Tygart Media

Tag: WHL Playoffs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Tickets: How to Get Them

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

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

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

    The Road That Got Them Here

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

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

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

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

    Playoff record: 12-1.

    The Players Making It Happen

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

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

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

    Who Will Everett Face?

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

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

    What This Moment Means for Everett

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

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

    How do I buy WHL Championship Final tickets?

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

    Who will the Silvertips face in the WHL Championship Final?

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

    What is Angel of the Winds Arena’s address?

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

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

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

    Did the Silvertips win the WHL regular season?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Game 4 by the Numbers

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

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

    They did exactly that — and they did it convincingly.

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

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

    This Playoff Run Is Historic

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

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

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

    Who’s Next?

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

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

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

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Did the Silvertips sweep the Penticton Vees?

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

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

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

    Who will the Silvertips face in the WHL Championship Final?

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

    What is the Silvertips’ 2026 playoff record?

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

    Who scored for Everett in Game 4?

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

    How do I buy Silvertips WHL Championship tickets?

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

  • 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.

  • Silvertips Take Game 1 Over Penticton 4-1: Anders Miller Solid, DuPont and Rudolph Score, Game 2 Saturday at 6:30 PM

    Silvertips Take Game 1 Over Penticton 4-1: Anders Miller Solid, DuPont and Rudolph Score, Game 2 Saturday at 6:30 PM

    Final score: Everett Silvertips 4, Penticton Vees 1. Landon DuPont opened the scoring and added an assist, fourth-line forward Hunter Rudolph buried the third-period dagger, and goaltender Anders Miller stopped 23 of 24 shots as the Tips took Game 1 of the WHL Western Conference Final at Angel of the Winds Arena on Thursday, April 23. Game 2 is Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 PM PT in Everett before the series shifts to Penticton.

    Everett picked up exactly where it left off in Round 2 — and the WHL’s hottest team is now one of three with a series lead in the conference finals.

    The Everett Silvertips opened the WHL Western Conference Final on Thursday night with a 4-1 win over the Penticton Vees at Angel of the Winds Arena. The win pushed Everett’s playoff record to 8-0 and gave them a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series.

    How Game 1 Went Down

    The Silvertips set the tone early. Landon DuPont, the 16-year-old phenom defenseman who’s been the postseason’s most quietly dominant player, opened the scoring late in the first period to send Everett into intermission with a 1-0 lead.

    The second period saw Everett extend the lead to 2-0. The Tips kept their defensive structure even as the Vees matched them shot-for-shot — both teams ended the period with 18 shots on goal, an unusually even shot count for a series opener at home.

    Penticton finally broke through early in the third on a goal from Ryden Evers, his seventh of the playoffs, cutting the deficit to 2-1 with most of the period still to play. For about five minutes, the building got quiet. The Vees had momentum.

    And then Hunter Rudolph happened.

    The fourth-line forward — exactly the kind of depth scorer championship teams find a way to get from — restored Everett’s two-goal lead at the 11:28 mark of the third. Kayd Ruedig sealed it with an empty-netter to make the final 4-1.

    Anders Miller Keeps Doing Anders Miller Things

    Goaltender Anders Miller stopped 23 of 24 shots, continuing the playoff run that has put him in WHL postseason record territory. His save percentage through the postseason continues to lead all goalies with nine or more games played, and through eight playoff games Everett’s combined goal differential is sitting in plus-territory that very few WHL teams ever post.

    Miller didn’t have to be miraculous on Thursday — Everett’s structure forced Penticton into low-percentage looks and the puck didn’t sit in dangerous areas for long. But every time the Vees did manufacture a clean chance, Miller swallowed it. That’s the version of Anders Miller that Everett needs four more times.

    What Game 1 Tells Us About This Series

    Three things stood out from Thursday night.

    First, DuPont is operating at a different level. The 16-year-old led Everett in playoff scoring entering the series and added another goal and assist in Game 1. Watching him retrieve pucks under pressure and make clean breakouts is one of the most fun things in junior hockey right now.

