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  • North Mason Parents: Your 2026 District Tournament Guide for Lady Bulldogs Softball

    North Mason Parents: Your 2026 District Tournament Guide for Lady Bulldogs Softball

    Your daughter’s team just punched their postseason ticket with a walk-off win. Now the questions start: When do they play? Where is that complex in Lacey? How does the bracket work? Here’s what North Mason parents need to know about the 2A District 2/3 tournament and how to be there for it.

    The Bracket: How to Find It and When It Drops

    The WIAA does not post brackets until seeding is finalized after the regular season closes. For the 2A District 2/3 tournament, bracket assignments are published through the Arbiter scheduling system at wiaa.com/schedules. Search for North Mason or the “2A District 2/3” designation.

    Seeding is typically determined by win-loss record within the district’s ranking criteria. As a team that finished 10-7 overall and 5-5 in the Olympic League, North Mason enters the bracket — exact seeding TBD once the WIAA finalizes the field. Once the bracket posts, game times and field assignments at the Regional Athletic Complex will be listed.

    The North Mason athletics page at northmasonschools.org is your school-side source for schedule links once the bracket is confirmed.

    Getting to Lacey From Belfair

    The Regional Athletic Complex sits in Lacey, in Thurston County. From Belfair, the most direct route runs south on SR-3 through downtown Belfair and Shelton, then connects to US-101 south before picking up I-5 into the Lacey area. The drive is approximately 50 miles. Budget 55-70 minutes depending on time of day and whether traffic through the Gorst interchange is backed up — Gorst is often the bottleneck on SR-3 heading south for events.

    For tournament days, plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before game time. Multi-game tournament days at the Regional Athletic Complex can run tight schedules, and parking for large softball brackets fills early.

    How the Tournament Format Works

    The 2A District 2/3 tournament uses a double-elimination format: two losses end your season; one loss drops you into the loser’s bracket but keeps you alive. The top finishers out of districts earn a berth in the state tournament at Carlon Park in Selah — scheduled for May 22-23.

    The practical implication: if the Lady Bulldogs win their opening game, they stay in the winner’s bracket and likely play again the same or next day. If they drop a game, they go to the loser’s bracket and need to win out to advance. Double-elimination means tournament weekends can involve two or three games in a short span — bring snacks, sunscreen, and patience for bracket math.

    What’s at Stake: The State Path

    For North Mason to reach the WIAA 2A state championship at Carlon Park in Selah (May 22-23), the Lady Bulldogs need to advance far enough in the district bracket to earn an automatic bid. The exact number of state berths allocated from District 2/3 depends on the WIAA’s current classification structure — check the tournament bracket notes on wiaa.com for the confirmed number of advancing teams once the field is set.

    North Mason enters districts playing their best ball of the season. The walk-off win over Bainbridge on May 8 followed a strong late-April stretch that included sweeping Sequim and beating Bremerton. Teams that arrive at districts on a hot streak often carry that momentum through.

    Following Scores From Home

    If you can’t make the trip to Lacey, MaxPreps at maxpreps.com is the most reliable real-time score tracker for North Mason athletics and updates throughout tournament play. The WIAA bracket page on wiaa.com reflects results as games complete.

    Frequently Asked Questions for North Mason Parents

    Where do I find the Lady Bulldogs district bracket?

    At wiaa.com/schedules — search North Mason or “2A District 2/3 softball.” Brackets post once seeding is finalized after the regular season closes.

    How far is it from Belfair to the Regional Athletic Complex in Lacey?

    Approximately 50 miles via SR-3 south to I-5. Allow 55-70 minutes and plan for the Gorst interchange potentially slowing travel on SR-3.

    What format is the 2A District 2/3 softball tournament?

    Double-elimination. One loss drops you to the loser’s bracket; two losses end the season. The top finishers advance to the 2A state tournament at Carlon Park, Selah — May 22-23.

    Can I buy tickets at the gate for district games?

    WIAA district tournaments typically charge gate admission. Confirm specific ticket details with North Mason athletics or the host site once game times are posted.

    Related Belfair Bugle coverage: North Mason Lady Bulldogs Punch 2A District Ticket With Walk-Off Win Over Bainbridge | North Mason Levy Update — May 2026

  • North Mason Lady Bulldogs Punch 2A District Ticket With Walk-Off Win Over Bainbridge

    North Mason Lady Bulldogs Punch 2A District Ticket With Walk-Off Win Over Bainbridge

    Spring playoff season has arrived in Belfair. North Mason’s Lady Bulldogs walked off at home with a 6-5 win over Bainbridge Island on Friday, May 8 — closing out their regular season and punching their ticket to the 2A District 2/3 tournament at the Regional Athletic Complex in Lacey. The Bulldogs enter the postseason with a 10-7 overall record.

    The Win That Sent Them to Districts

    The Lady Bulldogs needed it, and they delivered it. Playing at home in Belfair in their final regular-season game, North Mason trailed Bainbridge Island late before rallying for a 6-5 walk-off victory on Friday afternoon. The moment closed out a regular season that saw the team go 10-7 overall and 5-5 in Olympic League play — a record that reflects a team that found its footing down the stretch.

    The finish had been building for weeks. North Mason swept Sequim and topped Bremerton in late April to put themselves in position for a postseason bid. Friday’s walk-off was the punctuation mark.

    What’s Next: The 2A District 2/3 Tournament in Lacey

    The Lady Bulldogs head to the Regional Athletic Complex in Lacey for the 2A District 2/3 tournament. The Regional Athletic Complex — located in Thurston County — is a multi-field facility that hosts district and state-level events across multiple sports. For North Mason families making the trip from Belfair, the drive runs approximately 50 miles south via SR-3 and I-5.

    Bracket seeding and individual game times had not yet been posted by Friday evening. The WIAA publishes bracket assignments through its Arbiter scheduling system at wiaa.com/schedules. North Mason families should check there for confirmed matchup details and game times once seeding is finalized.

    The path to state runs through the district tournament. Teams that advance far enough earn a berth in the WIAA 2A state softball tournament, scheduled for May 22-23 at Carlon Park in Selah.

    A Spring Sports Program at Full Stride

    The Lady Bulldogs aren’t the only North Mason program heading into postseason play. The Bulldogs baseball squad finished the regular season 7-7 overall (4-6 Olympic League) and will also compete in the 2A District 2/3 tournament — bracket and seeding pending through the same WIAA portal.

    On the track, North Mason athletes delivered a strong Olympic League Championship showing. Adrianna Tupolo won the discus title. Adrianne Tupolo claimed the long jump. Samantha Neil took the pole vault. The girls track program finished 8th out of 30 teams at the 66th Shelton Invitational — a field that draws programs from across the South Sound — before turning attention toward district-level competition.

    Three programs, three district bids. For a school the size of North Mason, fielding competitive playoff teams across softball, baseball, and track simultaneously is a meaningful community moment — and one that starts in Belfair.

    For North Mason Fans Following From Belfair

    The WIAA does not stream district tournament games centrally, but individual school athletic departments sometimes provide links through their websites. The North Mason athletics page at northmasonschools.org is the primary source for schedule updates from the district.

    For fans who want to follow scores in real time, MaxPreps (maxpreps.com) maintains North Mason Bulldogs results and is typically updated throughout tournament play.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Did North Mason Lady Bulldogs make the 2026 district softball tournament?

