Across the Globe: Tips Introduce 2021-22 Scouting Staff
In coordination with director of player personnel Mike Fraser, the Tips cover regions across Canada, the United States, and more across the globe
EVERETT, Wash. – The Everett Silvertips, two-time Western Conference champions and eight-time U.S. Division champions of the Western Hockey League, and Silvertips general manager and head coach Dennis Williams have announced the organization’s scouting staff for the 2021-22 WHL season, assisting with coordination and recruiting for potential WHL Draft selections, prospects, and listed players.
The scouting staff, in coordination with Silvertips director of player personnel Mike Fraser, will be comprised of provincial, regional, and international contacts across British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, select regions of the United States, and Europe.
“The individuals we have assembled on our scouting staff deliver appreciated and assorted perspectives, familiarity, and experience that is critical for our success,” said Williams. “They have contributed to an amazing job of generating a winning culture that permeates our dressing room, finding talent that performs at a top level on the ice, and embraces the concept of character off the ice. As we look to the future, this staff puts our organization in a tremendous position from identifying talent, to the process of becoming an Everett Silvertip. They are extremely resourceful, loyal to our program, and we look forward to their contributions across North America and Europe.”
The following will work as members of the Silvertips scouting staff for the 2021-22 season:
- Gary Ryhorchuk (Senior scout, Saskatchewan) – Serving the Silvertips since the inaugural 2003-04 season, Ryhorchuk carries coaching and managing experience across multiple levels of minor hockey and competed at the Junior B level (NSJHL) for five years with Kinistino.
Fraser says: “Gary has been an integral part of our staff since day one and has seen it all as a member of the Silvertips. As a key component, he plays a huge role in supporting our strategy and our presence at all of the major tournaments and events throughout Western Canada and the United States.”
- Doug Sinclair (Senior scout, Manitoba) – Serving the Silvertips since 2002-03, one year before the franchise began play, Sinclair has spent three years with Team Manitoba for the Western Canada U16 Challenge Cup and skated with the Univ. of Manitoba (U Sports) before his six year playing career in the ECHL and Central Hockey League from 1991-98.
Fraser says: “Doug is another original Silvertip with dedication that’s worked tirelessly with a terrific eye for talent. He knows the province of Manitoba better than anyone. His knowledge has elevated his results as a key contributor for a lot of key Manitoba players with the Tips over the years.”
- Travis Easton (Alberta) – Serving the Silvertips since 2014-15, Easton is a resident of Calgary and carries coaching experience across multiple bantam and midget levels. He spent time behind the bench, prior to joining the Silvertips, with the Calgary Buffaloes at the Minor and Major Midget AAA levels.
Fraser says: “Travis is a hard-working Alberta scout that will do anything that’s asked. He covers the territory very well and we’re fortunate for the results he’s delivered.”
- Bill Forman (British Columbia) – Joining the Silvertips in 2018-19, Forman serves as a British Columbia contact having scouted for select Junior A and Junior B level teams for 12 years. He carries experience as an instructor for British Columbia amateur coaching for 15 years, and a minor hockey coach for 20 years.
Fraser says: “Bill is one of the hardest working scouts around and is always willing to learn. He brings an engaging set of communication skills and has been a big contributor of talent to the Silvertips last few years.”
- Dylan Franson (British Columbia) – Joining the Silvertips in the 2018-19 season, Franson serves as a contact for the British Columbia province, across the Okanagan region and making the Silvertips his second WHL stop, previously working as a scout with the Prince George Cougars. He also carries experience with International Scouting Services.
Fraser says: “Dylan is an exceptionally talented scout with a very bright future in this game and a really good eye for talent. His opinion always delivers answers that make a difference and is valued amongst our group.”
- Jamie Lund (British Columbia) – Joining the Silvertips in the 2021-22 season, Lund will cover Vancouver Island as a contact within the British Columbia province. He has worked as a coach at the Leslie Global Sports Victoria Hockey School, and previously served as an assistant coach with the Victoria Salsa (BCHL). He spent three seasons as a left winger for Powell River and Chilliwack (BCJHL) with 88 points in 130 games.
Fraser says: “This will be Jamie’s maiden voyage as a scout and he’s earned the opportunity. We’re excited to have him on board. I have known him for over 20 years and he’s closely in tune with the game on Vancouver Island, where he’ll be a great presence for us.”
- Curtis Fraser (British Columbia) – Joining the Silvertips for the 2021-22 season, Fraser will cover select territories within the mainland region of British Columbia. The native of Surrey skated in 334 career games in the American Hockey League, ECHL, and across Europe while reaching the Kelly Cup Finals twice with the Las Vegas Wranglers and Alaska Aces, and helped Alaska capture the Kelly Cup title in 2010-11.
Fraser says: “Curtis is well-connected on the lower mainland of British Columbia and I’m looking forward to having him contribute and evaluate. He will be a big help with skill development for the current roster, and his experience as a winner at the professional level is a big addition for us.”
- Michael Devellano (Head Scout, United States) – Serving the Silvertips since the 2018-19 season and currently residing in California, Devellano assists the Silvertips scouting and recruiting efforts across eligible U.S. states territories for future WHL talent. He carries experience as director of coaching and a board of directors member with Everett Youth Hockey and the Everett Tier 2 Junior Silvertips program, and in executive management across several development levels.
Fraser says: “Mike knows the western United States minor hockey scene very well. When I ask him about a player, he knows exactly who I’m talking about and ready to offer a comprehensive report.”
COMING UP:
- PRE-SEASON NHL HOCKEY: The “Three Rink Rush” and the Silvertips host a battle between the Seattle Kraken and Edmonton Oilers at Angel of the Winds Arena on Oct. 1. at 7:00 p.m. PT.
- OPENING NIGHT in downtown Everett: the Silvertips host the Portland Winterhawks at Angel of the Winds Arena, Oct. 8 at 7:05 p.m. | TIPS TICKET PACKAGE INFO
- The Silvertips will open their 19th season in the WHL on Oct. 2, visiting the Kelowna Rockets at 7:05pm.
- Silvertips pre-season: Opens Sept. 10 vs. Spokane at 6pm as part of the Silvertips Pre-Season Classic at Angel of the Winds Arena. Tickets are available for purchase here.
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