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Tag: Everett Sports

  • Silvertips Blow a 3-0 Lead in Game 4 But Still Lead 3-1: Game 5 Is at Home Friday Night

    Silvertips Blow a 3-0 Lead in Game 4 But Still Lead 3-1: Game 5 Is at Home Friday Night

    Did the Silvertips sweep Kelowna in Round 2? No. Everett held a 3-0 lead with 12 minutes left in Game 4 on April 15, 2026, but Kelowna rallied for three goals and Tij Iginla won it in overtime. The Rockets took Game 4 by a 4-3 final, cutting Everett’s series lead to 3-1. Game 5 is Friday, April 17 at 7:05 p.m. at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    Silvertips Were 12 Minutes From a Sweep. Then Kelowna Happened.

    This is the part where a fan gets honest. Wednesday night at Prospera Place in Kelowna was supposed to be the one: a clean four-game sweep of the Rockets, an extra week of rest before the Western Conference Final, and a quiet flight home. For 48 minutes of hockey, the Silvertips were absolutely pitching a sweep. Then 12 minutes happened, overtime happened, and now we are going back to Angel of the Winds Arena Friday night for Game 5 with a 3-1 series lead instead of our boots up.

    Let’s be very clear about what happened, because the final score does not tell the full story.

    What Actually Happened in Game 4

    The Silvertips came out of the gate like a team that smelled Round 3. Julius Miettinen opened the scoring just 1:04 into the first period. Matias Vanhanen buried a power-play goal at 8:47. Brek Liske made it 3-0 at 14:10. That is three goals in the first 14 minutes of a road playoff game against a desperate home team — exactly the way a top seed ends a series.

    Then the third period turned into the kind of hockey nightmare every fan base has seen before. Kelowna scored with about 12:07 left in regulation to make it 3-1. Then again. Then Shane Smith tied it 3-3 late. Overtime arrived, the Rockets kept coming, and Tij Iginla — yes, that Iginla — put the winner home at 2:30 of the extra period for his second goal of the night. Rockets 4, Silvertips 3.

    The Good News: The Silvertips Still Lead the Series 3-1

    Blown third-period leads sting for 48 hours. But look at the board: Everett is still up 3-1 in a best-of-seven, the Silvertips are still the Western Conference’s top seed, and Game 5 is back at home at Angel of the Winds Arena, where they won the first two games of this series. A playoff team only needs to win one of the next three. Kelowna has to run the table.

    Historically, losing a close-out game on the road is the kind of thing you laugh about after you hoist the trophy. The Silvertips can absolutely still control this series. They just need to do the one thing Game 4 showed they are more than capable of doing for 48 minutes: skate a full 60.

    Game 5: Friday, April 17 at Angel of the Winds Arena

    Here is the only schedule you need memorized for the rest of this week:

    • Game 5: Friday, April 17, 2026 — 7:05 p.m. — Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett
    • Game 6 (if needed): Sunday or Monday, April 19 or 20 — in Kelowna
    • Game 7 (if needed): Tuesday, April 21 — Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett

    If you have ever been on the fence about a Silvertips playoff ticket, this is the one. The barn is going to be loud. The stakes are a Western Conference Final. The opponent is a desperate team that just stole a win in their own building. This is exactly what playoff hockey in Everett is supposed to feel like.

    How to Get to Game 5

    Tickets are still available through the Silvertips’ official playoff ticket page and Ticketmaster. Angel of the Winds Arena is at 2000 Hewitt Avenue in downtown Everett, about five minutes off I-5 Exit 193. Parking is easiest in the Everest Station garage a block away, or on Hewitt if you are early. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m., so aim to be through the doors by 6:30 if you want a beer and a look at warmups.

    What to Watch in Game 5

    1. Julius Miettinen’s Legs

    Miettinen — Everett’s captain and one of the best two-way centers in the Western Hockey League — has been the motor of this series. Opening Game 4 with a 1:04 goal was the kind of tone-setter elite players deliver in the playoffs. Watch his first shift Friday. If he looks the same as he did in Game 4, the Rockets are in trouble.

    2. The Power Play

    Matias Vanhanen’s power-play goal was not a fluke — the Silvertips’ man-advantage has been one of the cleanest units in the WHL all year. If they can cash in early on a Kelowna penalty, the arena will do the rest.

    3. Tij Iginla

    We have to say his name, even if we do not like saying it. Iginla scored twice in Game 4, including the overtime winner. He is the most dangerous player Kelowna has, he has playoff-MVP bloodlines, and he will be on the ice when it matters. The Silvertips’ defensive pairings need to account for where his stick is at all times.

    4. The Third Period

    Every Silvertips fan is going to have one eye on the clock starting with 15 minutes left in the third period of Game 5. That is just how it is going to be until this series ends. The good news: the Silvertips can put that ghost to bed in a single night.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When is Game 5 of the Silvertips-Rockets series?

    Friday, April 17, 2026, at 7:05 p.m. at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.

    What is the current series score?

    Everett leads the best-of-seven Western Conference semifinal 3-1. The Silvertips need to win one of the next three games to advance.

    What happened in Game 4?

    Everett led 3-0 in the third period but gave up three unanswered goals in regulation. Kelowna’s Tij Iginla scored 2:30 into overtime for a 4-3 Rockets win. Miettinen, Vanhanen, and Liske scored for the Silvertips.

    Where are the remaining games being played?

    Game 5 is in Everett, Game 6 (if needed) is in Kelowna, and Game 7 (if needed) is back in Everett.

    Are tickets still available for Game 5?

    As of publication, tickets remain available through the Silvertips’ official playoff ticket portal and through Ticketmaster. Expect strong walk-up demand for a potential series-clincher.

    Who does the winner of this series play?

    The winner of Silvertips-Rockets advances to the WHL Western Conference Final against the winner of the Portland-Wenatchee series.

  • Everett’s Downtown Stadium Faces Its Biggest Vote Yet: $10.6M Design Funding Goes to Council April 29

    Everett’s Downtown Stadium Faces Its Biggest Vote Yet: $10.6M Design Funding Goes to Council April 29

    What’s happening? Everett city staff are asking the city council to approve an additional $10.6 million in spending on the downtown stadium, a funding measure that would complete the design of the site. The council vote is scheduled for April 29, 2026. City staff told the council on April 15 that the $120 million project still has a $25 million funding gap, and the stadium’s expected opening has been pushed from April 2027 to late 2027.

    If you’ve been following the downtown stadium story, April 29 is the date to circle. That’s when the Everett City Council is expected to vote on a $10.6 million funding measure that city staff described this week as the most significant decision the council will make on the project to date.

    We watched Wednesday night’s council presentation from project manager Scott Pattison and consultant Ben Franz, and the headline is simple: the stadium is moving forward, but the financial picture is getting bigger and the timeline is slipping.

    What the $10.6M Would Pay For

    The new funding request would do two things. First, it would complete the design of the Outdoor Event Center, which has already hit roughly 60 percent design completion using the $7.2 million the city has already committed in capital funds. Second, it would continue property acquisition work on the stadium site.

