The second half of the 2014-15 WHL season begins Saturday when the Tips host the Vancouver Giants. Here’s a few quick notes:
– Everett is nearing full strength for the start of the second half. Defensemen Ben Betker (concussion) and Tristen Pfeifer (upper body) both missed the end of the first half because of injuries. However, both are expected to be available for Saturday’s game. That means winger Logan Aasman (upper body) should be the only player unavailable.
– The Tips have an interesting test right out of the gate. Vancouver was the hottest team in the league before the league shut down nine days ago, having won seven straight — the last of those was a 2-1 home victory against Everett. The Giants are a perfect 6-0 since Claude Noel took over as the team’s new head coach. We’ll see if Vancouver’s momentum carries over into the second half.
– Everett general manager Garry Davidson reiterated Friday his desire to further strengthen the team. He acknowledged the Tips’ involvement in the race to acquire star defenseman Josh Morrissey from Prince Albert (Kelowna won the race), and he continues to work the trade market, with a top-six forward likely the priority. However, he said the market has dried up a bit with divisional races tightening up, and he is wary of giving up any more high bantam draft picks. Nevertheless, he’s ready to deal.
– The WHL is giving its annual gift to fans this weekend by making the online video broadcasts of games free. Everett is at Tri-City on Sunday, so Tips fans will be able to watch if they want.
– For those of you looking for an earlier hockey fix, the World Junior Hockey Championships began Friday. Of note, former Everett defenseman Mirco Mueller is playing for Switzerland, while Tips prospect Auston Matthews is playing for the U.S. Matthews is 50-50 on whether to join Everett next season or head to the NCAA, but considering he’s currently considered the frontrunner to be picked first overall in the 2016 NHL draft, he would obviously be a gamechanger for the Tips.
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