Newly acquired forward helps Tips top Americans

EVERETT — After about six games and five healthy scratches to the start the season with the Regina Pats, Justyn Gurney was falling out of love with the game of hockey.

One could hardly tell on Saturday night as Gurney skated out on the ice upon being named the game’s second star for the Everett Silvertips, who defeated the Tri-City Americans 4-1 at Angel of the Winds Arena. Gurney smiled wide as he raised his stick in the air and tossed one of his gloves over the boards for an eager Everett Silvertips fan as he exited toward the dressing room.

The 18-year-old forward, who was added to Everett’s roster Wednesday as a depth acquisition, recorded a multi-point night, the first of his career, with two assists.

“As I always say, when we get new guys, you don’t want to put too high of expectations,” Silvertips head coach Dennis Williams said. “That game meant more for him — more of the physical side, the hitting, the mucking down the walls. He’s pretty good at that stuff. I think what I really see out of him is how good of a teammate he’s been on the bench and (how) supportive (he’s been).”

Gurney was playing with the British Columbia Hockey League’s Surrey Eagles after being dropped by the Pats after playing in just one game. He recorded his first point as a Silvertip with an assist in Everett’s 3-2 loss at Tri-City on Friday. He spent his first two seasons in Calgary, where he recorded eight points in 85 games with the Hitmen.

The demotion to Junior A was a personal decision, Gurney said.

“I didn’t see myself there as a long-term guy,” he said. “I decided to go back to Junior A and get my confidence back up and start to love the game again.”

That’s exactly what the Surrey, British Columbia, native accomplished.

“Obviously it was a little disappointing, but I looked at the positives,” Gurney said. “I was getting a lot of ice time and was getting to show myself. I was starting to be myself again and love the game again. That’s what I did in Junior A — (I) made big steps in my game.

“I missed my parents a lot, missed my family. I hadn’t played in front of them in while, so that was a big boost for me, seeing them and living at home. Little things like that helped me. But my game took a big step (forward) in Junior A.”

Gurney boasts three assists in his first two games with Everett. He credits his time in Junior A for expanding his playmaking abilities.

“It’s obviously nice if he can keep that up and understand expectations (about) what his identity and role is,” Williams said, “bcause he brings a lot of energy. He’s on the ice and fast from corner to corner. I’m hoping that’s just a little bit of the tip of the iceberg so far and (he’ll) continue to be (a) factor.”

Gurney doesn’t have any grand expectations for his time in Everett. More than anything he’s just thrilled to be back in the WHL.

“It was definitely a little surprising they called me, but my main goal was to get back to the WHL,” Gurney said. “That was my main goal ever since I was young, and it didn’t work out the first couple of years, but I stuck with it and my goal was to get back to the ‘Dub’ and here I am. I’m just trying to do my best.

“It’s huge. This opportunity means a lot to me. I haven’t had this feeling in a while, and it’s awesome. It’s awesome to be here. The guys have welcomed me so fast.”

The Silvertips jumped out to an early 1-0 lead after Jalen Price poked one past Americans netminder Beck Warm at the 5:46 mark of the first period for his fourth goal of the season. Gurney picked up the primary assist with a centering pass to Price, who was stationed right in front of Warm.

🚨 PRICE 🚨
🍏 Gurney, Fairbrother pic.twitter.com/AKI2YycPui
— Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) January 6, 2019

The Americans tied the game with a Sasha Mutala goal 4:13 into the second period. Nolan Yaremko and Parker Aucoin were credited with the assists.

Connor Dewar buried a chance from the left circle on the odd-man rush to tally his 27th goal of the season and help Everett reclaim the lead with 1:51 to play in the second period. Dustin Wolf started the rush with a stretch pass to a wide open Gage Goncalves in front of the Everett offensive zone. Goncalves and Bryce Kindopp were awarded the assists.

🚨 DEWAR 🚨
🍏 Goncalves, Kindopp pic.twitter.com/5cpaBms5b3
— Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) January 6, 2019

Everett added an insurance goal with 11:25 remaining in the third period after Max Patterson capitalized on a beautiful feed from Gurney to give Everett a 3-1 advantage. Gurney executed a poke check in Tri-City’s defensive zone, secured the puck and dished a wide-open Patterson for the tap-in goal.