    On the property side, the city needs to buy 15 parcels to build the stadium at the corner of Broadway and Pacific, right next to the Sounder rail line and just east of Angel of the Winds Arena. As of Wednesday, the city has:

    • Signed purchase agreements for 2 parcels
    • Pending agreements with 4 more
    • Active negotiations with the owners of 8 others
    • Zero parcels actually purchased outright (that only happens after the council approves construction)

    The money itself wouldn’t come from new revenue. The city would get the $10.6 million through an interfund loan from its general fund balance, with the plan to repay it later when the city passes a stadium bond measure.

    Here’s the catch Franz acknowledged on Wednesday: if the council approves the $10.6 million loan but later doesn’t approve a stadium bond to pay it back, it could mean a loss of at least $4.8 million in general fund dollars. Some property acquisition money could be reclaimed if the project falls apart, but the design work is sunk cost.

    The $25 Million Gap the City Still Has to Close

    The stadium is not yet fully funded. Not by a long shot.

    When the city first asked for the initial $4.8 million in June 2025, the project was pegged at $82 million. By the council’s January retreat, that number had grown to $120 million, driven by rising property acquisition costs and construction cost inflation. The city’s direct capital contributions to the project currently make up about 8 percent of the stadium’s total cost. Staff said Wednesday that the project is about $25 million short of its $120 million budget.

    Here’s the funding picture as it stands right now:

    • Stadium bond (planned): More than $40 million, repaid through lease revenue from the teams
    • State youth athletic fields fund: $7.4 million
    • Snohomish County contribution: $5 million spread across 2027-2030
    • AquaSox and USL team upfront commitment: $17 million
    • AquaSox and USL team lease payments: About $100 million over 30 years
    • City direct capital (already spent): ~$7.2 million
    • Gap to close: ~$25 million

    Franz told the council that filling the gap could involve “a number of options, including some very unique public-private partnerships,” but said he couldn’t share specifics. He also mentioned a federal loan program that distributes funds to economic development projects near rail infrastructure as a possibility — the favorable interest rate would be attractive, but the application process is long.

    “The more upfront capital we’re able to secure, the less debt the city has to issue,” Franz said after the meeting. “And that’s the piece we’re balancing, which is why we can’t sit here today and say, ‘Here’s the full funding plan.’”

    The Stadium Itself: What’s in the Design

    Contractors and architects showed the council initial design work Wednesday. The stadium would feature:

    • 5,000 seats
    • A clubhouse area that can be used for non-game events
    • An artificial turf field
    • A perimeter walking area
    • A main entrance where Wall Street meets Broadway

    The project is being delivered through a progressive design-build process, meaning the contractor — DLR Group with Bayley Construction — is designing the stadium alongside the architects rather than after. If the full project gets approved, the contractor would be locked in at a guaranteed price.

    The goal, according to Franz, is to break ground in September 2026. The previous target of opening for the AquaSox’s 2027 season is no longer realistic — the new opening window is late 2027.

    What the Teams Are Bringing

    Both the Everett AquaSox and the United Soccer League have now agreed to the financial terms of a lease, according to Franz. The key numbers:

    • $17 million upfront — combined team contribution toward construction
    • ~$100 million in lease payments over 30 years
    • Day-to-day maintenance responsibility falls to the teams
    • City staffing commitment: likely one employee to oversee operations
    • 50 guaranteed days per year for the city to host its own events or lease to other groups

    Once the bonds are paid off, the lease revenue flows into the city’s general fund.

    Mayor Cassie Franklin noted at Wednesday’s meeting that the maintenance arrangement is a significant win for the city — major capital repairs and upgrades remain the city’s responsibility, but the teams handle operations.

    The USL Piece That’s Still Unresolved

    Before the United Soccer League’s portion of the money can flow, the league still needs to find an owner or ownership group to actually buy the Everett men’s and women’s teams. Pattison said Wednesday in an interview that the league has “two or three people that are interested.”

    A USL spokesperson didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

    For context, franchise fees in the USL ecosystem run roughly:

    • USL League One team: ~$5 million (per ESPN reporting)
    • USL Championship team: ~$20 million
    • USL Super League (women’s professional) team: ~$10 million (per Backheeled and The Athletic)

    The league’s ownership search could affect the stadium’s timeline. “It really depends on where they are in the process, and where we are in overall readiness to start construction,” Franz said. “We have commitments to the AquaSox that we want to meet at this point. Our goal is to start construction in September, and so we’ll work diligently with them together to meet that.”

    Why This Project Started in the First Place

    Everett first began studying a stadium upgrade in 2022 after Major League Baseball announced new facility standards for minor league stadiums. Funko Field, in its current state, doesn’t meet those requirements. In 2024, the AquaSox’s owner said the city was in danger of losing the team. Later that year, the council decided to study a downtown site — partly because a downtown location could unlock more public and private funding than a rebuild at Funko Field.

    The stadium has become, effectively, the signature piece of Everett’s downtown revitalization strategy. It anchors development plans next to Angel of the Winds Arena, the Sounder station, and the Millwright District’s growing footprint on the waterfront.

    The Calendar From Here

    Three dates worth writing down:

    • April 29, 2026 — City council vote on the $10.6 million funding measure
    • July 2026 — Target for completing a full funding plan
    • August 2026 — Expected council vote on approving stadium construction
    • September 2026 — Target date to break ground
    • Late 2027 — Revised stadium opening

    The April 29 vote does not commit the city to building the stadium. But it does commit $10.6 million — with real financial consequences if the project doesn’t move forward later.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When does the Everett City Council vote on the $10.6 million stadium funding? The vote is scheduled for April 29, 2026. It would complete the design of the Outdoor Event Center and continue work on acquiring the 15 parcels needed to build the stadium.

    How much is the Everett stadium projected to cost? The current cost estimate is $120 million, up from an initial estimate of $82 million in June 2025. The city is about $25 million short of the full budget.

    When will the downtown stadium open? City staff have pushed the opening from April 2027 to late 2027. The new target is to break ground in September 2026.

    Who would play at the Everett Outdoor Event Center? The Everett AquaSox (Seattle Mariners High-A minor league baseball) and two new United Soccer League teams — a men’s team and a women’s team — if the USL finds ownership groups to buy them.

    Where will the new Everett stadium be located? At the corner of Broadway and Pacific, east of Angel of the Winds Arena and next to the Sounder rail line. The main entrance is planned for where Wall Street meets Broadway.

    What happens if the stadium project doesn’t get approved? At least $4.8 million of the $10.6 million loan could be lost. Some property acquisition money might be recoverable if the city backs out of purchases, but design work is a sunk cost.

    Who is designing and building the stadium? DLR Group and Bayley Construction are delivering the project through a progressive design-build process, where the contractor is working alongside the architects during design.

  • AquaSox Survive the Opener From Hell to Go 4-2 Against Tri-City: What We Learned

    AquaSox Survive the Opener From Hell to Go 4-2 Against Tri-City: What We Learned

    Q: How did the Everett AquaSox do in their first home series of 2026?
    A: The Everett AquaSox went 4-2 against the Tri-City Dust Devils in their first home series of 2026, bouncing back from a brutal 17-2 opening night loss to take four of the six games at Everett Memorial Stadium.

