Tag: WHL

  • Everett Silvertips Hockey 2026–2027: Season Schedule, Tickets, Roster & Angel of the Winds Arena Gameday Guide

    Everett Silvertips Hockey 2026–2027: Season Schedule, Tickets, Roster & Angel of the Winds Arena Gameday Guide

    Updated Nov 2, 2026 — refreshed 2026–2027 gameday and arena guide.

    What should you know before attending an Everett Silvertips game in 2026–2027? The Everett Silvertips play their home games at Angel of the Winds Arena (2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett). Doors open 60 minutes before puck drop (90 minutes for Season Ticket Members). The arena enforces a mandatory clear bag policy (clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or small clutches up to 4.5″ x 6.5″) and operates as a 100% cashless facility. The 2026–2027 season marks the full regular-season debut of defenseman Landon DuPont, the second player in WHL history granted exceptional status.

    With fall and winter underway, major junior hockey at Angel of the Winds Arena is downtown Everett’s marquee sporting attraction. The Everett Silvertips compete in the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey League (WHL), drawing energetic crowds of 5,000 to 8,000 fans per night to central Hewitt Avenue.

    Whether you are planning your first game of the 2026–2027 season or returning to see top NHL draft prospects in action, this guide covers essential arena policies, parking logistics, ticket options, and downtown Everett pre-game dining.

    Angel of the Winds Arena Gameday Master Logistics

    Planning your arrival around arena gate policies avoids long delays at security checkpoints:

    • Venue Address: Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett, WA 98201.
    • Phone Contacts: Main Arena Information Line: (425) 322-2600 | Les Schwab Box Office: (425) 322-2645.
    • Doors & Gate Times: Main gates open 60 minutes prior to puck drop. Season Ticket Members receive early entry 90 minutes before puck drop.
    • Clear Bag Policy: To ensure guest safety, Angel of the Winds Arena permits only:
      • Clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″.
      • One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags.
      • Small clutch bags, wristlets, or wallets no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ (do not need to be clear).
      • Prohibited: Backpacks, duffle bags, camera bags, and large non-clear purses. Medical and diaper bags are permitted subject to inspection.
    • 100% Cashless Operations: The arena operates strictly cashless. All concessions, merchandise kiosks, and box office ticket purchases require credit cards, debit cards, or mobile pay (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Cash is not accepted inside the venue.

    Tickets & Seating for the 2026–2027 Season

    Silvertips home games feature standard lower-bowl and upper-bowl reserved seating, alongside group hospitality areas and club suites:

    • Single-Game Tickets: Available through the Silvertips official website (everettsilvertips.com) and the arena box office at Hewitt Avenue and Oakes Avenue.
    • High-Demand Nights: Signature promotional nights (including the annual Teddy Bear Toss, Pink the Rink, and rivalry matchups against the Seattle Thunderbirds and Portland Winterhawks) routinely sell out. Advance online booking is strongly advised.
    • Family & Group Discounts: Group packages and family packs are available for parties of 10 or more through the Silvertips front office.

    Downtown Everett Parking & Transit Playbook

    Navigating downtown Everett on gameday is straightforward if you know where municipal garages and transit connections are located:

    • Everpark Garage (2815 Hoyt Ave): Located between Hewitt and California Avenues, just a three-minute walk from the arena entry gates. Parking is $1.00 per hour, accessible seven days a week, making it the most convenient off-street parking option.
    • Snohomish County Courthouse Garage (3000 Rockefeller Ave): Offers paid event parking within comfortable walking distance of the arena.
    • Street Parking: On-street metered spaces surround Hewitt, Colby, and Wetmore Avenues; observe posted evening time limits.
    • Public Transit: Everett Transit and Community Transit’s Swift Blue Line provide frequent service dropping off along Broadway and Wall Street, two blocks from Hewitt Avenue. Learn more in our review of Everett Transit regional mobility plans.

    Pre-Game Dining & Drinks Along Hewitt Avenue

    Downtown Everett offers several dining and craft beverage options within a short walk of the arena gates:

    • Luca Italian Restaurant (2710 Hewitt Ave): Handcrafted pasta and classic Italian entrees, ideal for a sit-down pre-game family dinner.
    • Katana Sushi (2818 Hewitt Ave): Fast, fresh rolls and Japanese favorites located right on Hewitt Avenue.
    • Local Craft Breweries: Explore downtown taprooms before puck drop with our Everett Brewery Trail complete guide.
    • Waterfront Cocktails & Coffee: For post-game drinks, visit The Muse Whiskey & Coffee at the Everett Waterfront.

