WHL US DIVISION - Everett Silvertips Notebook: Tips Earn Three out of Six Points

The Silvertips entered Wednesday's game coming off a huge win at home against the red hot Seattle Thunderbirds. Facing Brandon, however, was small task. They were coming off two lopsided losses but the defending Scotty Munro Trophy winners still have plenty of offensive power.

Despite playing the fewest games in the league, Everett would face US Division rival Portland for the fourth and fifth time in 11 games. The Silvertips will not play against Portland again until early December. Carter Hart has started every game in net for Everett this season posting a 2.08 GAA and .930 save percentage.

Lost to Brandon in the shootout 3-2

Photo of Dario Winkler - by Jubilee Le

Brandon made their rare appearance at Xfinity Arena and this game meant a little extra to new Silvertip Dario Winkler. Winkler was released by Brandon and had been waiting for his visa to clear before joining Everett. Oddly enough his debut with Everett would be against his former team.

Ivan Provorov was assessed a penalty for delay of game at 14:22 and the Silvertips would capitalize with a power play goal from Carson Stadnyk. At the 3:39 mark in the second period Dario Winkler put one past Brandon goaltender Logan Thompson for his first of the season and WHL career.

"It was a very nice feeling, my first WHL goal against my old team," Winkler said. Five minutes later Rihards Bukarts scored to cut the Silvertips lead to one goal. Brandon scored the equalizer in the third period. After a scoreless overtime, Brandon and Everett headed to a shootout. There were no goals in the first two shooters until Brandon sent out ReidDuke who managed to put one past Carter Hart. Everett had a chance to keep the shootout alive sending out Matt Fonteyne. Unfortunately he could not convert and Everett would lose 3-2. Carter Hart stopped 38-40 shots in the loss.

Lost to Portland 2-1

Despite outshooting Portland 14-4 in the first period the Silvertips were unable to put one past Adin Hill. In the second period Everett would strike first with Devon Skoleski scoring his third goal of the season. Through two periods, the Silvertips defense kept Portland to only eight shots on goal.

At the 5:29 mark in the third period, Portland would tie the game with a goal from Paul Bittner. Later in the period, Lucas Skrumeda was sent to the penalty box for elbowing. Portland scored on the ensuing power play, which led to their 2-1 win despite being outshot 38-13. Carter Hart stopped 11-of-13 shots in the loss.

Defeated Portland 2-1

Two days later the Silvertips squared off against Portland again and for the fifth time it was Hill vs Hart in net. Late in the first period, Brian King would get one past Hill to score his first career WHL goal and give Everett the 1-0 lead. Early in the third period, Portland would tie the game with a goal from Keegan Iverson. The game looked to be heading into overtime but, at 19:07, Cole MacDonald wristed a goal and helped Everett win 2-1. Carter Hart stopped 23-of-24 shots to pick up his sixth win of the season.

Other Tips news

Mirco Mueller was recalled by the San Jose Sharks to serve as an extra defenseman on October 28, but was reassigned to their AHL affiliate San Jose Barracuda right after the game.Byron Froese recorded an assist for the Toronto Maple Leafs on October 2. This was the first career NHL point for Froese.