    Second, Everett’s depth is winning games. Hunter Rudolph isn’t on the scouting reports the Vees brought into the series — and that’s exactly the player who scored the back-breaker. Championship teams get goals from fourth-liners. Everett is getting them.

    Third, Penticton is not going away. Don’t let the 4-1 final fool you. The Vees matched Everett’s shot count for two periods, generated chances, and got an early third-period goal that legitimately changed momentum. They were the only team to beat Everett in regulation more than once during the regular season. This is going to be a series.

    Game 2: Saturday Night, 6:30 PM at Angel of the Winds

    Game 2 is Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena before the series shifts to Penticton’s South Okanagan Events Centre for Games 3 and 4. If Everett wins Saturday and takes a 2-0 lead on the road trip, this thing could go very quickly.

    If you’ve been thinking about getting to a playoff game this spring — Saturday is the one. The WHL Western Conference Final, at home, against the team that pushed Everett harder than anyone in the regular season. Tickets through the Silvertips and Angel of the Winds Arena box offices.

    The puck drops at 6:30 PM. Wear green.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What was the final score of Silvertips Game 1 vs Penticton?
    Everett won 4-1 over the Penticton Vees on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    When is Silvertips Game 2 vs Penticton?
    Game 2 is Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.

    Who scored for Everett in Game 1?
    Landon DuPont opened the scoring, Hunter Rudolph added the third-period insurance goal, and Kayd Ruedig sealed the win with an empty-netter. DuPont also recorded an assist.

    How did Anders Miller play in Game 1?
    Miller stopped 23 of 24 shots, continuing his record-pace playoff run. He has the highest save percentage of any WHL goaltender with nine or more games played this postseason.

    Where will the rest of the WHL Western Conference Final be played?
    Games 1 and 2 are at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett (April 23 and 25). Games 3 and 4 shift to the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton, BC. Games 5, 6, and 7 (if necessary) alternate back to Everett and Penticton based on series standing.

    What is the Silvertips’ playoff record so far?
    Everett is 8-0 in the 2026 WHL playoffs after winning Game 1 on Thursday, having swept their first two opponents to advance to the Western Conference Final.

    Who is favored in the Silvertips vs Vees series?
    Everett enters as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference after a 117-point regular season — the franchise’s best in 12 years. The Vees were the No. 2 seed. Everett also won the regular-season series 3-1, but Penticton handed them their only regular-season shutout loss.

  • Silvertips Open Western Conference Final at Home Tonight: Anders Miller Is Chasing a WHL Playoff Record

    Silvertips Open Western Conference Final at Home Tonight: Anders Miller Is Chasing a WHL Playoff Record

    When is Silvertips vs. Penticton Vees Game 1? Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:05 p.m. PT at Angel of the Winds Arena in downtown Everett. Game 2 goes Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. PT, also at home. It is the WHL Western Conference Final — one round from the Ed Chynoweth Cup.

    Tonight is the biggest game at Angel of the Winds Arena since the last time the Everett Silvertips played for a Western Conference title — and this is not the same roster that last got here. This roster is already carrying numbers the Western Hockey League has never seen.

    The Silvertips host the Penticton Vees at 7:05 p.m. PT in Game 1 of the WHL Western Conference Final. Game 2 follows Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. Both games are at Angel of the Winds Arena, and both are sellouts of the best kind — Everett fans have watched this team roll to a 7-0 playoff record and the best regular season in franchise history. Now they get to watch two home games against the team that earned the right to try to end the run.

    Anders Miller is writing a WHL record book

    The story tonight, for anyone watching closely, is Anders Miller in the Everett net. Miller has posted a .948 save percentage through two rounds of the playoffs. That is the highest mark by any WHL goaltender with nine or more playoff games in league history. He stopped 30 of 31 shots in the Game 5 overtime clincher against Kelowna. He made 37 saves the night before that. He does not look like a 19-year-old kid in a playoff run — he looks like the steadiest goalie in the WHL right now.

    If Miller keeps this up, Everett has a realistic shot at its third WHL championship. That is how much he has raised the team’s ceiling.

