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Irving, Skrumeda day-to-day as Tips prepare for busy second half

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, January 10, 2017

By Jesse Geleynse Herald Writer

Everett Silvertips general manager Garry Davidson wasn’t able pull off a deadline deal Tuesday.

However, Everett’s goaltending and its top four defensemen (after Noah Juulsen and Carter Hart rejoin the team Friday) comprise a defensive group as formidable as any in the league. You can’t lose if you don’t give up any goals, so it appears that will be the strategy as the Silvertips play the second half of their schedule before embarking on what they hope will be a long playoff run.

Speaking of that defense – it’s still in a state of flux. Overagers Lucas Skrumeda and Aaron Irving both sat out Tuesday’s team skate and are listed as “day-to-day” with lower body injuries on the WHL injury report.

I’m not sure when either player was injured. I specifically recall seeing Irving on the ice in overtime, but he had a brace on his left knee Tuesday at the rink. Head coach Kevin Constantine said Irving could probably play Wednesday if necessary, but didn’t expect him to suit up. Constantine added that he didn’t expect Irving to miss more than a game or two.

In the meantime the Tips have recalled defenseman Gianni Fairbrother from the Vancouver Northwest Giants of the BCMML. Fairbrother has played in two regular-season games for Everett this season and three playoff games last spring.

Getting back to the trade deadline: No one in the U.S. Division made any moves of great significance.

The biggest moves came in the other three divisions. Prince George went all in and now features a majorly revamped roster from the one that has battled Everett for the top spot in the Western Conference all season.

Kelowna and Kamloops also each made significant additions.

Check out the podcast below for some interesting thoughts from the Vancouver Province’s Steve Ewen who joined Chad Balcom on the Pucklandia podcast:

Ewen has covered the league “longer than he cares to admit,” but that sort of knowledge is vital. You can check out his take on the Vancouver Giants future here, and check out this landing page for more stories from the Province.

The good news for the Silvertips is if that if they win the U.S. Division they won’t have to deal with any of the top three B.C. Division teams until the Western Conference finals. Whatever B.C. team emerges will most certainly have significant playoff battle scars.

Regina loaded up in the East, as did Lethbridge in a push to catch the Medicine Hat Tigers, who lead the Hurricanes by 10 points.

To find all the deals that occurred in recent days check out this live blog put out by the WHL.

For the latest Silvertips news follow Jesse Geleynse on Twitter.

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