Prince Albert, Sask. – The Everett Silvertips are on the verge of a franchise first Ed Chynoweth Cup following a 5-2 win over the Prince Albert Raiders in Game 4 of the 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien Wednesday at the Art Hauser Centre.

“That was a grind,” said Steve Hamilton, Head Coach of the Silvertips. “You can bend, you can’t break. Our guys got some timely offense, got some great goaltending, some pretty key penalty kills and that was probably the difference in the game.”

GAME SUMMARY PLAYOFF STATISTICS

Florida Panthers prospect Shea Busch put the game out of reach when he scored his fourth goal of the postseason with 9:40 to go in the third period, giving Everett a 4-2 advantage. 2026 NHL Draft-eligible forward Matias Vanhanen extended the cushion by scoring an empty-net goal with 2:25 remaining in regulation.

“I just got to credit my linemate [Zack Shantz] there,” Busch said postgame. “I was lucky enough for that one to go in the back of the net.”

Through 40 minutes of play, the game was up for grabs, with the Silvertips carrying a 2-1 lead into the third period.

Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen continued to impose his will on the WHL Championship, recording another multipoint night with a goal and an assist. A mere 32 seconds into the affair, the burly Finn slammed home a rebound for his 14th goal of the postseason, giving Everett a 1-0 advantage. Fellow Finn Vanhanen drove down the right wing and shovelled the puck towards the net, resulting in a rebound that Miettinen made quick work of.

The Raiders were boosted by the return of Dallas Stars prospect Brandon Gorzynski, who had been out of the lineup since Game 3 of the WHL Eastern Conference Championship Series presented by Nutrien. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound product of Scottsdale, Ariz., made an immediate impact, tallying his fifth goal of the playoffs 9:53 into the second period, injecting life into the over-capacity crowd of 3,299 at Prince Albert’s Art Hauser Centre.

“Obviously, it’s the championship and everyone wants to play in games like this,” Gorzynski said Wednesday night. “It was special for that goal to go in and to even be playing tonight.

“Obviously, you want to play in special games like this in the playoffs. When Puff [Duane Bartley] said it was my choice to play tonight, it was a no brainer. How many times do you get to play in the Championship Series?”

As the second period wound down, the Raiders had built momentum off the strength of back-to-back power plays. A late penalty against Prince Albert stole the energy and veteran forward Rylan Gould made the hosts pay, finishing off a pass from Miettinen to restore the Everett lead with 1:17 to go in the second period.

The Silvertips continued to make the Raiders pay on special teams, as Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear collected his seventh goal of the postseason with a power-play marker 4:24 into the third period, giving Everett a 3-1 lead at the time.

Raiders captain Justice Christensen provided a quick response, tallying his fourth goal of the postseason and third of the WHL Championship to make it a 3-2 game, but it wasn’t enough for the Raiders on this night as the Silvertips claimed a stranglehold on the best-of-seven series.

“Our guys played hard right to the end,” said Ryan McDonald, Head Coach of the Raiders. “Really liked our effort, liked our compete. Consistency, at times, we needed to make sure was there. But again, really liked our push, liked our urgency, and desperation as we continued to settle into the game. We got to our push in the second period and created some o-zone chaos and some havoc, got to our Raider way. For us, making sure our emotions are in check and we’re three or less on the penalty clock. That was a hard-fought battle.”

Silvertips defenceman Landon DuPont finished Game 4 with two helpers, pushing his playoff point total to 22 points (4G-18A) in 17 games.

“It helps when you have the team and the D-core that we have,” DuPont said. “Everyone is stepping up – whether you’re a 16-year-old or a 20-year-old.”

Miettinen’s multipoint night pushed him to 27 points and into a tie for the WHL Playoffs scoring lead with Raiders defenceman Daxon Rudolph, who returned to the series following a one-game suspension.

In net, Anders Miller turned in a 31-save performance to secure his 14th victory of the 2026 WHL Playoffs. The 19-year-old product of Anchorage, Alaska, has enjoyed an outstanding postseason with a record of 14-1-1-0, a 1.91 goals-against average, .933 save percentage, and one shutout.

