Everett Silvertip Classics: Edition #4
In the fourth edition of Everett Silvertips Classics, we will go back to March 13, 2004 when the Everett Silvertips won their first US Division regular season title in their first season in the WHL. The game took place in Kennewick, WA when the Silvertips faced off against the Tri-City Americans. The Silvertips were heading into the game with 78 points while Tri-City had 76 points and trying to force a first place tie in the US Division with only two games remaining in the season.
The Silvertips started the game on the right note one minute into the first period. Silvertips forward Mark Kress tallied his fifth goal of the season to give the Tips an early 1-0 lead. Torrie Wheat and Ivan Baranka added assists on the first goal of the game and Everett led after one period.
The Silvertips had a tough start to the second period when the Americans tied the game on a Jason Beeman goal just over the two minute mark of the second frame. Matt Schneider and Nikita Korovkin added assists on the goal and the game was tied at 1-1. The Silvertips caught a break in the late stages of the second period when Americans forward Matt Schneider was penalized for tripping at the 17:23 mark of the second stanza to give Everett a key power play opportunity. The Silvertips would capitalize on the power play when Mark Kress would send a shot past Tri-City goaltender Carey Price to give Everett a 2-1 lead after two periods. For Kress it was his second goal of the game and sixth of the season. Jeff Schmidt and Mitch Love each added assists on the power play goal.
In the third period, the Silvertips and goaltender Jeff Harvey were able to hold off any scoring chances by the Americans. As the final seconds ticked away, Silvertips defenseman Ivan Baranka blocked an Americans shot and the Everett Silvertips became the 2003-2004 US Division Champions in their first season in the WHL.
In goal, Jeff Harvey made 19 saves on 20 Tri-City shots while Ams’ netminder, Carey Price made 32 saves on 34 Everett shots.
The Silvertips out shot the Americans 34-20 in the hockey game. Everett went 1 for 4 on the power play and Tri-City went 0 for 3 on the extra man advantage.
For some of the radio highlights from this classic game, go to the Broadcast section of everettsilvertips.com and click on Highlights.
Boxscore Link: http://whl.ca/stats/game-summary.php?game_id=27588
SILVERTIPS BOXSCORE
Mark Kress (2 goals)
Torrie Wheat (1 assist)
Ivan Baranka (1 assist)
Jeff Schmidt (1 assist)
Mitch Love (1 assist)
Jeff Harvey: 19 saves on 20 shots
Power Plays: Tri-City 0 for 3, Everett 1 for 4
Shots on Goal: Tri-City 20, Everett 34
Attendance: 5490 (Three Rivers Coliseum, Kennewick, WA)
3 Stars
1. Mark Kress
2. Carey Price
3. Jeff Harvey
