Played on Apr 14, 2026
Game Played in Prospera Place
General Game Notes: The hometown Kelowna Rockets threw everything they had at the Everett Silvertips but, goaltender Anders Miller was equal to the task stopping all 16 pucks that came at him in the first period, and making 36 saves overall. Several stops were of the very difficult variety, one off a breakaway. The Tips got goals from Mattias Vanhanen, Brek Liske, Julius Miettinen and Lukas Kaplan on a penalty shot. Tomas Poletin was able to get one past Miller to make the final 4-1 Silvertips.
Anders Miller (G, L, 6’1″, 194, Everett Silvertips, 10/04/2006)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Miller stole the game early, turning aside 16 first-period shots and finishing with 36 saves, many of them high-difficulty sequences – including an excellent quick right-leg stop on a breakaway and a point-blank denial on a wide open netfront Rockets player, and an elite move to stop a dangerous cross-ice one-timer off the stick of Iginla in the second. He displays outstanding quickness and read-and-react ability, moving laterally with pace while maintaining net coverage and staying between the posts with movement. His glove work is reliable with several strong catches, he competes aggressively in tight and battles for loose pucks, and he generally limits rebounds, giving his team strong, consistent goaltending under pressure.
Landon DuPont (D, R, 5’11”, 187, Everett Silvertips, 05/28/2009)
Game Rating
A
Dupont is a well-rounded player with elite skating and puck-handling abilities, allowing him to navigate the ice with ease. He excels in all facets of the game, making accurate first passes out of the zone and consistently finding stretch options thanks to his excellent vision and hockey IQ. On offense, he’s smooth and decisive, getting across quickly and firing heavy shots through traffic. Defensively, he plays with purpose and physicality, finishing checks along the boards and pushing back in scrums. He also showcases his ability to absorb contact from forecheckers while maintaining possession and making smart plays. With a strong work ethic and competitive spirit, this player is a key contributor on both special teams and five-on-five play.
1 Viewing
Comments: Dupont is an all-around elite player whose game stands out with every aspect: his skating and quickness are top-tier, his puck skills are excellent and his hockey IQ is consistently high. He combines elite mobility and on-ice vision with hard, accurate flat passes – from short outlets to stretch passes – and habitually carries the puck with his head up, allowing him to find seams and feed teammates, snapping passes when openings arise. In the offensive zone he times his entries and lane movement to get pucks through to the net even through the smallest openings, quickly diving down and occupying dangerous space to force defenders into decisions he then punishes with a shot or a quality dish. Over the season he’s added noticeable physicality to an already gritty style, and in this game he led the team in ice time (~24 minutes) while functioning as a leader on the top power-play and penalty-kill units; early in the game he read play well as the late man on a weak-side rush and ripped a wrist shot off the crossbar, underscoring his shot timing and situational awareness.
Carter Bear (LW, L, 6’0″, 181, Everett Silvertips, 11/04/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Carter Bear is a dynamic forward who showcases impressive skills on the ice. His top-end speed and explosive acceleration allow him to quickly create scoring opportunities, while his exceptional puck-handling skills enable him to make plays in tight spaces. Bear’s physical presence in front of the net makes him a threat on loose pucks and power plays. He also demonstrates high hockey IQ and two-way value, consistently creating chances through his quick hands and vision. Bear is relentless in pursuit of the puck, always looking for opportunities to create or capitalize on turnovers. His elite skating ability and edge work make him a constant threat on the ice, allowing him to evade defenders with ease.
1 Viewing
Comments: Bear is a rare player who pairs an excellent overall skill set with elite competitiveness and relentless gritty work ethic; he logged 16+ minutes in this game and was a key contributor on the top power play-working the net front and the goal line with purpose, and jumps quickly on loose puck retrievals. He plays a physical, effective forecheck, consistently wins puck battles with strong body positioning and hard initial contact, and digs in relentlessly in the corners and in front of the net. An excellent skater with very good top-end speed and quickness in tight spaces, Bear couples strong puck skills and quick hands with a lightning-quick release. He shows high-level vision and decision-making-able to attack the net or, when defenders retreat, quickly reset to the wall and deliver precise cross-ice feeds (including a perfectly timed pass through the slot to a late weak-side defenseman) that create high-danger chances. Overall, he projects as a high-impact player able to contribute in all areas notably as a relentless five-on-five competitor.
