DuPont scores twice as Everett beats Chicoutimi 6-1

Everett Silvertips defenceman Landon DuPont delivered a dominant performance in his return from injury, scoring two goals to lead his team to a 6-1 victory over the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in the Memorial Cup semifinal on Friday in Kelowna. The win sends the Western Hockey League champions to Sunday’s final against the Ontario Hockey League champion Kitchener Rangers.

DuPont, who celebrated his 17th birthday on Thursday and had missed Everett’s previous game with an undisclosed injury, opened the scoring by sniping a shot top corner to give Everett a 2-1 first-period lead. He added a second goal on a one-timer during a second-period power play, providing crucial insurance in the decisive victory. The projected top prospect for the 2027 NHL Draft was named the game’s first star.

Silvertips head coach Steve Hamilton said he trusted DuPont’s assessment that he was ready to play, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Hamilton noted that DuPont’s return provided a significant boost to the team’s special teams and overall play. DuPont expressed his eagerness to return to the lineup, stating he hated watching from the crowd and that scoring early felt like a relief.