2023-24 Player Profile: Cade Zaplitny
Cade Zaplitny has been a lineup mainstay for the Everett Silvertips since signing with the team as an undrafted prospect in November of 2021. The forward now entering his 19-year-old season will be relied on at both ends of the ice in 2023-24.
2022-23 in review
The 6-foot-1, 189-pound Zaplitny appeared in every game for the Tips last season, sharing the Iron Man Award with trade deadline acquisition Kaden Hammell. He recorded 12 goals and 15 assists, while also logging significant minutes shifting from the wing to the center position at various points throughout the year.
⚡️ZAP⚡️
Caden Zaplitny crashes the net and gets us on the board!#ForEverett pic.twitter.com/uCoqqiW9Vy
— Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) December 17, 2022
“I think it was a big year for development for me,” commented Zaplitny at the conclusion of the season. “I thought I improved my game, thought it was a good year overall.”
Of his 27 total points, five of them came on the powerplay. He particularly shined in front of the net, utilizing his frame and his hands to facilitate screens on opposing netminders.
Returning home
Zaplitny saved some of his best hockey for the Silvertips’ East Division tour in the fall of 2022. The Winnipeg native tallied a go-ahead goal in the second period against his hometown Winnipeg ICE, tacking on an assist the following night against a fellow Manitoban team in the Brandon Wheat Kings. He finished the six-game stretch with his first career multi-goal outing, a two-goal performance against the Prince Albert Raiders on Nov. 5.
For the first time in his @TheWHL career…
Caden Zaplitny is on (Taco)Hatty Watch 👀👀👀#ForEverett pic.twitter.com/G27v5vxbRq
— Everett Silvertips (@WHLsilvertips) November 6, 2022
“I had my parents, my grandparents, aunts, uncles, my buddies, everyone [in the stands],” Zaplitny said of his homecoming. “That was really special.”
The good vibes carried over to his return to the States, as he logged a career-best three-point night on Nov. 11 in a 4-3 win at Tri-City his next game.
“Hungrier for next year”
Zaplitny will look to build off a successful 2022-23 and lead the Silvertips back to the postseason. He registered two points in five playoff games last year, and is eager to extend Everett’s historic postseason streak- and then some.
“We haven’t been satisfied with our playoff runs,” he noted. “It makes you even hungrier for next year. I’m really looking forward to it.”
The departure of overager Jackson Berezowski leaves a glaring need for both net-front play and penalty killing minutes. With experience in both departments, Cade Zaplitny could become something of a Swiss-Army-Knife-type player, capable of plugging in at any strength.
What’s new?
- Partial Season Ticket Holders: submit your Game Selection Form by Sep. 1! | CLICK HERE
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