About the WHL - Western Hockey League

A World-Leading Development League

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the Western Hockey League (WHL) consists of 22 Member Clubs located throughout Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Established in 1966-67, the WHL has been a leading developer of NHL player talent for close to 60 years. The WHL is a leading provider of post-secondary scholarships, having awarded over 7,500 WHL scholarships to graduate players since 1993-94. The WHL’s Respect In Hockey Program provides system-leading respect education and training designed to maintain a safe and respectful environment for players and staff.

DEVELOPMENT

The WHL is considered the world’s finest development league for junior players (ages 16-20).

More players were selected from the WHL in the 2022 NHL Draft than any other league or country in the world .

The WHL is the highest level of competition in the Canadian hockey development system.

WHL member clubs feature the highest caliber of coaching with almost all staff having extensive international or professional experience.

The WHL offers an extensive officiating development program for referees and linespersons that aspire to officiate at the international and professional levels.

EDUCATION

WHL players play at the highest level of the hockey system without compromising their academic goals.

Each season, over 20% of players registered in high school are honour students

All WHL players are eligible to receive a guaranteed post- secondary acedmic scholarship. For each season played, a player earns a full year WHL Scholarship which includes tuition, textbooks and compulsory fees at an institution of their choice.

Each year, the WHL awards close to 400 WHL Scholarships to graduate players.

Players also access financial support for post-secondary courses while playing in the WHL.

All WHL Clubs have an Education Advisor who is responsible to monitor the academic progress of each player and ensure they are eligible for post-secondary studies

RESPECT

The WHL’s Respect in Hockey Program offers the most comprehensive Respect education and training curriculum in the game today.

The WHL Respect in Hockey Program is designed to educate all players and staff on the prevention of harassment and abuse and ensure a safe and positive environment is maintained at all times.

The WHL Respect in Hockey Program includes on-line Respect education; Respect in Sport Certification and a series of Respect Champion Workshops.

The WHL Respect Champion Workshops consists of; Diversity and Inclusion; Mental Health; consent and healthy relationships training Sessions.

The WHL Players First Program offers a series of other risk prevention services including the WHL Security Network Player Impact presentation on the risks of being a high profile athlete.

The WHL Seven Point Plan is a comprehensive player safety initiative which modifies playing rules, regulations and facility standards to prevent injuries.

COMMUNITY

WHL Clubs generate over 4.3 million annually in support of local charities in the communities they proudly represent.

WHL Players and their clubs are actively engaged each season in community out reach activities, including hospital and school visits, fundraising programs and charitable events.

All WHL Clubs provide significant financial and other support for local male and female hockey programs.

The WHL is a major sponsor and supporter of the Provincial Hockey Associations and the Canadian Sport School Hockey League in Western Canada.

The WHL annually pays tribute to the Indigenous Community, supports Canadian Mental Health with Talk Today Initiatives, fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network, and supports multiple local charities.