The 205 WHL Final has been set as the Spokane Chiefs will battle the Medicine Hat Tigers. For Spokane, this will be their first trip to the final since 2008, when they captured their second Memorial Cup. Overall, it is safe to say that the Chiefs dominated throughout the post-season, as they went 12-3-0 while outscoring their opposition 85-59.
Overall, Spokane has built a strong roster, but it will take a group effort to defeat the Tigers in this year's final. While most of the attention will be on Andrew Cristall, Berkly Catton and Shea Van Olm in this series, others will need to step up in order to propel the Chiefs to the 2025 Memorial Cup. With this in mind, here is a look at four players from Spokane to watch during this series.
Dawson Cowan
Goaltender Dawson Cowan needs to be a difference-maker if the Chiefs are going to win the WHL Final. Through his first 14 games, he has posted a record of 12-2, but has given up at least four goals in eight straight games. Overall, this series has the potential to be high-scoring, which means Cowan will potentially need to steal a game or two to help Spokane advance.
Rasmus Ekström
Rasmus Ekström has stepped up in a major way for the Chiefs this post-season. He has 12 points in 15 games and has won at least 50% of his draws in two of his last three outings. A force on the power play with four goals so far, Ekström's ability to produce on the man advantage will be key during this series.
Mathis Preston
Mathis Preston has been phenomenal so far in the playoffs. The 2026 NHL draft-eligible forward has 14 points in 15 games and leads all rookies in the WHL with eight goals. If Preston can keep up his 3.6 shots per game average, he should have no problem racking up points in the WHL Finals.
Brayden Crampton
A key name on the blue line to watch is defenceman Brayden Crampton. After posting 71 points in the regular season, Crampton has kept up his production with 12 points in 15 playoff games. A key member of the power play, Crampton's ability to run the point and be a facilitator will be crucial throughout this series.
The 2025 WHL Final is scheduled to begin on Friday, May 9. Medicine Hat will have home ice advantage, with Games 3, 4 and 5 being played in Spokane. The winner will head to Rimouski, Quebec, to compete for the 2025 Memorial Cup.
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