Silvertips defeat Spokane on day two
EVERETT – The Everett Silvertips faced off against the Spokane Chiefs Saturday on day two of the 9th annual Holiday Inn Preseason Classic, recording their first win on the weekend 5-1 at Comcast Arena.
Forward Trent Lofthouse recorded a goal and an assist with a +3 rating while defenseman Evan Morden tallied two assists and was +4 on the night. In his first appearance of the preseason, goaltender Austin Lotz stopped all 12 shots he faced in just over 33 minutes of play.
The Silvertips came out strong in the first period, taking a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes. Everett’s first goal came after Kevin Davis made a nice play at the blue line to keep the puck in, allowing Stathis Soumelidis to fire a shot over the shoulder of goaltender Garrett Hughson. The ‘Tips struck again one minute later as Josh Winquist finished on a beautiful passing play from Ty Mappin and Cody Fowlie.
Continuing momentum in the second, Everett recorded an additional two goals. The first came when Trent Lofthouse chipped the puck over the Chiefs goaltender and Manraj Hayer was there to tap it in. Luke Gordon’s deflection of an Evan Morden shot from the blue line found Reid Petryk at the side of the net for the Silvertips’ second goal of the period. Everett held a 4-0 lead and shots were tied at 16 heading into the final 20 minutes.
The ‘Tips and the Chiefs exchanged goals in the third, but Everett ended with a decisive 5-1 victory. An unlucky bounce led to the end of the Silvertips shutout bid when Nakeh Lamothe came in alone and beat goaltender Andy Desautels high to the glove side. After killing off a penalty, Trent Lofthouse redirected another shot from Evan Morden to once again extend the ‘Tips lead to four.
Andy Desautels shared time with Lotz in goal for Everett, turning away 14 of 15 shots. Garret Hughson started in net for Spokane, stopping 8 of 12 shots, while Trevor Martin stopped 12 of 13. The Silvertips finished 6 for 6 on the penalty kill, but were 0 for 4 on the powerplay. The Chiefs outshot the ‘Tips 27-25.
In Saturday’s afternoon game the Portland Winterhawks defeated the Tri-City Americans 4-1 with 15-year-old Keoni Texeira scoring two of the ‘Hawks four goals.
The Holiday Inn Preseason Classic tournament concludes Sunday with two more games. Seattle will face Spokane at 1:00 pm followed by the Silvertips taking on Portland at 5:00 pm. Remember to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Volunteers of American Everett Food Bank upon entry.
Packages and single-game tickets for all four remaining games of the Holiday Inn Preseason Classic are on sale now. For more information call 425-252-5100. To keep up with all the latest team news, “like” the Everett Silvertips Hockey Club on Facebook or follow @WHLSilvertips on Twitter.