Everett outshot Prince Albert by a narrow margin of 35-33.

The Silvertips wrapped Game 4 having converted on two of five power-play opportunities, while the Raiders went 0-for-6.

The Everett Silvertips lead the best-of-seven WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien 3-1 through four games. Game 5 of the WHL Championship Series is set for 7:30 p.m. MT on Friday, May 15, at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, Sask. 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+.

About the Western Hockey League

Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.

Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, the 6-foot-2, 188-pound, right-shot rearguard logged two assists in a big Game 3 win that put the Silvertips out front 2-1 in the best-of-seven series.

“We’ve been consistently good, I think, we just have to keep at it,” Liske said before Game 4. “I think we grinded them down as the game went on. We’re consistently getting hits in and doing the things that we do well.

“We had more of an attack mentality, played on our toes more. That’s what we did and it worked, so that’s our goal for tonight.”

In 16 postseason appearances, the 18-year-old product of Beausejour, Man., has secured 14 points (3G-11A).

A former first-round pick (10th overall) of the Silvertips in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Liske is ranked 44th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the 2026 NHL Draft.

In 121 career WHL regular season games, the mobile blueliner has posted 37 points (10G-27A).

Game 4 of the 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien is set Wednesday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m. MT as the Prince Albert Raiders host the Everett Silvertips. 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+.

If the Raiders hope to even the best-of-seven slate, the 20-year-old product of Calgary, Alta., will need to exert his influence once again in Game 4 at the Art Hauser Centre.

“We reset after yesterday and came in here with a positive mindset,” Heise said prior to Game 4. “We know tonight’s a big game and so we’ll be ready.

“I thought we got pucks under [last night], we were physical, and we have got to stay out of the box. We have to get our shot volume up, is the biggest thing. We watched video on that, had our meetings, we will be ready to go.”

The 6-foot-3, 172-pound prospect of the San Jose Sharks registered the first goal of the game for the Raiders on Tuesday evening, and was all around it throughout the entirety of the contest.

In 14 WHL Playoff games, the first-year WHL forward has collected six points (4G-2A), building off a stellar regular season that featured 63 points (29G-34A) in 63 games. Not only has Heise contributed as a reliable two-way presence, he has served as a leader in his first WHL season after being named an alternate captain earlier in the campaign.

Selected by the Raiders in the third round (55th overall) of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, Heise committed to the WHL route ahead of the 2025-26 season, after the landscape of hockey’s development model shifted in November 2024.

The San Jose Sharks called Heise’s name in the fifth round (150th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft.

Game 4 of the 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien is set Wednesday, May 13, at 7:30 p.m. MT as the Prince Albert Raiders host the Everett Silvertips. 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+.

The Sharks announced the signing Wednesday morning.

“Carson brings size, scoring touch, a high motor and strong character to our organization,” said Mike Grier, General Manager of the Sharks. “We are excited to add him to our group and continue his development in San Jose.”

Wetsch, a 20-year-old product of North Vancouver, B.C., enjoyed a career campaign in the Okanagan as captain of the Rockets. In 65 regular season contests, the 6-foot-2, 200-pound right winger recorded a career best 50 assists and 72 points, adding 22 goals.

Not only were Wetsch’s 50 helpers a career best, they also landed him tied atop the Rockets assist chart with defenceman Mazden Leslie. Wetsch’s 72 points ranked second in Kelowna, trailing only Utah Mammoth prospect Tij Iginla (41G-49A–90 points).

The 2025-26 season featured five multi-goal performances for the veteran Wetsch.

“Carson is a player who earned everything through hard work,” said Bruce Hamilton, President and General Manager of the Rockets. “Four years in the WHL has prepared him well and we couldn’t be happier to see him rewarded with an NHL contract.”

