Published: Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Silvertips F Hamill, G Irving likely moving on
Pair probably will be playing in American Hockey League next season
By Nick Patterson
Herald Writer
EVERETT -- They've meant so much to the Everett Silvertips franchise. For four years they've toiled for the Silvertip cause, playing major roles in the team's many successes. But it might be time to bid them farewell.
As much as any other players, Zach Hamill and Leland Irving helped put the Silvertips on the map. And with the conclusion of the 2007-08 season, it's likely they've played their final game in Everett.
"I don't see either one being back, I really don't," Everett general manager Doug Soetaert said. "I think it's time for both to move up.
"The reason we're here is to develop guys and give them the opportunity to move on. All we can do is wish them the best and thank them for their services."
Both Hamill and Irving are first-round NHL draft picks, Hamill by the Boston Bruins in 2007 and Irving by the Calgary Flames in 2006. Both already have signed contracts with their NHL teams. Since they'll be 20-year-olds next season, they're both eligible to play professionally in the minor leagues.
Given those conditions, it's rare a player returns to the WHL for his overage season. Therefore, in all likelihood Hamill and Irving made their final appearance in a Silvertips uniform when Spokane eliminated Everett from the playoffs last Friday. Their departure brings an end to an era for Silvertips hockey.
"Really, they've been the foundation," Everett coach John Becanic said. "They've been here four years and won a lot of games and individual accolades. They've given the franchise an identity. I told Irv that it would take a special goalie to break his records with the team, and it's the same for Hamill."
Both Hamill and Irving were a part of the story before it even began, taken in Everett's first bantam draft in 2003 before the Tips ever played a game. Hamill was selected third overall and Irving in the fifth round of a remarkable draft that laid the foundation for Everett's first five seasons.
Since then they've etched themselves into Silvertips history.
Hamill, a native of Port Coquitlam, B.C., is Everett's all-time leader in games played (250), points (262), goals (87) and assists (175). He also holds the single-season records for points (93 in 2006-07) and assists (61 in 2006-07). In 2006-07 he was named a first-team Western Conference all-star.
"It's been unbelievable," Hamill said of his Everett career. "I was just talking to my parents the other day about how many times they've driven down here. I've kind of grown up in the city and it's been unbelievable to me."
Irving, from Swan Hills, Alberta, is the runaway leader in career goaltender games (195) and wins (107), and with 21 career shutouts he matched the league record. He was a second-team Western Conference all-star in both 2005-06 and 2006-07.
"I've loved it," Irving said of his time in Everett. "The fans and the organization and all the teammates I've had, I'll never forget all my experiences here and I'm grateful for it. What better place to have a junior career."
Although both are eligible to return to Everett next season, and although neither has been told anything definitive by his parent club, both are eager to get their professional careers started.
Hamill's is starting immediately. He flew out Monday night to join Boston's American Hockey League affiliate in Providence, the team he probably will play for next season.
"I think as a hockey player you want to play at the highest level possible," Hamill said. "I think that is the next step toward the ultimate goal of making the National Hockey League."
Next season Irving likely will be plying his trade for Calgary's AHL affiliate in Quad Cities (Ill.).
"Yeah, I think I'm ready to move on to the pros," Irving said. "I don't know if there's a whole lot more improvement for me in this league. My first couple years I made pretty big strides from where I was, with the help of (Tips goaltender coach) Shane Clifford. It's almost like I've peaked, but once you move up to another level you're forced to play at a level I didn't even know myself I could play at. I'm excited for the opportunity and ready for the challenge."
And both are just beginning to understand the impact they've had on the franchise.
"When I look back hopefully I have the same influence on not just the organization, but the young players coming in and the fans and the city," Hamill said. "Before the franchise even began I was kind of here, so it's definitely a good feeling to be that part of the franchise. The Everett Silvertips are such a good name in the WHL, I couldn't have asked for a better junior hockey place to play."
And Everett couldn't have asked for a better duo to help the team get to where it is today.
Nick Patterson's Silvertips blog: http://www.heraldnet.com/silvertipsblog
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