We’re down to the final preliminary game tonight in Kelowna, when the host Rockets take on Everett. By virtue of its 3-0 record in round-robin play, Kitchener already has advanced to the May 31 championship game. If Everett wins tonight, they face Chicoutimi in the May 29 semifinal game. However, if Kelowna wins tonight, then Chicoutimi, Kelowna and Everett are all tied at 1-2. At that point, a mathematical goals for/against formula determines which teams advance to the semifinals. With respect to tonight’s matchup, Everett is the far better team, but in a one-game roll-off it’s hard to predict what’s going to happen.
Kitchener forward Jack Pridham (CHI) leads the tournament in scoring with 6 points (4G 2A). Pridham and OHL Playoffs MVP Sam O’Reilly (TBL), who is tied for 4th in the tournament with 4 points (2G 2A), have teamed up on numerous occasions to create quality scoring chances. Sandwiched in between them with 5 points (1G 4A) is d-man Cameron Reid (NSH), who both drives the play for the Rangers and completely shuts down his opponents’ play-driving efforts.
For Kelowna to have any chance tonight against Everett, they must somehow slow down the Silvertips’ top line of Julius Miettinen (SEA), Carter Bear (DET) and Matias Vanhanen (54th-ranked North American skater for the 2026 draft). The trio plays with so much skill and pace that this is a daunting task indeed. Adding d-man Landon Dupont (2027 draft-eligible) to the mix makes this a near impossibility.