Matias Vanhanen leads the Silvertips with three goals and five points through three games at the 2026 Memorial Cup after the CHL import draft selection.
From Distributor to Shooter
The Silvertips selected Vanhanen 31st overall in the 2025 CHL import draft from HIFK Helsinki’s U-20 squad. He recorded only seven goals in his first 31 WHL games before the world juniors. After returning he finished with 21 regular-season goals in 62 games plus 12 more in 18 playoff games.
Vanhanen described the change directly: he stopped passing as much and began shooting more while still trying to make plays. The shift produced a clear statistical contrast between the first half and the second half of his rookie campaign.
Everett reached the WHL championship behind the forward’s improved finishing. The 18-year-old now ranks tied for fourth all-time among Finnish players for points in a single Memorial Cup tournament.
Hamilton’s Targeted Coaching
Coach Steve Hamilton worked repeatedly with Vanhanen in the second half of the season on shooting more often. Hamilton noted that the forward is slick with the puck and already excellent at distributing but needed confidence to rip shots himself.
The even-keeled personality of the Finnish prospect allowed him to absorb the adjustments without visible frustration. Hamilton called him a huge part of the team once the new approach took hold.
The results validated the coaching intervention as Vanhanen posted 21 goals after the calendar turned to 2026.
Line Chemistry and Off-Ice Support
Vanhanen benefited from playing alongside fellow Finn Julius Miettinen and Detroit prospect Carter Bear. The trio helped lead Everett to the WHL title. Miettinen provided both on-ice chemistry and off-ice guidance during the adjustment to North America.
Vanhanen credited Miettinen for helping him in multiple areas and expressed gratitude for the partnership. The combination produced immediate Memorial Cup production with five points already secured in three round-robin games.
The Silvertips enter the semifinal against Chicoutimi after a 2-1 round-robin record and a prior 5-3 win over the same opponent. Vanhanen remains focused on team success rather than personal totals despite the early statistical success.
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.