    It was the worst home opener in recent memory. On April 7, the Everett AquaSox walked out in front of their home fans for the first time in 2026 and proceeded to lose 17-2 to the Tri-City Dust Devils. In baseball terms, it’s the kind of result that makes fans cringe, beat writers reach for extra coffee, and front offices quietly remind themselves that it’s a long season.

    But here’s the thing: the AquaSox didn’t fold. They didn’t let one historically ugly night define their week. Over the next five games, they went 4-1 and finished their first home series at 4-2 — a genuinely solid result when you consider how badly they started it.

    Here’s what we learned from the first homestand of the 2026 AquaSox campaign.

    The Opener Was That Bad — and That’s Okay

    Let’s just acknowledge it. A 17-2 loss is rough. The Tri-City Dust Devils scored 16 runs in the first four innings, including multiple extra-base hits and a home run from Jake Munroe — who crushed a three-run blast to left for his first professional home run. Capri Ortiz added multiple RBIs, and the Dust Devils took a sledgehammer to Everett’s pitching early.

    For fans who showed up expecting a classic home opener, it was a rough welcome back. But Minor League Baseball is full of blowout games. High-A ball is where prospects are actively developing — and development means inconsistency. Pitchers walk through bad stretches. Lineups have nights where nothing clicks. The AquaSox have enough talent on this roster that one 17-2 loss tells us almost nothing about the arc of their season.

    Colton Shaw Was the Star of the Week

    If you’re looking for a reason to get excited about this AquaSox rotation, start with Colton Shaw. The right-hander and Yale alum turned in the standout pitching performance of the home series in the April 10 blowout win: six innings pitched, zero runs allowed, three hits, seven strikeouts, and zero walks.

    That’s a masterclass in efficiency. Seven strikeouts with no walks in six innings is a line that would look good in Triple-A, let alone High-A. The AquaSox offense backed him up with a 14-5 victory — a thorough dismantling of the Dust Devils that flipped the momentum of the series entirely.

    Shaw is going to be a prospect worth following all season. The pedigree (Ivy League arm), the stuff (strikeout rate), and the command (zero BBs on six innings) all point to someone capable of moving quickly through the system. Write the name down.

    Luke Stevenson and Jonny Farmelo: Names to Remember

    Going into the season, two position players from the Mariners’ system that deserve your attention in Everett are Luke Stevenson and Jonny Farmelo.

    Stevenson has been in the middle of multiple wins during the early season — contributing in the 14-5 blowout and highlighted alongside Colton Shaw in the HeraldNet writeup about back-to-back wins. He has a patient, disciplined approach at the plate that tends to translate at every level of the game. The Mariners value this kind of hitter in their development pipeline.

    Farmelo is one of the more exciting athletes on this roster. If you’ve been to an AquaSox game and someone made a play that made you forget it was a Tuesday night in April, Farmelo may have been involved. He’s a name that Mariners fans at the major league level are already tracking in the farm system.

    Felnin Celesten and the Supporting Cast

    Beyond the marquee names, this AquaSox roster has depth throughout the lineup. The April 10 blowout featured contributions from Felnin Celesten, Anthony Donofrio, Josh Caron, Brandon Eike, Carter Dorighi, Carlos Jimenez, and Axel Sanchez. That’s not a team leaning on two or three players — that’s a lineup with contributors across the order.

    For Mariners fans tracking organizational depth, this matters. The front office has invested in building out the High-A affiliate with prospects at multiple positions. The early returns on who’s going to break out are just starting to come in. The first two weeks of April gave us a handful of names to remember.

    The Series Finale Stings — But Only a Little

    Losing 5-2 to Tri-City in the April 12 series finale doesn’t erase the good work that came before it. The AquaSox had already won four games at that point. They’d shown they could compete with and beat a Tri-City team that will be in the Northwest League playoff picture come summer.

    A series-finale loss is a chapter, not the whole story. By any reasonable measure, the AquaSox responded well after the nightmare opener. That’s the resilience you want to see from a young roster.

    What’s Next for the AquaSox

    The team is currently on a road stretch before returning to Everett Memorial Stadium for a six-game homestand against the Spokane Indians, beginning Tuesday, April 21. That series will be another opportunity for fans to see what this roster can do — and to see if Colton Shaw, Luke Stevenson, and the rest of the crew can build momentum heading into the heart of the season.

    Overall, the AquaSox are a .500 club finding their footing — exactly what you’d expect from a High-A team integrating new prospects, developing pitching arms, and working through the early-season growing pains that come with every minor league campaign.

    The home opener from hell has been answered. The bounce-back was real. Now let’s see what the rest of April brings at Everett Memorial Stadium.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the Everett AquaSox record in 2026?

    After their first homestand, the AquaSox went 4-2 against the Tri-City Dust Devils, bringing them to a competitive position in the early Northwest League standings. Their full season record includes opening road games in Spokane as well.

    Who is Colton Shaw on the AquaSox?

    Colton Shaw is a right-handed starting pitcher and Yale alum in the Mariners’ system. He made a strong impression during the first home series, throwing six shutout innings against Tri-City with seven strikeouts and zero walks.

    What Mariners prospects are on the 2026 AquaSox?

    Notable names include Luke Stevenson, Jonny Farmelo, Felnin Celesten, Anthony Donofrio, Josh Caron, and Colton Shaw among others. The AquaSox serve as the Seattle Mariners’ High-A affiliate in the Northwest League.

    When is the next AquaSox home series?

    The next home series at Everett Memorial Stadium runs April 21-26, 2026 against the Spokane Indians.

    Where do the AquaSox play their home games?

    The AquaSox play at Everett Memorial Stadium in Everett, Washington. It’s one of the best Minor League Baseball experiences in the Pacific Northwest.

    Are the AquaSox affiliated with the Seattle Mariners?

    Yes. The Everett AquaSox are the official High-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball’s Northwest League.

  • Silvertips Win Game 3 in Kelowna — One Win Away From a Second-Round Sweep

    Silvertips Win Game 3 in Kelowna — One Win Away From a Second-Round Sweep

    Q: What is the Everett Silvertips series score in the 2026 WHL playoffs second round?
    A: The Everett Silvertips lead the Kelowna Rockets 3-0 in the second round of the 2026 WHL playoffs. Game 4 is Wednesday, April 15 at 7:05 PM PT at Prospera Place in Kelowna.

    The Everett Silvertips have done something in the Okanagan that very few visiting teams ever accomplish: they walked into Prospera Place and left as convincing winners.

    Tuesday night’s 4-1 victory over the Kelowna Rockets in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinal puts the Silvertips one win away from completing a second-round sweep — and from setting up a potential showdown against whoever survives the rest of the bracket. More than that, it sends a statement to every team still alive in the 2026 WHL postseason: the Tips don’t just win at home. They win everywhere.

    The Series So Far: Everett Has Been Dominant

    Let’s back up and look at how we got here. When the bracket set up Everett — the Western Conference’s top regular season seed — against the #4 Kelowna Rockets (who happen to be hosting the 2026 Memorial Cup), everyone expected a competitive series. The Rockets are a proud organization playing in front of their home fans in what is supposed to be their championship year.

    The Silvertips have not been interested in playing to script.