A veteran of four WHL seasons, Wetsch was selected by the Sharks in the third round (82nd overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft. The Rockets named him the 30th captain in franchise on October 7, 2025. Prior to serving as the captain in Kelowna, Wetsch was the 32nd captain in Calgary Hitmen franchise history.

Originally selected by the Hitmen in the first round (12th overall) of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft, Wetsch played three seasons in the Stampede City before being traded to the Memorial Cup host Rockets on May 7, 2025.

The Rockets sent an impressive package to Calgary in exchange for the Sharks prospect and a conditional second-round pick in 2028, moving out 2026 NHL Draft-eligible defenceman Ben MacBeath, a 2027 first-round pick, 2025 second-round pick, and 2025 fourth-round pick.

In 246 career WHL regular season outings, Wetsch has tallied 196 points (90G-106A). He has posted another 11 points (8G-3A) in 24 games.

Wetsch and the Rockets are set to welcome the rest of the Canadian Hockey League for the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota beginning Friday, May 22.

https://twitter.com/SanJoseSharks/status/2054600205946036572?s=20

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Prince Albert, Sask. – Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen scored the game-winning goal with 4:28 to play in regulation, giving the Everett Silvertips a 3-2 victory and a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien Tuesday at the Art Hauser Centre.

GAME SUMMARY PLAYOFF STATISTICS

For Miettinen, who hails from Helsinki, Finland, the dagger was his 13th of the 2026 WHL Playoffs and it silenced the overcapacity crowd of 3,299 at the Art Hauser Centre. The 6-foot-3, 207-pound centre now sits second in WHL Playoff scoring with 25 points (13G-12A) in 16 games.

“The puck just came right on my stick and I had an empty net,” Miettinen said postgame. “You can’t really miss those when you have a chance.”

Miettinen’s goal broke a 2-2 tie that had stood since late in the second period.

“I thought the second half of the second period we kind of found it a little bit,” said Steve Hamilton, Head Coach of the Silvertips. “We got a little bit harder, more physical, got involved, and we started to really get into it. We did a good job supressing chances and it felt like we were more in stride in that second half of the game.”

For the third straight game, the Silvertips opened the scoring. This time, it was 2026 NHL Draft-eligible forward Matias Vanhanen finding the back of the net for his first goal of the series. Ranked 54th among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting, the product of Nokia, Finland, gained the offensive zone on the right side, cut to the middle and snapped a quick shot from the slot past the blocker of Raiders netminder Michal Orsulak to give Everett a 1-0 lead.

San Jose Sharks prospect Max Heise tied the game in the late stages of the first period. With the Raiders on a power play, the 20-year-old product of Calgary, Alta., finished off a nifty passing play with a one-timer that beat Everett goaltender Anders Miller, knotting the game 1-1 with 1:41 to go. It was Heise’s fourth goal of the postseason.

The Raiders maintained that momentum early in the second period, as 16-year-old Ben Harvey found the back of the net for his fourth goal of the playoffs. Captain Justice Christensen’s shot from the left point found the stick of the 5-foot-11, 184-pound right winger, who redirected it past Miller for a 2-1 Prince Albert lead a mere 1:59 into the second period.

“Really good first 30 minutes – we were quick, we were direct, we got pucks behind and got to work,” said Ryan McDonald, Head Coach of the Raiders. “Then they were able to tilt the ice on us and discipline has to be a big key for us. You have to stay out of the penalty box. We gave them some opportunities on the power play – I thought our penalty kill did a great job when they were out there, but those are hard minutes you have got to play.

“[This is] an opportunity for us to reset, refocus, and get ready for tomorrow.”

Towering Philadelphia Flyers prospect Luke Vlooswyk was the one to draw Game 3 even late in the second period. With 1:53 on the clock, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound rearguard walked the blue line before sailing a wrist shot high blocker side through traffic. The seeing-eye single hit the back of the net, tying the game 2-2 through 40 minutes of play.

“It was pretty exciting to get that monkey off the back,” Vlooswyk said of scoring his first goal of the playoffs. “It felt unbelievable, it was a big goal and I think we got a lot of energy off of it.”

