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Carels, Reid, and Dagenais named finalists for CHL’s 2025-26 Top Draft Prospect Award

Cole Waldie — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:08:45 +0000

Carson Carels of the Prince George Cougars (WHL), Chase Reid of the Soo Greyhounds (OHL), and Maddox Dagenais of the Québec Remparts (QMJHL) have been named finalists for the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award presented by Kubota Canada, given annually to the top CHL player eligible for the upcoming NHL Draft. The recipient will be announced on Monday, June 15, during the 2026 CHL Awards ceremony in Toronto, Ont. Over the years, the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award has been won by many great players including Joe Thornton (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), Vincent Lecavalier (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), Patrick Kane (London Knights / OHL), Steven Stamkos (Sarnia Sting / OHL), Connor McDavid (Erie Otters / OHL), Alexis Lafrenière (Rimouski Océanic / QMJHL), Connor Bedard (Regina Pats / WHL), Cayden Lindstrom (Medicine Hat Tigers / WHL), and most recently Matthew Schaefer (Erie Otters / OHL). WHL Nominee — Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars) 20G-53A, 73 PTS, +23 in 58 GP during the 2025-26 season Ranked No. 3 among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft, Carson Carels continued to establish himself as one of the premier draft-eligible defencemen in the Canadian Hockey League. The 17-year-old from Cypress River, Man., was also named a finalist for the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as WHL Defenceman of the Year after a standout season on the Prince George blue line. Carels recorded 73 points, including 20 goals and 53 assists, in 58 regular season games, the second-highest single-season point total by a defenceman in Cougars history. If selected, Carels would add another first to his standout season by becoming the first Prince George Cougars player to win the CHL Top Draft Prospect Award. His 73 points tied for fourth among all WHL blueliners, while he was one of only six WHL defencemen to reach the 20-goal mark. His season also featured a 17-game point streak, tied for the fourth-longest by any WHL player in 2025-26. A dynamic puck mover with strong skating ability and offensive creativity, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound left-shot defenceman played a key role in helping the Cougars remain among the WHL’s top teams. Carels also represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge and was named captain of Team West at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game, where he recorded four assists. Originally selected by Prince George in the first round, 16th overall, of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Carels has accumulated 111 points, including 26 goals and 85 assists, in 125 career WHL regular season games. OHL Nominee — Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds) 18G-30A, 48 PTS, +27 in 45 GP during the 2025-26 season Ranked No. 2 among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft, Chase Reid enters the draft as the highest-ranked current CHL skater. The 18-year-old defenceman from Chesterfield, Mich., enjoyed an outstanding season with the Soo Greyhounds, producing at better than a point-per-game pace with 48 points, including 18 goals and 30 assists, in 45 regular season games. He was also named a finalist for the Max Kaminsky Trophy, awarded annually to the OHL Defenceman of the Year. A win for Reid would give the Greyhounds their second CHL Top Draft Prospect Award recipient, following Joe Thornton, who captured the honour in 1996-97. Reid was the only first-year draft-eligible defenceman in the OHL — and one of just six across the CHL — to average at least a point per game during the 2025-26 season. Although he missed the final 17 games of the regular season due to injury, he made an impact upon returning, recording six points, including three goals and three assists, in eight playoff games. A gifted skater with high-end offensive instincts and the ability to play significant minutes in all situations, Reid earned recognition in four categories in the annual OHL Coaches Poll. He was voted the Western Conference’s Best Offensive Defenceman while also receiving recognition for Best Skater, Best Shot, and Best Defensive Defenceman. Reid also represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, where he scored once in two games, and represented the United States at the 2026 World Junior Championship, recording four points in five games. QMJHL Nominee — Maddox Dagenais (Québec Remparts) 30G-32A, 62 PTS, +/- NA in 62 GP during the 2025-26 season Ranked No. 15 among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft, Maddox Dagenais continued his rise as one of the QMJHL’s premier young forwards during the 2025-26 season. The 6-foot-4, 196-pound centre from Montréal, Que., took a major step forward in his second season with the Québec Remparts, recording 62 points, including 30 goals and 32 assists, in 62 regular season games. After being limited by injury during his rookie campaign, Dagenais more than doubled his production from a year ago, when he finished with 26 points. Should Dagenais earn the award, he would become the first Québec Remparts player to be named the CHL’s Top Draft Prospect. Dagenais finished as Québec’s second-leading scorer while leading the Remparts with 10 power-play goals and 25 power-play points. His 273 shots on goal also ranked fourth in the QMJHL, further underlining his ability to generate chances and drive offence. Selected first overall in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft, Dagenais followed in the footsteps of his father, former NHL forward Pierre Dagenais, who was also a first-overall pick in the QMJHL. Throughout the season, Maddox showcased the size, skill, puck protection, and finishing ability that have made him one of the top prospects available for the 2026 NHL Draft. Dagenais also represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, where he was one of four QMJHL players selected for the event and recorded one assist. He also stood out at the QMJHL Prospects Game, scoring in regulation before adding the shootout winner. His continued development has solidified his status as one of the most promising young power forwards in the Canadian Hockey League.