Zackary Shantz (C, R, 5’10”, 164, Everett Silvertips, 09/09/2005, St. Cloud)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Shantz is a reliable two-way forward for the Silvertips who logged nearly 19 minutes in this game, providing steadiness on both the second power-play unit and on the penalty kill. He won 50% of his draws and consistently used a gritty, hard-nosed style to win battles along the boards and in front of the net. Quick with tight edges and excellent top-end speed, he competes relentlessly through traffic and on puck battles, drives to the crease aggressively, and is difficult for opponents to contain. Defensively he was strong on the down low defensive zone coverage, showing sound one-on-one play and strong positional awareness, while offensively he displayed good vision, patience with the puck, and the ability to make plays and finish by taking pucks to the net. Overall he projects as a dependable, high-effort middle-six contributor who impacts the game in all three zones.
Jesse Heslop (LW, L, 5’11”, 178, Everett Silvertips, 04/18/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Heslop’s playing style revolves around his speed, persistence, and playmaking abilities, which set him apart from other players. While not the smoothest skater, he makes up for it with impressive top-end speed and a strong work ethic. He excels at creating timely plays and is a presence to be reckoned with around the net. As a versatile player, Heslop contributes effectively on both power play and penalty kill units. His quickness and vision allow him to drive the attack and make impactful plays off the half-wall. Defensively, he’s relentless on the forecheck, wins battles with tenacity, and isn’t afraid to engage in scrums. Overall, Heslop is a valuable asset to his team due to his speed, compete level, and offensive instincts. While not without flaws, he has a well-rounded skill set that enables him to make an impact on the ice at both ends of the rink.
1 Viewing
Comments: Heslop is not the biggest but is a high-IQ, gritty forward for the Silvertips who impacts the game in all situations; he logged top-six minutes in this contest and is a dependable option on the second power play and second penalty kill. He skates well-not elite technically, and could use some mechanical polish-but possesses very good top-end speed and quickness in tight spaces, able to turn over his legs quickly and create separation. He pairs strong hands and playmaking vision with a willingness to engage physically and win battles, and on the penalty kill he consistently makes reads, blocks lanes and uses sound stick-work to disrupt plays. Dangerous on the attack thanks to his speed and sneaky timing, Heslop projects as a reliable two-way middle-six contributor with upside if his stride mechanics are refined.
Matias Vanhanen (RW, L, 5’11”, 176, Everett Silvertips, 09/11/2007)
Game Rating
A-
Matias Vanhanen is a versatile right wing with a strong hockey IQ and excellent hands. He excels in tight spaces, using his vision to make quick, decisive passes in confined areas. His speed is above average, allowing him to navigate traffic and maintain possession on power play breakouts. Vanhanen is also an effective forechecker, pressuring the puck and creating disruption with his persistence. He demonstrates a strong work ethic off the puck, competing hard for loose pucks and blocking shots on the penalty kill. His ability to absorb contact while maintaining possession of the puck is impressive, making him a reliable playmaker in tight spaces. Overall, Vanhanen’s skills suggest he will be a smart two-way playmaker at higher levels.
1 Viewing
Comments: Vanhanen was a driving force all night, logging nearly 22 minutes (third on the club) and key minutes on both the top power play and the penalty kill; he impacts the game at both ends. He is a very good skater with strong top-end speed and plays a cerebral, high-IQ game-using smart body position and a willing, physical edge to win battles while also leveraging excellent stick work to strip pucks and regain possession. In transition and in the offensive zone he showed outstanding vision and patience, consistently finding open teammates with quick, hard passes and displaying the creativity and touch to thread pucks through tight seams. On the power play he possesses a quick release and can very effectively walk the line on rotations, but his true strength is spotting and feeding the open man; on the PK his quickness and disciplined stick work make him a reliable disruptor.
Brek Liske (D, R, 6’1″, 192, Everett Silvertips, 01/09/2008)
Game Rating
B+
Brek Liske is a dependable defenseman who excels at both ends of the ice. He has excellent puck skills, consistently making smart passes and controlling the tempo of the game. His strong skating ability allows him to be highly mobile and cover a lot of ground on the ice. Defensively, he is solid, with tight gaps in the neutral zone, effective stick work, and the willingness to engage physically in battles for the puck. Liske’s versatility is a major asset, as he can seamlessly play both sides of the blue line. He competes hard on the walls, plays physical in front of his net, and is a reliable penalty killer. While not flashy, he is a steady presence who makes smart decisions with the puck and plays the game with maturity beyond his years.
