TALKING POINTS
The Tips kept their perfect start to the season intact tonight, and they have Kent Simpson to thank for that. Everett’s goaltender stopped 42 shots as Everett beat a lively Kamloops team despite being outshot 44-20.
The Blazers had the initiative the entire game, using good hustle and a strong forecheck to cause all kinds of problems in Everett’s zone. But Simpson stood strong. He didn’t make many saves that will show up on the WHL Plays of the Week, but he was always in position to make the stop, no matter how much Everett’s defense was scrambling. The Tips also dodged a lot of bullets with pucks rolling around in inviting positions around the crease.
Josh Birkholz scored his first two goals for the Tips, and the former University of Minnesota player displayed the game-breaking abilities that attracted the Tips in the first place. Birkholz used his speed to create two third-period breakaways, scoring on the first and drawing a penalty shot on the second, which he converted. The goals turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead.
Everett lost overage center Clayton Cumiskey to injury midway through the game. Cumiskey took a hit along the boards behind the Kamloops net and was knocked loopy. He was assisted off the ice and did not return.
TURNING POINT
Everett was languishing when, 3:48 into the third period, Kamloops defenseman Bronson Maschmeyer mishandled the puck at the Everett blue line. Birkholz zipped in for the puck, sped around Blazers d-man Corey Fienhage, then scored around Kamloops goalie Jon Groenheyde to tie it at 2-2, giving Everett hope.
HIT OF THE DAY
Midway through the first period Everett’s Landon Ferraro put a hit on Linden Saip that sent Saip sprawling into the Everett bench.
THREE STARS
First star: Simpson. He earned Everett two points tonight.
Second star: Birkholz. Congratulations on your first two WHL goals.
Third star: Brendan Ranford, Kamloops. One goal, roofing the shot through a tiny hole, and dangerous throughout.
The Herald’s honorable mention: Chase Schaber, Kamloops. One assist and led the forechecking effort.
BOX SCORE
Talk to us
- You can tell us about news and ask us about our journalism by emailing newstips@heraldnet.com or by calling 425-339-3428.
- If you have an opinion you wish to share for publication, send a letter to the editor to letters@heraldnet.com or by regular mail to The Daily Herald, Letters, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA 98206.
- More contact information is here.