    DuPont, Bear, and an attack the Vees have not seen before

    Landon DuPont leads all WHL defensemen with 13 playoff points. His overtime winner 29 seconds into extra time in Game 5 against Kelowna is the kind of moment that gets replayed for a decade. Carter Bear has been just as important — his shorthanded goal broke open Game 5 in the third period, and he has been Everett’s most consistent two-way forward all spring. Matias Vanhanen, the Finnish import who was not supposed to be a top-line option this season, leads the team with 14 playoff points and has been the discovery of the playoffs.

    Everett has outscored opponents 40-9 across its seven playoff games. Nine goals against. Seven games. That is the math of a team that is not just winning, but suffocating.

    What the Vees bring

    Penticton is not a fluke. They finished second in the Western Conference and swept a competitive series to get here. Their lone NHL-drafted player, Kvasnicka, has 13 playoff points of his own. Regular season head-to-head, Everett took the series 3-1, but one of those Penticton wins was a 7-0 shutout of the Silvertips — proof that when the Vees get their game clicking, they can embarrass anyone. Penticton has publicly said they are “not intimidated” coming into the series. Good. Everett fans want the real thing.

    How to watch (and where to be)

    If you have tickets, doors at Angel of the Winds Arena open early and the building has been loud all playoffs — get there for warmups. If you don’t, the game airs on the WHL’s broadcast partners, and most Everett sports bars downtown and on Broadway will have it on. Saturday’s Game 2 is a better get-there-early window if tonight sells through.

    The full Western Conference Final schedule runs through early May if it goes seven games. Games 3 and 4 are in Penticton (April 28 and 29), and any Games 5, 6, or 7 return to Everett for the later dates.

    Why tonight matters beyond tonight

    This is the farthest Everett has been in the playoffs since 2018. The franchise has won two WHL titles — 2018 was the last run that carried this much weight — and the Ed Chynoweth Cup has not lived in Everett since 2018. Beat Penticton and Everett is four wins away from another one. Lose at home tonight and the road to the final gets a lot steeper.

    But with Miller playing the best hockey of his life, DuPont quarterbacking the back end, and Bear and Vanhanen driving the offense, there’s a real argument that this Silvertips team is the best Everett has iced in a decade. Tonight, we start to find out.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What time is Silvertips vs. Penticton Vees Game 1?

    Puck drop is 7:05 p.m. PT on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at Angel of the Winds Arena in downtown Everett.

    When is Game 2?

    Game 2 is Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m. PT, also at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    What is the Everett Silvertips’ playoff record so far?

    The Silvertips are 7-0 in the 2026 WHL Playoffs, having swept Seattle in Round 1 and beaten Kelowna 4-1 in Round 2. They have outscored opponents 40-9 across those seven games.

    Who is Anders Miller?

    Anders Miller is Everett’s starting goaltender. His .948 playoff save percentage through two rounds is the highest mark by any WHL goalie with nine or more playoff games in league history.

    Where is Angel of the Winds Arena?

    2000 Hewitt Ave. in downtown Everett, Washington — one block east of the future downtown stadium site.

    What happens if the Silvertips win the Western Conference Final?

    They advance to the WHL Championship — the Ed Chynoweth Cup Final — against the Eastern Conference champion. Everett’s last WHL title was 2018.

  • Silvertips Open the Western Conference Final at Home Thursday Night — Everything You Need Before Puck Drop

    Silvertips Open the Western Conference Final at Home Thursday Night — Everything You Need Before Puck Drop

    Q: When is Silvertips WCF Game 1 vs the Penticton Vees?
    A: Game 1 of the WHL Western Conference Final is Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:05 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett. Game 2 follows Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 PM PT, also in Everett. Everett enters the series 7-0 in the playoffs after sweeping past Tri-City and dispatching Kelowna 4-1 in Round 2.

    Silvertips Open the Western Conference Final at Home Thursday Night — Here’s Everything You Need Before Puck Drop

    This is the part of the playoff run where Everett gets to find out exactly how good it is. The Silvertips are perfect through two rounds. The Penticton Vees just punched the last ticket to the Western Conference Final after eliminating Prince George in six. The two best teams in the WHL’s Western Conference start their series Thursday night in Everett — and if you’ve been waiting for a reason to get to Angel of the Winds Arena this spring, this is it.