Ravensbergen, Fetterolf, and Guimond named finalists for CHL’s 2025-26 Goaltender of the Year

Cole Waldie — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:08:32 +0000

Joshua Ravensbergen of the Prince George Cougars (WHL), Ryder Fetterolf of the Ottawa 67’s (OHL), and Rudy Guimond of the Moncton Wildcats (QMJHL) have been named the three finalists for the CHL Goaltender of the Year Award, presented annually to the top goaltender in the Canadian Hockey League. The finalists for the award are determined by the recipients of each Member League’s top goaltender honour, including the WHL’s Del Wilson Memorial Trophy, the OHL’s Jim Rutherford Trophy, and the QMJHL’s Patrick-Roy Trophy. The recipient of the CHL Goaltender of the Year Award will be announced at the 2026 CHL Awards ceremony on Monday, June 15, in Toronto, Ont. Over the years, the CHL Goaltender of the Year Award has been won by many sttandout netminders, including Trevor Kidd (Brandon Wheat Kings / WHL), Jocelyn Thibault (Sherbrooke Faucons / QMJHL), Martin Biron (Beauport Harfangs / QMJHL), Ray Emery (Soo Greyhounds / OHL), Cam Ward (Red Deer Rebels / WHL), Carey Price (Tri-City Americans / WHL), Jake Allen (Drummondville Voltigeurs / QMJHL), Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips / WHL), William Rousseau (Rouyn-Noranda Huskies / QMJHL), and most recently Jackson Parsons (Kitchener Rangers / OHL). WHL Nominee — Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars) 32-13-0-0 record, 2.51 GAA, .919 SV% & 4 SO in 46 GP during the 2025-26 season Joshua Ravensbergen became the first Prince George Cougars goaltender to capture the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy, and just the third netminder in franchise history to earn the honour, joining Grant Fuhr (1980-81) and Kevin Eastman (1979-80), who accomplished the feat while the franchise was located in Victoria. The San Jose Sharks prospect finished the 2025-26 WHL season with a 32-13-0-0 record, a 2.51 goals-against average, a .919 save percentage, and four shutouts. The 6-foot-6, 195-pound netminder from North Vancouver, B.C., ranked first in the WHL in both wins and save percentage, tied for second in shutouts, and placed fourth in goals-against average Named to the WHL Western Conference First All-Star Team, Ravensbergen helped Prince George record a third consecutive 40-win season, as the Cougars finished third in the WHL’s Western Conference with a 44-22-0-2 record. In 25 of his 46 appearances, Ravensbergen allowed two goals or fewer, while three of his four shutouts came on the road. Undrafted into the WHL, Ravensbergen has become one of the league’s top goaltending stories over the last three seasons. He owns a 91-30-4-2 record, a 2.68 goals-against average, a .909 save percentage, and 10 shutouts across 135 career WHL regular-season appearances. Selected 30th overall by San Jose in the 2025 NHL Draft, Ravensbergen also represented Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, helping his country earn a bronze medal Should he win the CHL honour, Ravensbergen would become the first Prince George Cougars player to capture the CHL Goaltender of the Year Award. OHL Nominee — Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67's) 29-9-2-1 record, 2.07 GAA, .923 SV% & 6 SO in 41 GP during the 2025-26 season Signed by Ottawa as an undrafted free agent last summer, Ryder Fetterolf quickly emerged as one of the OHL’s top goaltenders during a historic rookie campaign with the 67’s. The 18-year-old from Sewickley, Pennsylvania, finished the regular season with a 29-9-2-1 record, a franchise-record 2.07 goals-against average, and a CHL-leading .923 save percentage. His six shutouts also set a new OHL record for the most by a rookie goaltender in a single season. Fetterolf’s 2.07 goals-against average led the CHL and stands as the fifth-lowest single-season mark by an OHL goaltender in league history. It also ranks as the second-best single-season GAA ever recorded by an OHL rookie, behind only Ryan MacDonald of the London Knights, who posted a 2.06 mark in 2003-04. By also leading the CHL in save percentage, Fetterolf became just the second rookie since 1997-98 to top the league in both goals-against average and save percentage while playing at least 40 per cent of his team’s minutes and more than 1,600 minutes. The only other rookie to accomplish that feat over that span was Evan Gardner of the Saskatoon Blades in 2023-24. Fetterolf earned OHL Rookie of the Month honours in October before later being named both the league’s top rookie and top goaltender for the month of March. He also shared the Dave Pinkney Trophy with Jaeden Nelson as the OHL’s lowest goals-against tandem and received the F.W. “Dinty” Moore Trophy as the rookie goaltender with the league’s lowest goals-against average. Fetterolf became just the second Ottawa 67’s goaltender to win the Jim Rutherford Trophy, joining Craig Hillier, who earned the honour in 1995-96. He is also the first American-born goaltender to receive the award since Alex Nedeljkovic of the Plymouth Whalers in 2013-14, and the first rookie goaltender in his first two years of OHL eligibility to be named the league’s Goaltender of the Year. If selected as the CHL’s top goaltender, Fetterolf would become the first Ottawa 67’s player to win the CHL Goaltender of the Year Award. He would also become only the second rookie/first-year CHL goaltender to capture the CHL honour — and the first in 31 years — following Martin Biron (Beauport Harfangs / QMJHL, 1994-95). Fetterolf would also become just the third American-born netminder to win the award, joining Michael Houser (London Knights / OHL, 2011-12) and Dustin Wolf (Everett Silvertips / WHL, 2019-20). QMJHL Nominee — Rudy Guimond (Moncton Wildcats) 40-7-1-2 record, 2.27 GAA, .922 SV% & 3 SO in 50 GP during the 2025-26 season Rudy Guimond captured the QMJHL’s Patrick-Roy Trophy after a dominant season in which he established himself as one of the top goaltenders in the CHL. The Detroit Red Wings prospect led all QMJHL goaltenders in wins (40), goals-against average (2.27), save percentage (.922), and minutes played (2,990). He also ranked third in games played with 50 and fifth in shutouts with three, helping guide Moncton to a second consecutive QMJHL regular-season championship. Guimond’s 40 wins led both the QMJHL and CHL in 2025-26, making him the first CHL goaltender to reach the 40-win mark since Dustin Wolf recorded 41 victories with the Everett Silvertips in 2018-19. His total is tied for the 11th-most by a goaltender in a single season in QMJHL history and stands as the highest mark by a QMJHL netminder since Alex Dubeau won 41 games with Moncton in 2014-15. A model of consistency throughout the year, Guimond became just the sixth QMJHL goaltender since 2000 to record a 40-win season. He also concludes his QMJHL career with a league-record 2.14 career goals-against average, surpassing the previous mark of 2.31 set by Colten Ellis in 2021. With his combination of poise, athleticism, and technical consistency, Guimond leaves the QMJHL as one of the league’s most accomplished goaltenders of the modern era. Should he win the CHL honour, Guimond would become the first Moncton Wildcats player to capture the CHL Goaltender of the Year Award.

