The 2026 WHL Final got off to an electrifying start as the Prince Albert Raiders took Game 1 with a 4-2 victory over the Everett Silvertips. In a game that showcased the best of junior hockey, the Raiders rallied from a first-period deficit to seize control and set the tone for the series.
The turning point came in a dominant second period, where Prince Albert fired three goals past Everett goaltender Anders Miller. Justice Christensen delivered the decisive blow, netting the game-winner with just over two minutes left in the frame. That goal not only erased the Silvertips' early 1-0 lead but also gave the Raiders the momentum they needed to close out the win.
Between the pipes, the Raiders found their hero in goaltender Michal Orsulak. The 2026 draft prospect was nothing short of sensational, turning aside 39 of 41 shots—including a jaw-dropping 16 saves in that pivotal second period alone. Orsulak has been a wall throughout the playoffs, allowing just 37 goals on 346 shots, and his performance in Game 1 proved why he's one of the most talked-about netminders in the league.
Up front, Braeden Cootes led the offensive charge with a goal and an assist on four shots, earning him first-star honors. Jonah Sivertson also made his presence felt, lighting the lamp once while peppering the net with seven shots. Daxon Rudolph chipped in with an assist on the game-winner, rounding out a balanced attack that kept the Silvertips on their heels.
After the game, Raiders Head Coach Ryan McDonald praised his team's resilience. "I thought our guys came out fast, came out hard, pushed off the start," he said. "I thought our guys had a great response, really settled into the game, got to our habits, got to our details, and our puck decisions continued to get better as the game went on."
For the Silvertips, Julius Miettinen was a bright spot, recording a goal and an assist while winning 17 of 24 faceoffs. Carter Bear also found the back of the net, with Matias Vanhanen and Landon DuPont each adding an assist. Despite the loss, Everett showed flashes of the skill that carried them to the final, and they'll look to bounce back quickly.
The series continues with Game 2 on Saturday, May 9, at 6 pm PT. The Raiders will aim to head home with a commanding 2-0 lead, while the Silvertips will be determined to even the score. All games are broadcast on Victory+ and TSN, so hockey fans won't want to miss a moment of this thrilling championship showdown.