    Roster Spotlight: Landon DuPont and the 2026–2027 Squad

    The Silvertips entered the 2026–2027 campaign with national attention following the arrival of defenseman Landon DuPont. In spring 2024, Hockey Canada and the Western Hockey League granted DuPont “exceptional status” to enter major junior hockey as a 15-year-old — making him only the second player in WHL history to receive the designation after Connor Bedard.

    After playing in key late-season and postseason games during the spring 2026 playoff run, DuPont enters his first full 68-game regular season on the blue line. His poise, transition speed, and offensive vision have drawn NHL scouting directors to Everett throughout the winter schedule.

    Historical Retrospective: The Spring 2026 Playoff Run

    The foundation for this season’s enthusiasm was set during the spring 2026 WHL playoffs. In Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals at Angel of the Winds Arena, the Silvertips defeated the Kelowna Rockets 2-1 in sudden-death overtime on an unassisted wrist shot by Landon DuPont at 8:42 of the extra period.

    That goal sealed a 4-1 series victory, sending Everett to the Western Conference Final and cementing DuPont’s status as one of the most dynamic young talents ever to wear the green and silver. Today, that momentum fuels one of the most competitive Silvertips squads in recent franchise history.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the clear bag policy at Angel of the Winds Arena?

    Only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags up to 12″ x 6″ x 12″, one-gallon clear freezer bags, or small non-clear clutches/wallets up to 4.5″ x 6.5″ are permitted. Backpacks, camera bags, and large purses are prohibited.

    Does Angel of the Winds Arena accept cash?

    No. Angel of the Winds Arena is a 100% cashless facility. All concessions, merchandise, and ticketing transactions require credit cards, debit cards, or mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay).

    When do arena doors open for Silvertips games?

    Doors open 60 minutes prior to puck drop for general ticket holders, and 90 minutes prior to puck drop for Season Ticket Members.

    Where is the best place to park for Everett Silvertips games?

    The Everpark Garage at 2815 Hoyt Ave ($1.00/hour, accessible seven days a week) is located three minutes on foot from the arena. The Snohomish County Courthouse Garage at 3000 Rockefeller Ave also provides paid event parking.

    Who is Landon DuPont?

    Landon DuPont is an elite defenseman for the Everett Silvertips who was granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada to enter the WHL at age 15, becoming only the second player in WHL history to receive the designation after Connor Bedard.

  • Everett Silvertips WHL Playoffs: Game 3 Win Nears Sweep

    Everett Silvertips WHL Playoffs: Game 3 Win Nears Sweep

    Q: What is the Everett Silvertips series score in the 2026 WHL playoffs second round?
    A: The Everett Silvertips led the Kelowna Rockets 3-0 in the second round of the 2026 WHL playoffs after the Game 3 win. Kelowna took Game 4 in overtime, but Everett won Game 5 to close the series 4-1.

    Last refreshed: October 25, 2026 (Pacific).

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

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

    The Series So Far: Everett Has Been Dominant

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

    The Silvertips have not been interested in playing to script.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Game 4: The Sweep Slips Away in Overtime

    Game 4 was played Wednesday, April 15 at 7:05 PM PT, also at Prospera Place in Kelowna — and for two periods it looked like the sweep. Everett led 3-0 after the first period, one win from advancing to the WHL Western Conference Final and sweeping the Memorial Cup host in its own building.

    Kelowna, desperate to avoid being swept at home, threw everything at the Silvertips in the third period. The Rockets scored three times to erase the 3-0 deficit, with Shane Smith tying the game 3-3 on the power play at 19:52, and Tij Iginla won it 4-3 at 2:30 of overtime — his second goal of the night.

    The loss stung, but the Silvertips still led the series 3-1 heading home — businesslike since the first puck of the postseason, with the look of a team that knew it was playing well.