    Game 1 is Thursday, April 23 at 7:05 PM PT. Game 2 is Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 PM PT. Both at home. The series then shifts to Penticton for Games 3 and 4 on Monday and Tuesday. If a Game 5 is needed, it comes back to Everett.

    How Everett Got Here

    The Silvertips finished the regular season with 117 points on a 57-8-2-1 record — the franchise’s best regular-season showing in 12 years. Then they swept Tri-City. Then they took out Kelowna in five games, with Landon DuPont’s overtime winner 29 seconds into OT closing out Game 5. They’re 7-0 in the postseason.

    Through those seven games, they’ve outscored opponents 40-9. That isn’t a typo. The defense has been a brick wall and the offense has been opportunistic when it needs to be — and a sledgehammer when it doesn’t.

    The Goalie Matchup Is the Story

    Anders Miller has been ridiculous. His .948 save percentage in this postseason is the best in WHL history for any goaltender with nine or more playoff games. His goals-against average sits at 1.55 — the league lead. He held Kelowna to one goal in Game 5 with 30 saves on 31 shots. He’s the most important reason Everett is here.

    Penticton’s AJ Reyelts is no slouch either. He’s posted a 2.44 GAA and a .914 save percentage in the playoffs. And the part that should make Silvertips fans pay attention: Reyelts went 1-1-1-0 with a .929 save percentage against Everett in the regular season. He has seen these guys, and he has shut them down before.

    The Players to Watch

    For Everett, the names you already know are doing what they do. Landon DuPont leads all WHL defensemen in playoff scoring with 13 points (3G, 10A) — and his shot from the point is the kind of weapon that decides series. Matias Vanhanen has 14 points (7G, 7A) and has been Everett’s most consistent forward in the postseason. Carter Bear has 10 playoff goals and a habit of scoring shorthanded when the team needs it most. Julius Miettinen has eight playoff goals — second most in the entire postseason — and he’s also a Seattle Kraken prospect, which means there are NHL eyes on every shift.

    For Penticton, the load is being carried by Jacob Kvasnicka (13 points, 7G, 6A), Ryden Evers (11 points), and Louie Wehmann (11 points). Kvasnicka, notably, is the only Vees skater drafted by an NHL club. Evers is also a Seattle Kraken prospect, so Saturday and Thursday nights are essentially a Kraken pipeline showcase between the two benches.

    The Regular-Season History Gives the Vees a Little Hope

    This isn’t a series Penticton should walk into terrified. The two teams played four times in the regular season. Everett won the season series 3-1, but the one Vees win was a 7-0 road shutout that handed the Silvertips their first regulation loss after Everett opened the year 10-0-1. The teams scored 15 goals each across the four meetings.

    So Penticton has both proof of concept and proof of vulnerability — they know what it looks like when the Silvertips lose, because they’re the ones who made it happen.

    What’s at Stake

    The winner of this series goes to the WHL Championship — the Ed Chynoweth Cup Final — and from there to the Memorial Cup. Everett hasn’t been to a Conference Final since the 2017-18 season. They haven’t won a league championship since 2017. The pieces are all in place this year, and the bracket has set up about as cleanly as a top seed could ask for.

    For the Vees, this is their first WHL Conference Final since making the jump from junior A to the WHL. A team that didn’t even exist at this level a few years ago is now two series away from a Memorial Cup berth.

    Getting to the Game

    Doors at Angel of the Winds Arena open about an hour before puck drop. The arena is at 2000 Hewitt Avenue in downtown Everett, with paid garage parking next door and street parking around the perimeter. Tickets for Game 1 and Game 2 are still available through the Silvertips’ official site and Ticketmaster as of Wednesday night, though lower-bowl options are getting thin for Game 2.

    If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to come back to a Silvertips game, this is it. The team hasn’t been this good in over a decade. The arena is going to be loud. And the Western Conference Final only happens here every few seasons — when it does, you don’t miss it.

