Category: Everett Silvertips

WHL hockey at Angel of the Winds Arena

  • 5 Keys to the 2026 WHL Championship Final: How the Silvertips Win the Ed Chynoweth Cup Starting Tomorrow Night

    5 Keys to the 2026 WHL Championship Final: How the Silvertips Win the Ed Chynoweth Cup Starting Tomorrow Night

    Q: Can the Everett Silvertips finally win the WHL Championship?
    A: The 2026 Silvertips are the most talented team the franchise has ever sent into a WHL Final. With a historically elite goaltender, two first-round defensemen, and a forecheck that doesn’t let you breathe, they have every tool to close out Prince Albert in this series. Game 1 is Friday, May 8 at 7:00 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    The Everett Silvertips have been to the WHL Championship Final three times. In 2004, they came close. In 2018, they came close again. Both times, the Ed Chynoweth Cup went somewhere else.

    Tomorrow night, they get a third shot — and this time, the roster has no excuses. The 2026 Everett Silvertips swept Portland in Round 1, beat Kelowna in five in Round 2, and swept the Penticton Vees in four games in the Western Conference Final, finishing the regular season with a league-best 54 wins and 111 points — their second consecutive Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s best team. They are 12-1 in the playoffs heading into the WHL Championship Series. Their goaltender has been the most statistically dominant postseason goalie in WHL history by at least one measure.

    Their opponent, the Prince Albert Raiders, got here by eliminating the defending WHL champion Medicine Hat Tigers in a wild six-game series — winning the clincher 7-6 in hostile territory. They have two teenagers quarterarting their defense who are playing like veterans. They have a power play that fires at the worst possible times. They are not here by accident.

    This is the matchup. Game 1 is Friday, May 8 at 7:00 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena. The series follows a 2-3-2 format, with Games 1 and 2 in Everett, Games 3-5 in Prince Albert, and Games 6 and 7 (if needed) back home. Here are the five things that will decide whether the Ed Chynoweth Cup finally comes to Everett.

    1. Landon DuPont Has to Be the Best Player on the Ice

    Let’s start with the big one. Landon DuPont is 16 years old and already widely projected as a potential top-five pick — possibly No. 1 overall — in the 2027 NHL Draft. He had 17 points in 13 playoff games heading into the Finals, leading all WHL defensemen in postseason scoring through the Conference Finals. He is the engine of Everett’s power play, distributing from the blue line with the reads of a player ten years older.

    On the other side, Daxon Rudolph has been the story of the WHL playoffs — 23 points (9 goals, 14 assists) in 15 games, leading the entire WHL in postseason scoring as a 17-year-old defenseman. He was named WHL Player of the Month for April and quarterbacked the Raiders’ power play through their entire run against Medicine Hat. Two elite teenage defensemen, playing the biggest games of their lives. Whoever wins that battle wins the series.

    The edge goes to DuPont. He plays with composure that defies his age, and in the Penticton series, he was the one who consistently solved defensive zone problems before they became crises. But Rudolph is no afterthought — and if Prince Albert wins two games in Everett, his name will be part of the reason.

    2. Anders Miller Is Not Just Good — He’s Historic

    If you want one reason to feel genuinely confident about Everett’s chances, look at the guy in goal. Anders Miller, a mid-season acquisition, is carrying one of the most statistically dominant postseason runs in WHL history. Through the playoff rounds leading into the Finals, he went 12-0-1 with a 1.79 GAA, a .936 save percentage, and one shutout — ranking among the WHL playoff leaders in wins, GAA, save percentage, and shutouts simultaneously.

    No goaltender who has played nine or more games in a single WHL playoff has ever posted a higher save percentage than Miller did through the conference finals, per QuantHockey. That is the sentence coach Steve Hamilton gets to walk into this building with on Friday night.

    Prince Albert’s Michal Orsulak is fine — he made the saves he needed to make in a wild six-game series that sometimes produced 13 combined goals in a game. He is not in Miller’s statistical neighborhood right now. For the Silvertips, goaltending is the one position where they have a significant advantage entering this series, and that advantage can cover a lot of ground.

    3. The Power Play Battle Could Decide It in Four-Minute Swings

    Both teams run dangerous power plays. Everett’s man advantage runs through DuPont at the half-wall, with Matias Vanhanen (19 playoff points, the WHL’s scoring leader among Western Conference teams through the conference finals), Julius Miettinen (18 playoff points), Carter Bear, and Rylan Gould rotating around him. Gould has four power-play goals in these playoffs. When everything is clicking, this unit is one of the most dangerous man advantages in recent WHL playoff history.

    Prince Albert answers with Rudolph quarterbacking a unit that includes 16-year-old rookie Brock Cripps — who had three goals and 10 assists in 11 playoff games with a plus-8 rating — plus Braeden Cootes, who scored his sixth playoff goal in the clincher against Medicine Hat. The Raiders’ top power-play unit has been converting at a high rate all postseason.

    Discipline matters enormously here. Everett showed one exploitable tendency in the conference finals: the Silvertips allowed three empty-netter goals when opponents pulled their goalie late. If Prince Albert finds themselves trailing by one late in a game, they have the composure to make it interesting. Both teams need to avoid taking bad penalties early — power plays in tight WHL Final games can redirect an entire momentum shift.

    4. Can Prince Albert’s Young D Handle Everett’s Forecheck?

    Everett’s forecheck is the thing that opponents have struggled with all season. Bear, Miettinen, and Vanhanen are not finesse players — they are physical and relentless on pucks, and they generate sustained offensive zone time that wears defenses down. The Silvertips create turnovers in the offensive zone regularly, and once they have zone time, they cycle with patience until the right opportunity opens up for DuPont or one of their high-skill forwards.

    Rudolph’s offensive instincts mean he can turn a defensive-zone retrieval into a scoring chance with a single pass — giving the Raiders a quick-exit option that neutralizes sustained pressure better than most teams their age. Cripps alongside him means there’s always a second option out of the zone. But the Silvertips have faced experienced forechecks all playoffs and have only lost once in 13 games. Getting outworked in the corners isn’t something Everett’s opponents have been able to do consistently.

    In a long series, Everett’s forecheck may grind the Raiders’ young D into mistakes late in games. In Everett, in front of 8,000 fans at Angel of the Winds Arena, that forecheck pressure is going to feel different than anything Prince Albert has experienced this playoffs.

    5. The Weight of History — And Why This Time Is Different

    Everett has been here before, and that is either the motivating chip or the weight that breaks a team. In 2004 and 2018, the Silvertips reached the WHL Championship Final and came away without the trophy. That scar shapes the narrative heading into this series. The Raiders, meanwhile, have won the title twice — 1985 and 2019 — and they know what it takes to close.

    But this Silvertips group has something the 2004 and 2018 teams didn’t: a head coach who has been here before. Steve Hamilton, named WHL Coach of the Year this season, served as an associate coach on the 2013-14 Edmonton Oil Kings team that won the Memorial Cup. He understands high-leverage moments. He has managed this roster through adversity — including a blown 3-0 lead in Game 4 of the Kelowna series that required a third-period comeback — without the wheels coming off. Two Scotty Munro Trophies in two years says something about how this organization approaches the regular season. It is time to find out if that translates to the Final.

    The honest assessment from outside the green-and-silver glasses: Everett is the better team. Home ice, elite goaltending, the deepest offensive roster in the series, and a coaching staff that has been building toward this moment. Prince Albert is capable of stealing games — they eliminated the defending champions — but they need Orsulak to be considerably sharper than he was in a high-event Medicine Hat series, and they need Rudolph to keep performing at the level that has made him the most talked-about teenager in the WHL this spring.

    Prediction: Everett Silvertips in 5. The Silvertips are simply too deep, too well-coached, and too experienced in high-leverage games to let this one slip away. Get to Angel of the Winds Arena tomorrow night. This is what Everett hockey has been building toward.

    Game 1 Details

    • When: Friday, May 8 at 7:00 PM PT
    • Where: Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA
    • TV: TSN (Canada) / Victory+ (streaming)
    • Tickets: Available at everettsilvertips.com/playoffs
    • Series format: 2-3-2 (Games 1-2 in Everett; Games 3-5 in Prince Albert; Games 6-7 in Everett if needed)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What time does WHL Final Game 1 start?