    Game 1 at Angel of the Winds Arena on April 10 set the tone immediately. Everett won 4-1, dictating pace and exposing gaps in the Rockets’ defensive structure from the opening puck drop. Game 2, also at the Arena on April 11, was tougher — Kelowna threw 39 shots at Silvertips goaltender Anders Miller — but Everett’s special teams told the story.

    The Tips went 2-for-3 on the power play in Game 2, converting with Carter Bear (his first playoff goal) and Julius Miettinen. More impressive: the penalty kill went a perfect 6-for-6, suffocating every Rockets man-advantage opportunity. Miller finished with 37 saves on 39 shots — exactly the kind of goaltending performance that changes a series.

    Into the Rockets’ Den — And It Didn’t Matter

    Games 3 and 4 shifted to Prospera Place in Kelowna, and home ice was supposed to matter. The Rockets are playing for their city, for the Memorial Cup crowd energy that will fill this building in May — this was supposed to be a turning point.

    Instead, Everett walked in on Tuesday night and won again, 4-1, in front of 3,562 fans who went home quiet. The Tips are now 3-0 in the series — one win from sweeping the Memorial Cup host on their own ice.

    The pattern is clear: disciplined structure, efficient special teams, and a goalie who won’t give up soft goals. That combination travels. Everett has shown that this isn’t a team that wins because of home crowd energy — they win because of how they play.

    Game 4 Is Wednesday Night — Sweep Is on the Table

    This is the moment. Game 4 is Wednesday, April 15 at 7:05 PM PT, also at Prospera Place in Kelowna. Win, and the Silvertips advance to the WHL Western Conference Final. They’d also have the distinction of sweeping the Memorial Cup host in its own building — which would be one of the more memorable playoff storylines in recent Everett hockey history.

    Kelowna will be desperate. A crowd that came to watch their team host a championship and instead watches them get swept out in the second round is not a scenario they’ll accept without a fight. The Rockets will throw everything at the Silvertips on Wednesday night.

    But this Everett team has shown no signs of taking their foot off the gas. They’ve been businesslike since the first puck of the postseason — and right now, they have the look of a team that knows it’s playing well.

    Why the Silvertips Are Built for This

    A few things stand out about how the Silvertips have dominated this series:

    The special teams edge has been decisive. That 6-for-6 penalty kill in Game 2 wasn’t a fluke — it reflects disciplined defensive structure and goaltending you can count on. When you kill every penalty your opponent gets, you eliminate one of the biggest momentum swings in playoff hockey.

    Anders Miller has stepped up when it counted. Playoff goaltending is a different animal than the regular season. The shots get harder, the lanes tighter, and the mental side demands more. Miller’s 37-save performance in Game 2 — absorbing a high-volume Rockets attack without letting it crack the lead — is exactly the kind of game that builds team-wide confidence through a long playoff run.

    The lineup depth is real. Goal scorers across Games 1 and 2 included Zackary Shantz, Jaxsin Vaughan, Carter Bear, and Julius Miettinen. That’s not a team living and dying on one or two players. When the top of the lineup gets some attention from the defense, someone else steps up.

    The Injury Backdrop

    One element that hangs over this series is the Game 2 incident involving Kelowna’s Ty Halaburda, who was injured and required hospitalization following a collision during the April 11 game. While playoff hockey is a physical sport and the focus remains on competition, the human element matters. Both fan bases will be monitoring Halaburda’s recovery. The Rockets are already facing a steep deficit — losing a player adds another layer of adversity to their situation.

    What a Sweep Would Mean

    If the Silvertips close out Game 4 on Wednesday, they will have gone a combined 8-0 through the first two rounds of the 2026 WHL Playoffs — sweeping the Memorial Cup host on their own ice, advancing with maximum rest while other teams grind out long series, and firmly establishing themselves as the team to beat in the Western Conference Final.

    For Everett fans, this is the time to be paying close attention. The Silvertips are playing some of the most complete hockey this organization has produced in years — and Wednesday night in Kelowna is a chance to make history.

    Game 4 is Wednesday, April 15 at 7:05 PM PT at Prospera Place in Kelowna. The sweep is on the table. Let’s go, Tips.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the current Silvertips-Rockets series score?

    The Everett Silvertips lead the series 3-0 following Tuesday’s 4-1 win in Game 3 at Prospera Place in Kelowna.

    When is Game 4?

    Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 7:05 PM PT at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC.

    Who is the Silvertips’ goalie for the 2026 playoffs?

    Anders Miller has been in goal for Everett. He made 37 saves in Game 2, a key performance in the Tips’ 4-2 win.

    Why is the Kelowna series especially meaningful?

    The Kelowna Rockets are the host team of the 2026 WHL Memorial Cup, set for May 2026 at Prospera Place. That makes their potential playoff exit on home ice — and at the hands of the Silvertips — a significant story.

    Who scored for the Silvertips in Game 2?

    Carter Bear (power play, first playoff goal), Julius Miettinen (power play), Jaxsin Vaughan, and Zackary Shantz scored for Everett in the 4-2 Game 2 win at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    Are there Silvertips tickets for a potential Game 5 in Everett?

    If the series extends, Game 5 would return to Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, April 17 at 7:05 PM PT. Check the Everett Silvertips’ official site for ticket availability.

  • Skate America Is Coming to Angel of the Winds Arena in November — Here’s What to Know

    Skate America Is Coming to Angel of the Winds Arena in November — Here’s What to Know

    Skate America 2026: The U.S. Figure Skating Grand Prix event returns to Everett’s Angel of the Winds Arena on November 13–15, 2026. It’s the third time the arena has hosted the event and the first time figure skating has come to the Pacific Northwest since 2018.

    Skate America Is Coming Back to Angel of the Winds Arena in November

    Everett is getting a world-class figure skating event this fall. U.S. Figure Skating has announced that the 2026 Skate America — one of six stops on the International Skating Union (ISU) Grand Prix of Figure Skating Series — will be held at Angel of the Winds Arena on November 13–15, 2026.

    The event is being hosted in partnership with the Snohomish County Sports Commission and marks the fifth time Skate America has been held in Washington State. For Angel of the Winds Arena, it’s the third time hosting the prestigious event — cementing Everett’s reputation as one of the premier destinations for major figure skating in the country.

    What Is Skate America?

    Skate America is the first event in the ISU Grand Prix series each season, drawing the top-ranked figure skaters in the world. Competitors include Olympic medalists and World Championship contenders across four disciplines: men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance. The event feeds directly into the Grand Prix Final held later in the season.

    The last time world-class figure skating came to the Pacific Northwest was 2018 — so this is a significant return for regional fans of the sport.

    Session Schedule

    • Thursday, Nov. 12 — Practice Session (All-Access ticket holders only)
    • Friday, Nov. 13 — Men’s Short Program & Pairs Short Program
    • Saturday, Nov. 14 (afternoon) — Women’s Short Program & Men’s Free Skate
    • Saturday, Nov. 14 (evening) — Rhythm Dance & Pairs Free Skate
    • Sunday, Nov. 15 — Free Dance & Women’s Free Skate

    How to Get Tickets

    Tickets go on presale for Friends of Figure Skating members on Tuesday, April 21 at 10:00 AM PT. The public on-sale opens Thursday, April 23 at 10:00 AM PT.

