Silvertips prospects getting feet wet at training camp

Published 1:30 am Friday, August 25, 2017

EVERETT — Give the first victory to Brayden Morrison.

The 15-year-old’s Team Grey claimed initial bragging rights Thursday as it upended Team Red, coached by Brendan Morrison, Brayden’s father.

“I just wanted to make sure we beat him and go up in the series,” Brayden Morrison said with a grin.

Brendan, the former long-time NHL center who played for seven team in his 15-year professional career, figures to hear about the loss for some time.

“It’s the first time I did that, but it was fun,” the elder Morrison said. “I’m sure he’s going to rib me that his team beat us here. But it was fun. I know he was nervous and excited to be at this camp and see how he fits in and stacks up against these players. It’s a good experience for him.”

Brayden was one of the 13 draftees selected by Everett in the WHL bantam draft last May. All 13 are in attendance at Silvertips training camp that began Thursday and continues through Saturday evening.

Players aren’t eligible to play in the league full-time as 15-year-olds, so their first training camp experience is more about gaining familiarity with the organization, competition level and the community.

“I just want to make an impression with the coaches and staff here and make sure they keep watching me,” Brayden said.

First-round pick Ronan Seeley of Olds, Alberta, suited up for Team Red in his first visit to Everett. The left-shot defenseman is the second of former WHLer Patrick Seeley’s five hockey-playing children. Patrick played in the league for the New Westminster Bruins and the Spokane Chiefs.

“It’s awesome playing with older guys and established veterans,” Ronan Seeley said. “It’s a great experience, especially on the big rink. It’s super cool.”

One of those veterans is Tips overage blueliner Kevin Davis. A former first-round pick himself, Davis competed alongside Seeley with Team Red during training camp.

“On the bench he’s always giving me tips and being a great leader,” Seeley said. “He shows by example.”

Second-round pick Jackson Berezowksi, third-rounder Nathanael Hinds and fourth-rounders Dylan Anderson and Blake Lyda gave glimpses of potential to the several dozen parents, siblings and fans in attendance. Lyda, a goaltender, is the only player who has signed a WHL standard player agreement.

While the most-recent draft class is a year away, the 2016 selections are eligible to play in the league and are fighting for spots on the 2017-18 Silvertips roster.

That includes 2016 first-rounder Ethan Browne. The Sherwood Park, Alberta, native spent time with the Silvertips last season and made his WHL debut at Tri-City on Jan. 21.

“It showed me how to play their systems, how the league is,” Browne said. “It’s way different than midget. It just helps.”

It’s the second camp for Browne, who scored a goal in last year’s Green vs. Grey Game that concludes the first phase of training camp.

Browne went on to tally nine goals and 20 assists in 27 regular-season games and added a goal and three assists in seven playoff games for the Sherwood Park Kings midget AAA team last season.

“I feel like (camp) is a little bit easier for me,” Browne said. “I’ve gotten stronger over the summer so that kind of helps. It’s good to be back with the boys.”

Browne is one of four signed prospects from the 2016 class. That group includes third-rounder Mark Liwiski and seventh-rounder Conrad Mitchell. Goaltender Dustin Wolf is a signed fifth-rounder, but is recovering from hip surgery and won’t be ready until late October or early November.

Saturday features two morning scrimmages and the rookie game at 5 p.m. at Xfinity Arena.

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