Tipped Off
05-05-2005, 10:43 AM
Published: Thursday, May 5, 2005
Silvertips Notebook
By Nick Patterson
Herald Writer
EVERETT - Today the Everett Silvertips build their future, but one piece of their present remains up in the air.
On the eve of the 2005 Bantam Draft, the Silvertips are still awaiting word on whether they'll have the services of Peter Mueller next season.
Mueller, a big and skilled 1988-born center from Minneapolis, Minnesota, was Everett's second-round pick in the 2003 Bantam Draft. And if the Silvertips can convince him to play in Everett, he's expected to have an immediate impact.
How good is Mueller? Had he not already committed to the University of Minnesota - as a high school freshman - prior to the 2003 Bantam Draft, he may have been the first overall pick. As the only 16-year-old on USA Hockey's U-18 team, he finished second on the team in scoring and helped the U.S. win the gold medal at the 2005 World U-18 Championships.
"I think right now he's rated in the top three in his age group in the NHL draft," Everett general manager Doug Soetaert said. "And I honestly believe that if he comes this direction he'll be the No. 1 player selected in the draft."
Therefore, the Silvertips plan on putting a full-court press on Mueller this offseason in an attempt to sway his decision in favor of Everett. Mueller's other option for next season is to remain with the U-18 national team.
"We've been talking with his family for quite some time," said Soetaert, who mentioned that Mueller would be slated to replace Alex Leavitt on Everett's top line with Torrie Wheat and Karel Hromas. "They've been out here a couple times and Peter's open to playing in the WHL. I'm not sure what more he can accomplish (with the U-18 national team), he's already mastered that level. He wants to be a pro, and there's no better way than through the Canadian Hockey League."
Silvertips Notebook
By Nick Patterson
Herald Writer
EVERETT - Today the Everett Silvertips build their future, but one piece of their present remains up in the air.
On the eve of the 2005 Bantam Draft, the Silvertips are still awaiting word on whether they'll have the services of Peter Mueller next season.
Mueller, a big and skilled 1988-born center from Minneapolis, Minnesota, was Everett's second-round pick in the 2003 Bantam Draft. And if the Silvertips can convince him to play in Everett, he's expected to have an immediate impact.
How good is Mueller? Had he not already committed to the University of Minnesota - as a high school freshman - prior to the 2003 Bantam Draft, he may have been the first overall pick. As the only 16-year-old on USA Hockey's U-18 team, he finished second on the team in scoring and helped the U.S. win the gold medal at the 2005 World U-18 Championships.
"I think right now he's rated in the top three in his age group in the NHL draft," Everett general manager Doug Soetaert said. "And I honestly believe that if he comes this direction he'll be the No. 1 player selected in the draft."
Therefore, the Silvertips plan on putting a full-court press on Mueller this offseason in an attempt to sway his decision in favor of Everett. Mueller's other option for next season is to remain with the U-18 national team.
"We've been talking with his family for quite some time," said Soetaert, who mentioned that Mueller would be slated to replace Alex Leavitt on Everett's top line with Torrie Wheat and Karel Hromas. "They've been out here a couple times and Peter's open to playing in the WHL. I'm not sure what more he can accomplish (with the U-18 national team), he's already mastered that level. He wants to be a pro, and there's no better way than through the Canadian Hockey League."