    Yes. The Lady Bulldogs clinched their district berth with a walk-off 6-5 win over Bainbridge Island on May 8, 2026, at their home field in Belfair. They finished the regular season 10-7 overall, 5-5 in the Olympic League.

    Where is the 2A District 2/3 tournament held?

    The Regional Athletic Complex in Lacey, Washington. From Belfair, take SR-3 south to I-5 south — approximately 50 miles. Bracket assignments and game times are posted at wiaa.com once seeding is finalized.

    When is the 2026 WIAA 2A state softball tournament?

    May 22-23, 2026 at Carlon Park in Selah, Washington. Teams must advance through district competition to qualify.

    How do I follow Lady Bulldogs district scores from Belfair?

    Check MaxPreps for real-time score updates. The North Mason athletics page at northmasonschools.org carries schedule information. The WIAA bracket is at wiaa.com/schedules.

    How did North Mason track do at the 2026 Olympic League Championships?

    Three individual titles: Adrianna Tupolo (discus), Adrianne Tupolo (long jump), Samantha Neil (pole vault). The girls team finished 8th out of 30 at the Shelton Invitational before heading to district competition.

    Related coverage from the Belfair Bugle: Belfair Business Pulse — Week of May 6, 2026 | North Mason Levy Appears to Be Passing — Community Awaits May 8 Certification

  • Here’s Who Filed for Snohomish County’s August 4 Primary: Contested Races, Key Matchups, and What Everett Voters Need to Know

    Here’s Who Filed for Snohomish County’s August 4 Primary: Contested Races, Key Matchups, and What Everett Voters Need to Know

    Q: When is the 2026 primary election in Snohomish County?
    A: August 4, 2026. Ballots will be mailed July 15. The voter registration and update deadline is July 27.

    Washington’s 2026 candidate filing window closed at 5 PM Friday, May 8, and the races for the August 4 primary ballot are now set.

    Filing week ran May 4–8 at the Snohomish County Elections Office, 3000 Rockefeller Ave. in Everett, with online filing also available through the Washington Secretary of State’s portal. By Friday’s close, every race on the August primary ballot had its final candidate list.

    The Everett City Council’s EMS levy lid lift — which voters approved sending to the August 4 ballot in April — also appears on this ballot as a proposition, separate from the candidate races. That’s covered in its own article; this one focuses on who filed to run for office.

    How the Primary Works

    Washington uses a top-two primary. All candidates for a given race appear on a single ballot regardless of party. The top two vote-getters — even if both are from the same party — advance to the November 3 general election.

    If only one or two candidates filed for a position, they automatically advance to the general election and won’t appear on the August primary ballot.

    Snohomish County will mail ballots July 15. The last day to register to vote or update voter registration is July 27. Completed ballots must be returned by 8 PM on August 4.

    Congressional Races

    Congressional District 2 covers a large portion of Snohomish County including Everett. Incumbent Rick Larsen (D), who has represented the district since 2001, faces four challengers: Edwin H. Feller (R), Devin Hermanson (D), Raymond Pelletti (R), and Tomas Scheel (D). With two Democratic challengers plus two Republican candidates in a district Larsen has held for over two decades, this is the county’s most competitive congressional primary.

    Congressional District 1 — covering parts of the county’s southern and eastern edges — sees incumbent Suzan DelBene (D) facing five challengers: James Etzkorn (I), Hunter Gordon (D), Catherine Hildebrand (D), Benjamin Kincaid (D), Bryce Nickel (D), and Mary Silva (R).

    Congressional District 8, which includes parts of Snohomish County’s eastern edge, has incumbent Kim Schrier (D) facing Keith Arnold (D), Trinh Ha (R), Bob Hagglund (R), Spencer Meline (R), and Andres Valleza (R).

    State Legislative Races: The Districts That Cover Everett

    District 38 covers Everett and surrounding communities. State Sen. June Robinson (D) faces challenger Brad Bender (R). In the House, Rep. Julio Cortes (D) faces Annie Fitzgerald (D) and Thomas (Jeff) Kelly (Cascade) in Position 1. Rep. Mary Fosse (D) filed alone for Position 2 and advances automatically to the general.

    District 44 covers Mill Creek and adjacent areas of Snohomish County. State Sen. John Lovick (D) faces Sherri Larkin (R). In the House, Rep. Brandy Donaghy (D) faces Chris Elder (R) in Position 1, and Rep. April Berg (D) faces Tonya Stadlman (R) in Position 2.

    District 21 covers Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, and Mukilteo — communities south of Everett in Snohomish County. State Sen. Marko Liias (D) faces Riaz Khan (R). Rep. Strom Peterson (D) is the sole Position 1 filer and advances automatically. Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self (D) faces Bruce Guthrie (Libertarian) in Position 2.

    District 32 covers northwest Snohomish County. The senate seat held by Jesse Salomon (D) features a three-way race: Salomon (D), Cindy Ryu (D), and Ira McBee (R). Position 1 is particularly crowded with six candidates: Chris Bloomquist (D), Will Chen (D), Jenna Nand (D), Danica Noble (D), Lisa Rezac (R), and Keith Scully (D). Rep. Lauren Davis (D) faces Imraan Siddiqi (D) in Position 2.

    Snohomish County Offices

    PUD Commissioner District 1: Three candidates filed — Bruce King, Janet St. Clair, and incumbent Sid Logan. The Snohomish County PUD sets electricity rates and runs the utility infrastructure for most of the county outside Everett’s city utility service area. Three candidates means this race goes to the primary ballot.

    Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney: Incumbent Jason Cummings (D) filed unopposed and advances directly to the general election.

    Courts

    Most district court judicial positions in Snohomish County appear to have single filers, meaning judges automatically advance to the general election without a primary race. This includes both Everett District Court positions: Judge Anthony E. Howard (Position 1) and Judge Jennifer Millett (Position 2).

    Court of Appeals, Division 1, District 2 incumbent Linda Coburn also filed.

    What’s Not on This Ballot

    Everett City Council seats are not up in 2026. Seats 6 and 7 are next on the 2027 cycle.

    The Everett Charter Review Committee and the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission are both targeting November 2026 for their ballot measures — those are still being developed and are separate from the primary.

    What To Do Next

    Check your registration now: Visit vote.wa.gov to confirm your registration is current and your address is correct. You have until July 27 to update.

    Find your district: The Snohomish County Elections website at snohomishcountywa.gov/224 has an interactive map. Enter your address to find which congressional, legislative, and judicial races appear on your ballot.

    See the full candidate list: The Washington Secretary of State’s candidate portal at voter.votewa.gov lists all candidates statewide with party and filing status.

    Mark your calendar: Ballots arrive July 15. Don’t wait until August 4 to return yours by mail — give it a few days of transit time, or use a drop box.

    Track the EMS levy separately: The Everett EMS levy lid lift is also on the August 4 ballot as a standalone proposition. It’s separate from candidate races.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When do I get my ballot?

    Snohomish County mails ballots July 15. If you haven’t received yours by July 22, contact the Snohomish County Elections Office at 425-388-3444 or visit snohomishcountywa.gov/224.

    What if I moved since the last election?

    Update your registration at vote.wa.gov before July 27. You must register to your current address to receive the correct ballot.

    Do I have to vote on every race?

    No. You can leave individual races blank without affecting the rest of your ballot.

    How does the top-two primary work?

    All candidates for a race appear on a single primary ballot. You pick one. The top two advance to the November 3 general — regardless of party. This means two candidates from the same party can face each other in November.