The two teams battled through the bulk of the third period before Miettinen struck late.

Between the pipes, Miller finished with 18 saves for Everett, while Orsulak was peppered with 44 shots and made 41 saves.

Silvertips defenceman Brek Liske wrapped up his night with two assists.

Everett went 0-for-5 on the power play, while Prince Albert was 1-for-6.

The Everett Silvertips lead the best-of-seven WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien 2-1 through three games. Game 4 of the WHL Championship Series is set for 7:30 p.m. MT on Wednesday, May 13, at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, Sask. 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+.

Matched up alongside countryman Julius Miettinen, a prospect of the Seattle Kraken, and Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear, how could Vanhanen do anything other than produce?

Through 15 WHL Playoff games, the 18-year-old product of Nokia, Finland, sits second in scoring on the Silvertips with 21 points (10G-11A), trailing only Miettinen.

With an opportunity to take a series lead in Game 3, Vanhanen will once again be a focal point for the Everett offense.

“It’s finals so you just want to win every game,” Vanhanen said prior to Game 3.

“We have a good team, that helps a lot. I play with the best players in the league, that’s been awesome, so I just try to enjoy that.”

In seven games this spring, Vanhanen has recorded multipoint efforts.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound left winger has enjoyed an outstanding first season in North America. NHL Central Scouting has the Finnish forward ranked54th among North American skaters ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. He recorded 87 points (21G-66A) in 62 regular season contests to lead the Silvertips in scoring. Not only was Vanhanen named to the WHL Western Conference Second All-Star Team, he was a finalist for two major awards – WHL Rookie of the Year and WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player.

There’s a lot to like about one of the Silvertips’ most dangerous setup men.

Vanhanen landed in Everett after being selected in the first round (31st overall) of the 2025 CHL Import Draft.

Game 3 of the 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien is set for Tuesday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m. MT as the Prince Albert Raiders host the Everett Silvertips. 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+.

And he’s about to take on more in Game 3 with teammate Daxon Rudolph serving a one-game suspension.

Cripps, the rookie from Victoria, B.C., has played an integral role for the Raiders during their postseason run, recording 19 points (4G-15A) in 17 games.

“It means a lot to get that trust from all the coaches and just playing that huge role is definitely a lot of responsibility, and I’ve tried to do a good job taking that on,” Cripps said following Game 2. “Hopefully I can keep it going.”

The presence of a 16-year-old on the blueline during a WHL Championship isn’t all that unfamiliar in Hockey Town North. In 2019, it was rookie Kaiden Guhle logging important minutes, helping the Raiders to the franchise’s second WHL title.

Cripps, a 5-foot-10, 160-pound, right-shot rearguard, put together an impressive regular season, tallying 37 points (6G-31A) in 62 games. He was named a finalist for the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL Rookie of the Year.

“The way he can read the ice and make plays, put pucks for teammates in spots that can put them in a positive position and his deception and anticipation,” said Ryan McDonald, Head Coach of the Raiders, on how Cripps impacts the play. “He does a tremendous job, great vision up top, and a great puck mover.”

Eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft, Cripps is already turning heads with his responsible defensive play and mobile, two-way presence. In many circles, he is already projected as a potential first-round pick.

Cripps was originally selected by the Raiders in the first round (second overall) of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft.

Game 3 of the 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien is set for Tuesday, May 12, at 7:30 p.m. MT as the Prince Albert Raiders host the Everett Silvertips. 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+.

Miettinen, a 20-year-old product of Helsinki, Finland, recorded six points (2G-4A) as the Silvertips split the opening two games of the 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien.

The 6-foot-3, 207-pound centre posted two points (1G-1A) in Game 1 on Friday, May 8, as the Silvertips dropped a 4-2 decision to the Prince Albert Raiders at Angel of the Winds Arena in downtown Everett. Miettinen splashed his name on the scoresheet 6:07 into the start of the WHL Championship, providing a secondary assist on a first period goal by Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear. Later in the contest, Miettinen converted on a third period power play, pulling the Silvertips within one goal late in the proceedings. Ultimately, it wasn’t enough as Prince Albert iced the game with an empty-net tally moments later.

