A bizarre situation in Vancouver dealt a significant blow to the Everett Silvertips’ main competitor for supremacy in the Western Hockey League’s Western Conference.
Giants goaltender Dustin Slade left the team last week, leaving Vancouver in something of a quandary.
The 20-year-old Slade backstopped Vancouver to the WHL title last season, set a league record for shutouts through the regular season and playoffs, and was named a Western Conference first-team all-star.
However, this season Slade split time in goal with talented 17-year-old Tyson Sexsmith. The two formed a formidable pairing, ranking second and third in the league in goals against average behind Everett’s Leland Irving. But Slade, unhappy with the arrangement, walked out on the team last Monday to seek a professional job in the East Coast Hockey League.
By leaving the team, Slade passed up a guaranteed shot at the Memorial Cup as the Giants are the hosts of the tournament this season. As if the tale wasn’t strange enough, Slade’s agent Gerry Johannson announced he will try to find Slade a job, then sever ties with the goaltender.
The move leaves Vancouver in a bind. The Giants released popular overage defenseman Chad Scharff and traded 18-year-old goaltender Tommy Tartaglione to make room for Slade. Now not only are those players gone, the Giants face the prospect of going into the Memorial Cup counting on an inexperienced 17-year-old in goal.
Vancouver called up 16-year-old Kraymer Barnstable to serve as backup, but the Giants may now be forced to make a trade for an experienced goalie.
Slade’s actions, though unexpected, can’t be considered a complete surprise. Slade has a volatile history, having worn out his welcome in three other WHL stops before apparently settling down in Vancouver last season.
“If he’s not happy, it’s better he made the decision to move on,” Vancouver coach Don Hay told the Vancouver Province. “He’s not the victim in this. We moved two good kids to keep him. That’s where my disappointment comes.”
Slap shots: Former Prince George coach Mike Vandekamp was hired as general manager and head coach of the British Columbia Hockey League’s Powell River Kings. It thus amounts to a straight-up trade as the Cougars hired then-Powell River general manager and head coach Drew Schoneck to replace the fired Vandekamp. … Kamloops goaltender Dustin Butler set a franchise record for fewest saves in a shutout when he was required to make just 11 stops in a 4-0 victory over Regina last Wednesday. … Kamloops center Brock Nixon was added to the Team WHL roster for this week’s Canada-Russia Challenge. Nixon replaces Spokane center Adam Hobson, who’s injured. … Red Deer left wing Martin Hanzal was named the WHL Player of the Week. Hanzal had two goals and six assists in three games, helping the Rebels go 2-1.
League leaders: Points – Martin Hanzal (Red Deer) 44; goals – Mark Derlago (Brandon), Kris Hogg (Lethbridge) 20; assists – Hanzal 31; penalty minutes – Mike Gauthier (Prince Albert) 128; wins – Leland Irving (Everett), Matt Keetley (Medicine Hat) 16; goals against average – Irving 1.46; save percentage – Irving .940.
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