    The Full Series Schedule

    • Game 1: Thursday, April 23 — Penticton at Everett, 7:05 PM PT, Angel of the Winds Arena
    • Game 2: Saturday, April 25 — Penticton at Everett, 6:30 PM PT, Angel of the Winds Arena
    • Game 3: Monday, April 27 — Everett at Penticton
    • Game 4: Tuesday, April 28 — Everett at Penticton
    • Game 5 (if necessary): Friday, May 1 — Penticton at Everett
    • Game 6 (if necessary): Sunday, May 3 — Everett at Penticton
    • Game 7 (if necessary): Tuesday, May 5 — Penticton at Everett

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What time is Game 1?
    Game 1 is Thursday, April 23 at 7:05 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett.

    Where can I buy tickets?
    Tickets are available through everettsilvertips.com and Ticketmaster. Lower-bowl seats for Game 2 are getting limited — check early.

    Who are the Penticton Vees?
    The Vees are a relatively new WHL franchise that made the jump from junior A. They beat Prince George in six games to advance to the Western Conference Final.

    What is Anders Miller’s playoff save percentage?
    .948 — the highest save percentage in WHL playoff history for a goaltender with nine or more games played.

    Who leads the Silvertips in playoff scoring?
    Matias Vanhanen leads with 14 points (7G, 7A). Landon DuPont leads all WHL defensemen in playoff scoring with 13 points.

    Can the Silvertips win the Memorial Cup this year?
    They have to win this series first, then the WHL Championship, but they enter the Conference Final as the strongest team statistically in the entire CHL postseason.

    When was the last time Everett made the Western Conference Final?
    The 2017-18 season. The last WHL Championship was 2017.

    Is there a Game 5 in Everett?
    Yes, if the series is tied or close after Game 4. Game 5 would be Friday, May 1 at Angel of the Winds Arena.

  • Silvertips Advance to Western Conference Final: Landon DuPont’s OT Winner Sends Everett Past Kelowna

    Silvertips Advance to Western Conference Final: Landon DuPont’s OT Winner Sends Everett Past Kelowna

    Quick answer: The Everett Silvertips beat the Kelowna Rockets 2-1 in overtime on April 17 to close out their second-round playoff series 4-1 and punch their ticket to the WHL Western Conference Final against the Penticton Vees. Defenseman Landon DuPont scored the series-clinching goal 29 seconds into overtime. Game 1 is Thursday, April 23 at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    Landon DuPont Closes It. Again.

    Twenty-nine seconds into overtime. That’s all the Everett Silvertips needed on Friday night to end the Kelowna Rockets’ season and send themselves to the Western Conference Final for the first time since 2022.

    Landon DuPont, the Silvertips’ 17-year-old blueliner and the player the whole hockey world is already watching, ripped a shot from the point that caught a redirection off a Kelowna defensive skate and beat Rockets goaltender Josh Banini. Game over. Series over. On to Penticton.

    If you were at Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, you know the sound that place made. Five thousand people going absolutely sideways at once. That sound only happens here when the Tips do something that matters in April, and this one absolutely mattered.

    How Game 5 Went Down

    This was a goaltending duel through two periods. Scoreless into the third, with Kelowna’s Banini standing on his head and Everett’s Anders Miller matching him every step of the way. Miller finished with 30 saves on 31 shots. Banini ended the night at 53 saves on 55 shots — a heroic effort that just barely wasn’t enough.

    The scoring didn’t start until 11:34 of the third, when Carter Bear — the Tips’ captain and heart — broke the deadlock with a shorthanded goal. Shorthanded. In Game 5. With everything on the line. That’s the kind of moment that ends up on the highlight reel for a decade.

    But Kelowna wasn’t done. With 1:13 left in regulation and their net empty, Shane Smith snuck one past Miller to tie it at 1-1 and force overtime. You could feel the arena tighten up. Twenty-four hours earlier, the Tips had coughed up a 3-0 lead in Game 4 and lost in OT to Tij Iginla. The ghost of that collapse was right there in the building.