    Game 1 of the 2026 WHL Championship Series starts at 7:00 PM PT on Friday, May 8 at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.

    Where can I watch the WHL Final if I can’t attend?

    Games are broadcast on TSN in Canada and streamed on Victory+ in the United States. Check everettsilvertips.com for the latest broadcast info.

    Have the Silvertips ever won the WHL Championship?

    No. This is Everett’s third WHL Championship Final appearance — they appeared in 2004 and 2018 without winning. This is the first time the Silvertips have faced the Prince Albert Raiders for the Ed Chynoweth Cup.

    Who are the key players to watch for Everett?

    Landon DuPont (17 pts in 13 playoff games, potential 2027 #1 NHL draft pick), Matias Vanhanen (19 playoff pts), Julius Miettinen (18 playoff pts), Carter Bear (13 assists through conference finals), and goaltender Anders Miller (12-0-1, .936 SV%, 1.79 GAA) are the names to know.

    Who are the key players for Prince Albert?

    Daxon Rudolph (23 pts in 15 playoff games, WHL playoff scoring leader) and Brock Cripps (3G-10A in 11 games, plus-8) form a precociously talented defensive pair. Braeden Cootes is the key forward. Goaltender Michal Orsulak has made big saves in big moments all playoffs.

    What is the WHL Final series format?

    The 2026 WHL Championship Series is best-of-seven with a 2-3-2 format. Games 1 and 2 are in Everett, Games 3-5 are in Prince Albert, and Games 6 and 7 (if needed) return to Everett.

    Does the WHL Championship winner go to the Memorial Cup?

    Yes. The winner of the 2026 WHL Championship advances to the Memorial Cup, hosted in Kelowna, B.C., from May 22 to May 31.

    Related Everett Sports Coverage

  • How to Watch the Silvertips WHL Championship Final: TSN, Victory+, Game Times, and Tickets

    How to Watch the Silvertips WHL Championship Final: TSN, Victory+, Game Times, and Tickets

    Q: How can I watch the Everett Silvertips in the 2026 WHL Championship Final?
    Games 1 and 2 at Angel of the Winds Arena (May 8 at 7:00 PM PDT and May 9 at 6:00 PM PDT) are available in person via Ticketmaster. All games are broadcast live on TSN in Canada and streamed globally for free on Victory+. Games 3 and 4 in Prince Albert (May 12–13) are streaming-only for most Everett fans.

    The Everett Silvertips are in the WHL Championship Final for the first time since 2018 — and this time, the broadcast setup means every fan in the world can watch for free. Here is your complete guide to catching Games 1 and 2 at home or in the arena this Friday and Saturday, and tuning in for the road games in Prince Albert when the series shifts east.

    The Full Schedule

    Game 1: Friday, May 8 — 7:00 PM PDT — Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett
    Game 2: Saturday, May 9 — 6:00 PM PDT — Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett
    Game 3: Tuesday, May 12 — Art Hauser Centre, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
    Game 4: Wednesday, May 13 — Art Hauser Centre, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan
    Game 5 (if needed): Friday, May 16 — Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett
    Game 6 (if needed): Sunday, May 18 — Art Hauser Centre, Prince Albert
    Game 7 (if needed): Tuesday, May 20 — Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett

    How to Watch on TV (Canada)

    TSN carries the full 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien in Canada, alongside RDS for French-language coverage. Every game in the series will be telecast live. If you’re a Canadian fan or know someone in Canada, the TSN stream via TSN Direct is the cleanest broadcast option with the full pre-game and intermission coverage.

    How to Stream for Free (Victory+)

    This is the big news for Everett fans who won’t be at Angel of the Winds Arena in person: Victory+ is streaming every game of the 2026 WHL Championship Series globally, for free. No subscription required. No paywall. Every game — including the road games in Prince Albert — is available anywhere in the world on the Victory+ platform.

    Victory+ is the CHL’s official streaming partner. You can find the stream at victoryplusapp.com or through the Victory+ app on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire. Just search “WHL Championship” once Game 1 goes live at 7:00 PM PDT Friday.

    The Broadcast Team

    The telecast features Peter Loubardias handling play-by-play duties, joined by longtime WHL analyst Kelly Remple providing color commentary, and Cami Kepke — an award-winning sports reporter — working the rinkside. It’s a polished broadcast team for a championship-caliber series.

    Tickets for Games 1 and 2 at Angel of the Winds

    Games 1 and 2 are at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster and through the Silvertips box office at silvertips.com. This is the first WHL Championship Final in Everett since 2018, and the arena will be loud. If you’ve been waiting for the right playoff game to attend in person, this is it.

    A note for Friday night: the Everett AquaSox are also playing at Funko Field at 7:05 PM against the Hillsboro Hops. Everett has two simultaneous playoff and championship-level events happening Friday night — two different venues, two different sports, both with something real on the line. Plan your night accordingly.

    What the Silvertips Bring Into This Series

    The Silvertips enter the Final with a 12-1 playoff record, having swept the Kelowna Rockets in Round 2 and the Penticton Vees in the Western Conference Final. Goaltender Anders Miller has posted a .948 save percentage — the best mark in WHL playoff history for goaltenders with nine or more games played. Landon DuPont and Carter Bear have each scored 10 or more playoff goals. The Silvertips allowed just 12 goals in their 12 wins. They are not built to lose.

    The Prince Albert Raiders won the Eastern Conference Final to earn their spot. This is the first time these two franchises have met in the WHL Championship Final. Everett is seeking its first Ed Chynoweth Cup and its first Memorial Cup berth in franchise history.

    Friday at 7:00 PM. Victory+. Free. No excuses not to watch.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where can I watch the Silvertips WHL Championship Final online for free?

    All games are available free globally on Victory+ (victoryplusapp.com and the Victory+ app). No subscription required.

    What time is Silvertips WHL Final Game 1?

    Game 1 is Friday, May 8 at 7:00 PM PDT at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington.

    What time is Silvertips WHL Final Game 2?

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

    Where are Games 3 and 4 of the WHL Championship Final?

    Games 3 and 4 are Tuesday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 13 at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Both will be streamed free on Victory+.

    Where can I buy tickets for the Silvertips WHL Final?

    Tickets for Games 1 and 2 at Angel of the Winds Arena are available at Ticketmaster and through silvertips.com.

  • Your Complete Fan Guide to Silvertips vs. Raiders WHL Final: Game 1 Is Friday at Angel of the Winds

    Your Complete Fan Guide to Silvertips vs. Raiders WHL Final: Game 1 Is Friday at Angel of the Winds

    Q: When is the Silvertips WHL Championship Final Game 1?
    A: Game 1 is Friday, May 8, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, with Game 2 on Saturday, May 9. The Silvertips face the Prince Albert Raiders in what is the first-ever WHL Championship matchup between these two franchises.

    Game 1 Is Friday Night at Angel of the Winds

    Two nights from now, Angel of the Winds Arena will be rocking for the biggest game in Everett hockey since the 2018 WHL Championship. The Silvertips are headed to the WHL Final — 12-1 in the 2026 playoffs, two sweeps and a statement 4-1 series in their rear pocket — and Friday night, May 8, Game 1 tips off against the Prince Albert Raiders. Game 2 follows Saturday, May 9, before the series shifts to Saskatchewan.

    This is the moment Everett hockey fans have been watching build all year. Here is everything you need to know heading into the weekend.

    Series Schedule

    The 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien follows this format: Game 1 (May 8, Everett), Game 2 (May 9, Everett), Game 3 (May 12, Prince Albert), Game 4 (May 13, Prince Albert), Game 5 if needed (May 15, Prince Albert), Game 6 if needed (May 17, Everett), Game 7 if needed (May 18, Prince Albert). That means Everett gets Games 1, 2, and potentially 6 at home — the opener and a possible series-clincher.