1 Viewing
Comments: Liske is a steady, well-rounded defenseman whose game excels in reliability rather than flash – he skates very well, with the mobility to defend tightly through the neutral zone and to be highly effective on down-low coverage in the defensive zone. His puck skills and first pass are strong, making him an excellent puck mover who can deceive oncoming forecheckers with a subtle look-away, and he showed comfort playing the offside on the top pairing while logging 21+ minutes this night. On the attack he is mobile enough on the blue line to create lanes and consistently get pucks through to the net, and he brings a willing physical element, engaging to help teammates when needed. Overall, Liske projects as a dependable top-four defenseman who impacts both ends of the ice.
Jaxon Pisani (D, L, 6’0″, 173, Everett Silvertips, 03/30/2009, Providence)
Game Rating
B
This player is a left-shot defenseman known for his efficient stride and good mobility. He excels at puck skills and puck management, often making smart, subtle plays in the defensive zone that help his team exit under pressure. His vision and playmaking instincts become evident when given space, and he demonstrates a composed game with limited ice time. However, early on, he sometimes struggles to decide between containing or attacking in the neutral zone.
1 Viewing
Comments: Pisani is a dependable young defenseman who logged roughly 12 minutes of even-strength ice time for the Silvertips and handled those minutes responsibly, considering they were the visitors, thus they could not get matchups. His skating and mobility are good, allowing him to pivot and gap well in transition which also allows him to handle some high-end speedy Rockets forwards. He consistently finishes his checks but does not play a heavy, physical game-rather, he relies on positioning and timing. As a puck-handler and mover he is reliable and prioritizes quick, safe exits over taking offensive risks, making him effective in breaking pressure when given space. Against the Rockets’ aggressive forecheck he showed some moments of vulnerability-tight, hard pressure forced hurried decisions and turnovers at times-so continued work on handling pressure and making cleaner reads under duress will be key for his next development step.
Mazden Leslie (D, R, 6’0″, 189, Kelowna Rockets, 04/15/2005)
Game Rating
B+
Mazden Leslie is a reliable two-way defenseman who consistently contributes across all three zones. He showcases improved timing and puck decision-making, allowing him to effectively join and lead rushes in both the defensive and offensive zones. Leslie’s strong passing skills enable him to transport the puck up ice efficiently, while his confident movement down the walls in the offense zone makes him a threat. Leslie also demonstrates a high level of physicality and playmaking ability, with excellent skating skills that allow him to navigate the ice seamlessly. His defensive responsibilities are handled effectively, but there is room for improvement in recognizing pressure in the defensive zone.
1 Viewing
Comments: Leslie logged nearly 23 minutes and was a driving two-way presence – quarterbacking the top power play while also playing key minutes on the penalty kill – delivering a composed, low-risk game focused on sound defending and smart puck movement. He defends hard against this skilled opponent, uses his physicality to finish checks and win battles in front of the net, and shows a knack for timing his jumps into the attack without compromising structure. Effective at diving down off the blue line into open ice to create outlets and sustain pressure, Leslie also provides consistent net-front pushback in scrums, making him a reliable matchup piece and special-teams asset.
Tomas Poletin (RW, L, 6’1″, 206, Kelowna Rockets, 04/30/2007)
Game Rating
B+
Poletin is a physical, skilled forward with a strong work ethic, consistently competing for pucks and creating scoring opportunities for his team. He excels at the net-front, displaying good instincts and a powerful shot that can be effective both on the move and from set-ups. Poletin’s skating skills are generally good, but he could benefit from refinement in terms of top-end speed and acceleration. He is reliable on both the power play and penalty kill, and his ability to drive offense off the net-front and into the scoresheet is a key asset for his team. Poletin’s compete level and two-way work are notable strengths, and he projects as a dependable secondary scoring winger who can provide net-front presence and physicality.
1 Viewing
Comments: Poletin played a quality, heavy game, using his physical presence to tilt battles in his team’s favor and logging nearly 19 minutes of ice time; he consistently moved his feet, created chaos for the Silvertips on the forecheck-getting in quickly, finishing hard on the body. His season numbers are good winning over 50% on the season. He competes through traffic to direct pucks to the net and is relentless searching for loose pucks around the crease, a trait that paid off here when he capitalized on a rebound for the Rockets’ lone goal on the power play, where he serves as a reliable net-front/bumper presence. Overall, Poletin’s physicality, board play, and net-front effectiveness make him a high-impact, role-driven player who consistently influences play in the dirty areas.