    And then DuPont ended it.

    The Series in Five Lines

    • Game 1 (Everett): Tips 4, Rockets 1
    • Game 2 (Everett): Tips 4, Rockets 2
    • Game 3 (Kelowna): Tips 4, Rockets 1
    • Game 4 (Kelowna): Rockets 4, Tips 3 (OT) — the 3-0 collapse
    • Game 5 (Everett): Tips 2, Rockets 1 (OT) — DuPont in overtime

    Series: Everett 4, Kelowna 1. Postseason record: 9-1-0-0. The regular-season champs are playing the hockey we all thought they would.

    Next Up: The Penticton Vees in the Western Conference Final

    Here’s what we know about the Western Conference Championship matchup:

    The Penticton Vees advanced by sweeping the Prince George Cougars in four games in their own second round. That’s the kind of detail that tells you Penticton is not a cupcake draw. Sweeping anyone in the WHL playoffs takes something real.

    Game 1 is Thursday, April 23 at 7:05 PM at Angel of the Winds Arena. Game 2 is Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 PM, also in Everett. Tickets are available through the Silvertips’ playoff ticket central page. For the team that just won the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as WHL regular-season champions with a franchise-best 57-8-2-1 record, home ice advantage all the way through the Western Conference Final is exactly what you’d expect. Use it.

    Why This Silvertips Team Is Different

    The Landon DuPont story alone is enough to draw fans from outside the arena’s normal catchment. DuPont is playing his first season of major junior at 17 after receiving exceptional status — the same designation given to John Tavares, Connor McDavid, Shane Wright, and Connor Bedard. He has lived up to the billing and then some. The game-winners in the playoffs are becoming a pattern, not a coincidence.

    Around him, Carter Bear is having the captain’s postseason that Everett fans have been waiting for. Anders Miller in net has quietly been one of the best goaltenders still playing in the WHL. And the depth that got Everett to a franchise-record regular season is showing up when it matters.

    Four wins from the WHL Championship Final. Eight wins from a Memorial Cup berth. That’s where we are.

    Get to the Arena

    If you’ve been waiting for a reason to go see this team before the Funko Field stadium conversation, the Conference Final is it. Angel of the Winds Arena is going to be loud on the 23rd. It’s going to be louder on the 25th. If the Tips take care of business at home, we’re looking at a potential series-clinching game back in Everett by early May.

    Tickets, parking, and clear bag policy details are all at everettsilvertips.com. Pregame warmups start 20 minutes before puck drop. Get there early. This is the run we’ve been waiting for.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When does the Silvertips-Vees Western Conference Final start?

    Game 1 is Thursday, April 23 at 7:05 PM at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett. Game 2 is Saturday, April 25 at 6:30 PM, also in Everett.

    Who scored the overtime winner in Game 5?

    Defenseman Landon DuPont scored 29 seconds into overtime, sending the Silvertips past Kelowna 2-1 and clinching the second-round series 4-1.

    What is the Silvertips’ playoff record so far?

    Everett is 9-1 in the 2026 playoffs after sweeping Portland in the first round 4-0 and beating Kelowna 4-1 in the second round.

    Why is Landon DuPont such a big deal?

    DuPont, 17, is playing his first WHL season under exceptional status — a designation previously granted to players including John Tavares, Connor McDavid, Shane Wright, and Connor Bedard. He is widely projected as a top pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.

    Did the Silvertips have home ice advantage?

    Yes. Everett finished the regular season at 57-8-2-1, the best record in the WHL, and won the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy. That earned them home ice through the Western Conference Final.

    How did Kelowna get eliminated?

    The Rockets lost the series 4-1. After dropping the first three games, Kelowna won a wild Game 4 in overtime before losing Game 5 at Angel of the Winds Arena 2-1 in OT. Kelowna’s focus now shifts to the Memorial Cup, which they are hosting.

    Where can I buy tickets for the Western Conference Final?

    Tickets are available at everettsilvertips.com through the playoff ticket central page. Single-game tickets for Games 1 and 2 at Angel of the Winds Arena are on sale now.

  • 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.