What a ride the Everett Silvertips have given Snohomish County.
Two seasons, two playoff appearances. A Western Conference title and a berth in the Western Hockey League finals in their first year.
More than a half-million spectators have paid to see the Silvertips in their sparkling Everett Events Center (pumped so full of hockey ardor, we’re tempted to spell it “Centre”) and they’ve earned ringing reviews from players all over the league for their unbridled passion.
They may well have much to shout about in 2005-2006.
A combination of young players maturing and developing within the organization, the talent the front office has flagged down in the drafts and a few offseason moves that could patch some holes give the Silvertips a legitimate chance to be a major force in the WHL.
“I do think we have players this year who are more gifted offensively,” Everett coach Kevin Constantine said. “Thus, I think their ability to get things done will be advanced, compared to where we were a year ago.”
Yes, they lose defenseman Mitch Love, the emotional heart of the team. Yes, they traded superb goaltender Michael Wall to Regina. Their top playmaker, Alex Leavitt, is gone. Their top defenseman, Ivan Baranka, is gone.
And don’t forget general manager Doug Soetaert, the organization’s architect, who took a job with the Calgary Flames in the offseason.
But to say the Silvertips are left with little is just missing it. Soetaert and Constantine were masters at finding talent, and it’s showing now.
First, a remarkable 2003 Bantam Draft, Everett’s first, already has made a great impact, with center Zach Hamill; defensemen Taylor Ellington, Jonathan Harty, Zach Sim; right wing Brady Calla and others.
But the biggest coup might be center Peter Mueller, taken in the second round, whom the Silvertips finally signed in the offseason.
Mueller, 17, played in 56 games for the under-18 U.S. National Team Developmental Program, scoring 38 goals and handing out 39 assists in top competition. He has size (6-foot-2, 205 pounds) and surprising finesse around the net. He will make an immediate impact, particularly in an offense that, in the team’s first two seasons, could charitably be termed “conservative.”
“If he had been with us last year, he probably would have been, along with Leavitt, our leading scorer,” Constantine said.
Everett also traded for greater firepower in landing left wing John Lammers, who rolled up 55 goals for the Lethbridge Hurricanes the past three seasons.
“Lammers has scored more goals in this league than any of our players have scored,” Constantine said. “Lammers is a big plus, offensively.”
From the Czech Republic comes center Ondrej Fiala, 6-2, 190, considered a potential first- or second-round pick in the NHL Draft next year.
They will combine with Silvertips stalwarts Hamill, Calla, Torrie Wheat, Karel Hromas, Kyle Annesley, Mark Kress and others to give the team the most offensive weapons in squad history.
Wall, one of the league’s top goalies last season, was traded on the belief that he likely will sign a pro contract with the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Constantine also wanted to give highly regarded 17-year-old Leland Irving more playing time. Now, Irving becomes the everyday goalie.
On Sunday, a 4-1 Tips’ preseason victory over Seattle, Irving “got his first really hard test,” Constantine said. “He came through with flying colors. I hope that means he’s ready to go for the season.”
The Silvertips defense is young despite returning assistant captains Shaun Heshka and Cody Thoring along with Graham Potuer, Harty and Ellington. To help, Constantine traded for Swift Current’s Jason Fransoo, a 19-year-old with 116 WHL games on his resume.
“We just wanted some insurance,” Constantine said. “That’s why we got Fransoo, because we wanted the experience and some age back there. We want our young guys to come along at a pace that’s logical for their development and not be forced to come into a situation that they’re not quite ready for.”
In the last two seasons, the Silvertips finished 16th and 18th of 20 WHL teams in scoring. On paper, that ranking figures to improve.
Just how much that translates to victories depends much on the Silvertips’ young talent – mainly the 17-year-olds.
“If they step up and make another big jump this year, then we could be a very, very solid team,” Constantine said. “If they don’t, then we’re still a little young.”
This team has a history of overachieving. Why should it stop now?
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
