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AdamKierszenblat@THNew profile imagefeatured creator badge

KELOWNA, B.C.- There are many ways to build a successful CHL team. 

While some focus on the draft-and-develop method, others use their picks to acquire some of their league's top talent via trades. One method that has worked well this year for the WHL's Everett Silvertips is the CHL import draft, which allowed them to add Matias Vanhanen to their lineup.

The Silvertips selected Vanhanen 31st overall in the 2025 CHL import draft. The 2026 NHL draft prospect was playing for HIFK Helsinki's U-20 squad before making the jump to North America. The move has paid off for Everett and Vanhanen as the 18-year-old leads the Silvertips with three goals and five points through three games at the 2026 Memorial Cup.

Matias Vanhanen did not have an ideal start to his WHL career after moving from Finland. His Everett Silvertips coach and his Finnish teammate helped the NHL draft prospect become a strong scorer.
thehockeynews.comMemorial Cup: How NHL Draft Prospect Matias Vanhanen Unlocked His Dangerous ScoringMatias Vanhanen did not have an ideal start to his WHL career after moving from Finland. His Everett Silvertips coach and his Finnish teammate helped the NHL draft prospect become a strong scorer.

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