Silver turning to gold in Indy

by Mike Wallin
November 30, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)

When Ken McRae signed Shawn Silver to a contract this past summer, Ice fans were wondering if the netminder had the credentials to play in the Central Hockey League. Seventeen games into the 2002-2003 season, it has become obvious that McRae's signing was a solid one. Silver has turned to gold in Indy.

With a 6-2-3 record between the pipes, Silver has ignited the Ice to a modest four game win streak and an overall record of 8-4-5 (21 points). The Thunder Bay, Ontario native has lowered his goals-against-average to 1.68, while his save percentage is a spectacular .940.

"Shawn has been hot, no doubt about that," said McRae. "He is a stand up goalie who plays his angles very well."

McRae took a chance with the signing of Silver over the summer. The 26 year old netminder had been playing in Europe the past three seasons and had never played professional hockey in North America. Still, McRae believed that Silver could be an asset for the Ice.

"He put up great numbers in two of the top European leagues," said McRae. "Prior to turning pro, Shawn gained valuable experience in Canadian College and in the OHL."

Last year while playing with the Fife Flyers of the British National League, Silver posted a 28-12-3 record with a 2.44 goals-against-average and a .917 save percentage. His 43 games played and 2,478 minutes in goal proved that he could stand up to the demanding Indianapolis schedule.

"The transition has been a good one for me," said Silver. "I wanted to see what I could do on this side of the pond. My three years in Europe were great, but it was time to give it a shot over here."

Silver started the season rotating games with Jamie Morris in goal for the Ice. While the Ice struggled out of the gates to gain victories, Silver was playing well in net, despite his 0-2-1 record. During the month of November, fortunes have turned for the Ice and Silver has gone 6-0-2 in his last eight starts.

"It's really a credit to the 16 skaters who are playing in front of me," said Silver. "They are all playing our system so well which is enabling me to see the puck and not allow big rebounds."

With Silver turning to gold in Indy, the Ice are once again a contender in the Central Hockey League. Quietly, the Ice have positioned themselves to take over the Northeast Division lead from the Memphis RiverKings.

WEEK GONE BY

Unexpectedly, Indy's week was shortened by one game. Due to ice making malfunctions in Bossier-Shreveport, Saturday nights game was postponed. The Ice did play two games this past week and continued their streak to nine games, 6-0-3, of having not lost in regulation.

Thursday night the Ice feasted on the Memphis RiverKings 4-1. Kahlil Thomas (6) put Memphis on the board first before the Ice stormed back for four unanswered goals. Kevin St. Jacques (10), Randy Holmes (2), Justin Kearns (2) and Bryce Classen (3) lit the lamp for Indy. Shawn Silver turned aside 25 RiverKing shots.

Friday the Ice traveled to Southaven, Mississippi to square off against the RiverKings and shutout the defending champs 3-0. Netminder Shawn Silver was rewarded with his first career CHL shutout after stopping all 33 Memphis shots. Bernie John (3), Scott Lewis (2) and Jared Dumba (6) scored for the Ice.

"We're a young team that knows we can't make mistakes if we are going to win," said Kevin St. Jacques. "Ken McRae always has a good game plan for us and if we work hard and stay within the plan for a full sixty minutes, we'll get good results."

WEEK AHEAD

Three games are on the schedule for Indianapolis this week. The red hot Tulsa Oilers, 17-2 (34 points), will visit Pepsi Coliseum this Friday and Saturday nights for 7:00pm face-offs. Tulsa defeated the Ice 3-2 in Indy and 2-1 in Oklahoma earlier this season. Both games were decided in a shoot-out and each game was dominated by Oiler netminder Rod Branch.

Sunday the Ice will once again visit their arch rival, the Memphis RiverKings. The puck drops at 8:00pm with Jim Mirabello calling the play by play on 101.9 FM.

ICE CHIPS

The Ice acquired forward Jared Dumba this past week from the Oklahoma CIty Blazers in exchange for "future considerations." Dumba, a third year skater, is a 20-30 a year goal scorer who had fallen out of favor in Oklahoma City. He had 5G-2A-7PTS in 15 games this season.

Forwards Ryan Carter and Jerry Connell were placed on the Injured Reserve list. Dumba takes one of the active spots, however the Ice remain one active skater short.

Greg Olsen was suspended one game by the CHL for defending himself after Fort Worth forward Chad Woollard assaulted him with his stick while Olsen remained in the penalty box.

Randy Holmes goal on Thanksgiving night was his 450th point in his 449th career game.

Central Hockey League Stories from November 30, 2002

• Silver turning to gold in Indy - OSC Original by Mike Wallin
• Jackalopes Slide Past Buzzards - El Paso Buzzards
• Gorillas Post Second Straight Shutout - Amarillo Gorillas

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.