WHL Prospects Draft Feature: Walker Bergen
Before the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft Presented by Windsor Plywood, Walker Bergen wasn’t expecting to see his name on the board until the mid rounds. The Prince Albert Raiders saw something they liked out of the defenceman though, and used their second round pick, 39th overall to select the Hague, SK product.
With our second round pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft Presented by Windsor Plywood, we select defenceman Walker Bergen! pic.twitter.com/EgLXPvvhuF
— Prince Albert Raiders (@PARaidersHockey) May 8, 2025
“I was excited and a little surprised,” Bergen said. “I had been told that I was going to be picked anywhere from the fourth to sixth round. When I went in the second round I was pretty surprised and happy. It gives me some extra confidence for sure, being picked earlier than I expected.”
Living around the halfway point between Prince Albert and Saskatoon, Bergen got to take in his share of WHL games growing up. However, he says he didn’t have a favourite WHL team despite being in the middle of the heated highway 11 rivalry.
“I wasn’t much of a fan of any WHL team growing up, I just liked going to games and getting to watch.”
2024-25 Recap
Bergen has played for the U15AA Warman Wildcats the past two seasons, inserting himself as an offensive defenceman. He scored 11 goals and added 27 assists for 38 points. He says he takes pride in the offensive traits in his game, but recognized the areas he will need to improve on in 2025-26.
“I like to play both areas of the ice, offensively and defensively,” he explained. “When I have the chance to create offence, I look to do it, so I think my offence is my stronger ability. I’d say next season I want to work on my defensive zone coverage more.”
At 14 years old and already standing at 5’11, Bergen has the potential to be a strong shutdown man in the WHL. He explained how having the confidence to use his big frame will be beneficial, especially moving into his first full season of U18AAA this fall.
“I like to get into the physical play when I get into the mindset to do it. This year will be big for my confidence, and I know I’ll have to battle hard and keep working to get ready for the next step of playing in the WHL.”
Upcoming Expectations
The Wildcats U18AAA team called Bergen up to play two games in 2024-25. In his league debut on October 30th against the Regina Pat Canadians, he picked up his first point, assisting on Warman’s third goal of the contest. He explained how he settled in after his first few shifts, and how he feels heading into his first full season of U18AAA.
“I think I’ll do pretty good in U18. After the first two periods of my first game I felt really good. I got more used to it after that and started to gain confidence. I didn’t feel like a call-up, I felt like a normal player in that league.”
As for his summer plans, Bergen is already in the gym throughout the week, while also hitting the ball diamond.
“I’m in the gym with a trainer three days a week, and then by myself the other two. I also play softball through the summer. Provincials are on July 2-4, so that’s when that ends. I’m already skating with my AAA team every Thursday, but I’ll have more skates once softball is over.”
Bergen will join Prince Albert’s 2024 sixth round pick Declan Borthwick full time on the Wildcats U18AAA squad next season.