Ravensbergen and Carels Nominated for CHL Awards

Cole Waldie — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:59:37 +0000

PRINCE GEORGE. BC - The Canadian Hockey League announced today that goaltender and San Jose Sharks prospect Josh Ravensbergen and draft-eligible defenceman Carson Carels have been nominated for CHL Awards. For Ravensbergen, he has been nominated for the Canadian Hockey League Goaltender of the Year. Ravensbergen was the receipent of the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy, awarded to the WHL's goaltender of the year. Ravensbergen posted another outstanding season in Cougars colours which saw him sport a 32-13-0-0 record. Those 32 wins was the most by any WHL goaltender on the campaign. He also led the league in save percentage (.919). The other goaltenders nominated are Rudy Guimond (Moncton Wildcats, QMJHL), and Ryder Fetterolf (Ottawa 67's, OHL). For Carels, he has been nominated for the 2026 Top Draft Prospect Award. Carels owned a monster sophomore season with the Cougars, compiling 73 points in 58 games. Carels was ranked as high as #3 on NHL Central Scouting's rankings. The two other nominees for the CHL Top Prospect award is Chase Reid (Soo Greyhounds, OHL) and Maddox Dagenais (Quebec Remparts, QMJHL).

North Dakota-Bound Carels Could Return to Cougars

Cole Waldie — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:17:12 +0000

Article by Ted Clarke - PG Citizen There are 317 kilometres of highway between Cypress River, Man., the hometown of Carson Carels, and Grand Forks, N.D., where he’s signed to play hockey next season for the University of North Dakota. That shaves about 20 hours of steady driving time to connect from his current home on the farm in southern Manitoba to Prince George, Carel’s hockey home for the past two seasons with the Cougars. If his new NCAA address comes into play next season that 2 1/2-hour trip will make it a lot easier for his parents, Ryan and Stacy, and the rest of the Carels clan to make the trip across the border to watch his games playing defence for the Fighting Hawks. But there’s still a remote chance Prince George fans could see Carels back for another season in the WHL. It all depends on which NHL team picks him in next month’s draft and where that team decides would be best for his development. Ranked as a top-six-overall pick on most draft lists, Carels is sure to be among the first handful of players chosen at the first-round draft proceedings Buffalo, N.Y. on June 26. It was announced May 18 that Carels has committed to North Dakota for next season, coming off a spectacular 17-year-old season with the Cougars in which he scored 20 goals and had 73 points in just 58 games and maintained a point-per-game pace in the playoffs with a goals and nine assists. It may seem inevitable that he’ll be joining his Cougars teammate Bauer Dumanski on that North Dakota team this fall. But Carels says if he signs this year with the NHL team that drafts him that could still mean he will be wearing a Cougar jersey again in 2026-27. “With the draft still so undetermined there a chance I could sign and be back there (in Prince George), so you never really know, it’s just a waiting game honestly,” said Carels. A CHL-NHL agreement specifies that signed NHL players aged 18 or 19 who do not make the active roster and play fewer than 10 NHL games must be returned to their junior team. They aren’t allowed to play on any other pro team. “If I sign with them and have an NHL contract then I’ll play the games they allow me or try to make the NHL and obviously if I don’t work out in the NHL I’ll be sent back to Prince George and play there and have another great season with the team and try to bring it back to PG and go for it,” Carels said. As a Cougars fan favourite, Carels led the team into the playoffs seeded third in the Western Conference. After dispatching the Spokane Chiefs in a seven-game opening round series the Cougars’ season ended with a six-game series loss to the Penticton Vees. If he doesn’t return for a third season he says he’ll miss the thrill of stepping out onto the ice at a sold-out CN