2026 Memorial Cup Game 2 Player to Watch: Landon DuPont, Everett Silvertips

Kelowna, B.C.- Landon has landed.

Sixteen-year-old Everett Silvertips alternate captain Landon DuPont has broken new ground throughout his junior hockey career.

He’s the first defenceman to be granted exceptional status to play in the WHL full-time as a 15-year-old.

He’s the first defenceman aged 16 or younger to hit 50 points in their rookie season since Hockey Hall-of-Famer Scott Niedermayer in 1989-90.

He helped the Everett Silvertips capture the Ed Chynoweth Cup for the first time in franchise history.

Now, he’s set his sights on the 2026 Memorial Cup.

“We’re here to win,” DuPont told reporters ahead of the ‘Tips tournament-opening game against the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. “We’re not just here to be here and have fun, we’re here to win. This is a business trip.”

"Just play my game. Our team has obviously been doing it all playoffs."

Landon DuPont chats with the media during the @WHLsilvertips practice day in Kelowna. #MemorialCup pic.twitter.com/fQBMB1vTi9

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) May 22, 2026

The 5-foot-11, 183-pound rearguard will garner much of the attention from the QMJHL Champion Sagueneens in Game 2 on Saturday night.

DuPont dominated in his second WHL season with 73 points (18G-55A) and a +59 rating in 63 regular-season games and was named a finalist for the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy for WHL Defenceman of the Year.

He also cracked the 2025-26 WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team.

But he ultimately won the trophy that matters most.

DuPont netted 23 points (5G-18A) in 18 postseason tilts to bring Everett to the ‘tip’ of the mountain.

The Calgary, Alta. product was only held off the scoresheet twice in the postseason and went on an 11-game point streak to kick off the playoffs.

“You look at the elite puck movers in the NHL, and the qualities that they have, and I think he’s got all those,” Silvertips bench boss and 2026 WHL Coach of the Year Steve Hamilton said. “His physical strength- you know, he’s not super tall, but he’s so strong, and and that allows him to separate. When he’s under pressure, he’s able to separate and escape, and then once his head’s up and he’s looking downfield, he sees what’s open.”

DuPont’s efforts helped the Silvertips establish themselves as the highest scoring and stingiest team of the four clubs competing for CHL glory.

Now, the projected top 2027 NHL Draft pick is gunning to become the third CHL exceptional status player to win the Memorial Cup.

It all starts on Saturday, May 23 at 6:00 p.m. PT at Prospera Place.

TSN will carry the game for fans in Canada, while those in the United States can follow along on NHL Network or Victory+.

Victory+ is also available for viewers in the U.S. and around the world.