Let’s just get this out of the way. The game I witnessed between the Everett Silvertips and the Vancouver Giants was possibly one of the worst games I have ever seen. Mind you, I have seen games at all levels, and been around the United States to all sorts of venues. I have seen shut outs, blowouts, and knock down drag outs. But this was on a whole other level.

Expectations can get a little out of control for a hockey game. All you have to do is take a look at the hockey parent who pushes their under 12 year old kid like they are going to be the next Gretzky. My expectations were to see a high tempo game, along with plenty of mistakes. These kids playing for the WHL are sixteen to twenty years old, and while many are the cream of the crop for their age group, they aren’t in the NHL (yet) and they aren’t coached like they are in the NHL. I understand that.

What I couldn’t understand was what Everett was doing for the first period. Watching the play was the first thing that came to mind. Perhaps their lack of effort was in response to something the rest of us weren’t privy to. Perhaps they were trying to conserve their energy for something after the game. Whatever it was, they took the first period off, which payed off for the Giants in a 20-4 SOG advantage. The fact that the game was only 1-0 Giants after the first was a testament to the Silvertips goaltender. If not for him, the score could have been completely out of control. Like a previous engagement between the ‘Tips and the Giants, in which Everett got blown out 8-0.

Action! Or something similar:
(click on the small pics to see bigger versions)

They have a nice building to play in, but virtually no parking.

More high end coffee.

The arena itself was really nice. I think I could believe it if I were told that there wasn’t a bad seat in the house. Most places make this claim, but I can tell you from experience, it’s a lie. I’m looking at you, Ontario.

Saw this a lot.

The first intermission had R/C cars racing around the ice. It was more entertaining than the first period of the game.

No bears were hurt in the making of this intermission entertainment. Well, almost…

Dude.

The arena has another rink attached.

Back to the “action”

I love this photo. I don’t know why.

Yeah, you should be.

This guy’s name stretches shoulder to shoulder. I took a lot of pictures trying to get this.

I saw the check that broke this pane of glass, but didn’t get a picture of it. Damn.

Fight!

Your final:

Rebuilding? You better hope so, ‘Tips fans. There was more chanting for the Giants than for Everett. The Swag Report from this game is going to be fun. Look for it tonight.