    Are Everett City Council seats on this ballot?

    No. Everett City Council Seats 6 and 7 are next on the 2027 election cycle, not 2026.

    Where can I find drop boxes?

    Drop box locations across Snohomish County are listed at snohomishcountywa.gov/224 in the weeks before the August 4 deadline.

    🗳️ Exploring Everett — Expanded Coverage

  • Everett City Council Unanimously Adopts NR-MHC Zone: Seven Manufactured Home Parks Now Permanently Protected

    Everett City Council Unanimously Adopts NR-MHC Zone: Seven Manufactured Home Parks Now Permanently Protected

    Q: What did the Everett City Council just vote on?
    A: On May 7, 2026, the council unanimously adopted an ordinance creating the NR-MHC (Neighborhood Residential – Manufactured Housing Community) zone, permanently protecting seven named manufactured home parks from redevelopment for other uses.

    Seven manufactured home parks in Everett can’t be redeveloped for other uses under a new zoning ordinance the City Council unanimously adopted on May 7, 2026.

    The ordinance establishes a new land use zone called Neighborhood Residential – Manufactured Housing Community (NR-MHC) and immediately rezones seven named parks to that classification. It also repeals Title 17 of the Everett Municipal Code, a section of zoning law the city described as defunct and no longer administered.

    Mayor Cassie Franklin issued a statement following the vote: “Thank you to the Council for approving this important action to preserve an affordable housing option in Everett. Manufactured home parks provide one of the most affordable home ownership options. Potential redevelopment of these properties and rising rents are threats to the homeowners’ tenure. Residents don’t own the land under their homes and pay rent. It may not be possible to find a new site for their home if their current location is no longer an option due to redevelopment. This new ordinance offers new protections for the homeowners, preserving this housing option into the future.”

    The Seven Parks Now Under NR-MHC Protection

    The ordinance rezones these communities to NR-MHC effective upon adoption:

    1. Creekside Mobile Home Park — 5810 Fleming St.
    2. Fairway Estates Mobile Home Park — 1427 100th St.
    3. Lago De Plata Villa — 620 112th St.
    4. Loganberry Mobile Home Park — 9931 18th Ave. W
    5. Mobile Country Club — 1415 84th St.
    6. Silver Shores Senior Mobile Home Park — 11622 Silver Lake Road
    7. Westridge Mobile Home Park — 7701 Hardeson Rd.

    What the New Zone Actually Allows — and Doesn’t

    The NR-MHC zone limits land use to the continuation of a manufactured housing community. That means each property must keep operating as a manufactured home park under normal circumstances.

    The single exception: if circumstances beyond the control of the property owner change in a way that results in no reasonable economic use of the property, the owner could seek a different use. That’s a high bar — it’s not a backdoor to redevelopment based on rising land values or more profitable zoning alternatives.

    Permitted uses within NR-MHC include replacement or modification of manufactured homes or tiny homes, and accessory structures including community rooms and laundry facilities. The zone does not allow conversion to apartments, retail, commercial development, or other uses typical in residential or mixed-use zoning.

    Why This Matters for Manufactured Home Residents

    People who own a manufactured home typically own the home itself but not the land it sits on. They rent a pad — the lot — from the park owner. If a park is sold for redevelopment, residents often can’t simply move their homes. Relocation is typically cost-prohibitive, and many older manufactured homes can’t survive a move at all.

    That dynamic has displaced manufactured home communities in high-growth cities throughout the Puget Sound region over the past decade. The NR-MHC zone is Everett’s mechanism for preventing that outcome in the seven parks it covers.

    The ordinance implements two goals from Everett’s Comprehensive Plan: HO-10, which directs the city to protect existing affordable housing stock, and HO-19, which specifically addresses manufactured housing community preservation.

    What the Title 17 Repeal Means

    The ordinance also repeals Title 17 of the Everett Municipal Code. City staff described Title 17 as a section of zoning law that has not been actively used or administered in recent years and is considered defunct. The repeal is housekeeping — removing dormant code language — rather than a substantive change in how anything currently works.

    Context: Where This Fits in Everett’s Housing Picture

    Everett’s planning commission and city council worked on the NR-MHC ordinance as part of the city’s broader housing affordability effort. A public hearing was held May 6 at 6:30 PM in City Council Chambers at 3002 Wetmore Ave. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance the following day, May 7.

    The vote comes as the city navigates a projected $14 million general fund deficit heading into the 2027 budget cycle and considers several revenue-side options including the utility tax increase currently working through council readings. The NR-MHC ordinance doesn’t cost the city anything to implement — the protection comes through the zoning map, not city expenditure.

    Snohomish County approved $23 million in housing funding across six projects on April 24, including three in Everett — a signal that housing preservation and production is a coordinated regional priority.

    What To Do Next

    If you live in one of the seven parks: The ordinance is now in effect. Your park cannot be rezoned for other uses without extraordinary circumstances that must be demonstrated to the city. If you receive any notice from your park owner about redevelopment or sale, contact the City of Everett Planning Division at 425-257-8731 or visit everettwa.gov.

    To review the ordinance: The ordinance and associated documents, including the rezoning map (Exhibit A) and staff memo, are available through the City of Everett Agenda Center at everettwa.gov/agendacenter under the May 7, 2026 City Council meeting materials.

    To stay current with Everett zoning changes: Sign up for news flash notifications at everettwa.gov to receive city announcements directly.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Does this ordinance cap my rent?

    No. The NR-MHC zone controls what the land can be used for, not what a park owner can charge for pad rental. Rent is governed by lease terms and Washington landlord-tenant law — not this ordinance.

    Can the park owner sell the property?

    Yes. The NR-MHC zone follows the property, not the owner. If a park is sold, the new owner takes ownership of a parcel zoned NR-MHC and cannot redevelop it for other uses except under the narrow economic-use exception.

    What was Title 17 EMC?

    Title 17 was an older section of Everett’s zoning code that had not been actively used for some time. Its repeal is cleanup — removing defunct language — not a change to any active regulations.

    Are there other manufactured home parks in Everett not covered by this ordinance?

    The ordinance covers the seven parks identified in Exhibit A of the staff memo. The city did not publicly identify additional parks as being under active redevelopment threat. Parks not on the list are governed by their existing zoning designation.

    Where can I read the full ordinance?

    Visit everettwa.gov/agendacenter and search the May 7, 2026 City Council meeting materials. All ordinance exhibits are available as public documents.

  • Everett Gospel Mission: The Nonprofit Feeding, Sheltering, and Rebuilding Lives Across Snohomish County — And About to Nearly Double Its Capacity

    Everett Gospel Mission: The Nonprofit Feeding, Sheltering, and Rebuilding Lives Across Snohomish County — And About to Nearly Double Its Capacity

    Q: What does Everett Gospel Mission do and where is it?
    A: Everett Gospel Mission provides emergency shelter, meals, and recovery services for men, women, and families experiencing homelessness in Snohomish County. Their main location is at 3711 Smith Ave in Everett. The organization is currently planning a $30 million expansion that will nearly double its shelter capacity to 172 beds, with construction set to begin in fall 2026.

    Most people in Everett have driven past the Everett Gospel Mission without really knowing what happens inside. That’s starting to change — partly because of a major expansion announcement that has drawn coverage from KING 5 and the Everett Herald, and partly because the need it addresses is increasingly visible in our community.

