The ice is down, training camps are underway, and anticipation is building across the Western Hockey League. With the addition of the Penticton Vees, 23 teams now enter the 2025–26 season with hope, hunger, and high expectations.

Nowhere is that more evident than in the Puget Sound area, where both the Seattle Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips have big aspirations—and even bigger spotlights—heading into the fall.

T-Birds vs. Tips rivalry should heat up

Last season’s battles between Seattle and Everett were tighter and more intense than they’ve been in recent years.

Yes, Everett (49–15–3–1 in 2024–25) owned the season series by winning six of eight—and the playoff series—but when Seattle (32–33–2–1) found its stride in the second half of the year, it felt like Everett got the brunt of their surge.

Don’t be surprised if this rivalry reaches another level in 2025–26, especially with what feels like more even rosters. Speaking of which…

Time ticking in Everett: DuPont’s second act

It’s Year 2 of the Landon DuPont Era in Everett—and the clock is already ticking on his junior career. DuPont dazzled in his first WHL season, living up to the hype by winning the 2025 CHL Rookie of the Year Award. His poise and talent are undeniable, but Everett knows these are the years they have to capitalize on his elite talent.

This year’s team should be on par with recent rosters. The key now is injury management. There’s still a lingering “what if” since Carter Bear’s draft year last season—he was lighting up the scoresheet before a torn Achilles cut his season short, though he was still drafted No. 13 overall by the Detroit Red Wings. Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen also missed time after getting hurt at the World Junior Championship with Finland. Injuries have been a theme in Everett.

Although they did finish with the best regular-season record in 2024–25, the Tips were knocked out in Round 2—again—by their rivals, the Portland Winterhawks—again.

With more roster consistency and health, maybe this can finally be the year head coach Steve Hamilton’s group breaks through and goes on a deeper playoff run.

I had the chance to check out Tips training camp on Friday afternoon, which fielded an intensely competitive atmosphere. Returning players like Cole Temple and Lukas Kaplan were names that made their presence known.

Also, keep an eye on some of the young emerging talent like ‘09 forward Mirco Dufour or ‘08 defenseman Cameron Dillard.

Braeden Cootes: The face of the Seattle franchise

While it may be less than ideal for Seattle hockey fans to watch a Canucks first-rounder blossom here, I just can’t get enough of Braeden Cootes.

Still the youngest active captain in the WHL, even after a full year, the 18-year-old led the T-Birds in assists and points in 2024–25. His two-way game and leadership make him a cornerstone piece to watch for the T-Birds this year.

“He’s got the high hockey IQ, the 200-foot game, really cares about his own end, and the intangibles you need,” said head coach Matt O’Dette. “These NHL teams want guys who can win games in crunch time — and he’s that guy.”

T-Bird time: Seattle poised for a surge

Finally, it looks like the pendulum is swinging in the right direction in Kent.

After spending the early months of last season well beneath the .500 threshold and in last place in the Western Conference, looking like they were on their way to another dud of a season, the T-Birds surged in the second half and jumped three spots to make the playoffs as the No. 8 seed.

With the talents of Cootes, Radim Mrtka, and Ashton Cumby coming off being drafted into the NHL, along with depth forwards like Antonio Martorana and Matej Pekar looking to take the next step, it sure does look like a strong year is in store at accesso ShoWare Center.

Kelowna to host the Memorial Cup

The 2026 Memorial Cup will be hosted by Kelowna, adding even more urgency for WHL contenders—especially those in the Western Conference. Could a Puget Sound team make the trip? And if so, would that team have a chance to win it all?

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This WHL season feels wide open, especially with the likes of generational talent Gavin McKenna leaving Medicine Hat and taking his talents to the NCAA and Penn State. There’s no obvious frontrunner now, and both Seattle and Everett are stocked with talent and motivation.

Whether it’s the leadership of Cootes, the brilliance of DuPont, or the rising stars across both teams, there’s plenty of reason for hockey fans in the Sound to be excited. It will all be made even more exciting now that you can watch every game for free on Victory Plus.

Strap in—it’s going to be a fun season.

Header Photo Courtesy of Brian Liesse and the Seattle Thunderbirds