JP HURLBERT BRINGS CONFIDENCE AND SCORING TOUCH TO BLAZERS
By Colton Davies – Follow Colton on X
It had been speculated for almost two months that one of the top American forwards in JP Hurlbert was going to be coming to the Kamloops Blazers.
Finally, last week, the Blazers made the signing official. Hurlbert, who is a Michigan University commit for the 2026-27 season, left the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP) to come to the WHL and pursue his chance of getting selected in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft.
During the 2024-25 season, Hurlbert notched 16 goals and 15 assists for 31 points in 34 USHL games. He also added 37 points in 56 games with the USNTDP. With Hurlbert’s eyes now set on this upcoming WHL season, I had the chance to speak with him one-on-one.
When the chance came for Hurbert to join the Blazers, it was a tough decision, but one that he is already happy about. “Kamloops is such a great organization, and when the opportunity came, it just felt right,” Hurlbert said. “I’m really happy to be here.”
The 17-year-old forward brings skill and confidence to a Blazers team that has set its sights on the postseason. Having developed in the USHL, Hurlbert knows the transition to the WHL will come with adjustments, particularly in adapting to the pace and building chemistry with new teammates.
“The USHL is a big, physical league, and the WHL is the same way,” he explained. “But here it’s new teammates, new systems, you’ve got to build chemistry quickly. The focus is on playing fast and scoring a lot of goals.”
Hurlbert’s favourite player in the NHL is New Jersey Devils forward Jack Hughes, a player who draws similarities to Hurlbert’s game. “I’ve always loved Jack Hughes,” Hurlbert said. “He’s fast, can score and pass, he’s a great skater, and he creates time and space. That’s something I really admire.”
Now, his focus is squarely on helping the Blazers return to playoff contention. “As a team, the expectation is to make the playoffs,” he said. “Talking to a lot of the guys, especially the older players, we really believe in each other and in the room. We think this is the year to make a run.”
For fans just getting to know him, Hurlbert highlights his ability to shoot the puck as his biggest weapon. “I’d say my shot,” he said. “I can score from pretty much anywhere in the offensive zone. I love shooting the puck; it takes confidence, and that’s something I try to bring.”
Settling into Kamloops has been made easy for Hurlbert by the likes of veterans Ryan Michael and captain Jordan Keller. “Honestly, everybody’s been great, the staff, the people in town,” he said. “The leadership group has been especially good, welcoming me in. But it’s the whole locker room. It’s a really special group.”
As the Blazers look ahead to the 2025–26 season, Hurlbert is eager to prove himself and contribute in a big way.
