GAME RECAP: Silvertips clinch playoff berth with 4-1 win in Kamloops

KAMLOOPS, B.C. — The Everett Silvertips became the first WHL team to punch their ticket to the 2025 Playoffs, earning a 4-1 win over the Kamloops Blazers at the Sandman Centre Friday night.

Cole Temple kicked off scoring 5:04 into the second period, roofing a wrister over the right shoulder of Blazers netminder Logan Edmonstone. Tarin Smith recorded his 14th goal of the season at 9:51, powering a wrist shot home from in close for a 2-0 Everett lead.

Josh Kelly potted a sharp-angle shot from the far circle with 7:09 remaining in the period to halve the deficit for Kamloops.

Zachary Shantz iced the game with an empty-netter with 58 seconds remaining, with Carter Bear tacking another empty-netter on 23 seconds later for a 4-1 final. Jesse Sanche stopped 32 of 33 in his first road start against his former club. Jesse Heslop earned first-star honors with two primary assists.

The Everett Silvertips have officially clinched a playoff in all eligible seasons in their 22-year history.

Article by Kallie Cullison