The Everett Public Facilities District and Spectra by Comcast Spectacor, management for Angel Of The Winds Arena, congratulate the Everett Youth Hockey 16U A1 Jr. Silvertips on winning the Tier II State Championship. The 16U A1 Jr. Silvertips, coached by Jason Kwiatkowski and Tyler Narsing, captured their first State Championship in program history earlier this month, after a final 5-0 win over the Spokane Jr. Chiefs at the Pacific Northwest Amateur Hockey Association (PNAHA) Tier II Tournament in Tri-Cities.
The 16U A1 Jr. Silvertips, as well as team managers Michael Krause and Tami Pool, are now destined for the USA Hockey Tier II National Championships in New Jersey starting April 5 at the Ice Vault Arena and Floyd Hall Arena.
“This is not the first Everett Youth Hockey team to win a State Championship, but only Tier I and Tier II are eligible to compete for a National Championship,” said team manager, Michael Krause. “Our 16U A1 team is the first ‘nationally bound’ Everett team to win State and qualify for a bid to the USA Hockey National Championships.”
Comprised of both 15-year olds and 16-year olds, this year’s 16U A1 team had players travel from as far as Bellingham and Covington to Everett two to three times a week all season for practice. The team has played a total of 54 games so far just this season, which included a close semi-finals loss at the North American Hockey League – Future Prospects Tournament this past December in Minnesota.
“We are excited to watch the Junior Silvertips 16-under team proudly represent Everett at the National Championships,” said Everett Public Facilities District board president, Gary Weikel. “We applaud the managers, coaches, players, and their families, on their hard-work and dedication, and wish them the best of luck next week at Nationals in New Jersey.”
Following their State Championship title run, the 16U A1 Jr. Silvertips have been very active in their fundraising efforts, working to cover travel costs for all 17 players on the team. The Everett Silvertips jumped in to offer their support, via a ticket fundraiser promotion, proceeds from 50/50 raffle ticket sales, along with offering space at a playoff game for a silent auction of signed NHL gear donated by the Los Angeles Kings. Jim Ashe, show producer for the Everett Home & Garden Show, also donated a booth at his recent event to help the team generate additional funds.
Anyone interested in supporting the team can make a donation through gofundme.com/EYH16uNationals. The team has raised over $10,300 through the GoFundMe page, but could still use some help to reach their $22K goal.
The Jr. Silvertips are guaranteed to play three games during the initial round-robin play. First game is scheduled for Thursday, April 5 at 2:15 PM. If the team finishes in first or second place, they will move on to the Championship quarter-finals. All games will be televised on Hockey TV – usahockey.hockeytv.com (paid subscription required).
“After qualifying a few weeks ago, the excitement and energy level of the team is still running at an all-time high,” said Michael Krause. “All the support we’ve received from throughout the community has been absolutely amazing!”
Release courtesy of Everett Junior Silvertips.
