Royals defenceman Verhoeff named WHL Rookie of the Week

Calgary, Alta. – Victoria Royals defenceman Keaton Verhoeff has been named WHL Rookie of the Week for the week ending Sunday, December 15, 2024, the Western Hockey League announced Monday.

This marks the second time the 16-year-old has won the weekly award.

Verhoeff impressed with two goals, two assists and a +5 rating in a pair of wins over the B.C. Division rival Vancouver Giants.

Victoria kicked off the home-and-away set at Save-On-Foods Memorial Arena on Friday, December 13. With the home side leading 1-0 in the dying seconds of the middle frame, the Royals made a strong play off the boards, with Hayden Moore poking the puck out to a wide-open Verhoeff on the far wing for a quick shot and 2-0 advantage. In the third, he picked up a primary assist by dishing to Tanner Scott in the slot for a 4-0 victory. Verhoeff was named third star of the night with a goal, an assist and a +3 rating.

The teams jumped on the ferry for a rematch on the mainland the following night. This time, Vancouver would seize a 2-1 lead after the first period. Verhoeff put the match back on level ground by weaving through the Giants’ defence and lobbing the puck on net to create a long rebound off the pads of Burke Hood. The sequence kicked off a long stretch of offensive zone time for the Royals, which was capped off by Captain and Utah Hockey Club prospect Justin Kipkie’s game-tying goal. Victoria would take a 4-3 lead midway through the third period before Verhoeff struck again off of a give-and-go play with Brayden Boehm. The rookie blueliner was named first star in the 6-3 win with his second straight multi-point match.

The 6-foot-4, 212-pound rearguard has 12 goals (including three game-winners) and 11 assists for 23 points in 27 games. Verhoeff ranks second on the Royals in goals, leads all rookie defencemen in goals and sits fourth in points among all WHL rookies.

Verhoeff, from Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., was selected by Victoria fourth overall in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.

He recently picked up a gold medal with Canada White (including a primary assist on the championship-winning goal) at the 2024 World U17 Prospects Challenge in Sarnia, Ont. Verhoeff finished the tournament with a goal and four assists.

He’s eligible for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

The Royals (17-10-3-2) enter the holiday break with points in seven of their last 10 games. They’ll return with the ice with a chance to seize the B.C. Division lead with a pair of home tilts against the Prince George Cougars (17-9-3-2) on December 27 and 28.

2024-25 WHL Rookie of the Week
September 23, 2024: Keaton Verhoeff, Victoria Royals
September 30, 2024: Landon DuPont, Everett Silvertips
October 7, 2024: Cooper Williams, Saskatoon Blades
October 15, 2024: Josh Banini, Moose Jaw Warriors
October 21, 2024: Gavin Garland, Tri-City Americans
October 28, 2024: Jaxon Jacobson, Brandon Wheat Kings
November 4, 2024: Gavin Garland, Tri-City Americans
November 11, 2024: Ondrej Stebetak, Portland Winterhawks
November 18, 2024: Kason Kobelka, Calgary Hitmen
November 25, 2024: Jordan Duguay, Portland Winterhawks
December 2, 2024: Jaxon Jacobson, Brandon Wheat Kings
December 9, 2024: Liam Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers

About the Western Hockey League

Regarded as the world’s finest development league for junior hockey players, the Western Hockey League (WHL) head office is based in Calgary, Alberta. The WHL offers a world-class player experience featuring three key cornerstones: hockey development, education, and a safe and positive environment for all participants. A diverse and inclusive organization, the WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 16 located in Western Canada and six in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. A member of the Canadian Hockey League, the WHL has been a leading supplier of talent for the National Hockey League for close to 60 years. The WHL is also a leading provider of hockey scholarships with over 375 graduates each year receiving WHL Scholarships to pursue a post-secondary education of their choice. Each season, WHL players also form the nucleus of Canada’s National Junior Hockey Team.

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