    Tickets for Games 1 and 2 are available at silvertips.com and Ticketmaster. Do not sleep on these — a 12-1 team playing for the Ed Chynoweth Cup is a once-or-twice-a-generation event in this building.

    Why the Silvertips Are a Legitimate Cup Contender

    The 2025-26 Silvertips had one of the best regular seasons in franchise history — a 57-8-2-1 record, first in the WHL Western Conference by a country mile. In the playoffs, they have been dominant: a first-round sweep, a 4-1 series win over the Kelowna Rockets, and a second-round sweep of the Penticton Vees in the Western Conference Final. They have outscored opponents 51-12 across all playoff games entering the Final, and goaltender Anders Miller has been nothing short of spectacular.

    Miller’s playoff numbers are historic. He is posting a .948 save percentage — the best mark in WHL playoff history for a goaltender with nine or more games played. The defense in front of him, anchored by 16-year-old Landon DuPont, has been the backbone of everything that works about this team.

    This is the Silvertips’ third appearance in the WHL Championship Final, following runs in 2004 and 2018. They have never won the Ed Chynoweth Cup. That is the storyline hanging over everything this week.

    5 Silvertips to Watch

    Landon DuPont, D — The first defenseman in WHL history to receive Exceptional Status, DuPont has 17 points (4G-13A) in 13 playoff games. He is 16 years old. He is the best player on the ice most nights and one of the best defensive prospects in North America. His skating and poise under pressure have defined the Silvertips’ playoff run.

    Matias Vanhanen, F — The Silvertips’ playoff scoring leader with 19 points (10G-9A). He provides the offensive engine that DuPont enables from the back end. When Vanhanen is scoring, Everett wins games.

    Carter Bear, F — A Detroit Red Wings prospect with 16 points in 13 games, Bear plays a two-way game that makes Everett’s depth dangerous. You cannot key on DuPont and Vanhanen without Bear making you pay.

    Anders Miller, G — .948 playoff save percentage. WHL record for a goaltender with 9+ GP. The rest of the team could play well enough to win most series; with Miller, they can win them convincingly. He has been the backbone of the most dominant playoff run in recent Silvertips history.

    Landon DuPont (again) — Yes, he deserves two entries. He has 13 assists in 13 playoff games. He is a generational talent playing on the biggest stage junior hockey has. Watch him every shift.

    Know Your Opponent: The Prince Albert Raiders

    The Prince Albert Raiders won the WHL Championship in 1985 and 2019, and they are coming to Everett having just knocked off the Medicine Hat Tigers in the Eastern Conference Final. This is a dangerous, well-coached team with the best individual scorer remaining in the 2026 WHL Playoffs.

    Daxon Rudolph, D — Raiders’ 18-year-old defenseman who leads the ENTIRE WHL Playoffs in scoring with 23 points (9G-14A) in 15 games. He is ranked fifth among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s final 2026 NHL Draft rankings. Rudolph is a 6-foot-2, 202-pound blueliner who reads the ice like a veteran. This is the matchup within the matchup: Rudolph versus DuPont, two generational defensive prospects competing for a championship.

    Owen Corkish — Corkish had a hat trick in the Raiders’ ECF Game 5 win over Medicine Hat. He can score in bunches and will be looking to carry that momentum into the Final.

    The Raiders are appearing in their third WHL Championship, and they have won both previous trips. Everett needs to be aware of that institutional experience and match it with the confidence of a team that has been the best in the WHL all year.

    History: Everett Has Never Won This Trophy

    The Silvertips first reached the WHL Final in 2004, losing to the Kelowna Rockets. In 2018, they returned, losing to the Swift Current Broncos. Both times: close, but not there.

    This is year three of what fans hope is different. The roster is better, the goaltending may be the best in Silvertips playoff history, and a 16-year-old defenseman is leading the way. It is not a stretch to say this is the best team the franchise has fielded heading into a WHL Final. The Cup belongs in Everett. Friday night, the Silvertips get their first shot at proving it.

    How to Watch and Attend

    Tickets: Available at silvertips.com and Ticketmaster for Games 1 (May 8) and 2 (May 9) at Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett. Buy before they’re gone — this is a playoff Final at a 10,000-seat arena and demand will be high.

    Broadcast: Check silvertips.com and CHL.ca for streaming and TV options. The WHL Championship is typically available on TSN for Canadian viewers. U.S. streaming options will be listed on the Silvertips’ official channels.

    Angel of the Winds Arena: 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201. Doors open approximately 90 minutes before puck drop. The building will be electric.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: When is Silvertips WHL Final Game 1?
    A: Game 1 is Friday, May 8, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett. Game 2 follows Saturday, May 9.

    Q: Who are the Everett Silvertips playing in the 2026 WHL Championship Final?
    A: The Silvertips are facing the Prince Albert Raiders. It is the first time these two franchises have met in the WHL Final.

    Q: What is the Silvertips’ 2026 playoff record?
    A: 12-1 entering the WHL Final, with two series sweeps and a 4-1 series win over Kelowna.

    Q: Who leads the Silvertips in playoff scoring?
    A: Matias Vanhanen leads with 19 points (10G-9A). Landon DuPont has 17 points (4G-13A) from the blue line. Carter Bear has 16 points.

    Q: Has Everett ever won the WHL Championship?
    A: No. The Silvertips reached the WHL Final in 2004 and 2018 but did not win either time. The 2026 Final is their third chance.

    Q: Where can I buy tickets for the Silvertips WHL Final?
    A: Tickets for Games 1 and 2 are available at silvertips.com and Ticketmaster.

  • The Opponent Is Set: Everett Silvertips vs. Prince Albert Raiders in the 2026 WHL Championship Final

    The Opponent Is Set: Everett Silvertips vs. Prince Albert Raiders in the 2026 WHL Championship Final

    Q: Who are the Everett Silvertips playing in the 2026 WHL Championship Final?
    A: The Silvertips face the Prince Albert Raiders, who defeated the Medicine Hat Tigers 7-6 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Final on May 3, 2026. Games 1 and 2 are at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett on May 8 and May 9.

    The Wait Is Over: Everett Silvertips vs. Prince Albert Raiders — 2026 WHL Championship Final Starts Friday

    It’s official. The Everett Silvertips now know who they’re playing.

    Sunday night in Medicine Hat, the Prince Albert Raiders outlasted the Tigers 7-6 in a wild Game 6 to win the WHL Eastern Conference Final four games to two. Riley Boychuk scored twice for the Raiders — including the go-ahead goal in the third period — and Jonas Woo and Aiden Oiring also factored into the scoring. The Tigers made it interesting with a 6-on-5 goal from Liam Ruck with just seven seconds left, but the final buzzer put it away.

    The Raiders are coming to Everett. Games 1 and 2 of the 2026 WHL Championship Final are at Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. The series then shifts to Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert for Games 3 and 4.

    The Silvertips have been waiting since April 28, when they swept the Penticton Vees in four games to advance. Ten days off. Rested. 12-1 in these playoffs. And now they have a target.

    Who Are the Prince Albert Raiders?

    If you haven’t followed the Eastern Conference Final, here’s what you need to know about the team coming to AOTW next Friday.

    The Raiders were the No. 1 seed in the East and beat Medicine Hat in six hard-fought games. This wasn’t a sweep — the Tigers gave them everything, including a 7-6 Game 6 that went down to the wire. Prince Albert is a team that wins ugly, wins on special teams, and grinds you out. They are not going to be awed by a big building and a loud crowd. That makes this series interesting.

    Key names to know on the Raiders roster:

    Daxon Rudolph has been one of the most productive players in the WHL playoffs overall. He’s a physical, two-way center who generates in transition and makes the Raiders harder to defend. Owen Corkish had a hat trick in Game 5 against Medicine Hat, including the empty-netter. He’s hot heading into this series and lives around the net. Riley Boychuk came up huge in the Game 6 clincher with two goals, including the go-ahead in the third — he’s a late-game player who steps up when it matters. Goaltender Michal Orsulak has been steady all playoff long — not flashy, but reliable, allowing fewer than three goals per game while facing good competition.

    Andrew Basha contributed throughout the ECF and has been a consistent secondary scorer for Prince Albert. Expect him to be a factor against Everett’s blue line.

