2026 WHL Championship – Game 1 Player to Watch: Landon DuPont, Everett Silvertips

Everett, Wash. – If you haven’t watched Landon DuPont, buckle up.

The 16-year-old product of Calgary, Alta., has been a driving force for the Everett Silvertips as they return to the WHL Championship for the first time since 2018.

“Everyone is excited, the vibe around the room is definitely excited,” DuPont said prior to Game 1.

“We’ve worked all year for this. To be in this position, we’re super grateful, and we can’t get complacent now. We’re going to do everything we can to try and win this series.”

The 5-foot-11, 183-pound exceptional status blueliner has recorded 17 points (4G-13A) in 13 playoff games, and has been a catalyst every time he steps on the ice.

Eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, DuPont has already firmly established himself as one of the must-see top prospects more than a year out from his NHL Draft.

“The obvious talents and the highlight moments, everybody sees,” said Silvertips Head Coach Steve Hamilton, referring to DuPont. “What maybe doesn’t get seen is how hard he defends. He plays like a No. 1 D – matchups against the other team’s top line, he takes on any kind of minutes we need, penalty killing game is elevated.

“He’s a confident player, and should be, but he’s also an incredible teammate and leader on this team.”

After tearing up the WHL at 15 years old, DuPont followd up in a big way in 2025-26, registering 73 points (18G-55A) in 63 games this past season. He was named to the WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team and was also a finalist for the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL Defenceman of the Year.

Selected first overall in the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft, DuPont was the first defenceman in WHL history to be granted exceptional status. As a 15-year-old, he stacked up 60 points (17G-43A) in 64 games en route to being named winner of the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as WHL Rookie of the Year.

The Silvertips have appeared in two WHL Championships – 2004 and 2018. If they’re to claim the franchise’s first WHL crown, DuPont will assuredly be a factor.

"We've worked all year for this. So, to be in this position, we're super grateful."

Exceptional status, @WHLsilvertips defenceman Landon DuPont speaks to the media ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 #WHLChampionship Series. pic.twitter.com/zAH38bkLYU

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) May 8, 2026

The 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien will begin Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m. PT as the Everett Silvertips host the Prince Albert Raiders. The winner of the best-of-seven series will advance to the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota in Kelowna, B.C., which is scheduled for Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 31.

All seven games of the WHL Championship Series are available in Canada on TSN. Viewers can also stream the entire series globally and for FREE on Victory+.