    Why the Silvertips Are Built for This

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

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

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

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

    The Injury Backdrop

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

    What the Series Win Meant

    There was no sweep — but there was a series win. In Game 5 at Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, April 17, Landon DuPont scored 40 seconds into overtime for a 2-1 win that closed the series 4-1. The Silvertips went a combined 8-1 through the first two rounds, eliminated the Memorial Cup host, and advanced to the Western Conference Final as the team to beat.

    For Everett fans, it was some of the most complete hockey the organization had produced in years — and the Game 5 clincher on home ice was the moment that made it history.

    Game 4 went to Kelowna 4-3 in overtime on April 15 — but Everett closed the series in Game 5. Let’s go, Tips.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the current Silvertips-Rockets series score?

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

    When is Game 4?

    Game 4 was played Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC. Kelowna won 4-3 in overtime.

    Who is the Silvertips’ goalie for the 2026 playoffs?

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

    Why is the Kelowna series especially meaningful?

    The Kelowna Rockets are the host team of the 2026 WHL Memorial Cup, held in May 2026 at Prospera Place. That made their second-round playoff exit at the hands of the Silvertips — and at the hands of the Silvertips — a significant story.

    Who scored for the Silvertips in Game 2?

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

    What happened in Game 5 in Everett?

    Game 5 was played at Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, April 17, 2026. Everett won 2-1 in overtime — Landon DuPont scored 40 seconds into the extra period — to clinch the series 4-1.

  • Silvertips Game 3: Everett Leads Kelowna 2-0 in Round 2

    Silvertips Game 3: Everett Leads Kelowna 2-0 in Round 2

    Silvertips Round 2 Snapshot: The Everett Silvertips beat the Kelowna Rockets 4–1 in the 2026 WHL Western Conference Semifinals. Everett won Games 1 and 2 at home, won Game 3 in Kelowna 4–1 on Tuesday, April 14, lost Game 4 in overtime, then clinched the series in Game 5 in Everett.

    Last refreshed: October 27, 2026 (Pacific) — the April 2026 series is complete; this page is now a record of the series.

    Silvertips Won Games 1 & 2, Then Closed Out Kelowna in Five Games

    The Everett Silvertips advanced to the WHL Western Conference Finals by beating Kelowna in five games. After a dominant first-round sweep of the Portland Winterhawks — outscoring them 25–5 across four games — the Tips carried that momentum into Round 2, winning back-to-back games against the Kelowna Rockets at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    Game 1 ended 4–1 on Friday, April 10. Game 2 went 4–2 on Saturday, April 11 in a physical contest that grabbed headlines beyond the scoreboard. The series then shifted to Prospera Place in Kelowna for Games 3 and 4.

    Game 1 Recap: Busch Leads the Way in 4–1 Win

    Shea Busch opened the scoring on the power play in the first period, and the Silvertips never looked back. Matias Vanhanen scored the eventual game-winner in the second period and added an empty-net goal in the third — two goals on the night — with Julius Miettinen also finding the net on a breakaway. Everett went 5-for-5 on the penalty kill — a theme that would define the series.

    Kelowna’s only goal came from Ty Halaburda, who beat goaltender Anders Miller just 23 seconds into the second period. Rockets goalie Harrison Boettiger made 36 saves but couldn’t overcome Everett’s efficiency at both ends of the ice.

    Game 2 Recap: Miller Shines, Special Teams Win the Night in 4–2 Win

    Saturday’s game was louder and more intense. Kelowna came out flying in the first period, outshooting Everett 20–11, but the Silvertips went 6-for-6 on the penalty kill and Anders Miller made 37 saves on 39 shots to seal the win.

    Goals from Zackary Shantz, Jaxsin Vaughan, Carter Bear (power play), and Julius Miettinen (power play) gave Everett the 4–2 final. Kelowna’s Hayden Paupanekis and Owen Folstrom scored for the Rockets.

    The game was stopped midway through the third period when Kelowna forward Ty Halaburda was stretchered off the ice after a hit by Everett’s Jaxsin Vaughan. Halaburda remained conscious and was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center. On April 13, the Rockets confirmed he had been released from the hospital, would travel home to Victoria, and would be out for the remainder of the season as he recovered from a head injury.