    Silvertips: A 12-1 Playoff Machine

    Let’s reset what Everett has done this postseason, because the numbers keep getting more remarkable.

    The Silvertips swept the Kelowna Rockets in four games, then swept the Penticton Vees in four games. Twelve games in, one loss. They’ve outscored opponents by a wide margin and have done it with depth — different heroes every night, elite goaltending, and a blue line that collapses on anything in the slot.

    Anders Miller in net has been historically good. His .948 save percentage and under 1.60 goals-against average over 12 games puts him in conversation for the best goaltending performance in WHL playoff history for a goalie this deep into a run. Goalies get tired. Miller has gotten sharper.

    Matias Vanhanen leads Everett in playoff scoring with 14+ points through the first two rounds. Landon DuPont has been the clutch-goal guy — his overtime winner against Kelowna in the series-clincher remains one of the signature moments of this playoff run. Carter Bear has been a two-way force all spring. The Silvertips don’t depend on any one player, which is what makes them so difficult to scheme against.

    The Historical Context: What This WHL Final Means

    This is not a common occurrence. The Silvertips have been to the WHL Championship Final before, but it’s rare — and a Final played at home, in front of Everett fans at Angel of the Winds Arena, is something this city hasn’t experienced in years.

    The prize is the Ed Chynoweth Cup. The WHL champion also earns a berth in the Memorial Cup — the national junior hockey championship across the CHL. This is as big as it gets for a WHL franchise. The players on this roster understand that. The way they’ve played suggests they’ve been building toward this.

    Prince Albert is a legitimate test. But the Silvertips are 12-1, playing at home first, and have a goaltender operating at a level rarely seen this deep into a playoff run. If you’ve been curious about what this Silvertips team is all about, Games 1 and 2 at AOTW are your answer.

    WHL Championship Final Schedule — Everett Home Games

    Game 1: Friday, May 8 — Prince Albert at Everett — Angel of the Winds Arena (time TBA, pending TSN broadcast confirmation)
    Game 2: Saturday, May 9 — Prince Albert at Everett — Angel of the Winds Arena
    *Game 5 (if needed): Friday, May 15 — at Everett
    *Game 7 (if needed): Tuesday, May 19 — at Everett

    Games 3-4 are in Prince Albert (May 11-12). Games 3-7 dates subject to scheduling confirmation. Check the Silvertips’ official website for confirmed start times as they’re announced.

    How to Get Tickets

    Playoff Ticket Central is live at the Silvertips’ official site and Ticketmaster. Available promotions include playoff fan packs, ticket-and-drink bundles, and group discounts starting at 8 tickets. Given what this moment represents for Everett hockey, demand is real — get your seats for Game 1 or Game 2 before they’re gone.

    Season ticket holders should check their email for priority access information.

    The Take

    Prince Albert is not here to make up the numbers. A team that grinds through a 7-6 Game 6 on the road to clinch a series — clinging on in the third period with the other team pulling their goalie — is a mentally tough opponent. They won’t fold just because they’re walking into AOTW as the road team.

    But the Silvertips are 12-1. Anders Miller is playing out of his mind. Vanhanen and DuPont and Bear are all firing. They’ve had ten days to rest and prepare while Prince Albert spent those days fighting through six games.

    The WHL Championship Final starts Friday. Be there.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When is Game 1 of the Silvertips WHL Championship Final?

    Game 1 is Friday, May 8, 2026, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett. The start time is pending TSN national broadcast confirmation — check the Silvertips’ official website for the confirmed time.

    Who are the Silvertips playing in the 2026 WHL Final?

    The Prince Albert Raiders, who defeated the Medicine Hat Tigers 4-2 in the WHL Eastern Conference Final. The Raiders won Game 6 on May 3, 2026 by a score of 7-6.

    Where can I get tickets to the WHL Championship Final in Everett?

    Tickets are available through the Silvertips’ Playoff Ticket Central page and Ticketmaster. Promotions include playoff fan packs, ticket-and-drink bundles, and group options starting at 8 tickets.

    What is Everett’s record in the 2026 WHL playoffs?

    The Silvertips are 12-1 in the 2026 WHL playoffs entering the Championship Final, having swept Kelowna in Round 2 and Penticton in the Western Conference Final.

    Who are the key players to watch for Prince Albert?

    Daxon Rudolph (two-way center), Owen Corkish (hat trick in ECF Game 5), Riley Boychuk (two goals in Game 6 clincher), and goaltender Michal Orsulak are the names to watch for the Raiders.

    Previously on the Silvertips playoff run: Silvertips Are Going to the WHL Championship Final: Tickets, Dates, and What This Moment Means for Everett | Owen Corkish Hat Trick Lifts Prince Albert Past Medicine Hat 6-3

  • Owen Corkish Hat Trick Lifts Prince Albert Past Medicine Hat 6-3: Raiders Lead WHL East Final 3-2

    Owen Corkish Hat Trick Lifts Prince Albert Past Medicine Hat 6-3: Raiders Lead WHL East Final 3-2

    Q: Who won WHL Eastern Conference Final Game 5 on May 1, 2026?
    The Prince Albert Raiders beat the Medicine Hat Tigers 6-3 at Art Hauser Centre on Friday, May 1, 2026. Owen Corkish scored a hat trick (including an empty-netter), and Prince Albert now leads the best-of-seven Eastern Conference Final 3-2. Game 6 is Sunday, May 3 at Co-op Place in Medicine Hat at 6:00 p.m. PT. The Everett Silvertips, already through to the WHL Championship Final, are still waiting on an opponent for Games 1-2 at Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9.

    Owen Corkish Goes Off, Raiders Take a 3-2 Series Lead

    The wait keeps going for Everett — and the show keeps getting better.

    Friday night in Prince Albert, the Raiders did exactly what they had to do on home ice, beating the Medicine Hat Tigers 6-3 in Game 5 of the WHL Eastern Conference Final. Owen Corkish dropped a hat trick on Medicine Hat — including the dagger empty-netter — and Prince Albert now leads the best-of-seven 3-2.

    If you’re an Everett Silvertips fan, this is starting to feel like the longest week-and-a-half of the spring. The Tips have been waiting on a championship opponent since they swept Penticton in four to win the Western Conference Final back on April 28. They watched Game 4 swing to Prince Albert (6-3) on Wednesday. They watched the Raiders stretch the series Friday. And now they wait again — for Sunday night.

    How Game 5 Played Out

    Prince Albert came out punching. Alisher Sarkenov got the Raiders on the board in the first five minutes after a Medicine Hat turnover, and from there it was the kind of game that gets won in the second period. The Raiders scored three in the middle frame — the second straight game they’ve put up a three-goal second period on the Tigers.

    Medicine Hat fought back. Cam Parr got one back in the third to make it interesting, but Corkish ended the suspense with an empty-net goal to seal his hat trick and the 6-3 final.

    The face-off circle was a disaster for the Tigers — the Raiders won the dot 49-21. When you’re down a goal in your own zone trying to climb back, that number is the one that quietly buries you.

    Goaltending: Michal Orsulak stood tall for Prince Albert. Carter Casey got the start for Medicine Hat in front of a building that needs to find its bounce-back.

    What Happens Sunday Night in Medicine Hat

    Game 6 is Sunday, May 3 at Co-op Place in Medicine Hat. Puck drop is 6:00 p.m. PT (7:00 p.m. local). The Tigers are playing for their season — lose this one and Prince Albert is on its way to Everett. Win it, and Game 7 goes Tuesday in Prince Albert.

    Either way, the WHL Championship Final opens at Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, May 8 (Game 1) and Saturday, May 9 (Game 2). Tickets for both are on sale now through Ticketmaster — and if you’ve been waiting to grab seats, the AOTW listing currently has Game 1 start time as TBA, which usually means it’ll lock in once the opponent is decided.

    Why Everett Should Want Either Opponent

    Look — this Silvertips team is 12-1 in the playoffs, swept Kelowna, swept Penticton, and is averaging better than four goals a game while giving up fewer than one. Anders Miller is sitting on a .948 playoff save percentage, which is the best in WHL playoff history for any goalie with nine or more games played. Landon DuPont and Carter Bear have been driving offense from both ends of the ice. This team is built for a long series and built for short ones.

