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Tag: Silvertips

  • WHL Final Heads to Prince Albert: Where, When, and How to Watch the Silvertips on the Road

    WHL Final Heads to Prince Albert: Where, When, and How to Watch the Silvertips on the Road

    Where do the Silvertips play next in the WHL Championship Final? Game 3 of the 2026 WHL Championship Final is Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. MDT — that is 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time for fans watching from Everett. Game 4 follows Wednesday, May 13 at the same venue. Game 5, if needed, is Friday, May 15, also in Prince Albert. The series returns to Angel of the Winds Arena for Games 6 and 7 if necessary, on Sunday, May 17 and Monday, May 18.

    Tied 1-1, the WHL Final goes to Saskatchewan: What it means for Everett’s run

    The 2026 WHL Championship Final has its perfect setup. Two No. 1 seeds, splitting the home games at Angel of the Winds Arena, going to Prince Albert tied at a game apiece. Now the series gets harder.

    For the next three games — Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday — the Silvertips do not get the building behind them. They get a 6,200-seat barn called the Art Hauser Centre, sitting in a hockey town of about 35,000 people that lives and dies on this team. Prince Albert was the Eastern Conference’s top regular-season team for a reason. The Raiders have lost just once at home in the 2026 playoffs.

    The good news for Tips fans: Everett earned the right to go on the road tied. The 6-2 Game 2 win at Angel of the Winds Arena on Saturday — three first-period goals, a four-point night from Julius Miettinen, a power-play goal from Jesse Heslop with one second left — flipped the series from “Prince Albert is in control” back to “Everett is the team to beat.” That matters. Going 0-2 to Saskatchewan would have been a borderline emergency. Going 1-1 is the script everyone expected before the series opened.

    The Art Hauser Centre, briefly explained for Tips fans who have never been

    The Art Hauser Centre is the smallest venue still hosting a WHL playoff series in 2026. Capacity for hockey runs about 2,800 seated plus standing-room — and it is loud the way smaller buildings always are. The ice surface is the standard 200-by-85, but the rink sits closer to the crowd than at Angel of the Winds, and the Raiders’ building has a real hum to it on big nights. This will be a big nights kind of building.

    For Everett’s group, this is not an unfamiliar environment. The Tips spent all spring grinding through Memorial Cup-quality road buildings — Kamloops, Kelowna, the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton — and they are 8-0 on the road in the 2026 playoffs entering Game 3. That stat has earned the team the benefit of the doubt about whether they can handle the noise.

    What changes for Everett with the schedule shift

    The biggest practical change is the time zone. Mountain Daylight Time runs an hour ahead of Pacific in May, so a 7:30 p.m. local puck drop in Prince Albert is 6:30 p.m. for fans in Everett. That is friendlier than it sounds. You can be home from work, eat dinner, watch the whole game, and still be in bed by 9:30 PT.

    The second change is the format. In Games 3, 4, and 5, the Raiders get last line change. In a series that is already turning on matchups — DuPont and Bear against Pickering and Reschny, Miettinen-Cripps in the circle — that is a meaningful adjustment. Head coach Dennis Williams will need to lean on Carter Bear’s line to take the heaviest minutes against Prince Albert’s top defensemen and trust the Tips’ depth to win the lower-leverage shifts.

    The third change is the goalie call. Everett went with AJ Reyelts in net for Game 2 and got rewarded for it. With Anders Miller’s regular-season .948 save percentage in his back pocket, the Tips have one of the best goaltending tandems in junior hockey. Reyelts earned the Game 2 start by playing well in the Western Conference Final’s two overtime games and winning the night. Whether he gets Game 3 or Miller comes back is the storyline to watch in the team’s first-night skate Tuesday morning at the Art Hauser Centre.

    What changes for Prince Albert

    The Raiders have to win at home. They came into this series as the WHL Eastern Conference’s top seed, beating Medicine Hat in seven games in the East Final, and they have not lost a home game in this entire run. If they protect the Hauser, the series gets very long for Everett very quickly.

