SPEAKING OF MONDAYS:

A picture tells a thousand words. So how many words can the camera lens of a 64 gb iPhone capture through one hockey season?

If you’re a packrat like me, it’ll dwarf a reading of War and Peace.

Thus, we release the rarely or never-before-seen photos of the 2015-16 season, all for your eyes to capture. Curl up and enjoy.

Camp opens in three days. Before we get on with the new, it’s time for “out with the old.”

FULL GALLERY HERE

 

Award winning broadcaster Mike Benton will be entering his second season as radio play-by-play voice of the Everett Silvertips. Tweet at him here. 

SPEAKING OF MONDAYS

Take that, Monday.

 

1. IT’S COMING: Let’s just all take in the fact that a new icy canvas, devoid of cuts and smooth as glass, is on the way in just a few days. We hope you survived the offseason, because it’s swiftly coming to a close. Once the Silvertips logo, lines and sponsor ads are painted and the final layer is installed, we’re officially good to go in downtown Everett. Expect the proceedings to be frozen over (pun not intended by Thursday night).

View this post on Instagram

Now just add ice. 🏒🏒

A post shared by Everett Silvertips (@everett_silvertips) on Aug 15, 2016 at 5:28pm PDT

 

 

2. NIGHTHAWK TRAIN COMING: We’re getting close to a nickname for the Las Vegas NHL team (the “Fighting McCrimmons” are apparently not in the mix). If it comes to fruition: I’m just curious how many confused folks will be in the seats when the Blackhawks come to town.

 

3. THE GREAT 8, THE DOUGH HE’LL RAKE: Just take in the fact that the payout for a size-58 Reebok worn by Alexander Ovechkin (it was the first jersey he ever wore in an NHL game) could land you a new car.

 

4. OFFSEASON TWEETS: We like movies. We like to be entertained. We like to ingest a good story. We like to be inspired. We like to laugh. A few friends in the business, and yours truly, present you with the Twitter inspired #fav7films …

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. GOODBYE JOHN: Last week presented the unfathomable, with the departure of longtime personality John Saunders from this earth. I never met him. I know of a few who had the privilege. To be admired:

• His versatility (ESPN National Hockey Night, College Football studio host, The Sports Reporters host chair, Toronto Raptors Play-by-Play)
• His transparent and disarming delivery
• His ability to be “compelling” without being “overbearing.” It’s becoming a lost art these days in some parts of TV land.

 

He made ESPN good TV. As many are saddened to see him pass, so am I. And to paraphrase the perfectly articulated Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press, “he will now be a memory, living in our hearts.”

 

(John appears at the 4:50 mark.)

John: you were a face of my youth. Thanks for making every telecast enjoyable.

Award winning broadcaster Mike Benton will be entering his second season as radio play-by-play voice of the Everett Silvertips. Tweet at him here. 

 

SPEAKING OF MONDAYS  

That’s coming together, no?

As Monday’s blog was delayed for developing news, this will probably be the last entry before training camp that includes even as much of a milligram’s dosage of non-hockey material (hey, the days get slow by August), but at least the sights of training camp are right around the corner.

We can see a light!

1. ONE OF MY FAVORITES: As the Silvertips and WHL made the news official, he’s now gone but never forgotten. And now, a distinguished member of the Silvertips Alumni (@TipsAlumni) worldwide chapter. He was charisma, compassion, and professionalism rolled into one. And he’s wished well.

   @WHLsilvertips @TipsAlumni pic.twitter.com/OoKl82loey

   — Tristen Pfeifer (@tristenp71) August 1, 2016

   As the benefits of playing in the WHL go, Tristen Pfeifer already has a future secured even though competitive hockey will be in the rear view mirror. His scholarship fund will go to a double major in finance and economics at Grand Canyon (Ariz.) University, and an MBA or masters in finance after finishing his undergrad degree in two years.

   So, well done, Tristen Pfeifer – you’re a gem.

2. NOT MANY OF THESE DAYS LEFT: It’s August, so we’re on the cusp of training camp for the 14^th season in Silvertip Country. As a result, approximately 3 weekends are left to: take the family to Seattle or any garden variety scenic Snohomish County park, play golf, take in food at a favorite “hole in the wall” establishment. But hey, it’s hockey season coming at us full speed ahead, and every training camp is like a fresh, sunny, dew-kissed morning for the season. It feels majestic and energizes the soul.

 

3. KELLY GOES VEGAS: For the first time since 1988, and before TSN Insider Darren Dreger served as their team’s voice, the Brandon Wheat Kings will not be employing Kelly McCrimmon at all. The longtime owner, GM, and head coach had a door crack open to the NHL. He responded by busting it wide open. He’ll be going to Las Vegas as the club’s new assistant general manager.

4. HART, JUULSEN ON THE GO: The road to the World Junior Championships starts now, and Carter Hart (still yet 18 and already a Flyers pick and reigning CHL Goalie of the Year) and Noah Juulsen are front and center of the budding Silvertips national representation.

 

5. RANDOM ACT OF KINDNESS MONTH: Famed author Mark Twain was attributed to a quote, “kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” When it comes to everyday dialogue, I’m a firm believer in sweet sayings over salty sarcasm, and smiles over sneers. It’s difficult to avoid this all the time (hey, it’s why “chirping” is associated with a psychological advantage on the ice). But while I’m a broadcaster at work, I’m a viewer at home. On Monday morning, the TV happened to be on Q13 Fox, and Liz Dueweke (@LizDueweke) shared this pretty incredible thing (relayed on Twitter):

 

So, for #OneKindThing – make it a good one. Even if it’s offering to help a stranger behind you in line at the post office with boxes as high as a skyscraper, the smile you get from the end is worth it. Or, sharing your Silvertips tickets with a neighbor? Or their kids, who need a good time out? You feel pretty good inside.

Award winning broadcaster Mike Benton will be entering his second season as radio play-by-play voice of the Everett Silvertips. Tweet at him here.