    Game 3 Recap: Silvertips Win 4–1 in Kelowna, Take 3–0 Lead

    Game 3 was played at Prospera Place in Kelowna on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:05 PM PDT. Everett won 4–1: after a scoreless first period in which Kelowna outshot Everett 16–4, Matias Vanhanen and Brek Liske scored 24 seconds apart in the second, Julius Miettinen made it 3–0, Tomas Poletin scored a power-play goal for Kelowna in the third, and Lukas Kaplan sealed it with a penalty-shot goal. Anders Miller stopped 36 of 37 shots. Game 4 followed Wednesday, April 15, also in Kelowna.

    Kelowna had yet to beat Everett in any game that season — the Silvertips went 4–0–0–0 against the Rockets in the regular season, though three of those four wins were decided by a single goal, and the Rockets had swept the Kamloops Blazers in the first round.

    Everett’s offensive drivers in the series were Carter Bear (Detroit Red Wings prospect), Julius Miettinen (Seattle Kraken prospect), Landon DuPont, and Matias Vanhanen, and the penalty kill was near-perfect across Round 2 under coach Steve Hamilton.

    Kelowna avoided the sweep in Game 4, rallying from 3–0 down to win 4–3 in overtime on April 15. Game 5 was therefore needed at Angel of the Winds Arena on Friday, April 17, and Everett won it 2–1 in overtime — Landon DuPont scored 40 seconds into overtime after Carter Bear’s shorthanded opener — to clinch the series 4–1 and advance to the Western Conference Championship for the first time since 2018.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Silvertips Round 2

    What was the Silvertips’ playoff record through Round 2?

    Everett swept Portland 4–0 in Round 1 and beat Kelowna 4–1 in Round 2, advancing to the Western Conference Finals.

    When is Silvertips Game 3?

    Game 3 was Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 7:05 PM PDT at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC. Everett won 4–1. It streamed free on Victory+.

    What happened to Ty Halaburda?

    Kelowna forward Ty Halaburda was stretchered off the ice during Game 2 after a hit by Everett’s Jaxsin Vaughan. He was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett and reported alert and conscious. On April 13, the Rockets said he had been released, would return home to Victoria, and would miss the remainder of the season with a head injury.

    How can I watch Silvertips away games?

    Games 3 and 4 in Kelowna were available to stream free on Victory+ (victoryplus.com) and on 104.7 The Lizard radio.

    Who are the top scorers for the Silvertips in the playoffs?

    Julius Miettinen led the Silvertips in playoff scoring. Matias Vanhanen, Carter Bear, Landon DuPont, and Shea Busch were also significant contributors.

  • Silvertips Game 2: Everett Beats Kelowna 4-2, Leads Series 2-0

    Silvertips Game 2: Everett Beats Kelowna 4-2, Leads Series 2-0

    The Everett Silvertips beat the Kelowna Rockets 4–2 in Game 2 of the WHL Western Conference Semifinals on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Angel of the Winds Arena, taking a 2–0 series lead. Everett went on to win the series 4–1.

    Everett swept Portland in the first round, entered this series as the No. 1 seed in the WHL’s Western Conference with the league’s best regular-season record, and backed it up across the first two games at home.

    Game 1 Recap: Everett 4, Kelowna 1

    The Silvertips took a 1–0 lead in the first period when Shea Busch scored on the power play at 11:50. Kelowna tied it 23 seconds into the second period on Ty Halaburda’s first goal of the playoffs — a shot that briefly looked like a momentum swing. It wasn’t. Matias Vanhanen scored the eventual game-winner at 4:20 of the second and added an empty-net goal in the third, Julius Miettinen also scored, and the Tips closed out a 4–1 win. Kelowna’s Harrison Boettiger made 36 saves in the loss, and the Rockets went 0-for-5 on the power play as Everett’s penalty kill went 5-for-5.

    The Series Context

    Everett went 4–0 against Kelowna in the regular season, though three of those four games were decided by a single goal and one went to overtime. The Rockets swept Kamloops in the first round and came in with genuine confidence. Entering Game 2, Landon DuPont — Everett’s elite defenseman who is widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NHL Draft — was posting 6 points in the playoffs (2G, 4A). Tij Iginla, the Utah Mammoth’s first-round pick on Kelowna’s side, posted 10 points in the first round. The series had legitimate star power on both sides, but Everett’s depth was the difference.

