Everett Silvertips Even Series with Dominant 6-2 Win

When your back is against the wall, sometimes the best response is to come out swinging harder than ever.

The Everett Silvertips did exactly that Saturday night, delivering a commanding 6-2 victory over the Prince Albert Raiders in Game 2 of the 2026 Western Hockey League Championship Series. After dropping the series opener just 24 hours earlier, the team showed they weren't about to let adversity define their season.

Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen put on a clinic at Angel of the Winds Arena, racking up four points including three assists. The 20-year-old from Helsinki, Finland orchestrated the offense with the kind of vision that gets NHL scouts excited.

Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear proved he belongs on the big stage too, scoring twice for the Silvertips. The 19-year-old from West St. Paul, Manitoba opened the scoring just over three minutes into the game, setting the tone for what would be a dominant performance.

Unlike Game 1, Everett kept their foot on the gas. Kayd Ruedig extended the lead to 2-0 barely two minutes after Bear's goal, and Rylan Gould added a power play marker with 43 seconds left in the first period. The Silvertips headed to the locker room with a commanding 3-0 advantage as 7,987 fans shook the rafters.

"I've never heard this place that loud," Miettinen said after the game.

The Raiders battled back with goals from 16-year-old Brock Cripps and captain Justice Christensen, but Everett answered every challenge. Bear's second goal restored the three-goal cushion, and late empty-netters from Miettinen and Jesse Heslop sealed the victory.

Why This Inspires

Here's what makes this story special beyond the scoreboard. The Silvertips haven't lost back-to-back games all season. That kind of mental toughness doesn't happen by accident.

"Everyone came in not down on their self," Bear explained. "It's a fresh day, new day, new game."

Goaltender Anders Miller made 37 saves to earn his 13th playoff victory, while the power play clicked at 50 percent efficiency. These are young players learning to handle pressure, bounce back from disappointment, and perform when it matters most.

The best-of-seven series now shifts to Prince Albert for Game 3 on Tuesday, all tied up at one game each. The winner advances to the 2026 Memorial Cup in Kelowna, British Columbia, competing for junior hockey's ultimate prize.