Centre to feel the chills running down his spine. The Cougars ranked second in the WHL for attendance during their 13-game playoff run and the fans made the rink an exciting place to be. “I think that’s why Prince George is probably the best hockey town in the WHL,” Carels said. “Just all the fans support us and know who we are and it’s just a great fan base. It’s a professional environment and it has that small-town vibe too. “I don’t know where it will take me to next year but I hope it’s somewhere I’m appreciated as much as I was in Prince George,” he said. “I’d be more than happy to go back and do it for those fans and those people again.” The Victoria Royals lost five players to the NCAA during the off-season in 2025, including forward Cole Reschny (picked by the Calgary Flames 18th overall in the 2025 NHL draft) and defenceman Keaton Verhoeff (projected as a top-three draft pick this year). Both bolted to North Dakota. The Royals also were powerless to stop defenceman Justin Kipkie (Arizona State) and forwards Teydon Trembecky (Michigan Tech) and Nate Misskey (UMass-Lowell) from signing with NCAA teams. “That’s the new life we’re living, it really sucks,” said Cougars head coach and general manager Mark Lamb. “I have no idea what’s going to happen, nobody does. When you don’t have anything in your control you just have to play it out and let things happen and hope for the best.” Players who sign an entry-level NHL contract are ineligible to play in the NCAA, and that’s what the Cougars are hoping will happen with Carels. At least then they’ll have a shot at getting him back. “If he’s going to school he can’t attend an NHL camp,” said Lamb. “What we need is a team that thinks he can play in the NHL right now and wants to see. Give him the nine games, that type of thing. Other than that, that’s when the schools come in. They don’t sign a contract, so they can’t play pro.” Carels was picked 15th overall by the Cougars in the WHL Prospects Draft and fit in right away when he joined the Cougars full-time from Pilot Mound Academy in Manitoba just before the playoffs in 2024. He played regular shifts as the Cougars advanced to the Western Conference championship, which they lost in six games to Portland. He thrived under coaching of Lamb and Jim Playfair who have been mouding him into a hard-hitting two-way defenceman. “It was all the little habits (Playfair) wanted to focus on, it wasn’t anything I was doing wrong or anything, it was just reminders and obviously he taught me the game and take care of my end zone and it helped be who I am as player today,” said Carels. “Mark, too, has helped me in so many ways. He has so much experience and I earned so much from him. You can’t get any better than those guys.” Carels leaps off the charts for his ability to make quick decisions to find open ice and thread bullet passes to open forwards and he’s known for closing ground quickly in the defensive zone to defuse scoring chances. Carels, who turns 18 on June 23, finished high school a year early and is ready to step into the general studies program at North Dakota. With Dumanski, the former Cougar captain, also heading there, Carels won’t have to go looking for a roommate. “If I do end up going there I’ll be with my best bud and my roomie and I can imagine we’re going to room together again and keep growing that connection,” he said. “It’ll be real exciting and I’m really proud of him, to play hockey and get an education at such a good school.” Carels, his brother and three sisters live on a 2,000-acre farm near Cypress River with 500 head of cattle to look after and now is calving season so there no shortage of chores to do. Aside from the NHL draft he’s also looking forward to attending Canada’s world junior camp that starts July 28 in Windsor, Ont. As a 17-year-old playing in a 19-year-old tournament, Carels helped Canada win the bronze medal at this year’s championship in Minnesota. “I’ll be with my age group this year so I’ll obviously have a bigger role with the team and we’ll try our best to bring home the gold and kind of start getting on that winning streak for Canada,” he said.