The following night, Miettinen served as the catalyst in a 6-2 victory, as the Silvertips evened the best-of-seven series at one game apiece. The Kraken prospect recorded four points (1G-3A) and was named second star of the game for his outstanding performance. Miettinen had jump from the opening faceoff, contributing a primary assist on the game’s opening goal by Bear only 3:20 into the proceedings. Before the first period came to a close, Miettinen had connected with Rylan Gould on a great set play on the man advantage, helping the Silvertips jump out to a 3-0 lead. Late in the second period, Miettinen connected with Bear once again, boosting the Silvertips lead to 4-1. To put the icing on the cake, the Finnish power forward hit the back of an empty net with 1:02 to go in regulation, securing the win for the home team.

With 24 points (12G-12A) in 15 games, Miettinen ranks second in WHL Playoffs scoring. His 12 goals lead the entire WHL Playoffs. All season long, he has been the centrepiece of a deadline Silvertips line featuring Bear and 2026 NHL Draft prospect Matias Vanhanen.

Miettinen is in the midst of a five-game point streak, in which he has collected 12 points (4G-8A) dating back to April 25 versus Penticton. Through 15 postseason outings, he has put together eight multipoint efforts.

Selected by the Seattle Kraken in the second round (40th overall) of the 2024 NHL Draft, the third-year WHL forward enjoyed an incredible season in Everett, notching 76 points (35G-41A) in 52 games. He was named to the WHL Western Conference Second All-Star Team and finished third in Silvertips scoring.

Originally selected by the Silvertips in the first round (30th overall) of the 2023 CHL Import Draft, Miettinen has put together 182 points (77G-105A) in 154 career WHL regular season appearances. He has added another 37 points (20G-17A) in 37 WHL Playoff games dating back to 2024.

The best-of-seven WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien is tied 1-1 through two games. Game 3 of the WHL Championship Series is set for 7:30 p.m. MT on Tuesday, May 12, at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, Sask. 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+.

Tempo WHL Player of the Week

September 22, 2025: Ethan Semeniuk, Moose Jaw Warriors September 29, 2025: JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers October 6, 2025: Matias Vanhanen, Everett Silvertips October 14, 2025: Noah Kosick, Swift Current Broncos October 20, 2025: Kooper Gizowski, Prince George Cougars October 27, 2025: Caden Brown, Regina Pats November 3, 2025: Max Curran, Edmonton Oil Kings November 10, 2025: Luke Mistelbacher, Brandon Wheat Kings November 17, 2025: Liam Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers November 24, 2025: JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers December 1, 2025: Tarin Smith, Everett Silvertips December 8, 2025: Bryce Pickford, Medicine Hat Tigers December 15, 2025: Joby Baumuller, Brandon Wheat Kings December 22, 2025: Mathis Preston, Spokane Chiefs December 29, 2025: Jonas Woo, Medicine Hat Tigers January 5, 2026: Lukas Sawchyn, Edmonton Oil Kings January 12, 2026: Bryce Pickford, Medicine Hat Tigers January 19, 2026: Daxon Rudolph, Prince Albert Raiders January 26, 2026: Brandon Gorzynski, Prince Albert Raiders February 2, 2026: Tij Iginla, Kelowna Rockets February 9, 2026: Carter Sotheran, Edmonton Oil Kings February 16, 2026: Landon DuPont, Everett Silvertips February 23, 2026: Owen Martin, Spokane Chiefs March 2, 2026: Julius Miettinen, Everett Silvertips March 9, 2026: Tij Iginla, Kelowna Rockets March 16, 2026: Landon DuPont, Everett Silvertips March 23, 2026: Cameron Schmidt, Seattle Thunderbirds March 30, 2026: Julien Maze, Calgary Hitmen April 6, 2026: Miroslav Holinka, Edmonton Oil Kings April 13, 2026: Terik Parascak, Prince George Cougars April 20, 2026: Liam Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers April 27, 2026: Landon DuPont, Everett Silvertips May 4, 2026: Daxon Rudolph, Prince Albert Raiders

About the Western Hockey League

Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.