    Game 2 Recap: Everett 4, Kelowna 2

    Played: Saturday, April 11, 2026, 6:05 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett WA. It streamed free on Victory+ and aired on 104.7 The Lizard.
    Scoring: Zackary Shantz opened the scoring at 4:56 of the first; Hayden Paupanekis tied it at 17:39. Jaxsin Vaughan put Everett back ahead 1:19 into the second, Owen Folstrom tied it again at 6:58, and Carter Bear’s first career WHL playoff goal — on the power play at 15:35 — stood as the game-winner. Julius Miettinen added a power-play insurance goal at 9:01 of the third.
    Goaltending and special teams: Anders Miller stopped 37 of 39 shots. Everett went 2-for-3 on the power play; Kelowna went 0-for-6.
    Series context: the win gave Everett a 2–0 lead heading to Kelowna for Games 3 and 4.

    The game was halted in the third period when Kelowna forward Ty Halaburda left the ice after a hit by Everett’s Jaxsin Vaughan. On April 13, the Rockets confirmed Halaburda had been released from hospital, would return home to Victoria, and would miss the remainder of the season as he recovered from a head injury. The series then shifted to Prospera Place in Kelowna: Everett won Game 3 on April 14, 4–1, Kelowna avoided the sweep by winning Game 4 in overtime, 4–3, and Everett clinched the series 4–1 by winning Game 5 in Everett, 2–1 in overtime.

    Why This Team Is Special

    Everett had won back-to-back Scotty Munro Memorial Trophies as WHL regular-season champions. Anders Miller (1.25 GAA, .949 SV% entering this round) was one of the top goalies in junior hockey. DuPont (73 points in the regular season, tied for 4th among WHL defensemen) is a generational talent. Tarin Smith posted the highest plus-minus in the WHL. This was not a fluke team — it was a program built deliberately, playing at its peak.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When was Silvertips Game 2, and what was the score?

    Game 2 was Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 6:05 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett WA. Everett won 4–2 to take a 2–0 series lead.

    How can I watch the Silvertips playoffs for free?

    The playoffs streamed free on Victory+ and aired on 104.7 The Lizard.

    Who is Landon DuPont?

    Everett’s elite defenseman, granted exceptional status in the 2024 WHL Draft. He posted 73 points in the regular season, tied for 4th among WHL defensemen, and is widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NHL Entry Draft.

    What is the full series schedule?

    Game 1: Everett won 4–1 (April 10). Game 2: Everett won 4–2 (April 11). Game 3: Everett won 4–1 in Kelowna (April 14). Game 4: Kelowna won 4–3 in overtime (April 15). Game 5: Everett won 2–1 in overtime (April 17) to clinch the series 4–1. Games 6 and 7 were not needed.

    Last updated: November 1, 2026

  • Silvertips vs Rockets: 2026 WHL Round 2 Playoff Preview

    Silvertips vs Rockets: 2026 WHL Round 2 Playoff Preview

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

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

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

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

    How the Silvertips Got Here

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

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

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

    Who Are the Kelowna Rockets?

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

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

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

    The Silvertips’ Edge: Anders Miller and the Penalty Kill

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

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

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

    The Regular-Season History Is Deceiving

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

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

    The Memorial Cup Wrinkle

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

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

    Full Round 2 Schedule

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

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

    The Bottom Line

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

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When do the Silvertips play this weekend?

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

    Where can I buy tickets to Silvertips playoff games?

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

    Who are the Kelowna Rockets’ best players?

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

    How did the Silvertips do in Round 1?

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

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

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

    Has Everett ever beaten Kelowna in the WHL playoffs before?

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

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

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

    Is Angel of the Winds Arena easy to get to?

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

  • Everett Silvertips Playoffs: Round 2 vs Kelowna Rockets

    Everett Silvertips Playoffs: Round 2 vs Kelowna Rockets

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

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

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

    The First Round Was a Statement

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What Makes the 2026 Silvertips So Dangerous

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

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

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

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

    The Opponent: Kelowna Rockets Bring Playoff Motivation

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

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

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

    2026 WHL Playoffs Round 2 Schedule: Silvertips vs. Rockets

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

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

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

    Why This Run Feels Different

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

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

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

    Get to the arena Friday night.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Silvertips 2026 Playoff Run

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Who are the Kelowna Rockets and why are they dangerous?

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

    What is the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy?

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

    Where can I buy Everett Silvertips playoff tickets?

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