
Finnish Forward Julius Miettinen Named 2026 WHL Playoff MVP
Julius Miettinen’s 27‑point playoff run, a league‑best plus‑minus and a championship with Everett have positioned him as a top prospect heading to the AHL and, eventually, the NHL.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Everett Silvertips across Hockey.

Julius Miettinen’s 27‑point playoff run, a league‑best plus‑minus and a championship with Everett have positioned him as a top prospect heading to the AHL and, eventually, the NHL.

The Portland Winterhawks spotlight forward Alex Weiermair and defender Niko Tsakumis, whose WHL journeys culminated in record‑setting seasons, academic honors and entry‑level deals with NHL teams.

Carter Bear, a 19‑year‑old left winger selected 13th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft, is preparing to make the jump from the Western Hockey League to the American Hockey League. Known for a deceptive shot and stealthy offensive instincts that echo the style of Hall‑of‑Famer Brett Hull, Bear combines scoring flair with a relentless work ethic. Despite standing 6‑0 and 186 pounds, he battles for every loose puck, using competitiveness to compensate for a modest physical frame. A lingering Achilles injury early in the season slowed his progress, but by the winter he had regained full health, finishing the campaign with seven goals and 22 points in 18 playoff games, helping Everett capture the WHL championship before falling to the Kitchener Rangers in the Memorial Cup final. Red Wings development director Dan Cleary has praised Bear’s mindset, noting that the organization plans to groom him as an elite AHL scorer over the next two years. While a Detroit debut within that window is anticipated, the team emphasizes a careful approach to his physical development and skating refinement before NHL readiness.

A look at five prospects poised to make their AHL debuts in the 2026‑27 season.

Projected as the top selection in the 2027 NHL Draft, Landon DuPont balances WHL dominance, Canadian national team participation, and a high‑profile college commitment.

A wave of elite talent is reshaping the Minnesota Gophers men’s hockey roster for the coming years, as several of the nation’s most coveted prospects have formally pledged their futures to the university program.

The Everett Silvertips have completed a trade that brings seasoned net‑minder Jayden Kraus from the Brandon Wheat Kings, exchanging draft selections and reinforcing their goaltending depth.

The Nailers announced the return of defenseman Aidan Sutter, who brings a +9 rating, nine points in his first full pro season, and a pedigree from the Western Hockey League.

The 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup will feature a strong European contingent from the Western Hockey League, highlighted by top draft picks and promising prospects.

Florida Panthers prospect Shea Busch impressed coaches and teammates with his leadership at development camp, helped Everett Silvertips win their first WHL Championship, and is set to join Penn State for the 2026‑27 season.

The University of Michigan announces a seven‑player class that blends NHL draft anticipation with diverse junior‑league backgrounds.

A look at the emerging players set to bolster the Colorado Avalanche's roster in the upcoming NHL season.

The upcoming season sees six fresh faces joining the Minnesota State Mankato hockey program, each bringing distinct achievements that could help the team defend its recent Mason Cup championship.

Freshman forward Shea Busch, a towering presence from North Vancouver, joins Penn State after a breakout season with the Everett Silvertips and a WHL championship run.

Carter Bear's rapid rise from a 13th‑overall draft pick to a potential NHL contributor is reshaping the Red Wings' outlook.

After leading the Kitchener Rangers to a strong season, Jussi Ahokas declined an NHL affiliate offer and will continue his OHL role, drawing attention from several professional clubs

Matias Vanhanen, an 18‑year‑old Finnish winger, has pledged to play for Boston College starting in 2026‑27, reuniting with compatriot Oscar Hemming and stepping into a competitive collegiate environment.

Two promising players from the Carolina Hurricanes' pipeline are set to make their mark, blending WHL and AHL success with NHL debuts.

Matias Vanhanen, a 2026 NHL Draft prospect, has pledged to join Boston College’s men’s hockey program, marking a strategic shift toward deeper recruitment in Canadian junior leagues.

The Everett Silvertips announced the signing of Atte Vuori, a Finnish forward, to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, highlighting his offensive contributions and international experience.

After leading the Prince Albert Raiders to the WHL Final and posting career‑high numbers, defenseman Justice Christensen signs a two‑year contract with the Grand Rapids Griffins.

The Brantford Bulldogs announced the hiring of Mike Lysyj, a seasoned coach with extensive experience across collegiate, junior and professional hockey, aiming to enhance the team's defensive capabilities.

The Ducks have added five WHL prospects, including forwards Mathis Preston and Noah Kosick, to their draft pipeline, while also retaining rights to developing talents from Providence College and Canadian junior teams.
Carter Bear, the 19‑year‑old Memorial Cup champion, is set to begin his pro career with the Grand Rapids Griffins, aiming to turn his junior success into an NHL future.