The first two games of the 2026 WHL Finals between Prince Albert and Everett are in the books, with things all square at one game apiece. The series moves to the Raiders home rink for game 3 on Tuesday.
Forward Braeden Cootes (VAN) was the driving force in the Raiders’ opening night win. Cootes had a goal and an assist in the 4-2 victory, and his power-play tally put Prince Albert ahead to stay. Everett forward teammates Matias Vanhanen (54th-ranked North American draft prospect) and Carter Bear (DET) teamed up for the game’s first goal, Bear’s first series tally.
Everett evened things up with a 6-2 victory in game 2 of the series. The Silvertips were led by Julius Miettinen‘s (SEA) four points (1G 3A), and one of his assists was the primary helper in the game’s first goal. This goal was scored by Bear, who now has opened the scoring in both series games.