    What worried Prince Albert in Game 2 was the absence of two-way pressure from their top forwards. Owen Pickering, the Raiders captain and Detroit Red Wings prospect, finished without a point. Cole Reschny, the Calgary Flames first-rounder, was held off the scoresheet. Aiden Oiring, who terrorized the Tips’ defensive zone in Game 1, was a much smaller factor in Game 2. If those three play to their pedigree, Prince Albert wins this series. If they continue what we saw in Game 2, Everett is going to take this in five or six.

    What is at stake in each game

    Game 3 is for who wants the series first. The team that wins Game 3 in a tied 1-1 best-of-seven goes on to win the series 78 percent of the time historically. That is the leverage point.

    Game 4 is for survival or scoreboard pressure. The team that drops Game 3 cannot afford to drop Game 4 — that 3-1 series deficit ends roughly nine of every 10 series in the home team’s favor.

    Game 5 is for the door. Friday May 15 — if needed — is Prince Albert’s last home game in the 2026 season if the Tips have done their job in Games 3 and 4. It is also where the Raiders end their season at home if Everett can grab one of the first two and hold serve.

    Game 6 and Game 7 are scheduled for Angel of the Winds Arena Sunday, May 17 and Monday, May 18. Both are sold out as of Saturday night for the home opener segment of those tickets — anything left after the AOTW resale window closes goes to Ticketmaster’s verified resale.

    How to watch from Everett

    TSN carries the WHL Championship Final in Canada. Victory+ streams it in the United States — that is the official option for fans on the south side of the border who do not have a TSN subscription. Ticketmaster handles tickets for the home games at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    If you are watching at home, set the DVR for 6:30 p.m. PT both Tuesday and Wednesday. If you are watching at a bar in Everett, start with The Anchor Pub & Restaurant, the Independent Beer Bar at the arena, or McMenamins on Hewitt — they are all reliably running WHL Final coverage on the big screens during this run.

    The fan-voice take on the road trip

    Here is the truth about this team going to Prince Albert tied: this is the run we earned. A 117-point regular season that was the best mark in the Western Conference in 12 years. Sweeping Kelowna in Round 2. Sweeping Penticton in the Western Conference Final. Twelve playoff wins on a 12-1 record. That entire body of work was about earning the right to play games like this — on the road, against another No. 1 seed, with a championship in front of you.

    Most franchises never get a Tuesday like the one Everett is about to play. Cherish it. Pull up Victory+. Have a pint. Yell at the TV. The Silvertips have not won the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 19 years, and the path to ending that drought runs straight through Prince Albert this week.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When is Game 3 of the 2026 WHL Championship Final?
    Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m. MDT, which is 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

    How many home games does Prince Albert get in this series?
    Three. Games 3, 4, and 5 are all at the Art Hauser Centre. Games 6 and 7, if needed, return to Angel of the Winds Arena.

    How can I watch the WHL Final from Everett?
    Victory+ streams the games in the United States. TSN broadcasts in Canada. Both options are official.

    What is the series record between Everett and Prince Albert?
    Tied 1-1 after Game 2. Prince Albert won Game 1 4-2 at Angel of the Winds Arena. Everett won Game 2 6-2 at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    Has Everett been good on the road in the 2026 playoffs?
    Yes. The Silvertips entered Game 3 at 8-0 on the road in the 2026 WHL Playoffs.

    When was the last time the Silvertips won the Ed Chynoweth Cup?
    2007. Everett has not won the WHL Championship in 19 years entering the 2026 Final.

    Where is the Art Hauser Centre?
    Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Capacity is approximately 2,800. The venue has been the Raiders’ home rink since 1996.

    What time will Game 4 be played?
    Wednesday, May 13 at the Art Hauser Centre. Game time is set at the same 7:30 p.m. MDT puck drop.

  • Tips Even the Series in Style: Silvertips Crush Raiders 6-2 to Tie WHL Final 1-1

    Tips Even the Series in Style: Silvertips Crush Raiders 6-2 to Tie WHL Final 1-1

    What was the final score of WHL Final Game 2 on May 9, 2026? The Everett Silvertips beat the Prince Albert Raiders 6-2 at Angel of the Winds Arena on Saturday, May 9, 2026, tying the best-of-seven WHL Championship Series 1-1. Three first-period goals — from Carter Bear at 3:20, Kayd Ruedig at 5:31, and Rylan Gould later in the frame — staked Everett to a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes, and the Tips never gave it back. The series now shifts to Prince Albert’s Art Hauser Centre for Games 3, 4, and 5.

