The WHL Final is heating up, and the Everett Silvertips have grabbed a 2-1 series lead over the Prince Albert Raiders thanks to a gritty 3-2 win on Tuesday. Leading the charge for Everett is none other than Carter Bear, the Detroit Red Wings' first-round pick (15th overall) in 2025. Bear is proving he fits perfectly into Detroit's vision of becoming a tougher, harder-to-play-against team. He's not just putting up points—though his two assists in Game 3 certainly helped—but he's also agitating opponents and creating chaos on the ice. Through 16 playoff games, Bear has racked up six goals and 15 assists for 21 points, boasting an impressive plus-21 rating. If the Silvertips can win two more games, they'll punch their ticket to the Memorial Cup.
Meanwhile, the Red Wings are keeping a close eye on their future roster. Defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker has earned a shot at competing for a spot in Detroit's defensive mix next season, though he'll still need to battle for ice time. Captain Dylan Larkin continues to be a driving force for the Wings, but the team is looking for even more from their leader. In the crease, goalie prospect Michal Postava has played his way into contention for a roster spot next year.
Over in the QMJHL Final, Detroit goalie prospect Rudy Guimond and his Moncton Wildcats find themselves down 2-1 after a controversial 6-5 overtime loss to Chicoutimi. The game ended in dramatic fashion when replay officials ruled the puck crossed the line for the winning goal—a call that left many scratching their heads. Watch the replay and decide for yourself.
In the USHL, Brent Solomon's Sioux Falls Stampede are heading to the Clark Cup Final after a thrilling 3-2 Game 5 win over the Fargo Force. They'll face the Muskegon Lumberjacks for the championship. Solomon has been a key contributor with four goals and two assists in 10 playoff games.
Elsewhere in the hockey world, Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy will serve a six-game suspension at the start of the 2026-27 NHL season. And out in Colorado, Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland is up for the Jim Gregory Award as the league's top general manager, going up against Minnesota's Bill Guerin.