More on Heemskerk

OK, I’ve spoken with Tips general manager Doug Soetaert and here’s more on Thomas Heemskerk and the goaltending situation:

– The Tips believe Heemskerk has the ability to be the No. 1 goalie, but aren’t handing the job over to him just yet. Heemskerk hasn’t played since he left Kootenay in early December as he did not join a lower-level team. Therefore, the Tips are going to give Heemskerk all the time he needs to work himself back into playing shape. That means he definitely won’t play this weekend.

– Soetaert has no concerns at all about Heemskerk saying his heart was no longer in the game when he left the Ice. He said Heemskerk wants to play and thinks the change of scenery will be good for him.

– There is no plan yet for sorting out who ends up staying and who ends up going among the goalies. Kraymer Barnstable will be returning to Nipawin of the SJHL following the weekend, as originally scheduled. But nothing has been determined about what happens with Heemskerk, Shayne Barrie and Kent Simpson. Soetaert said the team had 10 days to sort things out and that the team will use them.

– Soetaert was adamant that Simpson was not responsible for Everett’s goaltending inconsistency. He went out of his way to emphasize that Simpson is a 16-year-old rookie and was not expected to carry a heavy load this season.