    Here’s the full picture of what EGM does, who it serves, and what’s coming next for one of Snohomish County’s most essential nonprofits.

    What Is Everett Gospel Mission?

    Everett Gospel Mission is a Christ-centered nonprofit based in Everett that alleviates homelessness, hunger, addiction, and poverty in Snohomish County. Founded on a mission of community care rooted in faith, EGM operates as a practical, daily resource — not just a last resort. Men and women who are unhoused, hungry, or struggling with addiction can walk through EGM’s doors and find shelter, a meal, and support connecting to longer-term recovery resources.

    EGM’s main facility is located at 3711 Smith Ave, Everett — a cluster of buildings on the city’s south side that houses emergency shelter for men, a women’s shelter, a day center, and staff offices. The organization can be reached at (425) 740-2500, and their full resource guide lives at egmission.org.

    Services: What EGM Provides

    EGM’s programming spans three core areas: shelter, meals, and recovery support.

    Emergency Shelter

    Everett Gospel Mission operates separate emergency shelters for men and women. The men’s shelter holds particular significance in the regional context: it is the only emergency shelter available for men without families in Snohomish County. When a man experiencing homelessness in Snohomish County needs a bed, EGM is the option. That context makes the organization’s upcoming expansion not just a local story but a county-level infrastructure story.

    EGM also operates a family shelter in Everett’s Lowell neighborhood, providing an additional resource for families with children who need emergency housing. The expansion of the main Smith Avenue facility will free up additional space at the Lowell family shelter as well.

    Meals and Day Services

    EGM serves meals to people experiencing homelessness throughout the week. The organization hosts holiday meals — Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and other special occasions — for men, women, and families in need. These meal services are open to community volunteers and faith groups who want to serve alongside EGM staff.

    The day center on Smith Ave provides a daytime space where guests can access basic needs — a place to be, connections to services, and support from staff working toward longer-term stability solutions.

    Recovery Programs

    Addiction and homelessness are deeply intertwined in Everett, as they are in most of Western Washington. EGM provides recovery-oriented programming as part of its holistic model — the goal isn’t just a bed for the night but a pathway toward sustainable change. Their approach is explicitly faith-based and community-rooted, which distinguishes EGM from county-administered services and makes it a complementary part of the broader Snohomish County social safety net alongside organizations like Housing Hope and Cocoon House.

    The $30 Million Expansion: What’s Coming

    In April 2026, EGM announced a major expansion that will transform the Smith Avenue campus and significantly increase the county’s shelter capacity. The Herald covered the announcement on April 10, 2026; KING 5 followed with a segment focused on the growing need EGM is preparing to meet.

    The Scale

    The expansion will connect two existing warehouses on Smith Avenue with EGM’s current shelter building, creating one contiguous facility approximately three times the size of the current structure. When complete, the expanded shelter will provide 172 beds — nearly double current capacity — with separate spaces for men and women. The facility will also include surge capacity for up to 64 additional beds during severe weather events, giving the county a significant cold-weather emergency resource.

    The Funding

    The $30 million project has assembled funding from multiple sources: the City of Everett, Snohomish County, the Washington State Legislature (through a budget allocation approved earlier this year), and private philanthropic donations. Significant portions of the funding have already arrived, positioning the project for a real construction start rather than a planning-stage announcement.

    The Timeline

    Construction is set to begin in October or November 2026, with the goal of having Phase 1 complete in time for the cold weather season in 2027. For a community where winter shelter access is often a matter of survival, that timeline reflects urgency, not ambition.

    Why This Matters for Everett

    Everett has been grappling with visible homelessness for years — a challenge that intersects with the Casino Road corridor, the downtown core, and the waterfront area. The organizations working on this problem in Everett are all connected: Volunteers of America Western Washington runs food banks and the Casino Road pantry; Housing Hope develops and operates affordable housing throughout the county; Cocoon House focuses on youth experiencing homelessness; and EGM holds the critical position of being the only overnight shelter for adult men without families.

    The expansion doesn’t solve Snohomish County’s homelessness crisis — no single building does. But it closes a real gap in the county’s emergency infrastructure, and it positions EGM to serve a growing population with more dignity and space than the current facility allows.

    The Stations Unidos community development corporation, which works to prevent displacement in the Casino Road corridor, has noted that homelessness prevention and emergency response are two sides of the same challenge. EGM works the emergency response side with consistency and scale that few organizations in the county can match.

    How to Get Involved

    Volunteer

    EGM welcomes volunteers for meal service and a range of other roles. The organization requires a Poverty 101 orientation for most volunteer opportunities beyond hosted meal service — a brief training that helps volunteers understand the context they’re stepping into and show up more effectively. Groups (faith communities, businesses, civic organizations) can sign up to prepare and serve meals on a recurring basis. Visit egmission.org/volunteer to connect.

    Donate

    EGM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 91-0780146) and accepts donations directly through their website. The expansion has raised a significant portion of its $30 million target, but EGM’s ongoing operating budget — meals, shelter staff, utilities, recovery programming — is funded by the community year-round.

    Access Services

    If you or someone you know needs emergency shelter, meals, or recovery support, EGM’s main location is at 3711 Smith Ave, Everett. Call (425) 740-2500 to connect with staff, or visit egmission.org for current hours and intake information.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is Everett Gospel Mission located?

    Everett Gospel Mission’s main facility is at 3711 Smith Ave, Everett, WA. Their family shelter is in the Lowell neighborhood. They can be reached at (425) 740-2500 or at egmission.org.

    What services does Everett Gospel Mission provide?

    EGM provides emergency shelter for men and women, a day center, meals, and recovery-oriented programming for people experiencing homelessness, hunger, or addiction in Snohomish County.

    Is Everett Gospel Mission the only men’s shelter in Snohomish County?

    Yes — Everett Gospel Mission’s shelter on Smith Avenue is the only emergency shelter available for adult men without families in Snohomish County.

    What is the EGM expansion project?

    EGM is planning a $30 million expansion of its Smith Avenue campus that will nearly double shelter capacity to 172 beds, with surge capacity for 64 additional beds in severe weather. Construction is set to begin in fall 2026, with Phase 1 targeting completion before the 2027 cold weather season.

    How can I volunteer at Everett Gospel Mission?

    EGM welcomes volunteers for meal service and other roles. A Poverty 101 orientation is required for most positions. Visit egmission.org/volunteer to sign up or learn more.

    Is Everett Gospel Mission a faith-based organization?

    Yes — EGM is a Christ-centered nonprofit. Their approach to shelter, meals, and recovery is rooted in faith-based community development, though their services are available to anyone in need regardless of religious background.

    🏠 Exploring Everett — Expanded Coverage

  • Everett Public Schools 2026 Graduation: Ceremony Dates, Venues, and Everything Families Need to Know

    Everett Public Schools 2026 Graduation: Ceremony Dates, Venues, and Everything Families Need to Know

    Q: When and where are the Everett Public Schools 2026 graduation ceremonies?
    A: Everett Public Schools holds four separate graduation ceremonies in June 2026. Transition programs (Project Search, GOAL, STRIVE) graduate June 10. Sequoia High School graduates June 11. Cascade High, Henry M. Jackson High, and Everett High all hold commencements June 13. All ceremonies are at Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett.

    If you have a senior at home, the countdown is real. Yearbooks are arriving, prom is getting close, and at the center of it all is graduation day — the moment the Class of 2026 officially closes one chapter and opens the next.

