Win Over T-Birds Completes Everett’s Preseason - Junior Hockey News

KENT, WA - The Everett Silvertips completed their 2011 WHL preseason schedule with a 4-1 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds Saturday night at ShoWare Center. The Silvertips finish exhibition play with a record of 3-4 as they prepare for their 2011-12 regular season opener Friday night in Portland against the Winterhawks.

Michael Bell notched the winning goal and contributed an assist in the contest, while Josh Winquist, Tyler Giebel and Kohl Bauml all found the back of the net as well. Everett finished with a 31-24 edge in shots and held Seattle scoreless on four powerplay chances while scoring once in two opportunities of their own.

Both clubs limited scoring chances in the first period, but Josh Winquist capitalized on a defensive-zone turnover to open the scoring, wristing a shot past T-Birds goaltender Michael Salmon at 13:44 to put the 'Tips on top. Luke Siemens finished the period with a few impressive saves to keep the score 1-0 in Everett's favor after one.

The Silvertips controlled play early in the second period and went up 2-0 as Michael Bell deked a Seattle defender before squeezing a shot inside the post from the low slot at the 8:37 mark. The Thunderbirds cut the lead in half later in the period however when Brendan Rouse stuffed in a rebound during a scrum in front of Siemens to put the score at 2-1 through 40 minutes.

Less than three minutes into the third, Tyler Giebel's turnaround shot was deflected in front and fluttered into the net as the 'Tips extended their lead to 3-1. Everett allowed only three shots against in the third period to preserve that lead and then added a late powerplay goal from Kohl Bauml to complete the 4-1 victory.

Luke Siemens finished the night with 23 saves on 24 shots to earn the victory. Michael Salmon saved 13 of 15 in the first half of the game before Daniel Cotton came in to make 15 stops on 17 opportunities.

Their preseason schedule complete, the Silvertips will now prepare for their first regular season game Friday at 7:00 pm against the defending U.S. Division Champion Portland Winterhawks. The 'Tips will then open the home schedule of their ninth season in Everett at 7:05 pm Saturday against the Kelowna Rockets at Comcast Arena. Season tickets and mini game packages for the 2011-2012 regular season are available now and can be purchased in person at the team office inside Comcast Arena or by phone at 425-252-5100. Single game tickets are o n sale by phone (866-332-8449), online (comcastarenaeverett.com) or at the Comcast Arena box office.