    But there’s something fun about the matchup math here. Prince Albert is a two-way team that wins on speed and possession (those face-off numbers tell you everything). Medicine Hat plays a heavier, more physical game — they were 50-15-3-2 in the regular season, second-best in the East. Either one would test a different part of Everett’s identity.

    And honestly? After watching Penticton tie a game with 56 seconds left in regulation in the WCF and almost steal one in double-OT, this Silvertips team has already proved it can absorb a punch. Bring whoever.

    What Everett Fans Need to Know This Weekend

    • Sunday May 3, 6:00 p.m. PT: Game 6, Prince Albert at Medicine Hat (Co-op Place). Watch on WHL Live or follow CHL.ca for updates.
    • If Game 7 is needed: Tuesday, May 5 at Art Hauser Centre, Prince Albert.
    • Game 1 of the WHL Championship Final: Friday, May 8 at Angel of the Winds Arena. Time TBA. Buy tickets.
    • Game 2: Saturday, May 9 at Angel of the Winds Arena. Buy tickets.

    If the series goes back East, Games 3-4 (and 5 if needed) are at the road opponent’s barn. If Everett wins both at home, this thing is over fast. If it goes long, the deciding game would land back at AOTW around mid-month.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was the final score of WHL Eastern Conference Final Game 5?

    Prince Albert Raiders 6, Medicine Hat Tigers 3, on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert.

    When is Game 6 of the WHL Eastern Conference Final?

    Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. PT (7:00 p.m. local) at Co-op Place in Medicine Hat. The Raiders can clinch with a win.

    When does the WHL Championship Final start in Everett?

    Game 1 is Friday, May 8 at Angel of the Winds Arena (start time TBA). Game 2 is Saturday, May 9. Both are on sale now through Ticketmaster.

    Who scored the hat trick for Prince Albert?

    Owen Corkish, including the empty-net goal that sealed the 6-3 final.

    What’s the Silvertips’ playoff record so far?

    12-1, with sweeps of Kelowna in Round 2 and Penticton in the Western Conference Final. Anders Miller’s .948 save percentage is the best in WHL playoff history for goalies with nine or more games played.

    Where can I watch Game 6 if I can’t make it to Medicine Hat?

    WHL Live is the official streaming home of the league. Updates and box scores are available at CHL.ca.

  • WHL Eastern Conference Final Heads to Game 5 in Prince Albert Tonight — and the Silvertips Are Still Watching for an Opponent

    WHL Eastern Conference Final Heads to Game 5 in Prince Albert Tonight — and the Silvertips Are Still Watching for an Opponent

    WHL Eastern Conference Final Goes to Game 5 in Prince Albert Tonight — and the Silvertips Are Still Watching to See Who They Get in the Final

    The Everett Silvertips have been on the couch since April 28, when Hayden Vanhanen scored the game-winner and Adam Miettinen tacked on an empty-netter to finish a four-game sweep of the Penticton Vees in the Western Conference Final. Twelve playoff games. One loss. Three series wins. A WHL Final berth and home-ice advantage in the bag.

    Now they wait — and Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final on Friday, May 1, may or may not deliver them an opponent. The Prince Albert Raiders host the Medicine Hat Tigers tonight at 7:00 p.m. CT (5:00 p.m. PT) at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert with the best-of-seven series tied 2-2.

    If the Raiders win, the series goes to a best-of-three. If the Tigers win, they head home with a chance to close it out at Co-op Place.

    Either way, the Silvertips’ WHL Final opens at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett next Friday, May 8. The opponent’s just the variable.

    Where the Series Sits

    The Eastern Conference Final hasn’t been the runaway some predicted when the No. 1 Raiders met the No. 2 Tigers. Prince Albert tied things up Wednesday night with a 6-3 win at Co-op Place, scoring three straight in the second period after going into the intermission tied 2-2. The series now stands 2-2 with three games left to play if needed.

    Medicine Hat coach Willie Desjardins didn’t sugarcoat it after Game 4. “We have to play better,” he told Medicine Hat News. Tigers forward Ethan Neutens said the team was “pretty lackadaisical in some areas of our game” and “weren’t winning our battles.” When you let the No. 1 seed in the East score three unanswered to take a swing series, that’s the kind of postgame quote you give.

    The remaining schedule:

    • **Game 5:** Friday, May 1 — Medicine Hat at Prince Albert, 7:00 p.m. CT (Art Hauser Centre)
    • **Game 6 (if necessary):** Sunday, May 3 — Prince Albert at Medicine Hat, 6:00 p.m. CT (Co-op Place)
    • **Game 7 (if necessary):** TBD if needed

    Why It Matters for Everett

    The Silvertips earned the right to host the WHL Final by going 12-1 through the West playoffs and finishing the regular season as the Scotty Munro Trophy winners (best regular-season record in the league at 57-8-2-1, 117 points). That means Games 1 and 2 of the WHL Final are both at Angel of the Winds Arena on May 8 and May 9 — regardless of which Eastern team comes out.

    But the matchup matters from a strategic standpoint, and from a fan-narrative standpoint:

    If it’s Medicine Hat

    The Tigers are a Top-2 seed with elite depth and a goaltender, Harrison Meneghin, who’s putting up sharp numbers. Medicine Hat plays a structured, neutral-zone-pressure style that has given Penticton-style transition teams trouble all year. They’d be the more rested matchup, too — they finished off Calgary in five and only got their fourth ECF game on May 1. The Tigers are the analytics darling.

    If it’s Prince Albert

    The Raiders are the higher seed and the physical mismatch favorite. They have the league’s best regular-season defensive rating, deeper experience at every position group, and Prince Albert plays a heavy, structured game that typically slows down high-flying Western Conference teams. Anders Miller’s 8-0 / 1.55 GAA / .948 SV% playoff resume gets stress-tested by a team built to grind possessions and win in tight.

    Either matchup is a real series. Neither team is going to be intimidated by the Silvertips’ 12-1 playoff record.

    What Tips Fans Are Watching For Tonight

    1. **Special teams.** The Raiders’ power play has carried them in this series. If Prince Albert keeps converting, they take this series in six.

    2. **Goaltending.** This Eastern Final has been a goaltending-deciding series — the team with the better third-period save percentage has won three of the four games so far.

    3. **The East’s third-period play.** Whichever team holds a third-period lead has won every game in this series. So when the puck drops at the Art Hauser Centre tonight, watch the second-intermission scoreboard. If a team’s up after 40, they’re probably winning.

    What’s Confirmed for the WHL Final at Angel of the Winds Arena

    • **Game 1:** Friday, May 8 at Angel of the Winds Arena
    • **Game 2:** Saturday, May 9 at Angel of the Winds Arena
    • **Games 3-4:** At the Eastern team’s home rink (Prince Albert’s Art Hauser Centre or Medicine Hat’s Co-op Place)
    • **Games 5-7 (if necessary):** Alternate between Everett and the Eastern host

    Tickets for Games 1-2 of the Final are on sale through the Silvertips’ website and Ticketmaster. Demand has been heavy ever since the Penticton sweep — the Tips are 12-1 in the playoffs and back in the WHL Final for the first time in a generation.

    The Silvertips Squad That’s Waiting

    Quick refresher on the team that Game 5 winners will face:

    • **Anders Miller:** 8-0, 1.55 GAA, .948 SV%. The best playoff save percentage among WHL goalies with 9+ games played, ever.
    • **Landon DuPont:** Already at 13 playoff points despite being a defenseman. Shooting from the point with NHL-prospect confidence.
    • **Hayden Vanhanen:** Game-winner Game 4 vs. Penticton; 14 playoff points and the team’s leading scorer.
    • **Carter Bear:** 10 playoff goals, including a shorthanded shift-changer in Game 5 of the WCF.
    • **Rylan Gould:** Two power-play goals in Game 2 of the WCF, including the loose-puck 2OT winner.
    • **Anders Miller’s brother in arms — AJ Reyelts:** Has played sparingly but stepped up with a goalie clinic in OT1 of WCF Game 2.