Carels and Lemire in Buffalo for 2026 NHL Scouting Combine

Cole Waldie — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:48:43 +0000

PRINCE GEORGE, BC - Carson Carels and Kayden Lemire are two of 90 prospects that are in Buffalo, NY for the 2026 NHL Scouting Combine. The Combine, which will run June 1-6, provides the 32 NHL teams with physical and medical assessments of the top prospects ahead of the 2026 draft at KeyBank Center in Buffalo June 26-27. There will be 56 forwards, 29 defensemen, and five goalies attending the combine. All are listed in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings of North American and International skaters and goaltenders. Teams can have 1-on-1 interviews with prospects at KeyBank Center from June 1-5. The medical examinations will take place June 3, the Maximal VO2 bike test and isokinetic squat test, which is new to the Combine, will take place June 5, and the remaining eight of the 12 fitness tests will occur at HarborCenter on June 6 (standing height/wingspan, horizontal jump, force plate vertical jumps, bench press, pro agility test, pull ups, 10-meter sprint, Wingate Cycle Ergometer test). The 10-meter sprint, also new to the Combine, will be conducted in conjunction with the pro agility test. Carson Carels (6-2, 198), No. 3 among North American skaters, finished with 73 points (20 goals, 53 assists) in 58 games with the Cougars this past season. He was a finalist for the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy as WHL defenceman of the year. Carels was also awarded the Eric Brewer Defenceman of the Year for the Cougars and was named a co-winner of the Dan Hamhuis Most Valubale Player Award (Carels and Josh Ravensbergen). For Lemire, he also burst onto the scene in his sophomore season with the Cougars. The Edmonton, AB product owned 29 points (9-20-29) and played the full 68 game regular season. The 6'4 forward was ranked #58 on NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings. Carels and Lemire are two of five Cougars from the 2025-26 season that were named to NHL Central Scouting's Final Rankings. Dmitri Yakutsenak, Brock Souch, and Arsenii Anisimov were also named to that list.

Carson Janko Signs WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Cole Waldie — Fri, 29 May 2026 17:55:22 +0000

PRINCE GEORGE, BC – The Prince George Cougars are pleased to announce the signing of forward Carson Janko (2010) to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Janko was originally selected by the Cougars eighth overall in the 2024 WHL U.S. Priority Draft.

The Highland Village, Texas product spent the 2025–26 season with the Dallas Stars Elite 16U AAA program, where he registered 34 points (10G–24A) in 50 games played.

“Carson signing a Development Agreement is a big step and a testament to where our organization is at,” said Cougars Director of Player Personnel Bob Simmonds. “Carson comes out of the Dallas Jr. Stars program and brings a lot of potential. We are excited to welcome him back to training camp and expect him to continue building on a strong season.”

The Prince George Cougars would like to congratulate Carson and his family on this exciting achievement.

Cougars Sign William Thompson to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Cole Waldie — Tue, 26 May 2026 18:31:27 +0000

PRINCE GEORGE, BC — The Prince George Cougars have signed 2011-born forward William Thompson to a Western Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement. Thompson was the Cougars’ first selection in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft (2nd Round, 41st Overall). The 6-foot-1, 162-pound forward spent the 2025–26 season with the North Shore Warriors U15 Prep program, serving as team captain. In 50 games, he recorded 23 goals and 27 assists for 50 points, along with 46 penalty minutes. He also added seven points (3G, 4A) in three playoff games and earned a call-up to the North Shore U17 team, posting one goal and two assists in three appearances. “I’m super excited to join such a great organization,” said Thompson. “The coaching staff and general manager reached out after the draft. I’m excited to meet the guys and get to work.” “Will is a big body and a responsible two-way player,” said Cougars Director of Player Personnel Bob Simmonds. “His defensive game is just as strong as his offensive ability. He has excellent detail for a young player and a lot of upside.” “We were surprised he was still available at 41,” added Cougars Director of Scouting Leland Mack. “He’s a talented two-way centre with size who fits well into our draft class. We’re excited to see him at training camp.”

Former Cougars Set to Battle in ECHL Eastern Conference Final

Cole Waldie — Thu, 21 May 2026 17:55:45 +0000

PRINCE GEORGE, BC - The road to the Kelly Cup Final will feature a strong Prince George connection. Former Prince George Cougars players Taylor Gauthier and Cole Moberg are set to face off in the ECHL Eastern Conference Final, as Gauthier’s Wheeling Nailers take on Moberg and the Florida Everblades in what promises to be an exciting series. Gauthier, who spent parts of five seasons with the Cougars, has continued to build his professional career between the pipes. Known for his athleticism and compete level during his time in Prince George, the Calgary, Alberta product has become a key part of Wheeling’s playoff run. On the other side, Moberg has played an important role on the Everblades blue line. The towering defenceman suited up for the Cougars from 2019-2022 and quickly became a fan favourite with his physical style, steady defensive presence, and offensive ability. Florida enters the series looking to continue their pursuit of another Kelly Cup championship. To celebrate the exciting alumni showdown, the Cougars are also launching a new game-worn auction featuring a game-used Taylor Gauthier blocker and glove from his time in Prince George. Fans looking to own a unique piece of Cougars history can place their bids now HERE.