Cripps, a 16-year-old product of Victoria, B.C., recorded two points (1G-1A) in two games as the Raiders split the opening two games of the 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien.

Friday, May 8, in Game 1 of the WHL Championship, the 5-foot-10, 160-pound right-shot rearguard tallied a primary assist on a power-play goal by Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes. The marker put Prince Albert in front by a 2-1 score with 4:53 to play in the second period. The Raiders went on to a 4-2 victory.

Saturday, May 9, in Game 2, Cripps hit the back of the net with his first goal of the WHL Championship. With his team trailing 3-0, the rookie blueliner registered a power-play tally 4:24 into the second period, giving the Raiders life. Though Prince Albert wasn’t able to complete the comeback, Cripps finished with an even rating and two shots on goal in the contest.

Through 17 WHL Playoff games, Cripps has secured 19 points (4G-15A) to rank second in rookie scoring, trailing only Matias Vanhanen of the Silvertips (10G-11A–21 points). Heading into Game 3 of the 2026 WHL Championship Series, Cripps is riding a five-game point scoring streak, having tallied six points (1G-5A) along the way.

Widely considered a top prospect for the 2027 NHL Draft, Cripps enjoyed a great rookie season in the WHL, posting 37 points (6G-31A) in 62 games. He was originally selected by the Raiders in the first round (second overall) of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft.

The best-of-seven WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien is tied 1-1 through two games. Game 3 of the WHL Championship Series is set for 7:30 p.m. MT on Tuesday, May 12, at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, Sask. 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+.

Sandman WHL Rookie of the Week

September 22, 2025: JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers September 29, 2025: Chase Surkan, Brandon Wheat Kings October 6, 2025: Jacob Kvasnicka, Penticton Vees October 14, 2025: Carter Casey, Medicine Hat Tigers October 20, 2025: Andrei Molgachev, Calgary Hitmen October 27, 2025: Chase Surkan, Brandon Wheat Kings November 3, 2025: Dylan Dean, Edmonton Oil Kings November 10, 2025: Kale Dach, Calgary Hitmen November 17, 2024: Brock England, Seattle Thunderbirds November 24, 2025: Colt Carter, Moose Jaw Warriors December 1, 2025: JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers December 8, 2025: Boston Tait, Wenatchee Wild December 15, 2025: Tyson Moss, Medicine Hat Tigers December 22, 2025: Ludovic Perreault, Victoria Royals December 29, 2025: Mason Kraft, Wenatchee Wild January 5, 2026: Jacob Kvasnicka, Penticton Vees January 12, 2026: Jacob Kvasnicka, Penticton Vees January 19, 2026: Prab Bhathal, Brandon Wheat Kings January 26, 2026: Andrei Molgachev, Calgary Hitmen February 2, 2026: Matias Vanhanen, Everett Silvertips February 9, 2026: Kale Dach, Calgary Hitmen February 16, 2026: Jonah Sivertson, Prince Albert Raiders February 23, 2026: Vojtech Cihar, Kelowna Rockets March 2, 2026: Matias Vanhanen, Everett Silvertips March 9, 2026: Easton Daneault, Lethbridge Hurricanes March 16, 2026: Ben Harvey, Prince Albert Raiders March 23, 2026: Poul Andersen, Red Deer Rebels March 30, 2026: Brock Cripps, Prince Albert Raiders April 6, 2026: Vojtech Cihar, Kelowna Rockets April 13, 2026: Matias Vanhanen, Everett Silvertips April 20, 2026: Jacob Kvasnicka, Penticton Vees April 27, 2026: Brock Cripps, Prince Albert Raiders May 4, 2025: Owen Corkish, Prince Albert Raiders

About the Western Hockey League

Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.