    Bounce-back Saturday: The Silvertips needed this one and they got it three different ways

    Friday night Everett looked nervous. Saturday night Everett looked like Everett.

    The Silvertips evened the 2026 WHL Championship Series with a 6-2 win over the Prince Albert Raiders at Angel of the Winds Arena on May 9, and the way they did it should reset the tone of the entire series. They scored three goals before the first period was over. They put a power-play goal on the scoreboard with one second left to drive the dagger home. And they got production from the people you would have hoped to see step up — Carter Bear, Julius Miettinen, and a 2OT Game 2 hero from Round 3 in Rylan Gould — plus a Game 2 goal from Kayd Ruedig, the defenseman acquired in trade specifically for moments like this.

    Series tied 1-1. Off to Saskatchewan. The Tips can breathe.

    The first period that swung the series back

    Carter Bear opened the scoring at 3:20 of the first by corralling a bouncing loose puck in the high slot and beating Prince Albert goaltender Michal Orsulak with a low shot. Two minutes and eleven seconds later, Nolan Chastko won an offensive-zone face-off, the puck slid to Kayd Ruedig in the left circle, and Ruedig’s shot beat a screened Orsulak to make it 2-0 at 5:31. By the time the first horn sounded, Everett had a 3-0 lead — Rylan Gould adding the third on a wide-open net after a play by 17-year-old phenom defenseman Landon DuPont.

    Three goals in the first period. After the way Game 1 went — losing the second period 3-0 and giving up the eventual game-winner from Justice Christensen on a play that felt unnecessary — that opening 20 minutes was the entire emotional reset the building needed. Game 2 stopped being about whether the Tips could match Prince Albert’s intensity and started being about whether the Raiders could climb back into a series where Everett was the one dictating terms.

    Prince Albert pushed back, Prince Albert ran out of room

    Brock Cripps got Prince Albert on the board with a power-play goal in the second period, and Justice Christensen — yes, the same Christensen who potted the Game 1 winner — added another with 9:46 to play in the third to make it 3-2 and briefly suggest a real comeback was on. It was the kind of stretch that, in Game 1, ended with the Raiders pulling away. Saturday night it ended with Everett locking it down.

    Julius Miettinen banged in an empty-netter for his 12th playoff goal — and his fourth point of the night — to push the lead to 5-2, and Jesse Heslop closed the scoring with a power-play goal with one second left in regulation for the 6-2 final. That last goal does not change anything on the scoreboard, but in the WHL it absolutely changes things in the locker room. Insurance goals at the end of WHL playoff games are a message. Everett was sending one.

    The fan-voice take

    Look, after Friday night a lot of us were doing math we didn’t want to do. Two-on-the-road for a series that was supposed to belong to Everett. Anders Miller’s historic regular-season .948 save percentage suddenly looking less like a shield and more like a ceiling. The crowd quiet by the third period. That was a real worry.

    What changed Saturday is exactly what should have changed Saturday. Carter Bear played like a Detroit Red Wings second-round pick should play. Landon DuPont made a defenseman-to-defenseman play to set up Gould that was the kind of thing that gets you drafted first overall. Julius Miettinen had four points and looked like the closer this team has been all season. And Kayd Ruedig — the trade-deadline addition from Kamloops — was on the scoresheet on a goal that was the kind of off-the-face-off play this team was supposed to win all spring.

    The series is now 1-1 and it’s going to Prince Albert. That is not a panic situation. That is the situation everyone expected before puck drop on Friday. Everett got back to being Everett, and they did it on a night when they had to.

    What to watch in Game 3

    The Game 3 question is whether Everett’s defensive structure holds in a barn that isn’t theirs. Art Hauser Centre is a small, loud, traditional WHL building, and the Raiders win there with a forecheck that is built to grind teams into mistakes. If the Tips can defend their own zone the way they did in Game 2, they will win Game 3. If they revert to chasing the puck around their own end the way they did in the second period of Game 1, they won’t.

