Kayd Ruedig’s first goal of the 2026 Memorial Cup was an unexpectedly timely one.
The Humboldt-raised defenceman sifted a wobbling wrist shot off the half-wall just past Kelowna Rockets goalie – and former Moose Jaw Warrior – Josh Banini to give the Everett Silvertips a 1-0 lead Wednesday night at Kelowna’s Prospera Place.
It also turned out to be the only goal the Silvertips needed as they went on to a 4-0 win, earning a spot in Friday’s national major junior hockey semifinal against the Chicoutimi Sagueneens.
Twenty-five seconds after Ruedig scored, former Regina Pats forward Jaxsin Vaughan set up teammate Jaxon Pisani for the Tips’ second goal, both between the seven and eight-minute marks of the first period.
Another Everett goal 1:03 into the second period chased Banini from the Rockets’ goal, and Ruedig added an assist on Carter Bear’s goal with just under seven minutes to play in the third period.
Vaughan also found his way into the penalty side of the ledger twice in the third period, first on a tripping call 3:34 into the final frame and again on an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty as time expired.
Fellow ex-Pat Zackary Shantz was also penalized for tripping, his infraction whistled with 20 seconds left in the second period, but Kelowna was unable to capitalize on any of its four power plays in the game.
Puck drop for Friday’s semifinal is scheduled for 6 p.m., with the winner to face the Ontario Hockey League-champion Kitchener Rangers in Sunday’s gold medal game.
