The Everett Silvertips start their season Saturday against Prince George. But this isn’t just any season. It’s their 10th anniversary season, a mark that shows the success of a team that began as just a crazy idea in a town that had no history with hockey of any kind.
So we’re taking this chance to look back: Back at how the team got its start, at the Cinderella story of its first season, and how it became a community favorite. We’re also looking at the 2012-13 team and what it’ll face as it takes the ice.
Silvertips’ 2003-04 debut surprised everyone: What the Tips achieved in their inaugural season is difficult to believe: the most victories by a Western Hockey League expansion club, a division title and an amazing playoff run that led to a conference title and a berth in the WHL championship series.
Silvertips were built for success, community pride: “We planned to be as successful as we could on the ice, to be very successful off the ice on the business side and to really have something this community could feel proud of,” said Zoran Rajcic, who joined the front office when the franchise was established in 2002.
Milestones from the past decade: Kevin Constantine has his players ride the bus home in their gear after a loss, the Tips win three division titles in four years, Kyle Beach gets punched out, Kyle Beach gets traded, and other memorable moments.
The Silvertips’ record book: Can you guess who holds the record for most penalty minutes?
Silvertips in the NHL: Where Zach Hamill, Leland Irving and Peter Mueller are now.
Meet the 2012-13 players: Photos and bios of this season’s team members.
Breaking down the WHL: A look at the Silvertips’ competition this season.
Silvertips quiz: So you call yourself a fan, huh? Let’s see just how much you know about the team.
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