    Where the series goes from here

    Game 3 is Tuesday, May 12 at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, with puck drop at 7:30 p.m. MDT (6:30 p.m. PT). Game 4 is Wednesday, May 13 at the same venue. Game 5, if needed, is Friday, May 15, also at Art Hauser. The series then returns to Angel of the Winds Arena for Games 6 and 7 if necessary — Sunday, May 17 and Monday, May 18.

    The whole series is being broadcast on TSN in Canada and streamed on Victory+ in the United States. If you have any other plans Tuesday night, cancel them.

    Final lines and what they mean

    Carter Bear got the goal the entire arena needed. Julius Miettinen finished with four points, including the empty-net dagger. Rylan Gould scored on the wide-open net after the DuPont feed in the first. Landon DuPont continues to look like a 17-year-old who is going to play in the NHL very soon. Kayd Ruedig got on the board in his first WHL Championship Final appearance. Jesse Heslop’s late power-play goal felt like a closing argument.

    For Prince Albert, the worry list is real. Brock Cripps and Justice Christensen put up the only goals — Christensen now has goals in both games of this series — but the Raiders did not get the same kind of two-way pressure from their top line that decided Game 1.

    This is the kind of series these two No. 1 seeds were supposed to play. One game each, going home tied, with both teams now needing to prove they can win on the road. Everett goes back to Saskatchewan with a healthy Bear, a 17-year-old Norris-arc-in-the-making in DuPont, and a 12-1 playoff record that includes back-to-back sweeps of Kelowna and Penticton. The Raiders go back with home ice, a goaltender in Orsulak who has played to a series-leading clip in spurts, and a power play that has scored on both nights.

    Tuesday night decides whether this is going to be a series or a fight. Bring it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was the final score of WHL Final Game 2?
    Everett Silvertips 6, Prince Albert Raiders 2. The series is now tied 1-1 in the best-of-seven 2026 WHL Championship Final.

    Who scored for the Silvertips in Game 2?
    Carter Bear opened the scoring at 3:20 of the first period. Kayd Ruedig made it 2-0 at 5:31 of the first. Rylan Gould scored later in the first period to make it 3-0 after one. Julius Miettinen had four points including an empty-net goal. Jesse Heslop scored a power-play goal with one second left in regulation.

    Who scored for Prince Albert?
    Brock Cripps scored a second-period power-play goal. Justice Christensen scored with 9:46 left in the third — Christensen has goals in both games of the series.

    When and where is Game 3?
    Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m. MDT, which is 6:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

    How can I watch the WHL Championship Final?
    TSN carries the games in Canada. Victory+ streams the games in the United States.

    What is the rest of the series schedule?
    Game 4: Wednesday, May 13 at Art Hauser Centre. Game 5 (if needed): Friday, May 15 at Art Hauser Centre. Game 6 (if needed): Sunday, May 17 at Angel of the Winds Arena. Game 7 (if needed): Monday, May 18 at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    What is Everett’s playoff record now?
    12-1 in the 2026 WHL Playoffs after sweeping Kelowna in Round 2 and Penticton in the Western Conference Final.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • This Week in Everett Sports: 5 Things to Watch April 27 – May 3 (Plus a Stadium Vote That Decides the Decade)

    This Week in Everett Sports: 5 Things to Watch April 27 – May 3 (Plus a Stadium Vote That Decides the Decade)

    Q: What’s happening in Everett sports the week of April 27-May 3, 2026?
    A: A Western Conference Final road swing, a stadium funding vote, the Wolfpack’s 2026 home opener against the defending Arena Crown champions, and the start of an AquaSox road trip — five things to watch all in one week.

    Some weeks the Everett sports calendar trickles. Then there are weeks like this one, where you’ve got Silvertips playoff hockey trying to close out a Conference Final, a stadium-funding council vote that decides what the next decade of pro sports in Everett looks like, and a Saturday afternoon football kickoff against the team that just won the championship. It’s the kind of week you build a calendar around.

    Here are the five things on the Everett sports calendar between Monday April 27 and Sunday May 3 — what time, what venue, and why it matters.

