WHL Final: Raiders battle Silvertips in Game 1 tonight

The Raiders won the lone regular-season meeting between the teams, a 4-1 victory on Nov. 11.

Both rosters have changed since then. Prince Albert added forwards Maddix McCagherty, Brandon Gorzynski and Braeden Cootes, while Everett added defencemen Luke Vlooswyk and Kayd Ruedig.

Both clubs also feature a former first overall pick on defence. Daxon Rudolph was selected first overall by the Raiders in 2024, while Everett drafted Landon DuPont first overall in 2025.

The Raiders reached the final by defeating Red Deer in five games, sweeping Saskatoon in the second round and knocking off Medicine Hat in six games in the Eastern Conference final.

Everett swept Portland in the opening round, beat Kelowna in five games and swept Penticton in the Western Conference final.

Rudolph leads all WHL playoff scorers with 23 points, while Braeden Cootes has 18 and Aiden Oiring and Brayden Dube each have 17.

For Everett, Matias Vanhanen leads the way with 19 points, followed by Julius Miettinen with 18 and DuPont with 17.

In goal, Michal Orsulak has started all 15 playoff games for Prince Albert, posting a 12-2-1 record with a 2.32 goals-against average and three shutouts.

Everett is expected to counter with Anders Miller, who is 12-0-1 in the playoffs with a 1.79 goals-against average and a .936 save percentage.

Schedule:

Game 1 — Friday, May 8 at Everett, 8 p.m.
Game 2 — Saturday, May 9 at Everett, 7 p.m.
Game 3 — Tuesday, May 12 at Prince Albert, 7:30 p.m.
Game 4 — Wednesday, May 13 at Prince Albert, 7:30 p.m.
Game 5 — Friday, May 15 at Prince Albert, 7:30 p.m.*
Game 6 — Sunday, May 17 at Everett, 8 p.m.*
Game 7 — Monday, May 18 at Everett, 8 p.m.*

* if necessary

All games will be broadcast on 900 CKBI with Nick Nielsen and Marty Ring on Brandt Raider Radio.

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by Nick Nielsen

WHL Final: Raiders battle Silvertips in Game 1 tonight

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