    Here’s everything Everett families need to know about the 2026 commencement ceremonies — dates, venues, what’s happening in the weeks before, and practical logistics for the big day at the arena.

    The 2026 EPS Graduation Schedule

    All ceremonies are held at Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201 — the same venue that has hosted EPS graduations for years and holds up to 10,000 for events, giving each school’s graduating class room to fill the floor with their families.

    June 10 — Transition Programs Graduation

    The Class of 2026 for Project Search, GOAL, and STRIVE — three of EPS’s transition programs for students with disabilities — will be honored in a dedicated ceremony on June 10. This separate event recognizes the distinct journey these students and their families have made through the district. Families should confirm specifics through their student’s program coordinator.

    June 11 — Sequoia High School

    Sequoia High School‘s Class of 2026 walks on June 11. Sequoia serves students who take a non-traditional path to a diploma, and the ceremony carries the same pride and accomplishment as any other in the district. Watch for school communications on ceremony time and ticket distribution.

    June 13 — Cascade High, Henry M. Jackson High, and Everett High

    Three of EPS’s four comprehensive high schools graduate on June 13, each with its own ceremony at a staggered time. Specific times will be communicated by each school in May — watch your email and your school’s website for the schedule.

    Cascade High School serves students from some of Everett’s most diverse neighborhoods, including students from the Pinehurst-Beverly Park and Cascade View corridors. Cascade’s most recent graduation rate stood at 96.6%, one of the highest in the district.

    Henry M. Jackson High School draws from Silver Firs, Tambark Creek, and the eastern edges of the EPS boundary. Jackson’s senior class is typically one of the largest in the district.

    Everett High School, the district’s downtown flagship, draws from Bayside, Northwest Everett, Port Gardner, and the broader urban core. Everett High’s ceremony tends to fill the most seats of any single EPS graduation event.

    June 14 — Everett Community College Commencement

    Not an EPS ceremony, but worth noting: Everett Community College is holding its 2026 commencement at Angel of the Winds Arena on June 14 — the day after EPS’s main ceremonies. Many EvCC students started at Everett, Cascade, or Jackson high schools. The RSVP deadline for EvCC graduates participating in the ceremony is May 11, 2026.

    The Senior Season Already Underway

    Graduation ceremonies cap off a full month of senior milestones. The district calendar shows several events between now and commencement day:

    • Senior Awards Night — each school honors academic achievement, scholarships, and community recognition. Dates vary; watch for school communications.
    • Senior Recognition Assembly — a school-wide event where the graduating class is celebrated by the broader student body.
    • Senior Prom — held by each school in May or early June, dates and venues vary.
    • Senior Tea — a tradition at some EPS schools, offering a quieter, more personal recognition moment before the big ceremony.
    • Senior vs. Staff Basketball Game — reliably the most fun anyone has in the building during the final stretch.
    • Yearbooks on Sale May 29 – June 12 — if your senior hasn’t ordered yet, the window is still open.
    • Kindergarten Graduation — elementary schools also hold kindergarten ceremonies in late May and early June. For families celebrating at both ends of the K–12 span, it’s a full season.

    Practical Logistics: Angel of the Winds Arena

    The arena has hosted enough EPS graduations that families know the drill — but here’s what first-timers need to know.

    Arrive early. Graduation fills the arena. Parking around the venue moves fast. The Everett Transit Hub sits directly next to the arena, making transit a genuinely convenient option if you’re coming from within the city.

    Budget 90 minutes to two hours. Ceremony length varies by school size. Everett High and Jackson tend to run longest; Sequoia’s ceremony is typically more compact.

    Tickets. EPS distributes a set number of tickets per graduate for lower-bowl seating. Schools will communicate ticket allocation in May. If your family needs additional tickets, reach out to your school’s main office early — some schools have a waitlist or release process.

    Accessibility. Angel of the Winds Arena has designated accessible seating and accessible parking near the main entrance. Families with specific needs should contact the school or arena in advance.

    Photography. The arena lighting for graduation is much better than most people expect. Bring a real camera if you have one, or plan to position yourself at the aisle for the processional and diploma walk. Many families hire a photographer to capture the ceremony exit.

    This Is the Class of 96.3%

    The Class of 2026 graduates into a record. EPS’s overall graduation rate reached 96.3% in 2025 — with Cascade High at 96.6%. That reflects years of investment in early intervention, pathways like Summer Academy and Career Link, and a district that treats graduation not as a default outcome but as an intentional one.

    Dr. Ian Saltzman, who has led EPS since 2019, has consistently named graduation rate as a primary district metric. The Class of 2026 represents the full run of his leadership — seven years of building a system where walking across that stage is expected, not exceptional.

    For seniors heading to college, the next step often starts locally. The SchooLinks platform replacing Naviance this September will continue supporting post-secondary planning for students and recent graduates through the transition.

    After the Ceremony: Making an Evening of It

    Angel of the Winds Arena sits in the middle of downtown Everett. Post-graduation, the city is right outside. Hewitt Avenue, the Port of Everett waterfront, and downtown’s restaurant scene are all within a few minutes’ walk or drive. If you’re planning a graduation dinner, book ahead — downtown fills up on graduation weekends, particularly June 13 when three separate ceremonies are finishing at different times through the afternoon and evening.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where are Everett Public Schools graduation ceremonies held?

    All EPS high school graduation ceremonies are held at Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201.

    When does Everett High School graduate in 2026?

    Everett High School’s 2026 graduation ceremony is June 13, 2026, at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    When does Cascade High School graduate in 2026?

    Cascade High School’s commencement is June 13, 2026, at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    When does Sequoia High School graduate?

    Sequoia High School’s graduation is June 11, 2026, at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    When is EvCC commencement in 2026?

    Everett Community College’s 2026 commencement is June 14, 2026, at Angel of the Winds Arena. Graduate RSVP deadline is May 11, 2026.

    Is there a graduation for EPS transition programs?

    Yes — students in Project Search, GOAL, and STRIVE have a dedicated transition graduation ceremony on June 10, 2026.

  • Dana Gould Is Coming to the Historic Everett Theatre on May 16 — Here’s Why You Should Be There

    Dana Gould Is Coming to the Historic Everett Theatre on May 16 — Here’s Why You Should Be There

    What time does Dana Gould perform at the Historic Everett Theatre on May 16?
    Dana Gould performs Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the Historic Everett Theatre (2911 Colby Ave, Everett, WA). Doors open at 7:00 PM, show starts at 8:00 PM. Tickets are $23 and available at the door. The show is presented by Everett Comedy Night.

    Verdict: GO. The headliner is unique to this market, the room is the right size, and $23 is a fair price for what you’re getting. All three boxes checked.

    The Short Version

    Dana Gould wrote and produced for The Simpsons for seven years. He’s been doing stand-up since he was seventeen. On Saturday, May 16, he’s performing at the Historic Everett Theatre as part of Everett Comedy Night’s Premier Stand-Up Comedy series. Doors at 7:00 PM. Show at 8:00 PM. Twenty-three dollars at the door. This is a real headliner playing a real room, and it doesn’t come around often in a market this size.

    Who Is Dana Gould

    Dana Gould was born in 1964 in Hopedale, Massachusetts and started doing stand-up comedy onstage at age seventeen. After studying briefly, he relocated to San Francisco to work full-time in the craft — years of sets, years of developing the perspective that eventually landed him a seat in the most competitive television writers’ room in the country.