    1. Silvertips at Penticton Vees — Game 3, Monday April 27

    The Tips fly north up 2-0 in the Western Conference Final after Rylan Gould’s double-OT winner Saturday. Game 3 is at 7:05 PM PT at South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, BC. Win, and they’re a Tuesday win away from sweeping into the WHL final for the second time in three seasons. Lose, and the Vees finally get the lifeline they’ve been chasing.

    Anders Miller has been a wall in net (8-0, 1.55 GAA, .948 save percentage). Penticton’s only WHL Draft pick of consequence, Jacob Kvasnicka, is the guy who can flip a series — he leads the Vees with 13 playoff points and scored the OT winner that beat Wenatchee in Round 2. WHL Live is the streaming option for fans staying home.

    2. Silvertips at Penticton Vees — Game 4, Tuesday April 28

    Back-to-back. Same time, same place: 7:05 PM PT at South Okanagan Events Centre. If the Tips win Game 3, this is the sweep night. If they lose, this is the chance to take the series back to Everett with a 3-1 lead. Either way, this is the swing game.

    Game 5, if necessary, would be back at Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, May 1.

    3. Stadium Funding Vote — Wednesday April 29 at City Hall

    This one isn’t on a scoreboard, but it might be the most consequential thing on the Everett sports calendar this year. Wednesday at 12:30 PM, the Everett City Council votes on a $10.6 million package — $5.6 million for property acquisition plus $4.8 million in contractor amendments via interfund loan — that keeps the new downtown stadium project moving toward its late-2027 opening.

    The stadium is the future home of the AquaSox (whose Funko Field doesn’t meet post-2021 MLB facility standards, meaning the team loses affiliation if a new park isn’t built) and two USL professional soccer teams (one men’s, one women’s) starting in 2028. Total project cost is now $120 million, up from $82 million in June 2025, with about $25 million in funding still unidentified.

    The vote happens at Everett City Hall, 2930 Wetmore Ave. The meeting is livestreamed on the city’s website. Fan voice take: this is the kind of vote you call your council member about beforehand.

    4. AquaSox at Hillsboro Hops — Series Opener, Tuesday April 29

    The AquaSox close their homestand against Spokane on Sunday April 26, then hit the road for Hillsboro, Oregon. The Tuesday April 28 series opener at Ron Tonkin Field is the start of a six-game set against the Diamondbacks’ High-A affiliate. After that homestand against Spokane (3-2 heading into Sunday’s finale, with Bryce Miller’s rehab assignment as the standout headline), the Frogs need road wins to keep building momentum.

    Watch list: Felnin Celesten still searching for his power stroke, Josh Caron’s catcher-power profile starting to show up, Carlos Jimenez riding momentum after a 6-RBI Thursday. Eike’s bat (the 418-foot bomb on Wednesday) is the one to track if you’re watching for breakout candidates.

    5. Washington Wolfpack vs. Albany Firebirds — Saturday May 2

    The Wolfpack play their 2026 home opener Saturday May 2 at 3:00 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena, hosting the defending Arena Crown champion Albany Firebirds. This is the rematch nobody asked for and everybody should watch.

    Albany finished 2025 at 10-0 in the regular season and beat Nashville 60-57 to win the championship. The Wolfpack lost their road opener to Nashville earlier this month and fell to Oregon Lightning in their first 2026 home matchup, so this is a chance to set the season’s tone against the league’s biggest measuring stick.

    The game is on Fox 13+ in the Seattle market and is “A is for Applebee’s — Teacher’s Night” at the arena, with a drawstring bag giveaway. Doors open early. Tickets are still available at washingtonwolfpack.com/tickets.

    Bonus: AquaSox Sunday Fun Day Series Finale (April 26)

    Before the week officially starts, the AquaSox close out the Spokane series Sunday April 26 with a 4:05 PM first pitch at Funko Field. Kids run the bases postgame. The Frogs lead the homestand 3-2 — a Sunday win locks the series.

    The Big Picture

    This is what makes Everett sports work right now: a WHL playoff team chasing a championship sweep, a baseball club whose new stadium future hangs on a Wednesday city council vote, a pro football team trying to find its 2026 footing against the league’s reigning champion, and a minor league baseball team building toward bigger things. All of it within a 10-block walk of downtown.