William Thompson Excited for Future with the Prince George Cougars

Cole Waldie — Wed, 13 May 2026 19:47:12 +0000

PRINCE GEORGE, BC - Prince George Cougars fans are getting their first look at a highly competitive and skilled forward after the club selected Will Thompson with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. The 6’1” forward captained the U15 North Shore Warriors this past season and put together an impressive offensive campaign, recording 50 points (23 goals, 27 assists) in 30 games. Beyond the numbers, Thompson prides himself on being a dependable two-way centre with a strong hockey IQ and relentless competitiveness. “I’m a centre who can score and has a high hockey IQ,” said Thompson. “I’m very competitive and work very hard.” For Thompson, hearing his name called by Prince George was a moment he will never forget — even if he almost missed it entirely. “Yeah, I was actually on the ice when it happened,” Thompson laughed. “I had a practice, so as soon as I got off I had like 100 missed calls.” Once the excitement settled in, the newest Cougars prospect quickly realized what kind of organization he was joining. “I’m super excited to go to such a great organization,” Thompson said. “The coaching staff and the GM all reached out. It seems like a great organization. I’m super excited to meet the guys and get to work.” Thompson’s season with the Warriors showcased steady growth and development. While the year began slowly, both he and his team found another level as the season progressed. “It was a bit of a slow start, but as the season went on we got more comfortable and picked it up,” he explained. “Near the end of the year we did really well in one tournament and that kind of flipped the switch for us. We had a way better end to the year. It was kind of the same for me — I got more comfortable and just kept improving more and more through the year.” Leadership was another major part of Thompson’s season. Serving as captain for the second time in his young career, he embraced the responsibility and helped guide a close-knit Warriors group throughout the season. “It was an honour this year,” Thompson said. “I enjoyed it with our team. We were like a family and brothers, so it honestly wasn’t too hard. We pushed each other to be better every day.” When describing his game, Thompson points to one of the NHL’s premier two-way forwards as a player he models himself after. “I would say probably Anze Kopitar,” he said. “I feel like my game resembles a lot of his. A two-way centre that can make things happen and also has a very high hockey IQ.” That intelligence and competitiveness are two qualities Thompson believes separate him from his peers. “Just my competitiveness,” he said. “I’m competitive in everything. Me and my brother are quite competitive in everyday life, whether it’s on the ice or in the house. I just hate to lose. I think another one is my IQ. I think that is probably the best part of my game.” Thompson is also already familiar with the recent success the Cougars have built and is eager to eventually experience the atmosphere in Prince George firsthand. “I know they’ve made a few great runs in recent years,” Thompson said. “I know some players who have been drafted there or have lived there, and it just seems like a great team, a great organization, and an awesome place. I’ve seen some of the playoff games on TV and the barn seems packed, so yeah, I’m super excited.”

Cougars Select 10 Players in 2026 WHL Prospects Draft

Cole Waldie — Thu, 07 May 2026 21:34:25 +0000

PRINCE GEORGE, BC – The Prince George Cougars have concluded the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, selecting 10 players, including six forwards, three defencemen, and one goaltender. Below is a breakdown of each selection. "Today was a great day for the future of the Prince George Cougars," said Cougars' Director of Scouting Leland Mack. "We're looking forward to seeing all draftees at Training Camp in August."

2nd Round – 41st Overall – William Thompson (North Vancouver, BC) The Cougars opened the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft by selecting forward William Thompson from the North Shore Warriors U15 Prep program. The 6’2” centre recorded 50 points (23G-27A-50PTS) during the 2025-26 season and added seven points in three playoff games.

“We are thrilled to select Will,” said Cougars Director of Scouting Leland Mack. “He’s a big, skilled two-way centre who plays with strong defensive detail. We’re excited about what he can bring to our organization in the future.”

