Silvertips Defeat Spokane, Win Fourth Straight
The Everett Silvertips won their fourth straight game by defeating the Spokane Chiefs, 2-1. Everett, now third place in the Western Conference, sits just three points behind the Tri-City Americans for first place with nine games remaining. First star of the night Thomas Heemskerk earned his 21st win of the season with a 36 save performance. Heemskerk now leads the WHL in Goals Against Average and Save Percentage. Byron Froese and Scott MacDoanld scored for Everett Wednesday night. Everett’s win Wednesday night was their 40th of the year, tying the 2005-2006 season for second most wins in franchise history.
The Silvertips killed off Spokane’s only power play while Heemskerk stopped all 19 Chief shots in the first period to keep the score tied 0-0 after 20 minutes of play.
Everett broke the tie when Froese scored his 26th goal of the season at 12:33 of the second period. Kellan Tochkin fed the puck to Froese before the Silvertips forward went top-shelf, glove side for a 1-0 Everett lead. The Chiefs tied the game on the power play just before time expired in the second period. Kyle Beach scored on a wrap around attempt that beat Heemskerk at 19:59.
The Silvertips regained the lead at 6:16 of the third period. MacDonald worked the puck from behind the net before walking in front and scoring off a deflection when the puck hit a Spokane defender to make the score 2-1. Heemskerk turned aside all seven Spokane shots in the third period to help lead Everett to a 2-1 victory.
This brings the ‘Tips record to 40-19-3-1 with 84 points in 63 games played. The Silvertips come back to Comcast Arena this weekend for two important home games. Friday night has the Silvertips taking on U.S. Division leader Tri-City Americans at 7:30pm. Saturday night Prince George comes to town for a 7:00 pm puck drop at Comcast Arena.
The Silvertips continue the 2009-2010 season at Comcast Arena on Friday, February 26th taking on the Tri-City Americans at 7:35 pm. Tickets are on sale now at everettsilvertips.com and at the Comcast Arena Box Office. For ticket information, including season seats and ticket packages, please call the Silvertips’ front office at (425) 252-5100.
As always, radio coverage of Silvertips hockey will be provided by North Sound 1380 KRKO, while highlights of audio broadcast, video packages and relevant multimedia will be provided by the Western Hockey League’s website, www.whl.ca.
GOALS
1st Period
No Scoring
2nd Period
1) EVT- Froese (26) (Tochkin), 12:33
2) SPO – Beach (47) (Spurgeon, Johnson), 19:59 (PPG)
3rd Period
3) EVT – MacDonald (5) (Unassisted), 6:16
ATTENDANCE
Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, Spokane, WA – 4,511
POWER PLAY
EVT: 0/2
SPO: 1/3
SHOTS ON GOAL
EVT: 6-11-8-25
SPO: 19-11-7-37
GOALIES
EVT: Thomas Heemskerk: 36/37 (W, 21-10-2-1)
SPO: James Reid: 23/25 (L, 32-15-3-1)
THREE STARS
1) EVT – Thomas Heemskerk
2) SPO – Jared Spurgeon
3) EVT – Kellan Tochkin