    It’s the kind of week that reminds you why you live here.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What’s the biggest Everett sports event this week?
    The Silvertips Western Conference Final road games at Penticton — Monday April 27 and Tuesday April 28 — and the Wednesday April 29 stadium funding vote. Both have major implications for the next season.

    Where can I watch the Silvertips Game 3 in Penticton?
    WHL Live streaming or you can drive up — South Okanagan Events Centre is in downtown Penticton, BC, about a 6.5-hour drive from Everett (border crossing required). Tickets via the Vees’ box office.

    What time is the Wolfpack home opener?
    Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 3:00 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena. Tickets at washingtonwolfpack.com/tickets.

    Where is the Everett City Council stadium vote?
    Everett City Hall, 2930 Wetmore Avenue, on Wednesday April 29 at 12:30 PM. The meeting is livestreamed via the city’s website.

    When do the AquaSox come back home after this week?
    The AquaSox open a six-game road series at Hillsboro on April 28 and don’t return to Funko Field until early May. Check milb.com/everett for the full schedule.

    Will Game 5 of the Western Conference Final be in Everett?
    Yes, if it’s needed. Game 5 (if necessary) would be Friday, May 1, 2026, at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    How is the AquaSox season going?
    The AquaSox are riding a strong homestand against Spokane (3-2 heading into Sunday) with prospect performances from Celesten, Caron, Jimenez, and Eike, plus the headline Bryce Miller rehab assignment that wrapped Friday at Funko Field.

  • Rylan Gould’s Double-OT Winner Sends Silvertips to Penticton Up 2-0: WCF Games 3-4 Are a Sweep Watch Monday and Tuesday

    Rylan Gould’s Double-OT Winner Sends Silvertips to Penticton Up 2-0: WCF Games 3-4 Are a Sweep Watch Monday and Tuesday

    Q: Who scored the double-overtime winner for the Silvertips in Game 2 against Penticton?
    A: Rylan Gould scored both Everett power-play goals on the night, including the double-overtime winner at 6:41 of 2OT, lifting the Silvertips to a 5-4 victory over the Penticton Vees on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Angel of the Winds Arena. The Tips now lead the Western Conference Final 2-0 with the series shifting to Penticton for Games 3 and 4 on Monday and Tuesday.

    If you stayed up Saturday night at Angel of the Winds Arena, you saw something that will live in Silvertips fan memory for a long time: Rylan Gould banging in a loose puck in the crease 6:41 into double overtime to walk Penticton off 5-4 and put Everett up 2-0 in the Western Conference Final.

    If you didn’t stay up — well, fan voice says: you should have. We can talk about the road trip in a minute. First, let’s talk about the night.

    How Game 2 Got to Double OT

    The Vees came in trailing 1-0 in the series after Thursday’s 4-1 Game 1 loss, and they were not playing like a team ready to fly home down 2-0. Penticton tied the game with 56 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, which is the kind of late dagger that can flip the energy in a building. It didn’t.

    Anders Miller was a wall again — the senior goaltender turned aside 29 of 33 in the win, continuing the post-season run that has Silvertips fans whispering about the WHL playoff record book. Heading into Game 3, Miller is 8-0 with a 1.55 goals-against average and a .948 save percentage that’s the best in the league among playoff starters with nine or more games. Pretty silly numbers.

    The Tips outshot the Vees 17-5 in the first overtime period without breaking through. Then 7-0 in the second OT before Gould — already on the board with a power-play deflection of a Landon DuPont point shot at 15:51 of regulation that snapped a six-game goalless drought — got his second of the night on the power play after a Penticton delay-of-game penalty. Loose puck in the crease. Game over. Building loses its mind.

    Julius Miettinen finished the night with three assists. Carter Bear had a goal and two assists. Gould had the only two Tips goals that mattered most.

    The Road Trip: Games 3 and 4 in Penticton

    The series now flies north. Game 3 is Monday, April 27, at 7:05 PM PDT at South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, BC. Game 4 follows Tuesday, April 28, at the same venue, same time. Back-to-back road games, with a chance to either close the series out in a sweep or hand Penticton the lifeline they need to drag this thing back to Everett.

