Everyone back in the fold

Published 10:48 am Tuesday, September 20, 2011

The final two Silvertips away at NHL training camps, forward Josh Birkholz (Florida) and goaltender Kent Simpson (Chicago), have been reassigned to Everett. That means all 27 players still on Everett’s roster should be on hand when the Tips travel to Portland for Friday’s season opener, barring any other roster moves between now and then. That’s in stark contrast to Portland as the defending Western Conference champions may have as many as 12 potential roster players still at NHL camps.

The Tips won’t be at full strength, however. Forwards Manraj Hayer (leg) and Trent Lofthouse (wrist) are definitely out because of injuries. Simpson (knee) and defenseman Tye Hand (head), at last check, were still in doubt.