The Everett Silvertips' 2025‑26 Western Hockey League graduating class featured three standout forwards whose contributions helped the franchise secure its first championship in over a decade. Each player brought a distinct skill set that proved pivotal at different stages of the season.
A season of milestones
Nolan Chastko, a native of Brandon, Manitoba, closed his WHL career with 49 points — 16 goals and 33 assists — over 131 games, while posting a plus‑12 rating that underscored his two‑way impact. His versatility allowed the Silvertips to shift him between forward lines without losing offensive spark, and his leadership was evident in the locker room as the team rallied toward the playoffs.
Rylan Gould, hailing from Headingley, Manitoba, entered his final season with a career tally of 201 points in 311 WHL games. In the 2025‑26 campaign he added 50 points in 53 appearances, providing a steady offensive engine that complemented Chastko’s dynamism. Gould’s experience also meant he often mentored younger teammates, helping the club maintain composure during tight contests.
Shantz’s playoff impact
Zackary Shantz, originally from Sucker Creek, Alberta, compiled 127 points in 213 regular‑season games before the playoffs. During the 2026 postseason he contributed 14 points — four goals and ten assists — including three assists in the championship‑clinching Game 5. His playmaking ability was a catalyst for the Silvertips’ late‑game surges, and his defensive reliability earned him a regular spot on the top pairing.
Championship clincher
The Silvertips edged the Prince Albert Raiders 4‑3 in Game 5 to capture the 2026 WHL Championship. Chastko sealed the victory with a goal in the final period, while Gould and Shantz each logged points that swung momentum in Everett’s favor. The win capped a season in which the trio combined for more than 300 points and demonstrated the depth of talent that had developed within the organization.
Future horizons
All three graduates will transition to the next chapter of their lives using the WHL Scholarship and Development Agreements. Chastko has committed to the University of Manitoba Bisons for the 2026‑27 season, where he will pursue a degree while continuing his hockey career. Gould and Shantz are also slated to enroll in post‑secondary programs, ensuring that their academic and athletic ambitions move forward in tandem.