The Everett Silvertips are a major junior ice hockey team based in Everett, Washington. Founded in 2003, they compete in the Western Hockey League (WHL), one of the three leagues of the Canadian Hockey League system. The franchise was established to bring high-level junior hockey to the Puget Sound region and plays its home games in downtown Everett at the arena long known as Comcast Arena (now Angel of the Winds Arena) (Comcast Arena at Everett). The team takes its name from the silvertip bear, a regional symbol intended to evoke strength and local identity.

Level and style of play

As a WHL club, Everett fields players typically between 16 and 20 years old who are developing toward professional careers. The Silvertips follow the major junior model used across the Canadian Hockey League: a mix of drafted and recruited players, intensive seasonal schedules, and an emphasis on producing professional-caliber talent. The team’s style has combined structured defense with skilled forwards in different seasons, reflecting changes in coaching and roster turnover common at the junior level.

History and achievements

The franchise enjoyed immediate competitiveness after entering the league. In its early years the club captured divisional honors and reached deep into the postseason, including a conference title in its inaugural period. Notable achievements in the team’s first decade included multiple division titles and a regular-season top finish that underscored the Silvertips’ rapid rise in the WHL.

  • Established in 2003 and quickly became a playoff contender.
  • Multiple division titles and a conference championship in the club’s early seasons.
  • Regular season leaders during a standout campaign mid-decade.

Throughout its existence the team has qualified for the WHL playoffs on many occasions and has been recognized for developing players who move on to professional leagues, including the NHL. The franchise maintains records of alumni and season-by-season results on its official pages (team website).

Community role and rivalries

The Silvertips are an important part of Everett’s sports scene, drawing families and hockey fans to arena events and community initiatives. The club participates in school visits, youth hockey programs, and charitable efforts in the region. On the ice, regional rivalries—particularly with nearby Pacific Division clubs—help create intense matchups that attract consistent local interest.

While remaining a junior franchise rather than a professional minor-league team, Everett continues to play a dual role: competing for WHL honors and serving as a development and community institution in western Washington. For schedules, rosters, and historical season summaries consult the team’s and league’s information pages (WHL, official site, arena information).