Everett Silvertips Win First WHL Title in Team History

After two decades of trying, the Everett Silvertips finally stand atop the Western Hockey League as champions.

The Washington-based team clinched their first-ever Ed Chynoweth Cup on May 15 with a commanding 7-2 victory over the Prince Albert Raiders. Florida Panthers prospect Shea Busch scored three goals in the decisive Game 5, cementing a dominant playoff run that saw the Silvertips win 16 of 18 games.

The championship caps an extraordinary season for Everett. They posted the best record in franchise history during the regular season at 57-8-2-1, then swept through the playoffs with devastating efficiency.

Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen led the offense with 27 points in 18 playoff games. His linemates, Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear and draft-eligible forward Matias Vanhanen, combined for 46 more points as the trio wreaked havoc on opposing defenses.

The team also got exceptional play from 16-year-old defenseman Landon DuPont, who stepped up with 23 playoff points after captain Tarin Smith went down with an injury. Between the pipes, goalie Anders Miller started all 18 playoff games and posted a 16-2 record.

Head coach Steve Hamilton, named WHL Coach of the Year, finally earned his first championship as a head coach after winning two titles as an assistant with the Edmonton Oil Kings. General Manager Mike Fraser built the championship roster through savvy trades, including acquiring Miller from Calgary early in the season.

The Ripple Effect

This victory means everything to a franchise that came agonizingly close before. The Silvertips reached the championship series twice previously, in 2004 as an expansion team and again in 2018, but fell short both times.

The championship also represents a massive opportunity. Everett now advances to the Memorial Cup tournament in Kelowna, British Columbia, from May 22-31, where they'll compete against the best teams from all three major Canadian junior hockey leagues for what's considered one of the hardest trophies to win in hockey.

For a team that's carried the weight of two decades without a title, finally breaking through shows what persistence and building the right culture can achieve.