    This is a team that has scored 51 goals and surrendered 12 across 13 playoff games. They are 8-0 at home in the postseason. They have not allowed more than 3 goals in any playoff game.

    The Eastern Conference winner has a problem — and tonight in Prince Albert, that problem will get a name.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Who plays in WHL Eastern Conference Final Game 5?

    The Prince Albert Raiders host the Medicine Hat Tigers at 7:00 p.m. CT on Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Art Hauser Centre. The series is tied 2-2.

    What’s the WHL Final schedule?

    Games 1 and 2 are at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. The series then shifts to the Eastern team’s home rink for Games 3 and 4. The series alternates from there if it goes longer.

    Does Everett have home-ice advantage in the WHL Final?

    Yes. As the Scotty Munro Trophy winners (best regular-season record), the Silvertips host the higher-seeded series throughout the WHL playoffs.

    When are Silvertips Final tickets on sale?

    Tickets for Games 1 and 2 at Angel of the Winds Arena are available through silvertips.com and Ticketmaster.

    What’s Anders Miller’s playoff save percentage?

    .948 across eight games — the best playoff save percentage among WHL goaltenders with nine or more playoff games played, in league history.

    How did the Silvertips get to the WHL Final?

    By going 12-1 through the Western Conference playoffs: a 4-2 first-round win over Spokane, a 4-1 second-round win over Kelowna, and a 4-0 sweep of Penticton in the Western Conference Final. They finished the regular season 57-8-2-1 (117 points), the best record in the WHL.

    Who’s the favorite if it’s Everett vs. Prince Albert?

    Toss-up. The Silvertips have the better playoff record and home-ice advantage; the Raiders have the deeper roster and a heavier style of play that has given high-octane teams problems all year. Vegas would probably set Everett at -130 to -150 in that matchup.

    Who’s the favorite if it’s Everett vs. Medicine Hat?

    Slight edge to the Silvertips. Medicine Hat has elite goaltending and structure, but the Tigers have shown vulnerability in this series and don’t have the same depth advantage.

  • WHL Eastern Conference Final Is Tied 2-2 — Game 5 Is Friday, and the Silvertips Are Watching

    WHL Eastern Conference Final Is Tied 2-2 — Game 5 Is Friday, and the Silvertips Are Watching

    The Everett Silvertips are done playing. They swept their way through the Western Conference Final in four games, beat Penticton with a 12-1 playoff record, and have been sitting in the waiting room since Saturday. As of Wednesday night, the picture is clear: the Eastern Conference Final is going to a Game 5.

    Prince Albert Raiders 6, Medicine Hat Tigers 3. Series tied 2-2. Game 5 is Friday, May 1 at Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The winner goes to the WHL Championship Final. Games 1 and 2 are at Angel of the Winds Arena on May 8 and May 9.

    What Happened in Game 4

    Prince Albert came into Co-op Place in Medicine Hat needing a win to stay alive after trailing the series 2-1. They delivered with authority.

    Daxon Rudolph was the night’s headliner — the draft-eligible defenseman posted a playoff career-high four points with a pair of power-play goals. Aiden Oiring added the game-winner. Evan Smith, Max Heise, and Maddix McCagherty also found the scoresheet. The Tigers got goals from Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll (two) and Ethan Neutens but couldn’t match the Raiders’ output.

    Final: Raiders 6, Tigers 3. Series knotted at 2-2.

    The Series So Far

    This has been a genuinely competitive Eastern Conference Final — every game has had a different winner:

    • Game 1: Prince Albert wins at home
    • Game 2: Medicine Hat ties the series
    • Game 3: Medicine Hat takes the lead with an overtime win
    • Game 4: Prince Albert levels it 2-2 with a dominant 6-3 road performance

    Game 5: Friday, May 1 at Prince Albert

    Home advantage goes back to the Raiders for the winner-take-all game, with puck drop Friday night in Saskatchewan. The winner books their flight to Everett.

    For Silvertips fans, Game 5 means another short wait — but it also means you’ll know your opponent before the first WHL Championship Final home game on May 8. Watch Game 5 if you can find a stream. You want to know what’s coming.

    The Silvertips Fan’s Scouting Report

    Prince Albert Raiders — The #1 Eastern Conference seed. They swept Saskatoon in the second round before this tight series with Medicine Hat. Daxon Rudolph has been their engine this postseason — a draft-eligible defenseman putting up four-point nights in elimination games.

    Medicine Hat Tigers — The #2 seed. Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll scored twice in a loss on Wednesday, and they’ve forced a decisive game. Don’t count them out because they’re in an elimination situation — they’ve beaten PA twice already in this series.

    Either team makes for a compelling WHL Championship Final. The Silvertips are 12-1 in the playoffs with a dominant goal differential across three rounds. Whoever comes out of the East is facing the most dangerous team in the league.

    The Calendar: What to Know

    • May 1 — ECF Game 5 at Prince Albert (Friday night)
    • May 8 — WHL Championship Final Game 1 at Angel of the Winds Arena (Thursday)
    • May 9 — WHL Championship Final Game 2 at Angel of the Winds Arena (Friday)
    • Games 3-7 — Alternating sites; Game 5 (if needed) would return to Everett

    Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. This is the most significant hockey series at Angel of the Winds Arena in years.

    Related: Silvertips Are Going to the WHL Championship Final: Tickets, Dates, and What This Moment Means | The Silvertips Are Waiting: Prince Albert vs. Medicine Hat — Who Comes Out of the East?

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the WHL Eastern Conference Final series score after Game 4?
    The series is tied 2-2. Prince Albert Raiders won Game 4 6-3, leveling the series after Medicine Hat had taken a 2-1 lead.

    When is WHL Eastern Conference Final Game 5?
    Game 5 is Friday, May 1, 2026 at Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

    Who will the Silvertips face in the WHL Championship Final?
    The winner of Game 5 between the Prince Albert Raiders and Medicine Hat Tigers. That game is Friday, May 1.

    When are the Silvertips WHL Championship Final home games?
    Games 1 and 2 are at Angel of the Winds Arena on Thursday, May 8 and Friday, May 9, 2026.

    What is the Silvertips’ record in the 2026 WHL Playoffs?
    The Silvertips are 12-1 with back-to-back sweeps in Rounds 2 and 3. Their regular-season record was 57-8-2-1.

  • The Silvertips Are Waiting: Prince Albert vs. Medicine Hat — Who Comes Out of the East?

    The Silvertips Are Waiting: Prince Albert vs. Medicine Hat — Who Comes Out of the East?

    Who will the Silvertips face in the 2026 WHL Championship Final? The Everett Silvertips are awaiting the winner of the WHL Eastern Conference Final between the Prince Albert Raiders and Medicine Hat Tigers. Through three games, Medicine Hat leads 2-1. Games 1-2 of the Championship Final are scheduled for May 8-9 at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.

    The Everett Silvertips swept their way through two rounds of the 2026 WHL Playoffs and have been waiting since last Tuesday’s series-clinching win over Penticton for the Eastern Conference to sort itself out.

    Now we know who’s left.

    The WHL Eastern Conference Final is a best-of-seven between the Prince Albert Raiders (No. 1 seed, Eastern Conference) and the Medicine Hat Tigers (No. 2 seed, defending WHL champions). Through three games, the Tigers lead 2-1. Game 4 is scheduled for Wednesday, April 29 in Medicine Hat. Whoever wins the series will meet Everett in the WHL Championship Final, with Games 1-2 at Angel of the Winds Arena on May 8-9.

    Let’s break down who the Silvertips might face — and what it means either way.

    The Prince Albert Raiders: The East’s Top Seed

    The Prince Albert Raiders were the best team in the WHL Eastern Conference during the 2025-26 regular season, and they made that clear in Game 1 of this series — an 8-3 statement win at the Art Hauser Centre that was fueled by a dominant power play. The Raiders scored three times on the man-advantage, and in front of 3,299 fans in Prince Albert, it looked like the East was theirs for the taking.

