Blades forward Williams commits to University of North Dakota following WHL eligibility
Saskatoon, SK – Saskatoon Blades forward Cooper Williams has committed to the University of North Dakota Men’s Hockey Team following his tenure in the Western Hockey League (WHL).
“I’m very excited and honoured to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic journey at the University of North Dakota,” said Williams, “Thank you to my family, friends, teammates, coaches, advisor, and everyone else who have helped me along the way. Thank you to the Saskatoon Blades for my development so far. I can’t wait to get back to Saskatoon and win a title with the Blades.”
The commitment marks another accolade in a stellar first year for the 2008-born centre. The 2026 NHL draft-eligible forward was named an Eastern Conference finalist for WHL Rookie of the Year, received two WHL Rookie of the Week nominations throughout the season, and was named the league’s top rookie for March.
Williams was at the forefront of the Blades’ young core, helping the Bridge City Bunch qualify for a sixth consecutive postseason. The Calgary, AB native finished second in WHL rookie scoring with 21 goals and 36 assists for 57 points. Williams was the only Blade besides 20-year-old defenceman Grayden Siepmann to appear in all 68 games and finished with the second-best +/- on the team at +19. The 6-foot forward’s point total was the third-most by a Blades rookie in the last 25 years and led all 2008-born WHL players.
The left-handed shot set the tone early with a seven-game point streak to begin his WHL career. Williams scored four goals and six assists through that span, helping the Blades to a 5-1-1-0 start. Fans got a glimpse of what was to come for the 16-year-old forward in the team’s home opener on September 21 at SaskTel Centre, scoring his first career WHL goal along with two assists in a 9-3 win against the Swift Current Broncos.
In 37 games following the Christmas break, Williams led the way offensively with 15 goals and 20 assists in 37 games. The rookie’s efforts helped the Blades be within one win of the East Division championship in the final game of the regular season.
The Blades second-round (41st overall) pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft averaged half a point-per-game in his first taste of WHL playoff action. Williams recorded two helpers through four games in Round 1 against the Calgary Hitmen.
