The Everett Silvertips captured their first Western Hockey League championship on Monday, defeating the Prince Albert Raiders 7‑2 in Game 5 of the finals. The victory capped a 16‑2 post‑season run that saw the team dominate every opponent.
The Road to the Title
The Silvertips’ march was marked by sweeping series against the Portland Winterhawks, Kelowna Rockets and Penticton Vees, each concluded with decisive wins that underscored their depth and resilience.
Offensive firepower came from a trio of standout forwards. Shea Busch led the charge with a three‑goal performance in the final, while Julius Miettinen contributed 27 points over 18 playoff games and Landon DuPont anchored the blue line with 23 points.
Leadership and Acquisitions
Coach Steve Hamilton, named WHL Coach of the Year, orchestrated the team’s success, while General Manager Mike Fraser’s strategic moves, including the acquisition of Anders Miller from the Calgary Hitmen, bolstered the roster. Supporting contributors such as Carter Bear, Matias Vanhanen, Luke Vlooswyk, Kayd Ruedig, Brek Liske and goaltender Anders Miller posted a 16‑2 record in net.
The championship earns the Silvertips a spot at the 2026 Memorial Cup in Kelowna, B.C., where they will join representatives from the OHL and QMJHL alongside the host club. The tournament traditionally features the league champions from the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL, plus the host team.
A Legacy Reborn
The Ed Chynoweth Cup, rededicated in 2007 to honor the late Ed Chynoweth, reflects the visionary leadership of a man who steered the WHL and the Canadian Hockey League through transformative growth. Chynoweth’s legacy endures as the Silvertips celebrate a milestone that ties their achievement to a broader history of Canadian major‑junior hockey.