    His run on The Simpsons lasted from 2001 through 2007. He worked as a writer and served as co-executive producer on seasons 14 through 18 — meaning he was in the room during one of the most widely distributed television eras in American history. In a 2005 episode he provided voice work as Don Knotts playing Barney Fife, an impression he’d been doing in his live act for years before it reached the show. If you’ve watched The Simpsons in the 2000s — and you have — some of those episodes have Gould’s fingerprints on them.

    The Simpsons credit is the one that puts his name in front of a general audience, but the rest of his career runs a different direction. In 2016 he created, wrote, executive produced, and starred in IFC’s Stan Against Evil — a horror-comedy series about a former small-town New Hampshire sheriff (played by John C. McGinley) who discovers the town is overrun by demonic entities tied to a seventeenth-century witch-burning event. Gould appeared as Kevin, a gravedigger and recurring presence throughout the show. Stan Against Evil ran for three seasons and 24 episodes across 2016–2018 before IFC cancelled it in January 2019. It’s exactly the kind of show that gets a cult following, and it has one.

    Since 2012, Gould has hosted The Dana Gould Hour podcast, which covers classic horror, pop culture, and comedy history with guests drawn from the community of people who care about the same strange corners of American entertainment that he does. Since 2021 he’s also hosted Hanging with Doctor Z on YouTube — a talk show recorded entirely with Gould in full Dr. Zaius makeup from Planet of the Apes, interviewing comedian and musician friends. It’s exactly what it sounds like.

    The thread running through all of it — the Simpsons years, the IFC series, the podcast, the Planet of the Apes talk show — is a very specific kind of intelligence about American popular culture. Fond, precise, and a little dark at the edges. That’s what you’re seeing on Saturday.

    Everett Comedy Night: The Series

    The show’s promoter is Everett Comedy Night, which runs the Premier Stand-Up Comedy series at the Historic Everett Theatre. Saturday is the 14th/4th Anniversary show — marking the series’ longevity and the established relationship between the promoter and the venue that makes events like this possible in a market this size.

    Getting a headliner of Gould’s caliber to play Everett requires the kind of track record that only comes from doing it consistently and not messing it up. Everett Comedy Night has that track record. When a real national touring comedian agrees to play a mid-sized Pacific Northwest city, it’s not by accident — it’s because someone has put in the work to make it worth doing.

    The Room

    The Historic Everett Theatre opened on November 4, 1901, as the Everett Opera House. A fire in 1923 required a full rebuild; the new building reopened in 1924. A restoration effort from 2000 through 2004 brought it back to working condition, and it operates today at approximately 800-seat capacity. Early performers in the building’s history include Lillian Russell, Al Jolson, and George M. Cohan — names that tell you what kind of room this was built to be.

    That capacity matters for comedy in a specific way. Stand-up at arena scale tends to lose something — the pauses, the timing, the audience relationship that makes the form work. At around 800 seats, a comedian of Gould’s caliber can do actual stand-up, not a version of it scaled up to fill a space too large for the act. The room fits the performer.

    Walking into a 125-year-old opera house to watch a comedian talk about writing for a cartoon and making a demon-hunting show is a particular kind of experience that doesn’t exist everywhere. The building adds something that a casino ballroom or a club with a low ceiling doesn’t.

    Three Reasons to Go

    The headliner doesn’t play Everett often. Dana Gould has credits that most touring comedians don’t — seven years on The Simpsons, a three-season IFC series, a podcast with a real following. When someone with that resume agrees to play Everett’s premier comedy series, you go.

    The price is right. Twenty-three dollars at the door for a comedian with this resume is a genuine deal. Compare what you’d pay for a comparable show at a Seattle venue, add parking and driving time, and the math isn’t close.

    The Historic Everett Theatre in May is worth your time. The building has had a strong spring — multiple well-produced shows, a room that feels alive. Saturday, May 16 is a good night to be in it.

    What You Need to Know

    Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
    Doors: 7:00 PM
    Show: 8:00 PM
    Venue: Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave, Everett WA 98201
    Tickets: $23 — available at the door. Also via Eventbrite: Dana Gould in Everett! Premier Stand-Up Comedy! 14th/4th Anniversary!
    Note: This show is presented by Everett Comedy Night, not the Historic Everett Theatre. House gift certificates and theatre coupons are not valid for this event.

    May 16 Has Two Everett Options

    Saturday, May 16 is becoming a real night for downtown Everett events. On the same evening, All City Fight Night: Worlds Collide is running its six-hour amateur kickboxing card at Kings Hall at APEX Everett on 1611 Everett Ave. If you’re choosing: comedy at HET and kickboxing at APEX serve completely different audiences, and neither is a bad call for a Saturday night in May.

    If you’re already planning to be out that weekend, the rest of May at the HET is strong too. Canned Heat and Big Brother and the Holding Company — two of the original Woodstock bands — play the 29th, and Grupo Niche, the Latin Grammy-winning Colombian salsa orchestra, closes out May on the 31st. The building is having a moment this spring. May 16 is a good night to start.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What time does Dana Gould perform at the Historic Everett Theatre on May 16?

    Doors open at 7:00 PM. The show starts at 8:00 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026. The venue is at 2911 Colby Ave, Everett WA 98201.

    How much are tickets for Dana Gould at the Historic Everett Theatre?

    Tickets are $23 and available at the door. They are also available in advance via Eventbrite. This show is presented by Everett Comedy Night — house gift certificates and theatre coupons are not valid for this event.

    Is the Dana Gould show all ages?

    Age policy was not listed in the official event materials from the Historic Everett Theatre or Eventbrite listing. Check with the venue at events.theatreconcertconsulting.com or the Eventbrite listing before attending if age policy matters to your plans.

    What is Dana Gould famous for?

    Dana Gould is best known as a writer and co-executive producer on The Simpsons, where he worked from 2001 to 2007 across seasons 14 through 18. He also created, wrote, and starred in IFC’s horror-comedy series Stan Against Evil (2016–2018), which ran for three seasons and 24 episodes. He hosts The Dana Gould Hour podcast and has been a touring stand-up comedian since age seventeen.

    What is Everett Comedy Night?

    Everett Comedy Night is the promoter behind the Premier Stand-Up Comedy series at the Historic Everett Theatre. Saturday’s event is the series’ 14th/4th Anniversary show, reflecting the series’ history at the venue.

    Where is the Historic Everett Theatre?

    The Historic Everett Theatre is at 2911 Colby Ave, Everett WA 98201. The building opened on November 4, 1901 as the Everett Opera House. It operates today at approximately 800-seat capacity and has been hosting performances continuously since its restoration in the early 2000s.

    Are there other shows at the Historic Everett Theatre in May?

    Yes. Canned Heat and Big Brother and the Holding Company — two of the original Woodstock bands — perform May 29. Grupo Niche, a Latin Grammy-winning Colombian salsa orchestra, performs May 31. Both shows are ticketed through the HET box office at events.theatreconcertconsulting.com.

  • What Needs to Change: Silvertips Must Fix the Second Period and Make Orsulak Work Harder in Game 2

    What Needs to Change: Silvertips Must Fix the Second Period and Make Orsulak Work Harder in Game 2

    The Everett Silvertips know exactly what happened Thursday night. They outshot the Prince Albert Raiders 41-26, got 39 saves from a starting goalie who held his nerve all night, and still walked off Angel of the Winds Arena ice with a 4-2 loss in Game 1 of the 2026 WHL Championship Final. The series is 1-0 Raiders. Game 2 is Saturday at 6 PM, same building, same ice.

