Silvertips Round 2 Snapshot: The Everett Silvertips lead the Kelowna Rockets 2–0 in the 2026 WHL Western Conference Semifinals after winning both home games at Angel of the Winds Arena. Game 3 is Tuesday, April 14 at 7:05 PM PDT in Kelowna.
Silvertips Win Games 1 & 2, Head to Kelowna With a 2–0 Series Lead
The Everett Silvertips are two wins away from advancing to the WHL Western Conference Finals. After a dominant first-round sweep of the Portland Winterhawks — outscoring them 25–5 across four games — the Tips carried that momentum into Round 2, winning back-to-back games against the Kelowna Rockets at Angel of the Winds Arena.
Game 1 ended 4–1 on Friday, April 10. Game 2 went 4–2 on Saturday, April 11 in a physical contest that grabbed headlines beyond the scoreboard. The series now shifts to Prospera Place in Kelowna for Games 3 and 4.
Game 1 Recap: Busch Leads the Way in 4–1 Win
Shea Busch opened the scoring on the power play in the first period, and the Silvertips never looked back. Matias Vanhanen added the eventual game-winner, with Landon DuPont and Julius Miettinen also finding the net. Everett went 5-for-5 on the penalty kill — a theme that would define the series.
Kelowna’s only goal came from Ty Halaburda, who beat goaltender Anders Miller just 23 seconds into the second period. Rockets goalie Harrison Boettiger made 36 saves but couldn’t overcome Everett’s efficiency at both ends of the ice.
Game 2 Recap: Miller Shines, Special Teams Win the Night in 4–2 Win
Saturday’s game was louder and more intense. Kelowna came out flying in the first period, outshooting Everett 20–11, but the Silvertips went 6-for-6 on the penalty kill and Anders Miller stopped 37 of 38 shots to seal the win.
Goals from Zackary Shantz, Jaxsin Vaughan, Carter Bear (power play), and Julius Miettinen (power play) gave Everett the 4–2 final. Kelowna’s Hayden Paupanekis and Owen Folstrom scored for the Rockets.
The game was stopped midway through the third period when Kelowna forward Ty Halaburda was stretchered off the ice after a collision along the boards. Halaburda remained conscious and was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center. The Rockets confirmed he was “alert and conscious” overnight. His status for Game 3 is uncertain.
Game 3 Preview: Can Kelowna Use Home Ice?
The series heads to Prospera Place in Kelowna for Game 3 on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:05 PM PDT. Game 4 follows Wednesday, April 15, also in Kelowna.
Kelowna has yet to beat Everett in any game this season — the Silvertips went 4–0–0–0 against the Rockets in the regular season. But three of those four wins were decided by a single goal, and the Rockets swept the Kamloops Blazers in the first round. Home ice and crowd noise could be a factor.
Everett has a star-studded lineup on the ice. Carter Bear (Detroit Red Wings prospect), Julius Miettinen (Seattle Kraken affiliate), Landon DuPont, and Matias Vanhanen are the offensive drivers. On defense, the penalty kill has been near-perfect across Round 2. Coach Steve Hamilton has his team locked in.
If the Silvertips sweep again, they return home to Angel of the Winds Arena for Game 5 on Friday, April 17.
Frequently Asked Questions: Silvertips Round 2
What is the Silvertips’ current playoff record?
The Silvertips are 6–0 in the 2026 WHL Playoffs, having swept Portland in Round 1 and won both home games against Kelowna in Round 2.
When is Silvertips Game 3?
Game 3 is Tuesday, April 14 at 7:05 PM PDT at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC. You can stream it free on Victory+.
What happened to Ty Halaburda?
Kelowna forward Ty Halaburda was stretchered off the ice during Game 2 after a hit by Everett’s Jaxsin Vaughan. He was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett and was reported alert and conscious. His status for Game 3 is uncertain.
How can I watch Silvertips away games?
Games 3 and 4 in Kelowna are available to stream free on Victory+ (victoryplus.com) and on 104.7 The Lizard radio.
Who are the top scorers for the Silvertips in the playoffs?
Julius Miettinen leads with 6 goals in the playoffs. Matias Vanhanen, Carter Bear, Landon DuPont, and Shea Busch have all been significant contributors.
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