WHL Final tied at 1-1 after Everett Silvertips pummel PA Raiders in Game 2

The Everett Silvertips tied the series 1-1 against the Prince Albert Raiders. Game 3 is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 in Prince Albert. (Evan Morud/Everett Silvertips)

The Everett Silvertips have tied the series up after a dominating 6-2 win over the Prince Albert Raiders in Game 2 of the WHL Championship.

The Silvertips’ win was spearheaded by a four-point performance from Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen, who had three assists.

“It was certainly a very important game tonight,” said Everett head coach Steve Hamilton in a WHL news release.

“We responded. I liked the directness of the game and how we played. They’re obviously a dangerous team so to get an early lead – I thought they had a pretty strong push in the second period – but we steadied the ship and had a good third [period].

“It was by design what we were trying to accomplish tonight. Guys were definitely dialled into that. There was a directness and a much better net presence than we had 24 hours earlier.”

The Silvertips got on the scoreboard just 3:20 into the first period and didn’t let up, scoring twice more until Prince Albert finally answered in the second.

Both teams scored once in the second period, but Everett was able to put Prince Albert Away in the third, outscoring them 2-1 the rest of the game.

“The scoreboard said 3-0 after the first period, but there was lots to like about our start,” said Raiders head coach Ryan McDonald.

“We came out quick, we had some opportunities, had pucks to the middle of the ice and just didn’t get them off our sticks quick enough. Again, we pushed the pace and they came back and capitalized on some of the opportunities they had. We continued to build as the game went on.”

Defenceman Kayd Ruedig (one goal, two assists), forward Carter Bear (two goals), forward Rylan Gould (one goal), forward Jesse Heslop (one goal) also scored goals for Everett.

Prince Albert’s goals came from centre Justice Christensen and defenceman Brock Cripps. Defenceman Daxon Rudolph also had two assists for the Raiders.

“That was something else tonight, I’ve never heard this place that loud,” Miettinen said.

Bear said the Silvertips started the day with a fresh mindset after losing Game 1.

“Everyone came in not down on their self. It’s a fresh day, new day, new game. That was our mindset going into the morning. I love the effort from the group and obviously the result is what we needed.”

Game 3 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12 at Prince Albert’s Art Hauser Centre.