A look at some squads that have gone above and beyond in the 2024-25 season.
With playoffs looming, and teams already beginning to reserve their spots, THN looks at three Eastern Conference teams that may have surprised some people, relative to our preview of them in September.
Everett Silvertips
Team Preview
Yes, Everett was a very good team (great, even) in the 2023-24 season. With that said, getting swept by the mighty Portland Winterhawks in round two of the playoffs left a bad taste in mouths of fans and team personnel alike. Over the summer, the Silvertips went out and got themselves more firepower-some of it from an unlikely place- and have bolstered their already top tier roster. Exceptional status defender Landon DuPont has been stellar in his first WHL season, and goaltender Jesse Sanche is embodying a brick wall between the pipes. Everett has all the tools to rebound after their last playoff exit, and make a run to the 2025 finals.
Spokane Chiefs
Team Preview
Snagging the final Western playoff spot last season lead some to believe that the Chiefs would make a small step in 2024-25, but instead Spokane took about two or three large ones. As mentioned in the preview, there was a chance that the Chiefs would be buyers at the trade deadline; Andrew Cristall is a monumental purchase, and has gelled immediately with top forward and captain Berkly Catton. Winners of seven of their last 10 and in a tight race for second in the West, Spokane has made themselves a real threat for a deep playoff run.
Victoria Royals
Team Preview
Statistically, this is the best Royals team since their 50-win campaign in 2015-16 but have yet to pass the second round of the postseason in their existence. However, there are plenty of reasons to be excited: Top 2025 NHL Draft prospect Cole Reschny leading the team with 72 points, new addition Markus Loponen making an immediate impact, and 2008-born Keaton Verhoeff quickly becoming one of the top defenders in not only his class, but the entire WHL. If the Royals keep this up, it will be a tight race right to the end of the season.
Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.
Standouts From Week 20 Of The 2024-25 WHL Season
Three WHL Teams That Have Exceeded Expectations: Eastern Conference
Everett Silvertips Become First Team To Clinch 2025 Playoff Spot
Bowling Green State University Is Slowly Turning Into WHL U
Which WHLer Will Hit 100 Points First In 2024-25
