Right where they left off
As we enter one of the strangest seasons the Western Hockey League will ever see, teams are looking to prove the time off hasn’t hurt.
With that said, the Everett Silvertips appear to be ready to enter the season with the same energy and momentum they finished the ’19-’20 season with. While we near the season’s start, there is plenty to look forward to as the excitement builds.
The Silvertips will be spending the 24-game season looking to reclaim the division title from the Portland Winterhawks. Though they finished just one point behind the Winterhawks and finished with one more win, the rivalry between the two powerhouse teams is one to watch as the teams are scheduled to face off six times.
After finishing last season with the most wins in the WHL, yet trailed Portland by one point, this team was left with something to prove. They finished eighth in the league in scoring with 228 goals for, but finished top of the league in goals against, allowing only 142 goals in 63 games played.
Divisional play
Of course, the Winterhawks will not be Everett’s only competition as the Spokane Chiefs are looking to battle it out for the top spot following a top ten finish among CHL teams, along with Portland and Everett. They want it just as bad and have the talent to challenge anyone in the division.
Rounding out the US Division competition are the Tri-City Americans and Seattle Thunderbirds, both of whom are hoping to prove they also deserve a spot at the top.
With the five US Division teams playing games solely against each other this season, fans can look forward to fantastic rivalries and incredible games over the next two months.
The captains
Gianni Fairbrother and Cole Fonstad will be leading the Silvertips as co-captains this season. The pair will be working to ensure the team remains a threat for the top spot in the US this season.
While Fairbrother saw ice time with Laval, Fonstad was putting in some work of his own. He spent six games on loan to the Estevan Bruins of the SJHL prior to the WHL’s return. Those six games saw him post nine points (5G,4A). The Saskatchewan-native joined Everett just over a year ago following his trade from the Prince Albert Raiders, with whom he claimed the Ed Chynoweth Cup. The Raiders, with Fonstad, went on to compete in the Memorial Cup just two years ago.
The import situation
Everett will not carry any imports on their roster this season.
Both Kasper Puutio and Michal Gut, will not be returning to Everett this season due to travel restrictions related to the coronavirus. Puutio is currently with Liiga’s Kärpät while Gut is currently in the Czech2 league with HC Banik Sokolov. However, both will remain on Everett’s protected list at this time.
Other returning veterans
The Silvertips have a lot talent returning this season. With 16 players returning from last year’s roster, the Silvertips will have plenty of familiar faces on the ice.
Forwards: Ethan Regnier, Jacob Wright, Brendan Lee, Jackson Berezowski, Hunter Campbell, Jalen Price, Gage Goncalves, and Cole Fonstad
Defensemen: Zachary Ashton, Ronan Seeley, Dylan Anderson, Gianni Fairbrotherm Aiden Sutter, and Owen Zellweger
Goaltenders: Dustin Wolf and Braden Holt
Season of rookies
The Silvertips will see eight rookies on their roster this season in addition to their 16 returning players. With a shortened camp and no pre-season games, the eight rookies on the roster are facing a quick introduction to the WHL.
Forwards: Ben Hemmerling, Austin Roest, Ryan Hofer, Max Graham, and Brendan Hunchak
Defensemen: Brady Van Herk and Ty Gibson
Goaltender: Evan May
Continuing dominance in net
It’s been great Calgary! See you soon? pic.twitter.com/gXtdbS6iwX
— Dustin Wolf (@dwolf2332) March 2, 2021
Reigning WHL Top Goaltender and CHL Goaltender of the Year, Dustin Wolf, is returning for his fourth and what will surely be his final year with the Silvertips. Wolf has spent the last couple of months in Calgary with the Stockton Heat and will look to claim the title for a third straight season. Through his three games played with the Heat, Wolf has a 2-1-0 record and a .895 save percentage.
Braden Holt is also returning to Everett for his sophomore season. Putting up a .926 save percentage through eight games last season, Holt will be looked upon to be ready for a small role in the shortened season. He must be ready to play when called upon.
Rookie goaltender, Evan May, is set to join both Wolf and Holt for the Silvertips this season.
With incredible depth in goal, the Silvertips aim to continue their ever-dominant performances in the crease.
Also returning from the AHL
Wolf is not the lone Silvertips player who saw time in the AHL this season.
Gage Goncalves is returning from his time with the Syracuse Crunch where he recorded his first professional point in his only professional game.
A centering feed from @GageGoncalves sets up a goal by @OSomppi and his first pro point! pic.twitter.com/SJj6oBabAt
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) February 28, 2021
Meanwhile, co-captain Gianni Fairbrother is returning from his time with the Laval Rocket where he also recorded his first assist in his first of three games. He returns to Everett having recently signed his entry-level contract with the Montréal Canadiens.
Première présence chez les professionnels = premier point. Pas mauvais comme départ pour Fairbrother!
1st professional shift = first point. Not a bad start for Fairbrother #GoRocket pic.twitter.com/6n2VVg99Sw
— Rocket de Laval (@RocketLaval) February 20, 2021
Other changes
The Silvertips will be housed at the Everett Community College for the duration of the season. The players will be housed in their own section of a student housing building and no guests will be permitted without prior approval.
The Silvertips will open the season on Saturday, March 20, at home against the Spokane Chiefs.