    Then Game 2 happened. Medicine Hat shut them out 5-0 in their own building. Then the Tigers took Game 3, 2-1 in overtime in Prince Albert, with Raiders defenseman Daxon Rudolph opening the scoring before the Tigers clawed back. That OT loss was gut-punch hockey — PA outplayed Medicine Hat for stretches but came up empty when it counted most.

    The Raiders have real weapons: their power play has been a weapon all season, and they’re deep up front. If they advance, the Silvertips’ special-teams units — which ranked among the WHL’s best this season — face a real test.

    The Medicine Hat Tigers: Defending Champions

    The Medicine Hat Tigers arrived at the Eastern Conference Final with something Prince Albert doesn’t have: a championship banner already hanging in their building. The defending WHL champions swept their previous round and are showing exactly the kind of resilience that defines successful title defenses.

    Goaltender Jordan Switzer has been the backbone of this run. Shutting out the East’s top seed on the road in Game 2 isn’t an accident — it’s a compete level that medicine-hat teams have made their identity. Their ability to win in Prince Albert’s arena (they’ve done it twice in three games) is the most telling indicator of where this series is going.

    If Medicine Hat comes out of the East, Everett gets a matchup against the defending champions — the ultimate proving ground for a Silvertips team that has played like the WHL’s best team over 13 playoff games.

    What This Means for the Silvertips

    Everett has been the clear class of the WHL Western Conference this postseason. Their 12-1 playoff record, two sweeps, and a double-overtime comeback win in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final against Penticton — this is a team playing championship-level hockey.

    Whichever team comes out of the East will be road-tested, battle-hardened, and carrying playoff momentum. No soft landing for the Silvertips. That said, Everett’s advantages are significant:

    • Anders Miller in goal, whose .948 save percentage through the playoffs has been the best in WHL playoff history for a goaltender with 9+ games played
    • Landon DuPont and Jere Vanhanen leading the offense with 13 and 14 playoff points respectively
    • Carter Bear adding a shorthanded goal dimension that makes the Silvertips dangerous in all situations
    • Angel of the Winds Arena for Games 1 and 2 — one of the loudest buildings in the WHL when the Silvertips are rolling

    Both opponents — Raiders or Tigers — present legitimate challenges. Prince Albert’s power play against Everett’s penalty kill. Medicine Hat’s battle-hardened goaltending against Anders Miller. It’s the kind of matchup that makes WHL Championship Finals memorable.

    Championship Final Schedule (Games 1-2 in Everett)

    Get these on your calendar now. The opponent will be confirmed as soon as the Eastern Conference Final concludes — possibly as early as tonight if Game 4 is decisive, or over the next several days if the series extends.

    • Game 1: Thursday, May 8 — Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett
    • Game 2: Friday, May 9 — Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett
    • Games 3-4: Eastern finalist’s arena (dates TBD)
    • Games 5-7: To be determined as series unfolds

    Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com and the AOTW box office. If you’ve been watching the Silvertips’ playoff run, you know this building is going to be electric on May 8.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When is the WHL Championship Final 2026?

    Games 1-2 are at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett on May 8-9. Games 3-4 shift to the Eastern finalist’s home arena. The full schedule will be confirmed once the Eastern Conference Final concludes.

    Who will the Silvertips play in the WHL Championship Final?

    The opponent is being determined in the WHL Eastern Conference Final between the Prince Albert Raiders (No. 1 East seed) and the Medicine Hat Tigers (No. 2 East seed, defending WHL champions). Medicine Hat leads the series 2-1 through three games, with Game 4 on April 29.

    What is the Silvertips’ 2026 playoff record?

    The Everett Silvertips are 12-1 through the first two rounds, having swept the Kelowna Rockets in the WHL West Second Round and defeated the Penticton Vees 4-1 in the Western Conference Final.

    What is Anders Miller’s save percentage in the 2026 WHL playoffs?

    Anders Miller’s save percentage is .948 through the 2026 WHL playoffs — the best recorded mark in WHL playoff history for a goaltender with nine or more games played.

    Where can I buy Silvertips WHL Championship Final tickets?

    Tickets for Games 1-2 (May 8-9 in Everett) are available through Ticketmaster.com and at the Angel of the Winds Arena box office at 2000 Hewitt Avenue, Everett.

    Sources: WHL.ca, CHL.ca, Prince Albert Raiders official releases, OurSports Central, HeraldNet, Penticton Western News. WHL ECF Game 4 (April 29) result not yet available at run time — article reflects verified series state through Game 3.

  • Silvertips Are Going to the WHL Championship Final: Tickets, Dates, and What This Moment Means for Everett

    Silvertips Are Going to the WHL Championship Final: Tickets, Dates, and What This Moment Means for Everett

    Featured Snippet: Q: When are the Silvertips WHL Championship Final home games? A: Games 1 and 2 of the 2026 WHL Championship Final will be played at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. The opponent is TBD, pending the Eastern Conference Final between Medicine Hat and Prince Albert.

    Silvertips Are Going to the WHL Championship Final: Tickets, Dates, and What This Moment Means

    It’s happening. The Everett Silvertips are going to the 2026 WHL Championship Final, and the first two games of that series will be played right here — at Angel of the Winds Arena on May 8 and May 9.

    After Tuesday night’s 4-2 series-clinching win over the Penticton Vees in Game 4, the Silvertips have now won 12 of 13 playoff games. They swept the Kelowna Rockets in Round 2 and swept the Penticton Vees in the Western Conference Championship. They’ve been the best team in the WHL all year — 57-8-2-1 in the regular season, the franchise’s best record in over a decade — and the playoff run has only reinforced it.

    The WHL Championship Final is the league’s biggest stage. It’s best-of-seven for the Ed Chynoweth Cup. And for two nights — Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 — that stage is in Everett, Washington.

    Tickets: How to Get Them

    Tickets for Games 1 and 2 at Angel of the Winds Arena are available through Ticketmaster (search for Everett Silvertips or go directly to ticketmaster.com/everett-silvertips-tickets). The Silvertips are also offering a Playoff Ticket + Drink Deal through their official ticket central page — a smart buy if you’re making a night of it.

    Game times for both May 8 and May 9 are to be announced. Check the Silvertips website and Angel of the Winds Arena for the official tip-off times once they’re confirmed.

    A reminder: playoff games at AOTW have been selling out. Don’t wait on these.

    The Road That Got Them Here

    The 2026 WHL playoff run has been nothing short of remarkable. Let’s recap what this team has actually done:

    Regular Season: 57-8-2-1. The best record the franchise has posted in more than a decade. Top seed in the WHL entering the postseason.

    Round 2 (vs. Kelowna Rockets): Swept 4-0. Landon DuPont’s overtime winner in Game 5 was the punctuation mark on a dominant series. Silvertips advanced with their defense and special teams clicking.

    Western Conference Championship (vs. Penticton Vees): Swept 4-0. The Vees finished with 117 regular-season points and were the B.C. Division champions. The Silvertips handled them without losing a game — including back-to-back comeback wins in Penticton when they were trailing at various points in the final period. Games 1 and 2 were at Angel of the Winds Arena; Games 3 and 4 were on the road in Penticton.

    Playoff record: 12-1.

    The Players Making It Happen

    Matias Vanhanen has been the offensive engine all postseason. He scored the game-winning goal in Tuesday’s series clincher and has been a menace at 5-on-5 throughout the run. Julius Miettinen has been right alongside him — the two together are one of the most dangerous forward pairings left in the WHL playoffs.

    Landon DuPont and Carter Bear have been the two-way backbone of this team — driving play at both ends. DuPont’s playmaking in the WCF was elite. Bear has been physical and relentless in a way that wears opponents down over a series.

    And then there’s Anders Miller in net. His save percentage through the two completed playoff rounds was .948 — a figure that multiple hockey analysts have cited as the best mark for any WHL goaltender with nine or more playoff appearances. He’s not just been good; he’s been historically good.

    Who Will Everett Face?

    The Eastern Conference Championship Final between the Medicine Hat Tigers and the Prince Albert Raiders is still ongoing as of April 28. Medicine Hat are the defending WHL champions — they won the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2025. Prince Albert finished as the Eastern Conference’s top seed with one of the best records in the league.

