Victoria Royals vs Tri-City Americans (Photo Credit: Tri-City Americans) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/a1393c48-6395-42ac-a577-0dc31c6d6849.jpeg] Victoria Royals vs Tri-City Americans (Photo Credit: Tri-City Americans) The first-round matchups in the Western Conference are set for the 2025 WHL Playoffs. This year's first round will feature four intriguing series, including one of the best rivalries in the U.S. Division. Here is a quick preview of which teams will be facing off next week. 1) Everett Silvertips vs 8) Seattle Thunderbirds: WHL fans in Everett and Seattle will be spoiled in the first round as the Silvertips and Thunderbirds are set to do battle. This rivalry is intense not just on the ice but in the stands, as these are two passionate fan bases that care deeply about junior hockey. With the two arenas separated by an hour's drive, fans will no doubt be travelling for every game of this series. 2) Victoria Royals vs 7) Tri-City Americans: Victoria versus Tri-City is a great example of high-end offence versus strong and physical defence. The Royals boast one of the best young cores in the WHL, while the Americans have some of the hardest-hitting players who will be looking to make life difficult on a nightly basis. Overall, this should be an exciting matchup that could come down to special teams. 3) Spokane Chiefs vs Vancouver Giants: Spokane versus Vancouver has the potential to be a highlight-reel series. The Chiefs have one of the best lines in the CHL with Andrew Cristall, Berkly Catton and Shea Van Olm, while the Giants have Burke Hood in net, who has allowed one goal or fewer in five of his last six games. Ultimately, this series should be fun to watch as it will create plenty of moments that need to be rewatched. 4) Prince George Cougars vs Portland Winterhawks: This year's first round will feature a rematch of the Western Final from 2024. Just like last year's playoff matchup, the Winterhawks won the season series and will be looking for a similar result come the 2025 WHL Playoffs. The question is, can Portland continue its dominance, or will Prince George be able to get some revenge by moving on to the second round? Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. Victoria Royals Crowned 2025 B.C. Division Champions [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/victoria-royals-crowned-2025-bc-division-champions] WHL & Victory+ Announce Historic New Streaming Deal [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/whl-victory-announce-historic-new-streaming-deal] Hitmen Goaltender Daniel Hauser Breaks League Wins Record [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/hitmen-goaltender-daniel-hauser-breaks-league-wins-record] The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/cf6644be-a966-4c2b-9b5b-6488cb6a8349.jpeg] The Hockey News
