The class of 1987-born players is a thin one in the Western Hockey, and especially for the Everett Silvertips.
So in an effort to upgrade its 1987-born talent, Everett has signed 18-year-old right wing Brennan Sonne to a WHL contract.
“Since this franchise started we’ve been trying to build our 87 class, and we still think that’s a class where there’s opportunities for guys,” Everett coach and director of hockey operations Kevin Constantine said. “That definitely was a factor to bringing him in.”
Sonne, a 5-foot-11, 185-pounder from Maple Ridge, British Columbia, was listed by the Silvertips earlier this season. Playing for the Burnaby Express of the British Columbia Hockey League, Sonne had 10 goals and 18 assists and compiled 70 penalty minutes in 30 games.
“He’s a point-a-game guy in his league, which doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to do that in this league, but that’s a pretty decent pace in any league,” Constantine said. “We like the way he works and we like some of his skills. We think he can help our team, so we’re going to give him that opportunity.”
Sonne is the older brother of Calgary center Brett Sonne, who is one of the top 16-year-olds in the league.
Sonne is expected to be in the lineup tonight.
Dropping the ball: The Silvertips are holding their own festivities for ringing in the new year.
First, Everett has scheduled tonight’s game for 5:05 p.m., rather than the usual Saturday start time of 7:05 p.m., to allow fans plenty of time for their own New Year’s Eve plans.
And for those who don’t have anything planned, the Silvertips are holding their own New Year’s Eve party following the game. Activities are scheduled in the Everett Events Center conference rooms, several players are expected to attend, and the new year will be celebrated when the ball is dropped on the east coast at 9 p.m.
Scouting report: Moose Jaw (21-11-2-2) comes to town tonight for its one-and-only meeting with Everett (22-14-1-0) this season. This is the Warriors’ first game of the second half of the season, as well as Moose Jaw’s first game on its week-long swing through the U.S. Division.
The Warriors have the most-potent offense in the WHL, leading the league in goals per game at 3.75. They also boast the league’s leading scorer in 20-year-old right wing Troy Brouwer, who’s leading the WHL in both goals (28) and points (55).
However, Moose Jaw will be without its second leading scorer, 19-year-old center Dustin Boyd (27 goals, 20 assists), and fifth-leading scorer, 19-year-old right wing Bjorn Svensson (five goals, 23 assists). Both are away at the World Junior Hockey Championships.
Moose Jaw’s goaltending duties have been held down by 18-year-old Californian Joey Perricone (15-6-1-1, 2.71 goals against average, .913 save percentage).
Nick Patterson, Herald writer
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
