WHL US Division: Everett Silvertips Notebook - Defending US Division Champs off to a Strong Start

Despite playing the fewest games in the WHL to begin the season Everett has gotten off to a strong start with a 4-2 record.

Defeated Prince George 2-0

The Silvertips hit the road to open the season with two games against the Prince Cougars. Carter Hart got the nod in net and shut out the opposition. Last season as a 17 year old rookie, Hart faced the Thunderbirds and would stop 26 shots to shutout Seattle. Hart stopped all 27 shots in this year's opener. Patrick Bajkov scored the Silvertips first goal of the season with Connor Dewar adding an empty net goal to seal the victory.

Lost to Prince George 5-1

Everett and Prince George squared off again two days later. Matt Fonteyne would score the only goal for Everett while Prince George put up four goals. This led to Carter Hart being pulled after the second period and replaced by Mario Pettit. Jesse Gabrielle would tack on a power play goal and give Everett their first loss. Hart stopped 16 of 20 shots while Petit stopped 8 of 9 in relief.

Defeated Portland 3-1

The following weekend Everett hit the road to face Portland. This would be the season debut for Noah Juulsen who was previously at NHL camp with the Montreal Canadiens. Rodrigo Abols would strike first to put Portland up 1-0 but Everett would answer back about three minutes later with Devon Skoleski potting his first of the season. Juulsen made an impact his first game back by scoring his first of the season to put Everett up 2-1. Devon Skoleski would score his second of the night on the power play, sealing the victory for Everett and spoiling the Winterhawks' home opener festivities. Carter Hart stopped 34-35 shots in net.

Defeated Spokane 5-4

Everett finally played their home opener against the Spokane Chiefs. Spokane got the scoring started in the first period. Dawson Leedahl scored on the power play to help Everett tie the game after one period. Both teams went on to trade goals scoring three each making it 4-4 after two periods. There was no scoring during the third period and this gave Everett fans their first opportunity to witness the new 3-on-3 overtime. Remi Laurencelle would score his second of the night the give Everett a home opening win. Carter Hart stopped 25-29 shots for his third win of the season.

Defeated Prince Albert 5-2

The next day Prince Albert came to Xfinity Arena with a rare visit. Scoring didn't open up until the second period with Noah Juulsen scoring on the power play to put Everett up 1-0. Carson Stadnyk would add two more goals and Leedahl adding one to give Everett a 4-0 lead after two periods. Matt Fonteyne would add to Everett's lead, scoring on the power play making it 5-0. Prince Albert would not go away quietly though. Matteo Gennaro would help the Raiders get on the board and Simon Stransky tacked on a power play goal. Hart picked up his fourth win of the season stopping 25-of-27 shots.

Lost to Portland 5-1

Everett hit the road to square off against the struggling Portland Winterhawks. Portland would strike first with a goal from Paul Bittner. Portland had a 1-0 lead heading into the second period. On the power play Patrick Bajkov potted his second of the season to tie it up but Portland would answer right back with a goal from Evan Weinger. Portland would go on to add three more goals to defeat Everett. Hart stopped 36-41 in the loss and Petit stopped 5-5 in relief.

More Tips news

• Everett claimed Austrian winger Dario Winkler from the Brandon Wheat Kings while releasing Russian defenseman Alexander Scherbakov in the process. Per Jesse Geleynse, Winkler has yet to be activated to the roster due to visa issues. Geleynse has received word that Winkler has been waiting in Vancouver for his passport and should be joining Everett this weekend. It will be highly unlikely Winkler will make his Silvertips debut this weekend, however.
• Everett has re-assigned 16 year old defenseman Jantzen Leslie to the Lloydminster Bobcats. This leaves Everett's roster at 24.
• Former Tip goaltender Austin Lotz was claimed by the Medicine Hat Tigers.
• Carter Hart and Noah Juulsen have been selected to play for team WHL against Russia at the CHL Canada Russia Series.
• Everett has two home games this weekend vs Portland (Friday) and Seattle (Saturday). This marks the first meeting with the Thunderbirds this season. Saturday is also the Silvertips annual Pink the Rink game in support of Breast Cancer Awareness. Players will wear special jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game, with proceeds benefitting the Providence General Foundation. For more information about the festivities visit http://www.everettsilvertips.com/pinktherink