    The margin of error from here is zero. Here is what must change.

    Fix the Second Period — It Cannot Happen Again

    Everett controlled most of Game 1. They scored first. They were the better team for long stretches. Then the second period happened, and three goals in 20 minutes turned a close game into a two-goal deficit the Silvertips could never fully close.

    Cale Sivertson tied it on an even-strength goal. Dylan Cootes scored on the power play to give Prince Albert the lead for good. Denton Christensen added the game-winner. Three different Raiders. Three different scenarios — even strength, man advantage, and opportunistic. It was not a flukey second period; it was Prince Albert executing in every situation the game presented.

    The Silvertips cannot allow that sequence to repeat. Penalty discipline is paramount — Cootes’ power-play goal changed the game. Everett will need to be cleaner in the neutral zone, faster to close lanes in the defensive zone, and more willing to make the simple play instead of the creative one when defending their own end in the middle frame.

    Make Orsulak Earn Every Save

    Raiders goaltender Kolby Orsulak stopped 39 of 41 shots Thursday. That number is both the problem and the story. Everett generated volume — elite volume, in fact — but Orsulak had answers. Too many shots came from the perimeter. Too many were cleanly tracked, set, and stopped.

    Game 2 requires a different approach. More traffic in front. More pucks going to the net from dangerous areas rather than the half-wall. More second-chance opportunities created by winning battles below the circles. The Silvertips have the personnel to do this — they need to commit to it earlier in shifts rather than waiting for the perfect passing lane to open.

    Orsulak is a legitimate Stafford Smythe Trophy candidate through this playoff run. He will make saves. The goal is to make him work harder, make him move more, make him face grade-A looks that accumulate fatigue over three periods. Forty-one perimeter shots will not get it done.

    DuPont and Vanhanen Must Generate More

    The Silvertips’ top lines need to be more present. Connor Hvidston scored Everett’s second goal to pull within one late in the third, but the top of the lineup — including Jaxan DuPont and Ronan Vanhanen — needs to generate more sustained offensive pressure in Game 2.

    This is what the WHL Final is. Every team you face has seen your tendencies. Prince Albert’s structure Thursday was disciplined and well-organized. Everett’s top players need to find ways to be disruptive — not just skilled, but physically present, creating chaos in the offensive zone that can’t be schemed against.

    The Big Picture: Everett Has Been Here

    One loss in a best-of-seven is not a crisis. The Silvertips have the home-ice advantage they earned through the regular season. After Saturday’s Game 2 at Angel of the Winds, the series shifts to Prince Albert for Games 3 and 4 on May 12 and 13 at Art Hauser Centre. If it comes back to Everett for Games 5, 6, and 7 — scheduled for May 15, 17, and 18 — the Silvertips will have played most of this series in front of their home crowd.

    But none of that matters if they lose Game 2 and head to Prince Albert down 2-0. Winning Saturday is not optional. It is the task.

    The Silvertips have the depth, the coaching staff, and the talent to respond. Angel of the Winds will be loud on Saturday night. The question is whether Everett can translate that energy into a complete 60-minute performance — the kind that closed out the Tri-City Americans and the Kamloops Blazers in earlier rounds.

    Game 2. Saturday. 6 PM. Angel of the Winds Arena. The WHL Championship Final is tied at zero in the win column. That changes Saturday night, one way or the other.

    Everett Silvertips WHL Championship Final coverage continues at Tygart Media. Game 3 is Monday, May 12 in Prince Albert. Game 4 is Tuesday, May 13.

  • Colton Shaw Deals, Caron and Jimenez Go Deep: AquaSox Crush Hillsboro 8-1 in Friday Matinée

    Colton Shaw Deals, Caron and Jimenez Go Deep: AquaSox Crush Hillsboro 8-1 in Friday Matinée

    The AquaSox had a noon doubleheader on Friday — and before most Everett fans had even finished lunch, the first game was already a rout. Colton Shaw delivered one of the best starts of his 2026 season, Josh Caron and Carlos Jimenez each homered, and the AquaSox dismantled the Hillsboro Hops 8-1 in the afternoon matinée at Funko Field. The homestand now stands at four straight wins over Hillsboro, and the AquaSox keep proving they are one of the best teams in the Northwest League.

    Colton Shaw: 6 Innings, 1 Hit, 7 Strikeouts

    This is the Colton Shaw the Mariners organization has been waiting to see. The right-hander went six full innings, allowing only one hit, walking one, and striking out seven. He was economical, he was sharp, and he never let Hillsboro breathe. The one hit he gave up was all Hillsboro got in the first six innings — the AquaSox bullpen took it from there, with Gabriel Sosa, Calvin Schapira, and Lucas Kelly handling the final three innings (Sosa allowed the Hops’ lone run).

    Shaw’s performance was the platform for everything that followed. When your starter is throwing that kind of game, the offense plays loose.

    Caron’s Three-RBI Blast and a Five-Run Fifth

    The AquaSox scored twice in the fourth inning, then blew the game open in the fifth with a five-run inning that put Hillsboro starter Caden Grice on the ropes. Grice lasted four innings and allowed three earned runs before the Hops turned to Rocco Reid, who couldn’t stop the bleeding in a brief 0.2-inning appearance.

    Josh Caron was the offensive hero — he went 1-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs. Carlos Jimenez added to the fireworks with a home run of his own, finishing 1-for-3 with two RBIs and a run scored. Carter Dorighi was everywhere as usual, going 3-for-5 with a run scored — the kind of contact-first, never-out-of-the-lineup performance he’s made his trademark at Funko Field this season. Luis Suisbel scored twice despite not recording a hit, drawing a walk and finding ways on base. Anthony Donofrio added an RBI and a run scored.

    The final line: AquaSox 8, Hillsboro 1. It wasn’t close after the fifth.

    This Homestand Has Been Dominant

    Let’s put this homestand in context. The AquaSox have now beaten Hillsboro four straight times at Funko Field in this series: 8-6 (Ruben Washington Jr. homer), 10-0 (Bryce Miller rehab start, Stevenson HR, Dorighi HR), 5-4 (Felnin Celesten two-run homer), and now 8-1 (Caron HR, Jimenez HR, Shaw masterpiece). The Hops have lost their last four games at Everett Memorial Stadium and have scored a total of 8 runs in those four losses combined while Everett has plated 31.

    The AquaSox prospect pipeline continues to flash. Jimenez has now driven in runs in multiple games this homestand and his power stroke is developing in real time. Caron has been one of the most consistent offensive producers in the lineup when healthy. And Shaw, who’s been building toward this kind of performance, finally put it all together in a showcase game that Mariners development staff will have bookmarked.

    Prospect Watch

    Felnin Celesten was not in the Friday matinée box score as a run-producer, but the back-to-back NWL Player of the Week continues to set the table for this lineup. Josh Caron‘s home run is his second of 2026, and his ability to do damage against right-handed pitching has been a consistent theme. Colton Shaw is making the case for a rotation spot higher up the Mariners’ minor league ladder — six clean innings against an NWL opponent is a tick in the “ready for more” column. Carlos Jimenez‘s home run continues a strong stretch since returning to the lineup, with his two-RBI night adding to a growing power profile for the young infielder.

