EVERETT — The Everett Silvertips took the first step toward sorting out their overage situation by placing right wing Brandon Campos on waivers, the team announced Tuesday.
Campos was one of six players competing for Everett’s three overage spots. He is now eligible to be claimed by any other team in the Western Hockey League.
Campos first joined Everett prior to last season and was expected to be an impact offensive player after putting up big numbers in the British Columbia Hockey League. However, he was unable to translate that to the WHL, managing just 10 goals and 14 assists in 67 games last season.
Campos had a goal and two assists in Everett’s first two games this season, but he was always considered a longshot to make the team. Everett general manager Doug Soetaert said he tried to trade Campos, but found little interest.
“Brandon was a good player for us last year, but I just don’t see him fitting into our program this year,” Soetaert explained. “Obviously we’ve got an abundance of overagers. He’s good enough to play in this league, so hopefully someone will claim him and give him a chance. If not, we’ll help find him a place to play.”
By releasing Campos the Tips managed to ease their roster congestion a little, but the hard work is still to be done. Everett still has five players — forwards Dan Gendur, Ondrej Fiala and Brennan Sonne, defenseman Dane Crowley and goaltender David Reekie — battling for the three overage spots.
The Tips also still have to determine their European situation, with three players — Fiala and forwards Lukas Vartovnik and Vitali Karamnov — competing for two spots. Fiala’s status as both an overager and a European further complicates matters.
Soetaert gave no indication of what will happen next or when it will happen. The Tips have until Oct. 11 to get it all sorted out.
“If we were 4-0 it wouldn’t be a big deal,” Everett coach John Becanic said about the roster uncertainty. “But when you haven’t found a win, any little distraction doesn’t help. When you have to start taking guys who to deserve to be in the lineup out of the lineup, just so another guy who deserves to be in the lineup can get in, it’s difficult. I don’t care how much character you have, it’s a difficult situation when you’re pulling guys in and out to try and get everybody games and showcase them.”
Nick Patterson’s Silvertips blog: http://www.heraldnet.com/section/BLOG12
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