The Everett Silvertips are off to an incredible start to the season. With a record of 12-2-0, they sit at the top of the Western Conference and look set for a long playoff run this year. Loaded with NHL-drafted talented and an Exceptional Player, this could be the season Everett finally breaks through and punches their ticket to the WHL Final. One of the Silvertips' drafted players is co-captain Eric Jamieson. The 19-year-old was drafted by his hometown team in 2024, going 177th overall to the Calgary Flames. While being drafted is always a special moment, for Jamieson, being selected by the team he grew up cheering for made the moment even sweeter. "Super cool," said Jamieson. "I was at home with my family in Calgary when my name popped up. Super pumped to see that it was the Flames. That's kind of a dream come true, to play for your hometown team. So pretty cool." Jamieson was a re-entry after not being selected in the 2023 NHL Draft. In response to being passed over, he took his game to another level, posting career highs in goals, assists and points last year. As Jamieson explains, despite not talking to the Flames during the 2023-24 season, he had a feeling they were still interested in him heading into the 2024 draft. "Funny enough, I actually didn't talk to him at all last year. I talked to him quite a bit the year before, so I knew they liked me. Just hadn't touched base with them during the year last year. So it wasn't a huge shock." Eric Jamieson Goal vs Wenatchee, October 26, 2024 Flash forward to this season, Jamieson has been given an intriguing task. The shutdown defenceman has been parted with 15-year-old Landon DuPont, who became the first-ever defenceman to receive Exceptional Status in WHL history. Like everyone else, Jamieson is very impressed with the superstar in the making and is enjoying his time playing beside the projected first-overall pick of the 2027 NHL draft. "He's a special player, for sure, and he's really mature for his age. I honestly like the age difference. He's super composed and can handle his own which is awesome." It turns out that playing with DuPont is a family tradition, as Jamieson's younger brother Luke also played beside the 15-year-old Phenom. The two are the same age and were part of the Edge School program in Calgary for the last few seasons. This meant that without even knowing, he was already scouting his future defence partner before DuPont was drafted into the WHL. "My younger brother actually played with him growing up. I've known about the Landon show for a while. I've even gone out to a few of his practices when he was younger. So yeah, like I said, great kid. Super competitive." As for Everett's current team, Jamieson is enjoying playing with the group this season. As mentioned, they are off to a fantastic start despite key changes this offseason on both the player and coaching side. When asked how the Silvertips can stay so consistent despite changes every season, Jamieson explained that while the roster may change, the mindset within the organization never does. "Just kind of stick to the Everett identity. Just working hard, always reloading hard, quick transition, just grinding teams down. That's just kind of the Everett brand hockey, and I think we bring that every year." The Flames prospect is a good example of how hard work pays off. He continues to improve his game, and now, as captain, is showing off his leadership qualities both on and off the ice. If Jamieson can continue to develop and remain consistent on a nightly basis, an entry-level contract could be on its way sooner rather than later. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjA5MjcxNDE2ODY3MDA1NjQ2/subscribe2024-front-banner.jpg]