    Sweep math: if the Tips win both, the series ends Tuesday and Everett punches a ticket to the WHL final for the second time in three seasons. They’d then host Game 1 of the championship round at Angel of the Winds Arena, with the Eastern Conference Final still being decided.

    If Penticton steals one — which is exactly what teams down 0-2 at home are supposed to do — the series swings back to Angel of the Winds for a Game 5 on Friday, May 1.

    What to Watch for Penticton’s Push-Back

    The Vees are an expansion team in the WHL sense (this is their first WHL playoff run after years as a BCHL power), and they have not gone away easy this post-season. Jacob Kvasnicka — Penticton’s lone NHL Draft pick and the OT hero from their second-round series win — leads the Vees with 13 playoff points. He’s the guy who can make this series five or more games.

    Penticton’s regular-season game against Everett included a 7-0 Vees road win that ended the Silvertips’ 10-0-1 start to the year. So the Tips know what these guys can do on a hot night. The challenge for Everett: don’t let SOEC become that kind of building Monday or Tuesday.

    What’s at Stake

    The Silvertips are 8-0 in the 2026 playoffs. They’ve outscored opponents 40-9 in those eight games. They’ve held two-game series leads before; what they’ve never done in the Anders Miller era is go 12-0 to a championship. A Penticton sweep this week puts them in position to do exactly that.

    For fans driving up to Penticton (it’s a ~6.5 hour drive from Everett, plus the border crossing): SOEC is in downtown Penticton, walking distance from the lake and several solid breweries. If you’re staying home, the games will be on the WHL Live streaming service.

    For everyone else: Monday night, 7:05 PM PT. Find a TV. The Silvertips are two wins from the WHL final, and Rylan Gould just announced himself as the kind of guy who scores when it matters most.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was the final score of Silvertips vs. Penticton Game 2?
    Everett 5, Penticton 4 in double overtime on April 25, 2026, at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    Who scored the OT winner?
    Rylan Gould, on a power play 6:41 into the second overtime period after a Penticton delay-of-game penalty. It was his second power-play goal of the night.

    What’s the Silvertips’ playoff record?
    8-0 through two rounds of the 2026 WHL playoffs, with a goal differential of plus-31 (40 goals for, 9 against).

    How is Anders Miller playing?
    Outstanding. He’s 8-0 with a 1.55 GAA and .948 save percentage, the best save percentage among WHL playoff starters with nine or more games played.

    When is Game 3?
    Monday, April 27, 2026, at 7:05 PM PT at South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, BC.

    When is Game 4?
    Tuesday, April 28, 2026, also at 7:05 PM PT at South Okanagan Events Centre.

    Where is Game 5 if the series goes that long?
    Game 5 (if necessary) would be Friday, May 1, 2026, back at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.

    Can the Silvertips sweep this series in Penticton?
    Yes. Up 2-0 with Games 3 and 4 on the road, a Tips win in both ends the series Tuesday and sends Everett to the WHL final.

  • Silvertips Beat Penticton 5-4 in Double OT: Series Lead 2-0 Heading to South Okanagan

    Silvertips Beat Penticton 5-4 in Double OT: Series Lead 2-0 Heading to South Okanagan

    How did Silvertips Game 2 end? The Everett Silvertips beat the Penticton Vees 5-4 in double overtime at Angel of the Winds Arena on Saturday, April 25, 2026, taking a 2-0 series lead in the WHL Western Conference Final. The winning goal came on a power play in the second overtime period after the Vees had tied the game 4-4 with 56 seconds left in regulation.

    This One Had Everything: Silvertips Take Game 2 of the Western Conference Final 5-4 in Double OT

    If you left Angel of the Winds Arena early Saturday night, you missed one of the best Silvertips games in years. Everett took Game 2 of the Western Conference Final 5-4 over the Penticton Vees in double overtime, and Tips Nation now heads up to the South Okanagan Events Centre with a commanding 2-0 series lead and a team that simply will not lose.

