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EVERETT — The Everett Silvertips’ roster will feature a historic player looking to make his mark in the league this season.
Prior to this spring’s Western Hockey League (WHL) Draft, 15-year-old Landon Dupont from Calgary, Alberta, became just the second player in the league’s history to be given Exceptional Status, which allows the defenseman to play full time in the league, which features players aged 16 to 20. Regina Pats alum and current National Hockey League (NHL) star Connor Bedard was the WHL’s first Exceptional Player in 2020.
The Everett Silvertips kicked off its 2024-2025 regular season Sept. 21 with a game against the Vancouver Giants.
Dupont made his debut that game, skating to impress. Despite not scoring, he did help set up a goal with his first WHL assist in the season opener.
For Dupont, joining the Silvertips is the thrill of a lifetime.
“It means a lot to be here (in Everett),” Dupont said. “I’ve been working my whole life for this moment, so for it to finally happen in such a cool atmosphere with all those great fans and such a great team, it’s amazing for it to all come true.”
Dupont is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound defenseman who spent last year racking up 19 goals and 43 assists in just 30 games with Edge School (Calgary, Alberta) on their Under-18 Prep team in the esteemed Canadian Sport School Hockey League.
Dupont recalls the feeling of being granted exceptional status to join a league team.
“I was excited to be granted exceptional status, but I didn’t know what team I was going to. Once I found out it was Everett, I was super pumped and couldn’t wait to get going,” he said.
“I want fans to know that I’m going to work my hardest and do whatever I can to help the team win. And do it with a smile on my face, too. They’ll always get that from me,” said Dupont.
The Everett Silvertips play at Angel of the Winds Arena in downtown Everett. The WHL features some of the brightest prospects in the world, with many going on to play at the pro level in the NHL and abroad.
