Everett Silvertips Storm to 4-0 Win Over Kelowna Rockets
The Everett Silvertips delivered a commanding 4‑0 victory over the Kelowna Rockets on Tuesday, a performance that not only secured a spot in the Memorial Cup semifinal but also kept alive the WHL champions’ quest to become the fourth American franchise to capture the prestigious trophy.
Scoring opened early, with defenseman Kayd Ruedig slipping a shot past the Rocks’ netminder in the first period. Midway through the middle frame, Jaxon Pisani, son of former Edmonton Oilers stalwart Fernando Pisani, added his name on the scoresheet, while Finnish forward Matias Vanhanen contributed both a goal and an assist, underscoring his all‑around impact.
Between the offensive onslaught, goaltender Anders Miller turned in a stellar 28‑save effort, preserving the shutout and frustrating the Rockets’ attempts to rally. The win also echoed an earlier 5‑3 triumph over Chicoutimi, a team that now faces its own setbacks.
However, the evening was marred by a disciplinary action that will reverberate through the remainder of the tournament. Chicoutimi’s star goaltender Jordan Tourigny was suspended for the rest of the competition after being ejected for stomping on the skate of Christian Humphreys, a move that officials deemed dangerous.
With the semifinal looming on Friday night, Everett will meet the defending champions from Chicoutimi in a clash that promises both high stakes and a narrative of redemption. A victory would cement the Silvertips’ place in history as the fourth U.S. team to lift the Memorial Cup, a milestone that has eluded American clubs for decades.