EVERETT — For JT Barnett and Teal Burns, arrival in Everett means one thing:
Opportunity.
The newest Everett Silvertips have now joined the team, and both are looking forward to getting the type of opportunity they didn’t with their previous clubs.
Over the past four days, Everett acquired Barnett, a 19-year-old winger, and Burns, a 19-year-old center, in trades with Kamloops and Prince Albert, respectively. They now find themselves in positions where, with a young and rebuilding Everett team, they’ll be called upon to be core contributors rather than peripheral figures.
“The last time I got this kind of chance was in the (British Columbia Hockey League), so I want to do it here,” Burns said. “I want to show the teams that didn’t give me a chance that I could have done it.”
Said Barnett, who arrived just in time to catch the tail end of Tuesday’s practice at Comcast Arena: “They told me I’d be playing a lot, but I’ll do whatever they want. I’m just here to help out the team in any way I can and get us to the playoffs.”
Both Barnett and Burns found themselves in situations where they were being marginalized.
Barnett tallied 43 points in 72 games with Kamloops last season, earning an invitation to attend rookie training camp with the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. However, he found himself getting squeezed on a Blazers team stacked with offensive talent. He had just four goals and two assists in 16 games.
“I’m ready for a new start,” Barnett said. “Obviously I love all the guys in Kamloops, but I think it’s good to get a fresh start here.
“I’m excited to be here,” Barnett added. “I think out of any place I’ve played in the league, this is definitely my favorite place to play. I’m pumped to get things going.”
Burns began the season with Vancouver, but managed just four assists in 10 games before being included in a trade to Prince Albert. Burns spent less than a month with the Raiders, notching four assists in six games. The Victoria, B.C., native wanted to be closer to home so he would have better access to his ailing grandfather.
“I was happy to get traded to Everett,” Burns said. “I know Mark (Ferner) is a good coach. He coached the Vernon Vipers when I played in the BCHL and they won two RBC Cups (the junior A equivalent of the Memorial Cup).”
Both players will be asked to fill major roles for Everett.
“It’s two guys who have played in the league, and two skilled players, which we need as well,” Ferner said. “So they’re going to fit in just fine, regardless of who we play them with.
“It speaks volumes to our older guys, too, that we’re trying to make this push to get to the playoffs,” Ferner added. “Once we get everyone healthy I think we’re going to be a pretty good team.”
The skill factor the newcomers bring is an important one for the Tips. Everett already was limited in its offensive options, and that was before franchise goal-scoring champion Tyler Maxwell requested a trade and was sent home. Both Barnett and Burns see themselves as players who can help on the offensive end.
“I think I have good speed and a pretty good shot, and I like to go to the net,” Barnett said. “That’s one of the things I’m going to be working on, getting to the net as much as I can.”
Said Burns: “I think I’m more of a playmaker. I can do the dirty stuff, too, but I think of myself as a playmaker.”
With Everett, the pair will receive every chance to prove it.
Slap shots
The league came down hard on Tips winger Jesse Mychan, handing him a 10-game suspension for his checking-to-the-head major penalty taken Saturday against Prince George. The suspension, Mychan’s third of the season, keeps him out until Dec. 16. … To make room on the roster for Barnett and Burns, the Tips reassigned 16-year-old winger Michael Bell. Bell had no points in 10 games. His destination is still to be determined. … Tips leading scorer Josh Birkholz, who left Saturday’s game after taking knee-on-knee contact, suffered no structural damage and is considered day-to-day. … Tips goaltender Austin Lotz was selected to represent Team West at the U-17 World Hockey Challenge. He is joined on Team West by winger Geordie Maguire, who is an Everett prospect.
Check out Nick Patterson’s Silvertips blog at http://www.heraldnet.com/silvertipsblog, and follow him on Twitter at NickHPatterson.
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