Silvertips organization losing one of its original members

EVERETT — One of the original members of the Everett Silvertips organization is bidding farewell.

Director of player development Scott Scoville, who’d been with the team since before it began play in 2003, is stepping down to take a scouting position with the NHL’s Winnipeg Jets.

Scov

ille was hired as Everett’s head scout in 2002, then was promoted to director of player development in 2005. He was in charge of Everett’s scouting department and was the Tips’ point man for the bantam draft.

“It’s pretty exciting for him,” Silvertips general manager Doug Soetaert said. “He’s been with us nine years and he’s done a very good job. I enjoyed working with him and putting these teams together. As a head scout in this league you’ve got two ways to go, either get a general manager’s job in this league or a scouting job in the NHL. This came along and he’s excited about it. It’s a step up and it’s definitely in the right direction for his career.”

Scoville will remain in his position with the Tips through training camp in late August before beginning his duties with the Jets in September.

Because Scoville is remaining with the team through training camp, Soetaert said he would take his time in hiring a replacement. He expressed a willingness to hire from within among Everett’s scouting staff, though he’s also opening the search up externally. Soetaert expected to have a new person in place within two months.

Scoville became the fifth member of the organization to depart this offseason, joining head coach Craig Hartsburg, associate head coach Jay Varady, athletic trainer Chris Walker and broadcaster Jon Rosen. That’s made for a busy summer for Soetaert, but he understands and accepts the situation.

“Everyone who comes into the WHL, whether it’s with Everett or Portland or whoever, is looking to advance their careers,” Soetaert said. “This just happened to be our year. You can look at it two ways: yes, there’s been a lot of changes, but we’ve had some quality people who have been here a long time who are getting recognized for the work they’ve done. It makes us proud that everyone has been able to advance their careers.”