SIGNED: Assistant coach Dean DeSilva earns two-year contract extension
EVERETT, Wash. — Everett Silvertips assistant coach Dean DeSilva has officially been signed to a multi-year contract extension. He is currently in his first season on the Silvertips’ staff, working alongside head coach/general manager Dennis Williams and associate coach Louis Mass.
“I’m thankful for the support and opportunity provided by Dennis Williams and the entire Silvertips organization,” commented DeSilva. “I’m happy that I’m able to continue working with Dennis and Louis on the coaching staff as well as with the players. Everett continues to be an outstanding organization and a place that players want to be. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish moving forward as a team.”
DeSilva is primarily tasked with working with the Silvertips’ forward group, focusing on skill development, face-offs, individual video breakdown and pre-scout of opponents.
“We’re really excited about securing Dean with our program,” commented head coach/ general manager Dennis Williams. “I have known Dean for a number of years prior to him making the commitment to join our organization this summer. The one thing we discussed was making sure it was the right fit, not just for our hockey club, but for him. He’s done an unbelievable job with his on-ice abilities, working with our centermen, our forward group, and teaching our players from an individual standpoint.
“He puts in the time to work with guys off the ice, breaking down video, showing them their shifts, where they need to improve, what they’re good at,” Williams continued. “He and Louis have done a really good job of working together. You can see that they’re more than just colleagues. It’s always nice when you can come to the rink and enjoy hanging out with your entire staff. Dean adds an element to our group and I definitely feel the players appreciate what he brings. I appreciate the countless hours and efforts that Dean brings on a daily basis.”
Prior to joining the Silvertips, DeSilva served as an assistant coach for the 2019-20 Vancouver Giants, where he handled video and analytics responsibilities. The Giants finished 32-24-4-2 that season, earning 70 points and clinching a playoff berth prior to the cancellation of the WHL postseason that year. DeSilva has also worked as an assistant or camp coach with Hockey Canada at the U16, U17 and 3 Nations Cup levels. Additionally, he helmed the Kitchener Junior Rangers U16 AAA program as head coach for five seasons, developing 16 OHL Draft picks and reaching the OHL Cup five times.
DeSilva has helped over 35 players reach the NHL, NCAA or USPORTS levels in his career, with notable mentees including Mackenzie Blackwood (NHL, New Jersey Devils), Mike Hoffman (NHL, Montreal Canadiens) and Tanner Pearson (NHL, Vancouver Canucks). He was named the 2015 Kitchener Minor Hockey Association Coach of the Year, as well as earning the 2016 Alliance Hockey Award of Merit for Outstanding Contribution.
