Wednesday capped a crazy day in the WHL as the trade deadline hit at 2 p.m.
Everett made its big splash over the weekend, so general manager Garry Davidson made a series of small deals Wednesday, including bringing back fan favorite Spencer Gerth from the Victoria Royals:
Thanks to the @victoriaroyals for an amazing year and half, loved every second of my time in Vic! That being said can’t wait to get back to Everett and get things going there!! #fullcircle #onceatipalwaysatip @WHLsilvertips pic.twitter.com/ldtF1PyMPD
— Spencer Gerth (@sgerth17) January 11, 2018
Herald columnist Nick Patterson, who was the Tips beat writer for their first 12 years, couldn’t recall offhand any player that had been a Tip, was traded away and then traded back to Everett. Nick has a pretty good grasp on Everett’s history so I’m guessing Gerth might very well be the first.
Nick was on hand for Wednesday’s 4-0 win over the Tri-City Americans and had some thoughts on Everett’s Sunday acquisitions and Carter Hart’s imminent return:
First impressions of the Silvertips' new players: Vala is BIG, looks bigger on the ice than he's listed (6-4, 210). Pilon wasn't on the scoresheet, but he skates well and was always trying to make something happen with the puck.
— Nick Patterson (@NickHPatterson) January 11, 2018
Final Hart-less Silvertips tracker: Record: 6-4. Goals allowed per game (not counting empty net): 2.40. Everett's star goalie (1.32 GAA) is expected back for Saturday's game at Spokane. Tips held up well without him, but Hart's return will still make a difference.
— Nick Patterson (@NickHPatterson) January 11, 2018
The Game
As for the game itself, the Americans were missing a number of significant pieces due to injuries and World Juniors – including three NHL first-rounders in Michael Rasmussen, Juuso Valimaki and Jake Bean.
The Tips got outstanding offensive performances from defenseman Kevin Davis and winger Connor Dewar as both players found the net twice. Davis knew exactly the last time he scored twice in a game. It was nearly a calendar year ago against these same Americans at the Toyota Center in Kennewick.
Riley Sutter returned after missing last weekend’s three-in-three due to a lower body injury. He centered Everett’s second line as per usual, though the lines became fluid later in the game as the coaching staff sought to best utilize Garrett Pilon. That will be a work in progress.
Goaltender Dustin Wolf was very impressive during the first two periods. He wasn’t bad in the third either, but he only saw five shots after facing a more typical 24 through the first two periods. All told, he recorded his third shutout of the season and will now resume his his backup role with Carter Hart due back this weekend.
The Turning Point
The Tips never trailed, but Davis’s second goal at 4:35 in the third – thanks to a thread-the-needle pass from Fonteyne and some impressive stickwork from Davis – made it 3-0.
Three Stars
1. Everett D Kevin Davis: The co-captain had two goals and an assist.
2. Everett G Dustin Wolf: The rookie had a 29-save shutout
3. Everett F Connor Dewar: The Pitbull had two goals
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