EVERETT — The Everett Silvertips’ power play might have a different look going forward.
With both Cole Fonstad and Martin Fasko-Rudas healthy and in the lineup, the Silvertips over the weekend fielded a first power-play unit featuring four forwards and one defenseman — something Everett has seldom been able to do since the 2017-2018 season.
Over the weekend, Wyatte Wylie quarterbacked the group at the point, with Fonstad and Gage Goncalves on the flanks, Bryce Kindopp in the middle and Fasko-Rudas in front of the net.
It’s a look head coach Dennis Williams has used in the past with great success. Defenseman Kevin Davis quarterbacked Everett’s top unit — which included four forwards — during the team’s run to the Western Hockey League finals in 2017-2018. Since then, Everett rarely has had enough firepower up front to put four forwards on the power play.
In the new iteration, the biggest change for is Wylie, who played mostly on the right flank on the power play this season. He’s embraced his new role, though.
“I really like it and I’m happy to be there and thankful to be there,” Wylie said. “It’s a little different. You have to slow it down a bit and get passes to the tape and stuff like that. You just have to set it up. It’s not bad, I like it.”
Fonstad departs
Fonstad is off to play for Team WHL in the CIBC Canada-Russia series on Wednesday in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and Thursday in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan — his first return to Prince Albert since the Raiders traded him to Everett on Oct. 13.
The event carries some significance for Fonstad. The Canada-Russia series serves as part of the the selection process for Canada’s world junior team. Fonstad, 19, participated in Hockey Canada’s Summer Showcase and is in the running for a spot on the world junior team.
He’s not expected to miss any time with the Silvertips because of his commitment to Team WHL.
Zellweger returns
Defenseman Olen Zellweger is back in Everett after playing with Team Canada Red, which finished fifth at the under-17 hockey challenge in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, and Medicine Hat, Alberta.
“It was extremely humbling and super fun,” Zellweger said. “It’s not what we expected as a team, but I learned a lot there and I’m excited to bring it back here.”
Alumni spotlight
The reigning USports champion University of Saskatchewan Huskies are fourth in the Canada West standings with 12 points, but Carson Stadnyk continues to have an outstanding season. The former Silvertips forward (2011-2016) boasts a team-leading nine points and has six goals in 10 games. USports is the governing body of collegiate athletics in Canada.
In case you missed it …
Dawson Butt was suspended two games for his match penalty against Seattle on Saturday and won’t be available for Everett’s games with Winnipeg on Saturday and Spokane on Sunday. Seattle’s Matthew Wedman, who sparked the melee with his hit on Gianni Fairbrother, was suspended for four games.
Josh Horton covers the Silvertips for the Herald. Follow him on Twitter, @joshhortonEDH
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