Memorial Cup: How NHL Draft Prospect Matias Vanhanen Unlocked His Dangerous Scoring
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.
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Another advantage Vanhanen has had this year is playing with fellow countrymen and Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen. Along with Detroit Red Wings prospect Carter Bear, the trio led Everett to a WHL championship.
For Vanhanen, having someone like Miettinen by his side has been beneficial not only on the ice but also off it.
"He's (such a) good player, so whatever he does, he does it well, said Vanhanen. "He helped me a lot on and off the ice. So it's been awesome to meet him and know him and play with him. So, can be thankful for him."
With five points through three games, Vanhanen has already had one of the most successful Memorial Cup tournaments by a Finnish player. He currently ranks tied for fourth all-time with San Jose Sharks prospect Kasper Halttunen for most points in a single tournament by a player from Finland. While he has a way to go before matching Pentti Lund's record of eight points, Vanhanen is more focused on team results than on his own stats.
"You always want to score and help the team, so that gets me more confident," said Vanhanen. "But, you know, I don't care about points that much. Just like helping the team win."
After going 2-1 in their round-robin, the Silvertips will face the Chicoutimi Sagueneens in Friday's semifinal.
Everett has already beaten Chicoutimi 5-3 on the second day of the Memorial Cup. A win on Friday would send the Silvertips to the Memorial Cup final, where they would face the Kitchener Rangers.
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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 10:30 AM.