    What’s Next: Star Wars Night Tomorrow

    The AquaSox continue the Hillsboro homestand tomorrow with Star Wars Night at Funko Field. Limited Star Wars-themed jerseys go to auction with proceeds benefiting AquaSox community partners, character meet-and-greet opportunities are available before the game, and postgame fireworks round out the evening. First pitch is 7:05 PM.

    The only question tomorrow: can Hillsboro finally beat the AquaSox in this series? At 0-4 and getting outscored 31-8, the Hops need something to go right. The AquaSox, meanwhile, are riding four games of clean baseball into a Saturday night that already has everything going for it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was the score of the AquaSox game on May 8, 2026?

    The Everett AquaSox defeated the Hillsboro Hops 8-1 in the Friday afternoon game at Funko Field.

    Who were the top performers for the AquaSox vs Hillsboro on May 8?

    Colton Shaw pitched 6 innings allowing 1 hit and striking out 7. Josh Caron hit a home run with 3 RBIs. Carlos Jimenez added a home run and 2 RBIs. Carter Dorighi went 3-for-5.

    What is the AquaSox record in the Hillsboro homestand?

    4-0 through Friday’s game, with wins of 8-6, 10-0, 5-4, and 8-1. The AquaSox have outscored Hillsboro 31-8 in those four games.

    When is the next AquaSox game at Funko Field?

    Star Wars Night on Saturday, May 9 at 7:05 PM at Funko Field. Limited jerseys, character meet-and-greet, and postgame fireworks.

  • Raiders Take Game 1 in Everett: Cootes and Orsulak Lead PA Past Silvertips 4-2 Before 7,697 Fans

    Raiders Take Game 1 in Everett: Cootes and Orsulak Lead PA Past Silvertips 4-2 Before 7,697 Fans

    At 9:38 PM Friday night, 7,697 fans filed out of Angel of the Winds Arena with a familiar feeling — this is going to be a series. The Prince Albert Raiders came to Everett and beat the Silvertips 4-2 in WHL Championship Final Game 1, taking an early 1-0 series lead. Michal Orsulak was the difference-maker, making 39 saves on 41 shots in one of the best goaltending performances Angel of the Winds Arena has seen all postseason. The Silvertips had the puck, had the zone time, had the shots — and came away with just two goals.

    Game 2 is Saturday night at 6:00 PM at Angel of the Winds Arena. The series is still very much alive. But Friday showed something important: the Raiders are not here to be swept.

    The First Period Belonged to Everett

    Carter Bear opened the scoring at 6:07 of the first period — an even-strength goal assisted by Matias Vanhanen and Julius Miettinen — and for a stretch, Angel of the Winds Arena felt exactly like it had all postseason. The Silvertips were up 1-0, outplaying Prince Albert in their own building, firing 12 shots in the frame versus only 8 for the Raiders. Bear’s fourth playoff goal of the year gave Everett control, and the energy in the building was exactly what you’d expect for the WHL Championship opener.

    It did not last.

    Three Raiders Goals in One Period — and Orsulak Was Already Taking Over

    The second period was a disaster. PA tied it at 5:12 when Jonah Sivertson finished in front, with Braeden Cootes and Connor Howe picking up assists. That was the first warning. Then at 15:07, Cootes — the Vancouver Canucks prospect the Hockey News had flagged as a key threat — converted a power-play goal with Brock Cripps and Alisher Sarkenov assisting to put the Raiders up 2-1. Two minutes and 43 seconds later, Justice Christensen made it 3-1 — a game-winning goal assisted by Daxon Rudolph and Brayden Dube at 17:50.

    Three goals. One period. The Raiders had scored the same amount in roughly the time it takes to watch a sitcom.

    On the other end, Orsulak faced 16 shots in the second and stopped them all. He was not flinching.

    The Third Period: One Moment of Hope, Then an Empty Net

    The Silvertips came out pressing in the third. Everett outshot PA 13-5 in the final frame — the kind of push this team has made a habit of all postseason. At 17:51, Julius Miettinen finally broke through on a power play, converting on a Landon DuPont setup to cut the deficit to 3-2. The arena woke back up. There were 2:09 left. You could see it: the Silvertips had done this before.

    But the comeback didn’t come. With 1:05 left, Everett pulled the goalie. Sixty-four seconds after Miettinen’s goal, Aiden Oiring slid the puck into the empty net at 18:55. Final score: Raiders 4, Silvertips 2.

    The Orsulak Factor: 39 Saves, .951 SV%

    Michal Orsulak is why this game ended the way it did. The Raiders’ goaltender faced 41 shots — the Silvertips fired everything at him — and made 39 saves for a .951 save percentage. He earned the second star and deserved a stronger argument for first. This was a goaltending performance that kept a team in a game it was being out-chanced in for long stretches.

    Braeden Cootes, the Canucks prospect who had been a game-to-watch all series, collected the first star with a 1G+1A night, finishing with four shots and a +2 rating. He set up Sivertson’s tying goal and then scored the power-play go-ahead himself. Justice Christensen’s game-winner — assisted by Daxon Rudolph, who the pre-series previews had flagged as a key threat — was the kind of goal that doesn’t show up in a highlight reel but wins games.

    Carter Bear got the third star for Everett, the goal and the assist showing the two-way effort he’s brought all playoff run. But on a night when the Silvertips put 41 pucks on net, one goal in regulation wasn’t enough.

    What Game 1 Showed

    This Silvertips team has made a habit of doing everything right except the scoreboard and then somehow making it right in the end. They did that through the Kelowna series (blowing a 3-0 lead in Game 4, still winning 4-1). They did it in double overtime in Game 2 against Penticton. But Friday night in the WHL Final opener, a three-goal second period and a brilliant night from Orsulak were too much to overcome.

    The 41 shots tell one story. The 3-1 Raiders third-period lead tells another. Both are real. The Silvertips still have the talent to win this series — Vanhanen, DuPont, Bear, and Miettinen are all capable of taking over a game. But Game 2 on Saturday at 6:00 PM at Angel of the Winds Arena is now a must-win atmosphere game, the kind of environment where this fanbase has shown up before.

    Game 2: Saturday, May 9 at 6:00 PM — Angel of the Winds Arena

    Tickets are available at the Angel of the Winds Arena box office and through Ticketmaster. The series shifts to Prince Albert’s South Okanagan Events Centre for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday May 12 and Wednesday May 13. Games 5, 6 (if necessary), and 7 come back to Everett on May 15, 17, and 18.

    The Silvertips went 12-1 coming into this Final. They have proven all postseason that one bad night doesn’t end them. Saturday is the response game.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was the final score of WHL Final Game 1?

    Prince Albert Raiders 4, Everett Silvertips 2. The Raiders lead the series 1-0.

    Who were the three stars of Game 1?

    1st star: Braeden Cootes (PA Raiders, 1G+1A). 2nd star: Michal Orsulak (PA Raiders, 39 saves). 3rd star: Carter Bear (Everett Silvertips, 1G+1A).

    How many shots did the Silvertips take in Game 1?

    41 shots on goal. Prince Albert had 26. Orsulak stopped 39 of 41 for a .951 save percentage.

    When is WHL Final Game 2?

    Game 2 is Saturday, May 9 at 6:00 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.

    Who scored for the Silvertips in Game 1?

    Carter Bear scored in the first period (assisted by Vanhanen and Miettinen), and Julius Miettinen added a power-play goal late in the third (assisted by DuPont).