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Tag: WHL

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

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

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

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

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

    The Series So Far: Everett Has Been Dominant

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

    The Silvertips have not been interested in playing to script.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Game 4 Is Wednesday Night — Sweep Is on the Table

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

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

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

    Why the Silvertips Are Built for This

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

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

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

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

    The Injury Backdrop

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

    What a Sweep Would Mean

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

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

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the current Silvertips-Rockets series score?

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

    When is Game 4?

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

    Who is the Silvertips’ goalie for the 2026 playoffs?

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

    Why is the Kelowna series especially meaningful?

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

    Who scored for the Silvertips in Game 2?

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

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

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

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

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

    Silvertips Round 2 Snapshot: The Everett Silvertips lead the Kelowna Rockets 2–0 in the 2026 WHL Western Conference Semifinals after winning both home games at Angel of the Winds Arena. Game 3 is Tuesday, April 14 at 7:05 PM PDT in Kelowna.

    Silvertips Win Games 1 & 2, Head to Kelowna With a 2–0 Series Lead

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

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

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

    Shea Busch opened the scoring on the power play in the first period, and the Silvertips never looked back. Matias Vanhanen added the eventual game-winner, with Landon DuPont and Julius Miettinen also finding the net. Everett went 5-for-5 on the penalty kill — a theme that would define the series.

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

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

    Saturday’s game was louder and more intense. Kelowna came out flying in the first period, outshooting Everett 20–11, but the Silvertips went 6-for-6 on the penalty kill and Anders Miller stopped 37 of 38 shots to seal the win.

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

    The game was stopped midway through the third period when Kelowna forward Ty Halaburda was stretchered off the ice after a collision along the boards. Halaburda remained conscious and was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center. The Rockets confirmed he was “alert and conscious” overnight. His status for Game 3 is uncertain.

    Game 3 Preview: Can Kelowna Use Home Ice?

    The series heads to Prospera Place in Kelowna for Game 3 on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:05 PM PDT. Game 4 follows Wednesday, April 15, also in Kelowna.

    Kelowna has yet to beat Everett in any game this season — the Silvertips went 4–0–0–0 against the Rockets in the regular season. But three of those four wins were decided by a single goal, and the Rockets swept the Kamloops Blazers in the first round. Home ice and crowd noise could be a factor.

    Everett has a star-studded lineup on the ice. Carter Bear (Detroit Red Wings prospect), Julius Miettinen (Seattle Kraken affiliate), Landon DuPont, and Matias Vanhanen are the offensive drivers. On defense, the penalty kill has been near-perfect across Round 2. Coach Steve Hamilton has his team locked in.

    If the Silvertips sweep again, they return home to Angel of the Winds Arena for Game 5 on Friday, April 17.

    Frequently Asked Questions: Silvertips Round 2

    What is the Silvertips’ current playoff record?

    The Silvertips are 6–0 in the 2026 WHL Playoffs, having swept Portland in Round 1 and won both home games against Kelowna in Round 2.

    When is Silvertips Game 3?

    Game 3 is Tuesday, April 14 at 7:05 PM PDT at Prospera Place in Kelowna, BC. You can stream it free on Victory+.

    What happened to Ty Halaburda?

    Kelowna forward Ty Halaburda was stretchered off the ice during Game 2 after a hit by Everett’s Jaxsin Vaughan. He was transported to Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett and was reported alert and conscious. His status for Game 3 is uncertain.

    How can I watch Silvertips away games?

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

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

    Julius Miettinen leads with 6 goals in the playoffs. Matias Vanhanen, Carter Bear, Landon DuPont, and Shea Busch have all been significant contributors.

  • Silvertips Win Game 1 4–1, Game 2 Tonight at 6:05 PM — Everything You Need to Know

    Silvertips Win Game 1 4–1, Game 2 Tonight at 6:05 PM — Everything You Need to Know

    The Everett Silvertips won Game 1 of the WHL Western Conference Semifinals last night, 4–1 over the Kelowna Rockets — and Game 2 is tonight at 6:05 PM at Angel of the Winds Arena.

    This is the series. If you’ve been sleeping on Silvertips hockey, now is the time to wake up. 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 came out of Game 1 looking like exactly what they are: the best team in the West.

    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 — an unassisted shot that briefly looked like a momentum swing. It wasn’t. Matias Vanhanen scored the eventual game-winner for Everett not long after, and the Tips extended the lead through the third to close out 4–1. Anders Miller in net was dominant: 36 saves, .973 save percentage on the night. Kelowna’s Harrison Boettiger made 36 saves of his own on 40 Everett shots — the Rockets were outshot nearly 2:1 and went 0-for-5 on the power play.

    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. But Game 1 showed the gap in goaltending and shot generation is real. Landon DuPont — Everett’s elite defenseman who is widely projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2027 NHL Draft — is posting 6 points in the playoffs so far (2G, 4A). Tij Iginla, the Utah Mammoth’s first-round pick on Kelowna’s side, posted 10 points in the first round. This series has legitimate star power on both sides, but Everett’s depth is the difference.

    Game 2 Tonight: What to Know

    Time: 6:05 PM PT
    Location: Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett WA
    Broadcast: Victory+ (free streaming) and 104.7 The Lizard
    Tickets: selectyourtickets.com — Fan 4 Pack discount available, presented by High Point Gutter
    Series context: Everett leads 1–0. Win tonight and they head to Kelowna for Games 3 and 4 with the series advantage and all the momentum.

    After Game 2, the series shifts to Prospera Place in Kelowna for Games 3 (April 14) and 4 (April 15) at 7:05 PM PT.

    Why This Team Is Special

    Everett has won back-to-back Scotty Munro Memorial Trophies as WHL regular-season champions. Anders Miller (1.25 GAA, .949 SV% entering this round) is 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 is not a fluke team — this is a program that has been built deliberately and is now at its peak. Go watch it tonight while you still can.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What time is Silvertips Game 2 tonight?

    6:05 PM PT at Angel of the Winds Arena, 2000 Hewitt Ave, Everett WA.

    How can I watch the Silvertips playoffs for free?

    Stream free on Victory+ or listen 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: Tonight April 11, 6:05 PM at Everett. Games 3 & 4: April 14 & 15 at Kelowna (7:05 PM PT). If needed, Games 5-7 return to Everett.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    How the Silvertips Got Here

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

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

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

    Who Are the Kelowna Rockets?

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

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

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

    The Silvertips’ Edge: Anders Miller and the Penalty Kill

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

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

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

    The Regular-Season History Is Deceiving

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

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

    The Memorial Cup Wrinkle

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

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

    Full Round 2 Schedule

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

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

    The Bottom Line

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

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

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When do the Silvertips play this weekend?

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

    Where can I buy tickets to Silvertips playoff games?

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

    Who are the Kelowna Rockets’ best players?

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

    How did the Silvertips do in Round 1?

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

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

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

    Has Everett ever beaten Kelowna in the WHL playoffs before?

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

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

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

    Is Angel of the Winds Arena easy to get to?

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The First Round Was a Statement

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

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

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

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

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

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

    What Makes the 2026 Silvertips So Dangerous

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

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

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

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

    The Opponent: Kelowna Rockets Bring Playoff Motivation

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

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

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

    2026 WHL Playoffs Round 2 Schedule: Silvertips vs. Rockets

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

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

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

    Why This Run Feels Different

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

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

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

    Get to the arena Friday night.

    Frequently Asked Questions About the Silvertips 2026 Playoff Run

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Who are the Kelowna Rockets and why are they dangerous?

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

    What is the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy?

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

    Where can I buy Everett Silvertips playoff tickets?

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