    Tickets are available at the Les Schwab Box Office at Angel of the Winds Arena or online at angelofthewindsarena.com. All-session packages are also available. More details at usfigureskating.org.

    Why This Is a Big Deal for Everett

    Angel of the Winds Arena has quietly become one of the most active mid-size event venues in the Pacific Northwest. Between the Silvertips playoff runs, AEW wrestling events, Billy Strings concerts, and now back-to-back Skate America appearances, the arena is drawing national attention.

    “Hosting Skate America in Everett is a privilege for Angel of the Winds Arena,” said General Manager Corey Margolis of Oak View Group. The Snohomish County Sports Commission has played a key role in securing the event each time.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Skate America 2026 in Everett

    When is Skate America 2026 in Everett?

    November 13–15, 2026 at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, WA.

    When do Skate America tickets go on sale?

    Public on-sale is Thursday, April 23 at 10:00 AM PT. Friends of Figure Skating presale starts Tuesday, April 21. Tickets available at angelofthewindsarena.com.

    What disciplines are at Skate America?

    Men’s singles, women’s singles, pairs, and ice dance — all four Olympic figure skating disciplines.

    Has Everett hosted Skate America before?

    Yes. This will be the third time Angel of the Winds Arena has hosted Skate America, making it one of the most frequently used Skate America venues in the country.

    How do I get to Angel of the Winds Arena?

    Angel of the Winds Arena is located at 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201, just off I-5. Parking is available on site and in nearby garages.

  • Silvertips Lead Kelowna 2–0: Game 3 Is Tuesday Night

    Silvertips Lead Kelowna 2–0: Game 3 Is Tuesday Night

    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.

  • AquaSox Home Opener Was Rough. Here’s Why the 2026 Season Is Still Worth Getting Excited About.

    AquaSox Home Opener Was Rough. Here’s Why the 2026 Season Is Still Worth Getting Excited About.

    Q: How did the Everett AquaSox do in their 2026 home opener series?
    A: The AquaSox dropped four of six games to the Tri-City Dust Devils in their first home series of 2026, including a brutal 17-2 blowout on Opening Night. But this is a deep, prospect-loaded roster returning 22 players from a championship team — the season has plenty of road ahead.

    AquaSox Home Opener Was Rough. Here’s Why the 2026 Season Is Still Worth Getting Excited About.

    Let’s be honest: that first home series at Funko Field was not fun to watch.

    The Tri-City Dust Devils came into Everett and won four out of six games, including a 17-2 wipeout on Opening Night that had fans checking the score in disbelief before the fifth inning. Starter Taylor Dollard gave up six earned runs in two-and-two-thirds innings. A reliever got touched for five runs in less than an inning. The AquaSox were down 10-0 before they recorded their first hit.

    It was bad. Manager Ryan Scott put the most optimistic spin he could on it — “games just aren’t going to go your way, and I really just want to see how the boys are going to compete” — and honestly, that’s the right lens for early April in the High-A Northwest League. Rough starts happen. What matters is what comes next.

    And what comes next, starting this weekend, is a lot of reasons to get back to Funko Field.

    This Is a Championship Team Coming Back

    The 2026 AquaSox returned 22 players from the squad that won the 2025 Northwest League Championship. Twenty-two. That kind of continuity is rare in minor league baseball, where rosters churn constantly as players climb organizational ladders or get released. This group knows Everett, knows Funko Field, knows how to win together. The 17-2 loss doesn’t erase a championship; it’s four games in a 132-game season.

    Context matters in the minors: player development is the mission, not the win-loss record. The Mariners sent these players to Everett to grow, to face High-A competition, to work through things. A rough first series against a legitimately good Tri-City squad is part of the process. The Dust Devils swept everyone this week.

    Five Top-30 Mariners Prospects Are on This Roster

    Here’s the real reason to keep coming to games: the Mariners pipeline is running through Funko Field right now, and it’s loaded.

    Jonny Farmelo (Mariners’ No. 6 prospect) is back for a second taste of High-A after hitting .230 with 13 extra-base hits in 29 games last year. The tools are real — this is the kind of outfield prospect that shows up in Baseball America previews for a reason. Watch him turn on a fastball and you’ll understand why the Mariners are patient with his development.

    Felnin Celesten (No. 7) is another outfield piece getting High-A reps after showing flashes at the lower levels. Both he and Farmelo have the athleticism that makes even a routine defensive play worth watching.

    Luke Stevenson (No. 8) may be the most intriguing player on the roster. Selected 35th overall in the 2025 Draft out of UNC, Stevenson is a catcher — the hardest position to develop in baseball — who hit .280 with 23 walks in his professional debut at Single-A Modesto. Patient, high-IQ backstops who can hit are worth watching at every level. He drove in Everett’s first run of the home opener with a sacrifice fly. That’s the kind of small thing that tells you about a player’s makeup.

    Carlos Jimenez (No. 21) and right-hander Lucas Kelly (No. 29) round out the top-30 contingent. The pitching development story at Everett this year will be worth tracking all season.

    Some Bright Spots From the Rough Start

    Even in the blowout series, a few players showed up. Josh Caron went 2-for-4 in Opening Night and ripped a triple. Axel Sanchez also went 2-for-4. These are the kinds of individual performance moments that make minor league baseball fun even when the scoreboard isn’t cooperating — watching a kid fight for his at-bat when the game is already out of hand says something about what kind of player he’s going to be.

    The Rest of the Schedule Is Full of Reasons to Come Out

    The AquaSox play 66 home games this season, running all the way into September. The Northwest League schedule is packed with rival affiliates — Tri-City, Spokane, Vancouver, Hillsboro, Everett knows all of them. The Mariners’ top prospects will be churning through this roster all summer, and some of the players you watch on a Tuesday night in April will be in Safeco Field by September or next spring.

    Funko Field is also just a great place to watch baseball. It’s a short walk from downtown Everett, it’s affordable, and on a clear evening in June with the mountains out, there’s nowhere better to spend a Tuesday night in Snohomish County. Don’t let a rough first week of April keep you away.

    The Honest Take

    Yes, going 1-3 at home to open the year hurts a little, especially after a championship. And losing 17-2 on Opening Night in front of the home fans is embarrassing by any standard. The AquaSox need to sort out their pitching depth — six earned runs in under three innings from your starter is not acceptable even in April.

    But this is April baseball in the minors. A roster full of returning champions, five top-30 Mariners prospects, and a manager who’s talking about watching his players compete through adversity — that’s the foundation. The AquaSox are worth your attention all summer long. Come out when the weather breaks, bring the kids, and watch a future Mariner figure it out in real time. That’s the whole deal.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When do the AquaSox play their next home games?

    The AquaSox continue their home schedule at Funko Field throughout April. Check milb.com/everett for the full 2026 schedule and upcoming promotions.

    Where is Funko Field located?

    Funko Field (Everett Memorial Stadium) is located at 3802 Broadway in Everett, WA. It’s a short walk from downtown Everett.

    Which Seattle Mariners prospects are on the 2026 AquaSox roster?

    Five Mariners Top-30 prospects are on the 2026 roster: Jonny Farmelo (#6), Felnin Celesten (#7), Luke Stevenson (#8), Carlos Jimenez (#21), and Lucas Kelly (#29).

    Are the AquaSox still defending champions?

