The Everett Silvertips opened their Memorial Cup campaign with a 5‑3 victory over the Chicoutimi Sagueneens on Tuesday night, turning a brisk start into a decisive win that left the crowd buzzing in Chicoutimi.
Veteran forward Jesse Heslop struck just 1:14 into the contest, wiring a no‑look backhand that caught the Sagueneens off guard and set the tone for the evening.
Resilience in the Face of a Rally
The Sagueneens answered with a quick strike from Christophe Berthelot, tying the game at one‑one before Lukas Kaplan's hard shot slipped under the crossbar to level the score at two‑two. Heslop later assisted on Zackary Shantz's tally, giving the Silvertips a 3‑2 edge, and Carter Bear sealed the win with a second‑period goal.
Coach Steve Hamilton praised his squad's ability to respond to adversity, noting the team's composure after a flurry of opposition pressure. Goaltender Anders Miller turned away 22 shots, while Maxim Masse's 6‑on‑4 marker with under 28 seconds left pulled the Sagueneens within one, only for Matias Vanhanen's empty‑netter to restore the two‑goal margin.
With the win in the books, the Silvertips turn their attention to a showdown against the Kitchener Rangers, while the Kelowna Rockets await their next opponent in the Sagueneens.