Miller, a 19-year-old product of Anchorage, Alaska, went 1-1-0-0 with a 2.54 goals-against average and .922 save percentage this past week, helping the Silvertips split the opening two games of the 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound puckstopper made 22 saves in Game 1 of the WHL Championship as the Silvertips fell by a 4-2 score on Friday, May 8, at Angel of the Winds Arena in downtown Everett.

The second-year WHL goaltender helped his team bounce back in Game 2, turning in a 37-save effort as Everett knocked off the Prince Albert Raiders by a 6-2 margin on Saturday, May 9.

Miller has been a steadying presence for the Silvertips throughout the 2026 WHL Playoffs, going 13-1-1-0 with a 1.89 GAA, .934 SV%, and one shutout. He ranks among the WHL leaders in wins (T-1st), GAA (second), and shutouts (T-2nd), and save percentage (third).

On October 13, 2025, the Silvertips acquired Miller from the Calgary Hitmen in exchange for a pair of picks in the WHL Prospects Draft. Upon landing in Everett, Miller proceeded to go 29-4-0-0 with a 2.12 GAA, .920 SV%, and four shutouts, helping the Silvertips claim a second consecutive Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as WHL Regular Season champions.

In 58 career WHL regular season appearances split between the Hitmen and Silvertips, Miller owns a record of 44-9-0-2 with a 2.32 GAA, .912 SV%, and five shutouts.

Miller originally signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Hitmen on November 19, 2024.

The best-of-seven WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien is tied 1-1 through two games. Game 3 of the WHL Championship Series is set for 7:30 p.m. MT on Tuesday, May 12, at the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert, Sask. 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+.

Mary Brown’s Chicken WHL Goaltender of the Week

September 22, 2025: Ethan Eskit, Victoria Royals September 29, 2025: Logan Edmonstone, Kamloops Blazers October 6, 2025: Parker Snell, Edmonton Oil Kings October 14, 2025: Evan Gardner, Saskatoon Blades October 20, 2025: Burke Hood, Vancouver Giants October 27, 2025: Andrew Reyelts, Penticton Vees November 3, 2025: Eric Tu, Calgary Hitmen November 10, 2025: Michal Orsulak, Prince Albert Raiders November 17, 2025: Anders Miller, Everett Silvertips November 24, 2025: Harrison Boettiger, Kelowna Rockets December 1, 2025: Joshua Ravensbergen, Prince George Cougars December 8, 2025: Matthew Hutchison, Regina Pats December 15, 2025: Eric Tu, Calgary Hitmen December 22, 2025: Marek Sklenicka, Seattle Thunderbirds December 29, 2025: Filip Ruzicka, Brandon Wheat Kings January 5, 2026: Xavier Wendt, Tri-City Americans January 12, 2026: Ethan Eskit, Victoria Royals January 19, 2026: Carter Esler, Spokane Chiefs January 26, 2026: Ethan McCallum, Penticton Vees February 2, 2026: Jayden Kraus, Brandon Wheat Kings February 9, 2026: Logan Edmonstone, Kamloops Blazers February 16, 2026: Grayson Malinoski, Seattle Thunderbirds February 23, 2026: Filip Ruzicka, Brandon Wheat Kings March 2, 2026: Parker Snell, Edmonton Oil Kings March 9, 2026: Andrew Reyelts, Penticton Vees March 16, 2026: Harrison Boettiger, Kelowna Rockets March 23, 2026: Ethan McCallum, Penticton Vees March 30, 2026: Harrison Boettiger, Kelowna Rockets April 6, 2026: Eric Tu, Calgary Hitmen April 13, 2026: Michal Orsulak, Prince Albert Raiders April 20, 2026: Josh Banini, Kelowna Rockets April 27, 2026: Jordan Switzer, Medicine Hat Tigers May 4, 2026: Anders Miller, Everett Silvertips

About the Western Hockey League

Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for over 50 years. The WHL is also the leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.