    Yes — the AquaSox won the 2025 Northwest League Championship. They returned 22 players from that championship squad to the 2026 roster.

    Who manages the AquaSox in 2026?

    Ryan Scott is the AquaSox manager for 2026. He also managed the 2025 championship team.

    How many home games do the AquaSox play at Funko Field?

    The AquaSox play 66 home games at Funko Field across the 2026 High-A Northwest League season, running from April through September.

  • Silvertips vs. Rockets Round 2 Preview: Everything You Need to Know Before Friday’s Puck Drop

    Silvertips vs. Rockets Round 2 Preview: Everything You Need to Know Before Friday’s Puck Drop

    Q: When do the Everett Silvertips start their second-round playoff series?
    A: The Silvertips host the Kelowna Rockets in Games 1 and 2 at Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11. Puck drop is expected around 7:05 PM PT both nights.

    Silvertips vs. Rockets Round 2 Preview: Everything You Need to Know Before Friday’s Puck Drop

    The Everett Silvertips are back on home ice this weekend, and this time the stakes are even higher. After dismantling the Portland Winterhawks in a four-game first-round sweep, the WHL’s top regular-season team hosts the Kelowna Rockets in Games 1 and 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals at Angel of the Winds Arena. Friday, April 10. Saturday, April 11. Get your gear on and get loud, Everett.

    This is not a series to sleep on. Both teams arrive at Round 2 unbeaten in the playoffs. Both swept their first-round opponents. And this is the matchup the WHL has been quietly circling since the regular season ended — the league’s best team against the host of this spring’s Memorial Cup.

    How the Silvertips Got Here

    Everett’s Round 1 performance was a statement. The Silvertips outscored the Portland Winterhawks 25-8 across four games, with 14 different skaters finding the back of the net. It was the kind of balanced, deep offensive performance that makes coaches lose sleep — you can’t key on one or two guys when everybody can score.

    Leading scorer Carter Bear was everywhere, notching six goals in the four-game sweep. Forward Matias Vanhanen and Julius Miettinen each finished with six points as well, combining for seven goals between them. And goaltender Anders Miller was virtually untouchable — a 1.08 goals-against average, a .954 save percentage, and one shutout in Game 3 when he turned aside 19 shots in a 7-0 blanking of Portland.

    Oh, and by the way: Everett had lost to Portland in three consecutive postseasons before this year. That weight is gone. The Silvertips swept the Winterhawks for the first time since 2016, and they did it by scoring six unanswered in Game 4 after spotting Portland a 2-0 lead. That comeback tells you something about the character in this locker room.

    Who Are the Kelowna Rockets?

    Don’t let the fourth-seed fool you. Kelowna is dangerous, and their Round 1 stats against the Kamloops Blazers are frankly alarming: 25 goals for, just 5 against in a four-game sweep. That’s a plus-20 goal differential. For context, Everett went plus-17 in their sweep. The Rockets are on a run right now.

    The offensive engine is the duo of Vojtech Cihar and Tij Iginla — and yes, that Iginla. Tij is the son of Hall-of-Famer Jarome Iginla, and he’s been every bit as dynamic in Round 1. Both players finished the Blazers series with 10 points each. Cihar went 6 goals and 4 assists. Iginla went 5 goals and 5 assists. When two players are combining for 20 points in four playoff games, the rest of the league takes notice.

    On the power play, Kelowna converted at a sizzling 29.4% in Round 1 — nearly double Everett’s 14.3% rate. That’s the matchup to watch. If the Rockets get chances on the man advantage early in this series and cash them, they will absolutely test Angel of the Winds Arena’s nerves.

    The Silvertips’ Edge: Anders Miller and the Penalty Kill

    Here’s the chess match of this series: Kelowna’s power play is elite. Everett’s penalty kill is elite. Something has to give.

    Miller enters Round 2 with a 1.25 GAA and a .947 save percentage — numbers that would make any playoff goaltender blush. The Silvertips’ penalty kill operated at 90.0% in Round 1, while Kelowna’s sat at just 70.0%. If Everett can keep its discipline, stay out of the box, and make Kelowna beat them five-on-five, the Silvertips’ goaltending edge should hold.

    But Kelowna’s goalie, Harrison Boettiger, shouldn’t be dismissed either. He posted a 2.00 GAA and .934 save percentage in Round 1 — solid numbers that helped the Rockets cruise. He just hasn’t been tested the way Miller has.

    The Regular-Season History Is Deceiving

    Everett went 4-0 against Kelowna in the regular season. That sounds dominant, but three of those four games were decided by a single goal, including an overtime finish in late February. These teams know each other, and they know it doesn’t take much to flip a result. That 4-0 record does not mean a four-game sweep is coming.

    Historically, the clubs have met three times in the postseason. Everett won in 2004 and 2006. Kelowna won a seven-game first-round battle in 2010. There’s no recent precedent to lean on heavily — these teams have changed dramatically since then — but the Rockets have beaten the Silvertips in the playoffs before, and they remember it.

    The Memorial Cup Wrinkle

    This series has an added layer that makes it genuinely interesting from a narrative standpoint: Kelowna is the 2026 Memorial Cup host. That means if the Rockets advance far enough, they’ve essentially secured home ice at the most prestigious event in Canadian junior hockey. The host city and organization have a built-in incentive to stay alive deep into May. That’s not nothing. That’s extra fuel.

    For Everett, the Silvertips have never won a WHL Championship. They’ve been close — deep playoff runs, strong regular seasons — but the banner hasn’t gone up. This team, right now, with this goalie and this balanced attack, might be the best shot Everett has had. The home crowd at Angel of the Winds Arena has a chance to be part of something historic this spring. It starts Friday night.

    Full Round 2 Schedule

    • Game 1: Friday, April 10 — Kelowna at Everett, Angel of the Winds Arena
    • Game 2: Saturday, April 11 — Kelowna at Everett, Angel of the Winds Arena
    • Game 3: Tuesday, April 14 — Everett at Kelowna, Prospera Place
    • Game 4: Wednesday, April 15 — Everett at Kelowna, Prospera Place
    • Game 5 (if necessary): Friday, April 17 — Kelowna at Everett
    • Game 6 (if necessary): Sunday, April 19 — Everett at Kelowna
    • Game 7 (if necessary): Monday, April 21 — Kelowna at Everett

    Tickets for Games 1 and 2 are available through Ticketmaster and the Les Schwab Box Office at the arena. Call (425) 322-2600 for group sales.

    The Bottom Line

    This is a legitimate test for Everett. Kelowna has weapons, a mission, and a power play that can take over a game. The Silvertips have the league’s best regular-season record, a goalie playing out of his mind, and two home games to open the series in front of the loudest building in the U.S. Division of the WHL.

    Pack Angel of the Winds Arena. The Silvertips are right where they want to be — and this series is going to be worth every minute.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When do the Silvertips play this weekend?

    Game 1 is Friday, April 10, and Game 2 is Saturday, April 11, both at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett. Puck drop is around 7:05 PM PT both nights.

    Where can I buy tickets to Silvertips playoff games?

    Tickets are available on Ticketmaster and through the Les Schwab Box Office at Angel of the Winds Arena. Call (425) 322-2600 for group ticket information.

