Silvertips GM Doug Soetaert fired

The Silvertips announced a stunner this evening with the news that general manager Doug Soetaert has been fired.

Soetaert was Everett’s general manager when the team began play in 2003 and has been in that role ever since, with the exception of the 2005-06 season when he was hired away to be the general manager of the Calgary Flames’ AHL affiliate in Omaha. Under his direction Everett won three U.S. Division titles, a Western Conference championship and a Scotty Munro Trophy for the league’s best record. However, all of those came in 2007 or earlier, and the Tips are in the midst of their worst season in franchise history at 12-30-1-8 and in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time.

Gary Gelinas, the team’s president, said the decision was made because Soetaert’s contract was expiring at the end of the season and the team determined it was time for a new direction. He said the organization was not happy with the team’s slide into mediocrity in recent years, and that he felt new leadership was needed to return the Tips to a position of prominence in the WHL. The move was made now rather than at the end of the season so that the Tips could get a new general manager in place as soon as possible. Gelinas said the best-case scenario would be to have a new GM before the end of the season, but that it was more important to find the right person than to make that deadline.

Gelinas said the organization was happy with the rest of the front office and head coach Mark Ferner, so no other changes are expected in those areas for the time being.

I have not been able to get a hold of Soetaert for comment yet.

I’m saddened by this news as I enjoyed working with Soetaert, and I’m stunned by the timing. I’m perhaps less stunned that Soetaert was let go as I had an inkling that ownership was getting a little antsy. Soetaert did some incredible work building the Tips into a quality organization in a location where people scoffed at the idea of junior hockey being successful. It’s too bad it had to end like this.

Here’s wishing the best to Doug going forward.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Monroe’s Caleb Campbell throws a pitch during the game against Everett on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Campbell throws 10 Ks in Monroe baseball’s Senior Night win

The junior allowed just four hits in a 4-0 shutout over the visiting Seagulls.

Everett Silvertips’ forward Zackary Shantz scrambles after the puck during game seven of the second round of the WHL playoffs against the Portland Winterhawks on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Silver-whiplash: Everett falls to Winterhawks in Game 7

Portland scores twice in 30 seconds to pull ahead and win 4-2 in Game 7 of the second round.

Snohomish junior Paul Joplin (left) heads the ball past a jumping Monroe defender in the Panthers' 4-1 loss at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Snohomish, Washington on April 4, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer roundup for Tuesday, April 22

Snohomish relies on upperclassmen in tight 2-1 win.

Everett's Luis Suisbell bats against the Vancouver Canadians at Funko Field on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Shari Sommerfield / Everett AquaSox)
AquaSox open series with walk-off

The Everett AquaSox defeated the Vancouver Canadians on Tuesday night… Continue reading

Jackson’s Drew Pepin yells after striking out the final batter to end the game against Edmonds-Woodway on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep baseball roundup for Tuesday, April 22

Pepin’s 7 Ks headline Jackson’s 11th win of the season.

Seahawks GM sees ‘lazy narrative’ about offensive line

Do the Seahawks need to address their offensive line in this draft?… Continue reading

Prep softball roundup for Tuesday, April 22

Arlington pulls an upset win over Kamiak thanks to Aanstad’s 12 Ks.

Prep roundup for Tuesday, April 22

Edmonds-Woodway girls tennis narrowly defeats Mountlake Terrace.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for April 13-19

The Athlete of the Week nominees for April 13-19. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Stanwood senior Reagan Ryan prepares for the next pitch during the Spartans' 11-1 win against Everett at Lincoln Field in Everett, Washington on April 21, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Reagan Ryan’s career day carries Stanwood softball past Everett

The senior’s inside-the-park home run highlights a 5-RBI, 3 R stat line in the 11-1 win.

Prep baseball roundup for Monday, April 21

Lake Stevens’ Luke Morris no-hits Bruins.

Prep roundup for Monday, April 21

Jackson golfers claim top two spots, win Wesco 4A meet.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.