Reflections: Silvertips keep on rolling in win over Rebels

The Game

The Everett Silvertips continued on one of their best starts in team history as they scored the game’s first three goals en route a 4-1 win over the visiting Red Deer Rebels Wednesday.

“It was great for us,” said Tips overage forward Dominic Zwerger, who scored twice. “I think we have a good thing going right now. I think the chemistry is good on the team and I think (if) we keep that rolling we’ll be good.”

The Tips stood pat at No. 6 in the CHL rankings Wednesday and are now 8-1-1 in their last 10 games.

#CHL Top-10 Rankings for Week 7: 1-REG, 2-SHA, 3-PG, 4-ROU, 5-ER, 6-EVT, 7-KIT, 8-LDN, 9-BLB, 10-WSR HM: SNB, MJ, MH pic.twitter.com/NOzIizCHRW
— CanadianHockeyLeague (@CHLHockey) November 2, 2016

“Our work ethic this year has been amazing,” said forward Patrick Bajkov, who had a goal and two assists. “We’re finding ways to win games. We’ve got a little bit of a younger team and they’re chipping in great lately.”

Indeed the Tips are a young team, particularly on defense. Yet they continue to lead the WHL in fewest goals allowed and goals allowed per game. That’s with veteran goalie Carter Hart and stalwart defensemen Noah Juulsen and Kevin Davis being complemented by Jake Christiansen and rookies Wyatte Wylie, Montana Onyebuchi and Ian Walker. Lucas Skrumeda (hand) was scratched Wednesday while Mackenzie Dwyer has been playing forward the past two weeks.

A big difference? The Tips are averaging 3.32 goals per game after just 2.53 last season.

Our top pregame story line was Everett forward Riley Sutter getting to face his uncle, Brent, who coaches Red Deer for the first time. Riley Sutter came up without a point, but he very nearly scored on Everett’s second power play when he hit the post. Seconds later Zwerger converted his second goal of the night.

Note: Bryce Kindopp took a big hit and was slow to get up in the opening period. He immediately went to the locker room and did not return. Head coach Kevin Constantine said the team wouldn’t learn anything until Thursday at the earliest.

The Turning Point

Bajkov’s wraparound at 2:31 in the opening period gave Everett a 2-0 lead.

Three Stars

1. Everett F Patrick Bajkov: Bajkov scored a goal and had two assists while finishing plus-two.

2. Everett F Dominic Zwerger: The Austrian scored twice and was plus-one.

3. Everett D Wyatte Wylie: The Everett native had an assist on his 17th birthday.

Happy birthday to my best friend. So thankful for all the memories we have made. Thanks for being the best brother I could ever ask for.?❤️ pic.twitter.com/FabsIwzVdc
— Wade Wylie (@wade_wylie) November 2, 2016