4th Round – 87th Overall – Connor King (Corona, CA) The Cougars turned to the blue line and headed south of the border in the fourth round, selecting defenceman Connor King from the LA Jr. Kings 14U program. The right-shot blueliner stands 6’2” and 175 pounds and collected 15 points (7G-8A-15PTS) in 47 games during the 2025-26 season. "Connor is a good skater and also an excellent passer. He plays an all around impressive game." - Mack on King

5th Round – 110th Overall – Reed Sherry (St. Malo, MB) Prince George returned to the forward group with its first of two fifth-round selections, drafting Reed Sherry from the Eastman Selects U15 AAA program. The 5’10” forward posted 31 points in 28 games during the 2025-26 campaign. "Reed is a two-way centre with really good habits. He is reliable and a coaches dream." - Mack on Sherry

5th Round – 115th Overall – Lachlan Vandall (Prince Albert, SK) Forward Lachlan Vandall spent the 2025-26 season with the Prince Albert Pirates U15 AA program, where he recorded an impressive 56 points (21G-35A-56PTS) in just 26 games. The 5’11” left-shot forward adds offensive skill to the Cougars’ draft class. "Lachlan is a duel-threat winter with leadership qualities whose team won the Sask AA provincial championship this season." - Mack on Vandall

6th Round – 133rd Overall – Grady Fuller (White Bear Lake, MN) The Cougars once again went to the United States in the sixth round, selecting defenceman Grady Fuller from St. Thomas Academy HS. Fuller is a 6’1”, 185-pound left-shot defenceman who appeared in 17 games during the 2025-26 season. "Grady is a strong all-around defenceman who played high school hockey on one of Minnesota's top teams as a ninth grader. He has a good combination of smarts and edge to his game." - Mack on Fuller

7th Round – 152nd Overall – Jagger Korol (Regina, SK) Prince George opened the seventh round by selecting forward Jagger Korol from the Prairie Storm program in the Saskatchewan U15 League. The 5’8” forward recorded 58 points (27G-31A-58PTS) during the 2025-26 season while also adding 28 penalty minutes. "He is a skilled player who our staff loved because of how gritty he plays. He finished second in scoring in the Rocky Mountain Classic Tournament in Calgary in November." - Mack on Korol

7th Round – 156th Overall – Blake Sutherlin (San Jose, CA) The Cougars added a goaltender later in the seventh round, selecting Blake Sutherlin from the San Jose Jr. Sharks 14U program. The towering 6’6” netminder played 34 games during the 2025-26 season and posted a 2.24 goals-against average. "Blake is an athletic goalie with great size. His coach this year was Jonathan Cheechoo who thinks he will be an excellent goalie in Junior Hockey." - Mack on Sutherlin

8th Round – 172nd Overall – Jagger Burns (Englewood, CO) Prince George returned to the forward group in the eighth round by selecting Jagger Burns from the Okanagan Hockey Academy Colorado 14U program. Burns compiled 24 points (14G-10A-24PTS) in 39 games during the 2025-26 season. The Burns name is familiar to hockey fans, as his father, Brent Burns, is a longtime NHL defenceman currently with the Colorado Avalanche. "Jagger is a cerebral forward with big upside. He was coached by former Cougars coach Richard Matvichuk this season." - Mack on Burns

8th Round – 179th Overall – Kolbie McColl (Redvers, SK) The Cougars continued their eighth round by selecting defenceman Kolbie McColl from the Estevan Bruins U15 AA program. The 6’2” right-shot defenceman recorded 15 points in 26 games during the 2025-26 season. "Kolbie is a good skating defenceman with good size and skill." - Mack on McColl

8th Round – 180th Overall – Cruz Buchanan (St. Albert, AB) The Prince George Cougars concluded the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft by selecting forward Cruz Buchanan from the St. Albert Sabres U15 program. Buchanan finished the 2025-26 season with 41 points (17G-24A-41PTS) in 33 games played. "He has a high motor and a highly skilled centre who plays bigger than he actually is." - Mack on Buchanan

For the full WHL Draft list, click HERE.