Giving back to the "voice"

Even avid Everett Silvertips fans might not recognize Dave Piland if they ran into him on the street.

But if he asked directions, or the time, or the score of a hockey game, his voice would instantly give him away.

Piland is the public-address announcer for the Silvertips, and his booming, distinctive introductions of the players have become a staple at the Everett Events Center.

Piland always has saved his best for the last player introduced, whether it might be goaltender "Jeff Harrrrrrrrvey" or "Leland Irrrrrrrrrving."

The last syllable goes on until it is finally drowned out by a deafening ovation from an appreciative crowd. Piland has been an institution at Silvertips games for all four seasons, always getting fans ready for the opening faceoff with his trademark "Let's play hockey."

Piland, 42, isn't playing any games now as he battles a terminal form of brain cancer. He is now bed-ridden at home but hopes to be back for another season.

"He's doing OK," son Greg Piland said. "He's in a medical bed, but he seems to be having a little more strength in the last few days. He's still as witty as ever, giving us a hard time and making everything fun."

Since he was originally diagnosed in 2005, the medical bills have mounted and Piland recently became unable to work at his job as manager of DeYoung's Farm & Garden in Woodinville.

"The financial situation is pretty dire," Greg Piland said. "He worked as long as he could in a wheelchair but hasn't been able to the last week or so."

A fundraising golf tournament to benefit Piland, wife Lisa and their four children will be held Aug. 10 at Snohomish Golf Course. The tournament includes a buffet dinner and a silent auction (see www.davepiland.com or call 425-377-1954 for complete entry information).

"We're hoping to raise about $50,000," Greg Piland said, "but that would take a full field. We've got 15 teams signed up and another 20 who have said they are going to. Hopefully we can get a full field of 36 teams."

In addition to the golf tournament, there will be a buffet dinner and silent auction featuring Silvertips jerseys and other hockey memorabilia, including some donated by hockey Hall of Famer Ron Francis.

"We're hoping to raise about $14,000 from the silent auction and are still looking for more sponsors," Greg Piland said. "We appreciate all the people who aren't able to play who have donated as individuals."

The Silvertips have helped. The teams raised more than $63,000 since Piland was diagnosed with level-four glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, and began treatments at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

They wore a special jersey with Piland's trademark "Let's play hockey" phrase that raised more than $38,000. The jersey with Peter Mueller's name and No. 88 was auctioned off for $4,388.88.

Piland said his father remains upbeat, hopeful of a return to announcing next season.

"He loves doing the Silvertips and can't wait until he gets back," Greg Piland said. "He wants to get back and get better and obviously hasn't lost hope. We wants to continue to do everything he loved doing."

Silvertips release tentative schedule

It isn't official yet, but the Everett Silvertips are tentatively scheduled to begin defense of their U.S. Division title at home on Sept. 21 against the Tri-City Americans.

The Silvertips, celebrating their fifth-anniversary season, have 27 home weekend dates on their tentative 72-game schedule. A final version of the complete schedule is expected to be released soon by the Western Hockey League.