    Who are the Kelowna Rockets’ best players?

    Vojtech Cihar and Tij Iginla are Kelowna’s most dangerous forwards. Both had 10-point rounds against Kamloops in Round 1. Iginla is the son of NHL Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla.

    How did the Silvertips do in Round 1?

    Everett swept the Portland Winterhawks in four games, outscoring them 25-8. Fourteen different skaters scored at least one goal. Goaltender Anders Miller posted a 1.08 GAA and .954 save percentage with one shutout.

    What is the Kelowna Rockets’ connection to the Memorial Cup?

    Kelowna is the host city for the 2026 Memorial Cup, the WHL’s most prestigious championship event. As hosts, the Rockets have an automatic berth if they advance deep enough in the playoffs.

    Has Everett ever beaten Kelowna in the WHL playoffs before?

    Yes — Everett defeated Kelowna in the 2004 Western Conference Final and again in the 2006 second round. Kelowna won the only other postseason meeting between the clubs, a seven-game first-round series in 2010.

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

    Through Round 1, Miller posted a .954 save percentage and a 1.08 goals-against average with one shutout in four wins. He enters Round 2 as one of the best goalies remaining in the WHL playoffs.

    Is Angel of the Winds Arena easy to get to?

    Yes. Angel of the Winds Arena is located in downtown Everett at 2000 Hewitt Avenue and is accessible via I-5 and Everett Transit. Parking is available in nearby surface lots and garages.

  • AquaSox Home Opener Was Rough, But Here’s Why the 2026 Season Is Still Worth Getting Excited About

    AquaSox Home Opener Was Rough, But Here’s Why the 2026 Season Is Still Worth Getting Excited About

    Quick Answer: The Everett AquaSox opened their 2026 home schedule on April 7 with a tough 17-2 loss to the Tri-City Dust Devils. Don’t panic — this is the defending Northwest League champion team with five top-30 Mariners prospects, and one rough night doesn’t define a long season.

    Look, nobody said defending a championship was going to be easy. The Everett AquaSox opened their 2026 home schedule Tuesday night at Everett Memorial Stadium and ran into a buzzsaw — dropping their home opener to the Tri-City Dust Devils 17-2 in front of 1,414 fans. It was ugly. It was not representative of what this team is capable of. And if you’re an AquaSox fan, you already know: one game in April does not a season make.

    Here’s what actually matters as the AquaSox settle into their first homestand of 2026.

    What Happened Opening Night

    The numbers were rough. Tri-City jumped out to a 4-0 lead after two innings, extended it to 10-0 through three, and kept piling on. By the time the night was over, the Dust Devils had put up 17 runs against an AquaSox pitching staff that just didn’t have it on Tuesday.

    For Everett, the highlights were few but real. Josh Caron grounded a triple down the left-field line in the fourth inning — a reminder of the kind of contact hitters the AquaSox have on this roster. Luke Stevenson drove in the first AquaSox run with a sacrifice fly. And in the bottom of the eighth, Jonny Farmelo launched a 381-foot solo home run to make it 17-2.

    It’s a box score you’d rather forget. But before you write off this team, let’s talk about what they’re actually working with.

    The 2026 AquaSox Roster Is Stacked With Mariners Prospects

    The Everett AquaSox roster for 2026 is legitimately exciting for anyone who follows the Mariners’ farm system. This is a team built to compete — 22 returners from the 2025 Northwest League Championship squad, plus five of the Mariners’ Top-30 prospects and eight newcomers.

    Here’s who to watch this summer at Everett Memorial Stadium:

    Jonny Farmelo — Outfielder, Mariners No. 6 Prospect

    Farmelo is the name everyone in the Mariners system is talking about. A left-handed hitter with real power (that 381-foot blast on Opening Night was no fluke), he’s back in Everett for his second taste of High-A baseball after battling through an ACL tear in 2024 and a stress reaction in his ribs in 2025. In 29 games last year, he hit .230 with 13 extra-base hits and 16 RBIs. If he stays healthy in 2026, expect those numbers to look a lot better over a full season. He has the tools to move quickly through the system.

    Felnin Celesten — Shortstop, Mariners No. 7 Prospect

    Celesten is one of the most intriguing prospects in the entire Mariners organization — a switch-hitter at shortstop with serious upside. He got a brief taste of High-A last August (11 games), and now he’s back for a full season. The switch-hitting ability alone makes him valuable; add the defensive profile at short and you’ve got a guy who could be a key piece of Seattle’s future middle infield. Watch him closely in this homestand.

    Luke Stevenson — Catcher, Top-10 Prospect

    Stevenson drove in the AquaSox’s first run of the home season on Tuesday. He’s a catching prospect in the Mariners’ top 10 — a position where Seattle is actively building for the future. Behind the plate and at the dish, Stevenson is someone to follow all season long.

    Carlos Jimenez — Outfielder, Mariners No. 21 Prospect

    The 21st-ranked prospect in Seattle’s system, Jimenez adds another outfield bat to an already deep lineup. He’s one of the newcomers joining the returning championship core, and he’s coming in with something to prove.

    Lucas Kelly — Right-Handed Pitcher, Mariners No. 29 Prospect

    The Mariners need pitching depth like every organization does, and Kelly is one of the arms to watch this summer. On a night like Opening Night when the staff struggled, it’s easy to be critical — but over a full season, seeing how prospects like Kelly develop is exactly why you watch High-A baseball.

    22 Champions Are Back — And That Matters

    This isn’t a retooling project. Twenty-two players who won the 2025 Northwest League Championship are back in Everett uniforms this season. That’s continuity, that’s chemistry, and that’s a roster that already knows what it takes to win in the Northwest League.

    Defending champions in minor league baseball always carry a target on their back — opposing teams game-plan for them, and there’s added pressure every night. One blowout in a six-game series at home doesn’t change who this team is.

    For context: the AquaSox went 3-3 in their opening road series in Spokane before returning home. They picked up their first win of 2026 with a 3-2 victory over the Spokane Indians, powered by home runs from Josh Caron, Carter Dorighi, and Jonny Farmelo. The pitching showed its depth in that game, with Evan Truitt going 4.2 innings and Christian Little adding two shutout frames with five strikeouts.

    These guys can play ball.

    The 2026 Home Schedule: What’s Coming Up

    The AquaSox play Tri-City again through Sunday, April 12, at Everett Memorial Stadium. After that, they’ll continue the home schedule through the summer. Everett Memorial Stadium remains one of the best places in the Pacific Northwest to watch live baseball — affordable tickets, a great atmosphere, and now a roster loaded with legitimate Mariners prospects worth tracking for years to come.

    Tickets and the full schedule are available at milb.com/everett.

    Tuesday was one bad night. The season is 132 games long. Come out to the ballpark and watch what this group can do when everything clicks — because with this much prospect talent, it’s going to be a fun summer in Everett.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 AquaSox

    What was the AquaSox’s opening night result in 2026?

    The Everett AquaSox lost to the Tri-City Dust Devils 17-2 at Everett Memorial Stadium on April 7, 2026, in front of 1,414 fans. It was a tough start to the home season.

    Who are the top prospects on the 2026 AquaSox roster?

