Silvertips Opening Night Spoiled by Cougars
EVERETT – The Everett Silvertips celebrated the start of their 10th Anniversary season in front of nearly 6,000 fans Saturday night at Comcast Arena, but the excitement was dampened by a 6-0 loss to the Prince George Cougars to start the year. The ‘Tips will get another chance at the Cougars and their first win as the two teams meet again Sunday at 5:05 pm in downtown Everett.
Seven players made their Silvertips’ debuts on Saturday night, including goaltender Cole Holowenko, who turned away 9 of the 10 shots he faced in the third period in relief of Austin Lotz. The Silvertips excelled on the penalty kill throughout the night, denying the Cougars on 7 of their 8 powerplay opportunities. Everett was 0 for 3 on the man-advantage.
The ‘Tips came out with energy in the first period, outshooting Prince George 11-9 and pinning the visitors in their own zone numerous times. Everett held a 6-1 advantage on the shot clock when the Cougars were awarded a penalty shot, which was buried by Colin Jacobs for the first goal of the game. Prince George scored again late in the period after a scramble in front saw Chase Witala bang home a rebound behind Austin Lotz to make it 2-0 Cougars after one.
Three Prince George goals in the second put the ‘Tips back five goals at the end of 40 minutes. Alex Forsberg finished off a 2-on-1 rush by tapping a rebound into an open net to make it 3-0. Caleb Belter scored on another 2-on-1 to increase the Cougars’ lead to four. Everett killed off five consecutive penalties before Colin Jacobs recorded his second goal of the game on a powerplay in the final minute of the period.
Cole Holowenko replaced Austin Lotz in goal in the third period and was beaten only once as Brock Hirsche tallied the only goal of the final stanza to give the Cougars a 6-0 victory. Prince George edged Everett on the shot clock 33 to 25 in total. Lotz stopped 18 of 23 shots faced in 40 minutes played. Brett Zarowny stopped all 25 shots to earn the shutout in his WHL debut for Prince George.
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The Silvertips are right back on home ice looking for a rebound effort as they cap off opening weekend against the Cougars on Sunday afternoon. The opening faceoff is set for 5:05pm as the ‘Tips welcome a large contingent of sailors from the USS Nimitz who will be in attendance at Comcast Arena.
Season tickets, mini-game packages and single-game tickets for the Silvertips’ 10th Anniversary season at Comcast Arena are on sale now. For more information call 425-252-5100. To keep up with all the latest team news and information, “like” the Everett Silvertips Hockey Club on Facebook or follow @WHLSilvertips on Twitter.
