A hidden gem stone: Everett Silvertips Hockey

By Cristine Armfield

As an individual who never thought once about attending a hockey game, I soon came face to face with the ice arena on January 28^th. I thought the game of hockey was based on hostility and not necessarily trying to achieve anything; all I had seen on television were two players going head to head and throwing punches at one another – not something I wanted to pay to see!

Nevertheless, I decided to attend the Everett Silvertips vs. Portland Winterhawks game. Unsure of how the game was played, I was pretty much ready for anything to come my way. For those unaware of hockey’s rules, there are five players on the ice for each team; a game consists of 3 periods, timed at 20-minute intervals.

The Everett Silvertips are ranked #2 in the Western Region and at this point in time were on a 12 game winning streak, a franchise record-winning streak. The game against Portland was anticipated to be a close one. The Winterhawks are known for their hard-hitting offensive team.

As the Comcast Stadium in Everett began to fill up, fans were out of their chairs already chanting cheers and rooting for the Silvertips appearance. The music was pumping, and the players were ready to go.

The UW Seattle softball pitchers partook in the initial dropping of the puck. Then it was time for the face off – the Silvertips got it!

During the first period, at 13 minutes, Silvertips #3 Radko Gudas and Winterhawks #17 Riley Boychuk got at it with one another, ripping each other’s helmets off, throwing punches, and eventually being broken up by the referees and sent to the penalty box – leaving both teams with one man short.

The first point came at 8:37 from #11 Jay Harper, assisted by #27 Ryan Murray and set up by  #21 Seth Daily. The Tips were up 1-0 in the first period.

The second period began and at 9:04 the Tips scored again, the goal made by #19 Chris Langkow, assisted by #13 Josh Winquist. The tips were up 2-0. Not soon after the Winterhawks score at 11:38 into the period, by #8 Ty Rattie, assisted by #5 Luca Sbisa. Nearing the end of the second period, both teams scored again. The Tips scored by an assist from #11 Harper and goaled by #21 Daily at 18:44. However, the Hawks come right back at 19:48, scored by #8 Rattie and assisted by #14 Luke Walker.

The game thus far had been exhilarating – I loved it. The third period began, tensions were high and Portland became more aggressive, resulting in more fouls and fights (which I now enjoy!). Shortly after the third period began, the Hawks score to tie the game at 3-3, goaled by #22 Nino Niederreiter and assisted by #3 Eric Doyle. A constant battle and defensive game, the Tips come back at 8:41 into the period, scored by #21 Daily, and assisted by #3 Radko Gudas.

The final ten minutes were enlivening, the teams fought for victory, and the Hawks went for another attempt in the final 60 seconds, but the Tips were able to hold them off – the Silvertips won 4-3!

The Silvertips made 41 attempts to the goal, the Winterhawks made a slim 28.

7,019 people attended the game and there are still seats available for die-hard hockey fans, and for people like myself — just wanting to try something new…and now I know I will definitely be back.