    The AquaSox have five Mariners Top-30 prospects: outfielder Jonny Farmelo (No. 6), shortstop Felnin Celesten (No. 7), catcher Luke Stevenson (top-10), outfielder Carlos Jimenez (No. 21), and pitcher Lucas Kelly (No. 29).

    How many returning players are on the 2026 AquaSox from the championship team?

    22 players from the 2025 Northwest League Championship squad are back on the 2026 AquaSox roster, along with 8 newcomers, for a total of 30 players.

    What league do the AquaSox play in?

    The Everett AquaSox compete in the Northwest League as the Seattle Mariners’ High-A affiliate in Minor League Baseball.

    How can I buy AquaSox tickets?

    Tickets are available at milb.com/everett. The AquaSox play at Everett Memorial Stadium Field in Everett, WA.

    When is the 2026 AquaSox home opener series?

    The AquaSox’s first home series runs April 7-12 against the Tri-City Dust Devils at Everett Memorial Stadium.

  • Silvertips Enter Round 2 as WHL’s Hottest Team: Get to Angel of the Winds Arena This Friday

    Silvertips Enter Round 2 as WHL’s Hottest Team: Get to Angel of the Winds Arena This Friday

    Quick Answer: The Everett Silvertips swept the Portland Winterhawks 4-0 in Round 1 of the 2026 WHL Playoffs, outscoring them 25-5. They now face the Kelowna Rockets in Round 2, with Games 1 and 2 at Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11.

    The Everett Silvertips swept the Portland Winterhawks out of the playoffs like they weren’t even there. Twenty-five goals. Four games. Zero losses. Now, the best team in the Western Hockey League all season is heading into Round 2 of the 2026 WHL Playoffs — and the party starts right here at Angel of the Winds Arena this Friday night.

    If you haven’t been paying attention to this Silvertips squad all year, now is the time to start. This is a team playing playoff hockey at a different level than everyone else.

    The First Round Was a Statement

    Let’s recap what the Silvertips just did to Portland, because it deserves a moment.

    Game 1: 8-1. Eight goals. They didn’t ease into the playoffs — they detonated.

    Game 2: 4-1. Four unanswered goals after falling behind.

    Game 3: 7-0. Seven different skaters scored. A shutout. A statement.

    Game 4: Down 2-0 in Portland, they scored six unanswered to win 6-3. Forward Zackary Shantz finished with a three-point night (1G, 2A) to seal the comeback.

    Final tally: 25 goals for, 5 against in a four-game sweep. The Silvertips outscored Portland by twenty goals. That’s not a series — that’s a message to the rest of the Western Conference. This was the Silvertips’ first playoff series sweep since 2016 — and fittingly, it was also against the Winterhawks back then.

    What Makes the 2026 Silvertips So Dangerous

    The Silvertips entered the postseason as the regular season’s top team — winners of the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s best record-holder — and the third-highest scoring team in the league. They’ve got a balanced attack that makes them nearly impossible to key on.

    Matias Vanhanen and Julius Miettinen have been the offensive engines in the playoffs so far, combining for 13 points (7 goals) through four games. Both players carried their strong regular-season form right into the postseason without missing a beat.

    Carter Bear is the name to watch in this series. Against Kelowna in the regular season, Bear was flat-out dominant — 8 points on 5 goals and 3 assists in just four games. If that production carries over, the Rockets are going to have a very hard time containing him.

    The Silvertips don’t just have one line. Seven different goal-scorers in Game 3 tells you everything you need to know about how this team is built.

    The Opponent: Kelowna Rockets Bring Playoff Motivation

    The Kelowna Rockets are not a team to sleep on. They swept the Kamloops Blazers in Round 1 and they’ll be playing with extra motivation as the host of the 2026 Memorial Cup. For Kelowna, every game this spring is a warmup for the biggest junior hockey tournament on the continent being played in their own building.

    The Rockets’ top weapons are Vojtec Cihar and Tij Iginla, who combined for 11 goals and 20 points in the first round against Kamloops. Both players got hot at exactly the right time.

    But here’s the thing: the Silvertips dominated Kelowna during the regular season. Everett went 4-0 against the Rockets in their regular-season matchups. Kelowna knows they’re facing an uphill battle — their own local press is acknowledging as much.

    2026 WHL Playoffs Round 2 Schedule: Silvertips vs. Rockets

    This is your window to be part of something special in person. The series opens in Everett with back-to-back home games:

    • Game 1 — Friday, April 10 at Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett
    • Game 2 — Saturday, April 11 at Angel of the Winds Arena, Everett
    • Game 3 — Tuesday, April 14 at Prospera Place, Kelowna
    • Game 4 — Wednesday, April 15 at Prospera Place, Kelowna
    • Game 5 (if needed) — Friday, April 17
    • Game 6 (if needed) — Sunday, April 19
    • Game 7 (if needed) — Tuesday, April 21

    Angel of the Winds Arena playoff hockey is some of the best live sports entertainment in the Pacific Northwest. The building gets loud, the energy is real, and the Silvertips have given their fans every reason to pack the house this weekend. Tickets are available at everettsilvertips.com and through the Angel of the Winds Arena box office.

    Why This Run Feels Different

    Being the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy winner means you had the best record in the WHL all season. That’s not luck — that’s consistency across 68 regular-season games. And then to open the playoffs by outscoring your opponent 25-5 in a sweep? That’s dominance.

    The Silvertips have the offensive depth to grind teams down, the defensive structure to protect leads, and the playoff experience to handle adversity. That 6-3 comeback in Game 4 at Portland — down 2-0 on the road — is the mentality of a team that believes it’s going to win.

    Kelowna has the motivation of the Memorial Cup and two dangerous forwards who can change games. This should be a quality second round. But right now, the Silvertips are the hottest team in the WHL, and they’re playing their next two games at home.

    Get to the arena Friday night.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Silvertips 2026 Playoff Run

    When do the Silvertips play next in the 2026 WHL Playoffs?

    Game 1 of the second round against the Kelowna Rockets is Friday, April 10, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, WA. Game 2 follows on Saturday, April 11, at the same venue.

    How did the Silvertips do in Round 1 of the 2026 WHL Playoffs?

    The Silvertips swept the Portland Winterhawks 4-0, winning 8-1, 4-1, 7-0, and 6-3. They scored 25 goals while allowing only 5 across the series.

    Who are the Silvertips’ key players to watch in Round 2?

    Matias Vanhanen and Julius Miettinen lead the offense with 6 points each in the playoffs. Carter Bear had 8 points (5G, 3A) against Kelowna in the regular season and is a major threat in this series.

    Who are the Kelowna Rockets and why are they dangerous?

    Kelowna is the 2026 Memorial Cup host and swept Kamloops in Round 1. Their key forwards Vojtec Cihar and Tij Iginla combined for 11 goals in the first round. They’re motivated and battle-tested.

    What is the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy?

    The Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy is awarded to the WHL team with the best regular-season record. The Silvertips won it for the 2025-26 season, making them the No. 1 overall seed in the WHL Playoffs.

    Where can I buy Everett Silvertips playoff tickets?

    Tickets are available at everettsilvertips.com (Playoff Ticket Central section) and through the Angel of the Winds Arena box office at angelofthewindsarena.com, or by calling 1-425-322-2600.