    Both are battle-tested, talented teams. Either way, the WHL Championship Final will be a serious challenge for the Silvertips — and that’s what makes it worth watching. Everett is the No. 1 overall seed and will have home ice for the full series, meaning Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 (if necessary) are at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    What This Moment Means for Everett

    Let’s be honest: Everett doesn’t get enough credit for what it’s built at Angel of the Winds Arena. The Silvertips consistently put a competitive team on the ice, consistently develop NHL-caliber players, and consistently give this city a team worth following. A WHL Championship Final appearance — especially one at home — is the kind of moment that reminds the whole Pacific Northwest that this franchise is one of the best in junior hockey.

    If you’ve been meaning to make it to a game all season, May 8 or May 9 is the game to attend. This city deserves to pack Angel of the Winds Arena for the Finals. Get your tickets, wear your silver and red, and let’s send this team a message that Everett has their backs.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When are the WHL Championship Final home games at Angel of the Winds Arena?

    Games 1 and 2 of the 2026 WHL Championship Final will be played at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 2026. Game times are to be announced.

    How do I buy WHL Championship Final tickets?

    Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. The Silvertips also offer a Playoff Ticket + Drink Deal through their official ticket page on the Silvertips website.

    Who will the Silvertips face in the WHL Championship Final?

    The opponent is to be determined. The Eastern Conference Final between the Medicine Hat Tigers (defending WHL champions) and the Prince Albert Raiders was still ongoing as of April 28, 2026.

    What is Angel of the Winds Arena’s address?

    Angel of the Winds Arena is located at 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201. It is accessible via I-5 and Everett Transit bus service.

    What has Anders Miller’s save percentage been in the 2026 playoffs?

    Anders Miller posted a .948 save percentage through the Western Conference rounds of the 2026 WHL playoffs (9+ appearances), which has been cited as the best mark for any WHL goaltender with that many playoff appearances.

    Did the Silvertips win the WHL regular season?

    Yes. The Silvertips finished 57-8-2-1, which was the franchise’s best regular-season record in over 12 years and the top overall record in the WHL entering the 2026 playoffs.

  • Silvertips Sweep Penticton 4-2 in Game 4: Everett Is Going to the WHL Championship Final

    Silvertips Sweep Penticton 4-2 in Game 4: Everett Is Going to the WHL Championship Final

    Featured Snippet: Q: Did the Everett Silvertips advance to the 2026 WHL Championship Final? A: Yes. The Silvertips completed a 4-0 sweep of the Penticton Vees on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, winning Game 4 in Penticton 4-2. Everett will host Games 1-2 of the WHL Championship Final at Angel of the Winds Arena on May 8 and May 9.

    Silvertips Sweep Penticton 4-2 in Game 4: Everett Is Going to the WHL Championship Final

    Say it out loud: The Everett Silvertips are going to the WHL Championship Final.

    On Tuesday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, the Silvertips closed out the Western Conference Championship in four straight games, defeating the Penticton Vees 4-2 in Game 4. It wasn’t pretty for two-and-a-half periods — the Vees took an early power-play lead and retook the lead in the second — but when it mattered, Everett did what this team does: they won the third period and they won the series.

    Everett’s 2026 playoff record stands at a staggering 12-1. They swept Kelowna in Round 2 and they’ve just swept the Vees, the B.C. Division champions with 117 regular-season points, in four. The WHL Championship Final begins at Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, May 8, with Game 2 on Saturday, May 9.

    Game 4 by the Numbers

    Penticton drew first blood. Nolan Stevenson converted a power play at 15:33 of the first period to give the Vees a 1-0 lead — the Silvertips had actually been the cleaner team early but gave up a minor that Penticton cashed in on.

    Everett tied it at 4:01 of the second when Nolan Chastko found the back of the net, but Penticton answered almost immediately — Jacob Kvasnicka, the Vees’ leading playoff scorer, beat the Everett netminder at 5:02 to restore the home side’s lead at 2-1. Heading into the third period down a goal, the Silvertips needed to flip the script for the fourth time this series.

    They did exactly that — and they did it convincingly.

    Jesse Heslop knotted it at 2-2 at the 11:05 mark of the third. Then, just two minutes later, Matias Vanhanen — arguably the best player in this entire playoff run — scored the game-winning goal at 13:05. With the net empty and the Vees desperately pressing for an equalizer, Julius Miettinen sealed it with an insurance empty-netter at 18:13. Final: Everett 4, Penticton 2.

    Shots finished 32-28 in Everett’s favor. The Silvertips went 0-for-2 on the power play while Penticton converted 1-of-5. That the Vees had three more power play opportunities and still lost tells you everything about Everett’s penalty kill and defensive structure right now.

    This Playoff Run Is Historic

    Twelve wins and one loss. Two sweeps. A goals-for and goals-against differential that makes opposing coaches wake up at night. Going back to the regular season, where the Silvertips went 57-8-2-1 — the best record the franchise has posted in 12 years — this team has been elite all year long.

    Matias Vanhanen enters the Championship Final as one of the most dangerous offensive players left in the WHL playoffs. His game-winning goal tonight extended his remarkable postseason to the point where he has been a factor in nearly every significant Silvertips offensive moment. Julius Miettinen has been right alongside him — the two-man engine driving the Tips’ attack all spring.

    Landon DuPont and Carter Bear have combined for a relentless two-way presence throughout the run, and the goaltending — which this desk will continue to highlight — has been the quiet story of this entire playoff. Anders Miller’s save percentage through the Western Conference playoff rounds was .948, which multiple sources have cited as the best mark for any goaltender with nine or more playoff appearances in WHL postseason history. He wasn’t tested heavily in Game 4 (28 shots) but he kept the score where it needed to be until the third period took care of business.

    Who’s Next?

    The Eastern Conference Championship Final between the Medicine Hat Tigers — defending WHL champions — and the Prince Albert Raiders is still ongoing. Medicine Hat won Game 4 Tuesday night to even or extend their series lead (the series was tied 1-1 through Game 2 and has been a back-and-forth battle). Everett will know their opponent within days.

    Either way, the Silvertips are the No. 1 seed in the WHL and will have home-ice advantage for the full Championship Final series. Games 1 and 2 are at Angel of the Winds Arena — 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201 — on May 8 and May 9. Tip-off times are to be announced.

    If you haven’t gotten your playoff tickets yet, now is the time. You can find them through Ticketmaster at ticketmaster.com/everett-silvertips-tickets, and the Silvertips are offering a Playoff Ticket + Drink Deal for home games this round.

    Everett. WHL Championship Final. Angel of the Winds Arena. May 8. This is the moment.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Did the Silvertips sweep the Penticton Vees?

    Yes. The Everett Silvertips defeated the Penticton Vees in four consecutive games (4-0 series), winning Game 4 by a score of 4-2 on April 28, 2026, at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, BC.

    When are the WHL Championship Final Games at Angel of the Winds Arena?

    Games 1 and 2 of the 2026 WHL Championship Final will be played at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9. Game times are to be announced. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

    Who will the Silvertips face in the WHL Championship Final?

    The opponent is to be determined. The Eastern Conference Final between the Medicine Hat Tigers (defending WHL champions) and the Prince Albert Raiders was still ongoing as of April 28, 2026.

    What is the Silvertips’ 2026 playoff record?

    12-1. Everett swept both the Kelowna Rockets (Round 2) and the Penticton Vees (Western Conference Championship) without losing a series game. Their only playoff loss was one game against Kelowna.

    Who scored for Everett in Game 4?

    Nolan Chastko (2nd period, tie), Jesse Heslop (3rd period, tie), Matias Vanhanen (3rd period, game-winning goal at 13:05), and Julius Miettinen (3rd period, empty-net insurance goal at 18:13).

    How do I buy Silvertips WHL Championship tickets?

    Tickets for home games at Angel of the Winds Arena (May 8 and May 9) are available through Ticketmaster. The Silvertips also offer a Playoff Ticket + Drink Deal package through their official ticket page.