Silvertips Change Leaders

Just because the NHL has emerged from its lockout hibernation doesn't mean the WHL news won't be covered anymore.  Case in point: today, and this one is important to those who follow the Everett SIlvertips. Mark Ferner is out as head coach and Chris Hartsburg is out as assistant coach, and general manager Garry Davidson will fill in on an interim basis.  Currently, the Silvertips are in eight place in the Western Conference, and are second to last in goals scored in the league.

This is a big fall for a team that started its existence on a hot streak, reaching the Finals in its first year of existence.  Major changes began prior to last season, when longtime general manager Doug Soetart was replaced by Davidson, and Davidson wanted a change in philosophy from the defensive-minded teams of the past.  Currently, the fact that they're near the bottom in offense is an indication that the team hasn't quite identified the players necessary to succeed under this plan.