Odds and ends

Published 3:35 pm Tuesday, November 27, 2007

A few things worth mentioning today:

– Everett’s injury situation appears to be alleviating. Both right wing Dan Gendur (shoulder) and defenseman Dane Crowley (concussion) are practicing again. Head coach John Becanic said he expects both to be cleared to play in time for Friday’s home game against Seattle. The Tips still have their share of players nursing bumps and bruises, but for the first time in a long time Everett may have a full roster to select from Friday.

– That prospect may be complicated by the Canada-Russia Challenge series, which takes place Wednesday in Cranbrook and Thursday in Medicine Hat. Everett has three players participating in the games. Center Zach Hamill and goaltender Leland Irving will suit up for Team Canada and center Vitali Karamnov is playing for Team Russia. Both Hamill and Irving are scheduled to play in Wednesday’s game in Cranbrook, though that may be complicated by the fact that Canada’s other goaltender, Vancouver’s Tyson Sexsmith, won’t be available Thursday because of a Giants game change. Karamnov is scheduled to play both games. Becanic said all three will be back in time for Friday’s game, but it remains to be seen whether they will play.

– In case you missed it, Everett had its third alumni reach the NHL last Wednesday when defenseman Ivan Baranka made his debut with the New York Rangers. Baranka, who played in Everett from 2003-05, had an assist as the Rangers beat Tampa Bay 2-1. He joined goaltender Michael Wall and center Peter Mueller as former Tips who have played in the NHL. However, Baranka’s stay at hockey’s top level was brief as he was sent back down to Hartford of the AHL after just the one game.

Also, former Tips goaltender David Reekie is on the move again. Reekie, who cleared WHL waivers and ended up with the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, departed the Spitfires without appearing in a game. He is now with the USHL’s Lincoln Stars.