Silvertips to take on Memorial Cup-host Rockets in second round of 2026 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien

The second round of the 2026 WHL Playoffs presented by Nutrien will feature a heavyweight match out west as the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy-champion Everett Silvertips take on the 2026 Memorial Cup-host Kelowna Rockets in a best-of-seven battle.

The second-round series was locked in Sunday evening after the third-seed Prince George Cougars emerged triumphant from a six-game series with the Spokane Chiefs.

Everett will host Games 1 and 2 on Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11, at Angel of the Winds Arena. The series shifts to the Okanagan for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday, April 14, and Wednesday, April 15, at Prospera Place.

The WHL’s Regular Season champions – the Silvertips – advanced to the second round of the 2026 WHL Playoffs following a four-game sweep of the Portland Winterhawks.

The Rockets took care of business in the B.C. Interior, eliminating the rival Kamloops Blazers in a four-game sweep of their own.

The Silvertips claimed the four-game regular season series between Everett and Kelowna, with only one game requiring overtime. The two teams last met Wednesday, January 21, in Everett, with the Silvertips securing a 5-3 triumph.

Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear led the season series in scoring with eight points (5G-3A) in four games for the Silvertips, while Nashville Predators prospect Hiroki Gojsic registered four points (2G-2A) in four games for the Rockets.

Between the pipes, it was Anders Miller who served as the goalie of record in all four games for Everett, going 4-0-0-0 with a 2.50 goals-against average and .912 save percentage.

For Kelowna, both Harrison Boettiger and Josh Banini saw time in the crease.

The last time these two teams met in the WHL Playoffs, you need to turn the clock back to the first round of the 2010 WHL Playoffs. The Rockets emerged triumphant in seven games, edging the Silvertips 2-1 in the final game of the series. Rockets goaltender Mark Guggenberger turned in a 40-save effort, while forward Lucas Bloodoff tallied the game-winning goal for Kelowna.

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