McSweeney’s WHL Community Collective: Wenatchee Wild

Wenatchee, Wash.- The Wenatchee Wild’s Learn to Play program has become a beloved tradition for the team since landing in Washington State.

Last season, Director of Scouting Leigh Mendelson and six Wild players hit the ice almost every Tuesday to guide the next generation of hockey players through the basics of the game.

It might be intimidating for a youngster to look up at a 6-foot-4 skater like Caelan Joudrey, but the 2026 NHL Draft-eligible winger is quick to put the kids at ease.

“We do stations with games and other drills, making it fun for the kids and helping them learn,” Joudrey said. “(The best part is) meeting the kids and interacting with them. They are so fun to talk to and get to know. They look up to us and I try to give them a fun time.

Growing up in Winnipeg and meeting those players and looking up to them, they showed they really cared about there fans with how they connected with everyone. It made an impact on me, showing that even the best players are never too good for anyone- it’s been something I have carried with me at the beginning of my junior career.”

Our older guys went out to the schools yesterday, but our younger guys hit the ice again for some evening lessons! We always enjoy passing our skills onto the younger set at WAHA's Learn to Play sessions 😁#PowerOfThePack pic.twitter.com/pYTD3dPK3E

— Wenatchee Wild (@WHLwild_) September 25, 2024

Since settling into the Town Toyota Center in 2023-24, the Wild have contributed more than $300,000 to important causes and events in North-Central Washington State- but the time spent with the community feels just as valuable.

“Our community is everything,” Joudrey added. “We wouldn’t be in the spot we are without them. Giving back to the ones who support us is a huge part of keeping that fan base and making it fun for our fans.”

The Western Hockey League strives to promote and foster a welcoming environment in communities close to our 22 clubs in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Every team has the creative freedom to allow their players and staff to work with the organizations and groups that they are most passionate about. The end goal is to create and maintain long-lasting relationships and ongoing partnerships within their community.

Through the McSweeney’s WHL Community Collective, we aim to highlight these outstanding initiatives done by each club throughout the season.