raiders look to be one of the league’s contenders. Morden appeared in Prince Albert’s first three games, recording an assist and a plus-3 rating.

However, Morden apparently wasn’t happy.

“He cited a lack of motivation to play at this level,” Raiders general manager Bruno Campese told the Prince Albert Daily Herald. “I think it’s something that has been brewing within him for a while, I think it came to a head that it was in his own best interest and really the best interest of the team.

“I think he hasn’t played to his potential, he knows it, we know it, we were wondering why and now we know why.”

The Raiders didn’t spend any time waiting for Morden to have a change of heart. Three days later, they replaced Morden by acquiring 20-year-old defenseman MacKenzie Johnston from Kelowna in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2015 bantam draft.

Meanwhile, Morden has rejoined the Swan Valley Stampeders of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. He played for the Stampeders as a 16-year-old prior to joining the Tips in 2010.

Around the WHL

Medicine Hat found itself in an overager crunch when 20-year-old forward Jacob Doty was reassigned to the Tigers by the NHL’s St. Louis Blues. Medicine Hat alleviated the glut by sending 20-year-old forward Boston Leier to Regina in exchange for a second-round pick in the 2016 bantam draft. … Lethbridge was dealt a blow when Belarussian defenseman Kristian Khenkel was denied a transfer to North American by the International Ice Hockey Federation. Khenkel, an 18-year-old selected in the first round of this year’s Canadian Hockey League import draft, was ruled to have signed a professional contract with Yunost Minsk in Belarus when he was 14, and he will have to honor that contract through 2016. … Two WHLers signed entry-level contracts with the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets. Eighteen-year-old Prince Albert defenseman Josh Morrissey was Winnipeg’s first-round pick in this year’s NHL draft, while 18-year-old Lethbridge forward Axel Blomqvist was an undrafted free agent. … Kelowna’s Nick Merkley was named the WHL Player of the Week. The 16-year-old forward had four goals and two assists as the Rockets went 3-0.

League leaders

Points—Mitch Holmberg (Spokane) 18; goals—Oliver Bjorkstrand (Portland) 9; assists—Henrik Samuelsson (Edmonton) 12; penalty minutes—Mitch Moroz (Edmonton) 29; wins—Cole Cheveldave (Prince Albert) 5; goals against average—Eric Williams (Spokane) 1.24; save percentage—Williams .949.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

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

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink 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)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

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.