    The shorthand version: Everett built a lead, Penticton clawed all the way back to tie it with 56 seconds left in regulation, the first overtime period was a Vees goalie clinic from AJ Reyelts, and a delay-of-game penalty a few minutes into the second overtime gave the Silvertips a power play. They cashed it in. Series 2-0. Eight playoff games, eight wins. Best run anyone in the building can remember.

    How the Game Got to Double Overtime

    This wasn’t a game where Everett played down to a lower seed. The Vees came in as the second seed in the Western Conference for a reason — they’re a hungry, structured team with NHL-drafted scoring and a goaltender who can steal a game. Saturday night, Reyelts almost did exactly that.

    The Silvertips carried play for big stretches and built a 4-3 lead late in the third. Then, with the goalie pulled, the Vees converted with 56 seconds remaining to send a packed AOTW crowd into a collective groan. That’s the game where seasons either turn or get sealed.

    The first overtime belonged to Reyelts. Everett poured shots on him, the bench was rolling four lines hard, and nothing got through. The way the building was leaning, it felt like the kind of marathon OT where one bad bounce ends a series — for either side.

    The Power Play That Ended It

    The break came a few minutes into the second overtime. Penticton was whistled for delay of game — the kind of call you can’t argue with because the rule book is the rule book — and Everett went to the power play with a chance to end it. They did. The Silvertips converted and the building emptied 5-4 winners, the AOTW horn going off at the kind of hour where weeknight Tips fans are usually already asleep.

    The Silvertips are now 8-0 in the 2026 WHL playoffs. Anders Miller has been the constant in net all postseason, and Saturday added another marathon to his ledger. Landon DuPont and Carter Bear continue to drive offense. Hunter Rudolph, fresh off his Game 1 third-period dagger, was a factor again. Different game-winners every night — that’s what good teams do, and that’s what Everett has been all year.

    Series Now Heads to Penticton

    The series shifts to Penticton’s South Okanagan Events Centre for Games 3 and 4. The Vees are now in the worst spot a 117-point regular-season Everett team can put a 2-seed in: down 0-2, going home to a building that’s loud but has been outscored over the regular-season head-to-head 3-1. Penticton needs to win Games 3 and 4 just to keep this series alive, because no team wants to come back to Everett trying to win three straight in a barn that’s 5-0 at home in these playoffs.

    For the Silvertips, this is the part of a deep run where the math gets interesting. Two more wins in any combination of the next five games and Everett is in the WHL Final, four wins from the Memorial Cup. That’s where the conversation should be after a Game 2 like this — not whether they can do it, but how soon.

    Everett Sports Coverage

    If you’re new to Silvertips coverage on Tygart Media, you can catch up on the playoff run from Round 1 through this Western Conference Final via our running game-by-game coverage of the 2026 WHL playoffs. The Game 1 4-1 recap is here for context on how the Vees series opened, and our pre-series preview lays out the Penticton matchup, NHL-drafted talent, and head-to-head record.

    Game 3 is in Penticton — check the WHL schedule for puck drop. Watch parties at downtown Everett spots will be back if Game 5 returns home next week. The way this team is playing, you want to see every minute of it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was the final score of Silvertips Game 2 vs Penticton?

    Everett 5, Penticton 4 in double overtime at Angel of the Winds Arena on April 25, 2026.

    Where does the Silvertips-Vees series stand?

    Everett leads the best-of-seven WHL Western Conference Final 2-0. The series shifts to Penticton’s South Okanagan Events Centre for Games 3 and 4.

    How did the Silvertips win Game 2?

    Everett scored the game-winner on a power play in the second overtime period after Penticton was assessed a delay-of-game penalty. The Vees had tied it 4-4 with 56 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

    What is the Silvertips playoff record in 2026?

    Everett is 8-0 in the 2026 WHL playoffs through Game 2 of the Western Conference Final.

    When are Games 3 and 4 of the WHL Western Conference Final?

    Games 3 and 4 are at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, BC. Check WHL.ca and Silvertips official channels for confirmed puck-drop times.

    Who is Everett’s goaltender in the 2026 playoffs?

    Anders Miller has been Everett’s starter throughout the 2026 playoff run, posting historically strong save percentages over the team’s first eight playoff games.