Tij Iginla (C, L, 6’0″, 191, Kelowna Rockets, 08/01/2006)
Game Rating
A-
Tij Iginla displayed a well-rounded skill set that makes him a valuable asset to the team. He possesses elite puck-protection skills, allowing him to quickly accelerate away from defenders and create scoring opportunities in tight spaces. His high-value plays are consistently made with excellent vision and puck handling. On offense, he showcases a strong release, patiently waiting for shooting lanes before unleashing lightning-quick wristers. Defensively, he is trusted on the top penalty kill and handles key situations with reliability. Iginla’s speed, mobility, and decision-making allow him to drive pace and create consistent chances for his team. He protects possession well in traffic, absorbs heavy contact, and quickly spins free to unleash a heavy, accurate shot at any moment. While there is room for improvement in certain areas, such as faceoff work, Iginla’s overall skill set makes him a game-driving forward who consistently influences play.
1 Viewing
Comments: Iginla was a high-energy, in your face presence in this game, leading the team with over 24 minutes of ice time and showing very good jump and relentless pursuit on loose pucks in the offensive zone; he battled hard for possession, finished checks physically, and consistently drove to the net while having 10 shot attempts, above his 7-shot season average. He won 62% of his faceoffs in this contest (55% on the season), moved his feet well in a tight checking game, and created value through work rate and physicality. The main limitation was his ability to gain clean entry – he was frequently pressured through the neutral zone by multiple opponents, allowing defenders to stay tight and forcing numerous dump-ins rather than maintaining possession on the attack. Overall, a strong effort with clear impact on possession battles and shot volume, but needs cleaner entries to convert his work rate into more sustained offensive danger.
Carson Wetsch (RW, R, 6’1″, 201, Kelowna Rockets, 05/04/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Carson Wetsch is a physically imposing player who provides a strong presence in the offensive zone. He is a reliable net-front scorer with good instincts, often finding ways to get into position for rebound goals or capitalize on loose pucks. Wetsch’s skating ability allows him to outwork opponents and create space for himself and his teammates. He is an effective two-way player who can contribute on both offense and defense. Wetsch has a strong work ethic and consistently delivers hard, physical minutes every shift. His vision and playmaking are also noteworthy, often setting up scoring chances with precise passes. Overall, Wetsch profiles as a power-forward/energy forward who provides physicality, net-front scoring, and special-teams value. He is a steady contributor for his team, bringing consistency and reliability to the ice every night.
1 Viewing
Comments: Wetsch stood out in this game as a physical presence, logging 20+…top-six forward minutes, on the top power-play while chipping in on the penalty kill; he set the tone early with physical, hard finishes that repeatedly unsettled the Silvertips defense. Strong on the body and relentless through traffic, he consistently drives defenders to rush their decisions, creating turnovers and faster clears; his net-front presence generated a glorious first-period chance and he finished the night with an above season average five shots on goal. Reliable on the PK-shows strong positioning and quick stick/body instincts to block lanes-and dependable on the top power play as the net-front specialist, Wetsch brings high compete, physicality and dependable two-way details that make him a matchup problem for opponents.
Dawson Gerwing (LW, L, 6’4″, 232, Kelowna Rockets, 07/12/2006)
Game Rating
B
Dawson Gerwing is a physically dominant left wing who thrives on his relentless forechecking and board work. He consistently pressures opposing defensemen, creates chaos at the net, and delivers punishing hits when in stride. While not the most skilled player, Gerwing’s compete level and ability to win battles for pucks make him a valuable asset to any team. His skating mechanics require refinement, but his physical presence and energy allow him to contribute positively on both forecheck and backcheck.
1 Viewing
Comments: Gerwing logged a solid 16+ minutes and provided a dependable net-front presence on the second power-play unit, showing strong competitive instincts and a willingness to do the dirty work; he consistently brings second- and third-effort on puck battles, attacks the forecheck quickly and finishes consistently very hard on the body. While not the smoothest skater, he moves effectively around the ice with decent top-end speed and displays reliable defensive awareness-responsible defensive zone coverage and a committed backcheck. Areas to clean up: he crossed the line a few times, taking avoidable penalties that put his team at a disadvantage, so tightening discipline would make him a more effective, consistent option.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images