EVERETT — The Everett Silvertips refuse to let their season die.
As a result, their madcap journey through their first year of existence continues.
And there’s no rest for the weary.
The Silvertips kept their improbable season alive by defeating the Kelowna Rockets 2-1 in overtime Monday night at the Everett Events Center, tying the Western Hockey League’s Western Conference finals at 3-3 and forcing tonight’s deciding game at Prospera Place in Kelowna, B.C. The winner advances to the WHL championship series against the Medicine Hat Tigers.
"We got the job done tonight and gave ourselves a chance," said Everett left wing John Dahl, who scored the game-winning goal 2 minutes, 44 seconds into overtime.
Torrie Wheat also scored for Everett and Jeff Harvey was strong in goal, making 32 stops. Randall Gelech scored late in the third period for Kelowna to force the overtime period.
So the Silvertips’ inaugural season hangs in the balance yet again tonight in Game 7. Everett trailed the series 3-1, but the Silvertips won Game 5 1-0 Saturday in Kelowna and again Monday, making tonight’s contest Everett’s third potential season-ending game in four days. The game begins at 7 p.m.
The Silvertips made their third five-hour haul in four days between Everett and Kelowna early this morning, packing up the team bus immediately after Monday’s victory.
The one-day trip to Kelowna could easily turn into a six-day swing through Alberta. If Everett wins tonight, the Silvertips will hop back on the bus and head directly to Medicine Hat, which defeated Red Deer four games to two in the Eastern Conference finals. Therefore, the Silvertips had to load up six days’ worth of clothes for their trip to Kelowna. Game 1 of the WHL championship series is expected to be Friday.
And how will the Silvertips respond tonight to the nonstop travel schedule?
"The only thing I know is both teams are in the identical situation," Everett coach Kevin Constantine said. "Both teams have played three in four nights, both teams have to get on a bus and go back tonight. So certainly it will be a level playing field in terms of energy. As far as how much we’ll have, I don’t know."
Yes indeed, no rest for the weary.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
