WHL This Week: October 24, 2024

Calgary, Alta. – With the 2024-25 WHL Regular Season more than a month into the calendar, we have community engagements in full swing, jersey auctions and fundraisers underway, NHL Central Scouting setting the stage for the 2025 NHL Draft, and more. Let’s take another twirl around the Dub.

WHL HEADLINES

WHL Live packages available for 2024-25
All Dub. All the time. Every dangle, every snipe, every celly – See every heart-stopping moment on WHL Live. With access starting as low as $9.99 (plus taxes), you can enjoy every pretty passing play to every glorious glove save right from the comfort of home. – DETAILS

WHL x Arkells Big Feelings Tour Contest
The WHL has partnered with Arkells to send you to one of the band’s six Western Canadian tour dates. Visit WHL.ca by October 27 to enter! – CONTEST

55 WHL players named to NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Players to Watch List for 2025 NHL Draft
Led by six WHL players identified with ‘A’ rankings, the 2025 NHL Draft is already shaping up to be another big one for the Western Hockey League. Blake Fiddler (Edmonton Oil Kings), Lynden Lakovic (Moose Jaw Warriors), Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings), Cole Reschny (Victoria Royals), Jackson Smith (Tri-City Americans), and Joshua Ravensbergen (Prince George Cougars) head up another strong NHL Draft class for the WHL. – COMPLETE LIST

Ten WHL players named to Team CHL for 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge presented by Kubota Canada
The WHL will be well represented at the newest CHL event, with 10 players set to compete at the 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, scheduled for November 26 and 27 in London and Oshawa, Ont. – DETAILS

Thunderbirds netminder Ratzlaff signs entry-level contract with Sabres
Scott Ratzlaff has put pen to paper on a three-year, entry-level contract with the NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. A product of Irma, Alta., Ratzlaff owns a career WHL record of 67-37-2-2 with a 2.79 goals-against average, .909 save percentage, and seven shutouts. – MORE INFO

Americans defenceman Goldsmith signs entry-level contract with Utah Hockey Club
Tri-City Americans defenceman Terrell Goldsmith has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the NHL’s Utah Hockey Club. The 6-foot-4, 216-pound Goldsmith was originally selected by the Arizona Coyotes in the fourth round (102nd overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft. – MORE INFO

NHL Draft-eligible forward Kindel named Tempo WHL Player of the Week
Calgary Hitmen forward Ben Kindel is the latest Tempo WHL Player of the Week after recording eight points (3G-5A) in three games last week. – DETAILS

Blue Jackets prospect Gardner named WHL Goaltender of the Week
Saskatoon Blades netminder Evan Gardner is the latest WHL Goaltender of the Week after going 1-1-1-0-0 with a 2.01 goals-against average and .938 save percentage this past week. – DETAILS

Americans forward Garland named WHL Rookie of the Week
With five points (1G-4A) in two games, Tri-City Americans forward Gavin Garland is the most recent WHL Rookie of the Week. – DETAILS

Leadership groups named for 2024 WHL Cup
The four Western Branches named their respective leaderships this week as the 2024 WHL Cup got underway in Red Deer. Ben Harvey (Prince Albert Raiders) will sport the captaincy for Alberta, while Koltin Herfst (Victoria Royals) is set to lead Team B.C. For Manitoba, Ludovic Perreault (Victoria Royals) will guide the way. Finally, Team Saskatchewan identified Boston Tait (Wenatchee Wild) to wear the ‘C’ in Red Deer. – MORE INFO

COMMUNITY CORNER

Silvertips unveil Pink the Rink jerseys
The Everett Silvertips have unveiled their 2024 Pink the Rink jerseys and online auction, with proceeds funding mammograms for breast cancer patients in the Everett and Snohomish County area. – DETAILS

Tigers Fight Cancer Night scheduled for Saturday
The Medicine Hat Tigers will spot special edition uniforms this Saturday as part of Tigers Fight Cancer Night. The jerseys will be auctioned online in support of the Medicine Hat Health Foundation. – DETAILS

Pats to wear Cancer Awareness jerseys twice
The Regina Pats will wear special Cancer Awareness jerseys this Saturday, October 26 at Co-op Place when they take on the Medicine Hat Tigers on Tigers Fight Cancer Night. The following Saturday, November 1, the Pats will sport those same Cancer Awareness threads back home at the Brandt Centre. Net proceeds from a jersey auction and themed merchandise sales will support the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan. – DETAILS

Raiders & RM Customs partner on shoe design for school fundraiser
Goaltender Max Hildebrand of the Prince Albert Raiders has worked collaboratively with Rhiannon Morozoff of RM Customs to design a limited-edition Raiders shoe. The Raiders will be holding a raffle, with the lucky winner taking home a replica of Hildebrand’s unique design. The fundraiser will support a donation of shoes and boots for students in need at Princess Margaret School. – DETAILS

Royals volunteer with HEROS Hockey
Members of the Victoria Royals spent time with HEROS Hockey, helping participants get outfitted with new hockey equipment. This marks the third straight season of the Royals supporting the HEROS Hockey program. HEROS Hockey provides free hockey programming for at-risk children and youth, offering a safe and stable environment for them to grow, connect, and succeed. – VIDEO & INFO

Chiefs visit Regal Elementary School for Get Out and Play Challenge
Members of the Spokane Chiefs made a trip to Regal Elementary School to help encourage students to get outside and play this fall. With physical activity, students have the opportunity to win fun Spokane Chiefs prizes, with one lucky class even having the opportunity to visit Spokane Arena, watch Chiefs practice, and meet the whole team. – PHOTOS

Hurricanes visit St. Teresa of Calcutta School for activities day
Members of the Lethbridge Hurricanes, including Brady Smith, Leo Braillard, and Trae Johnson, paid a visit to St. Teresa of Calcutta School for a day full of dodgeball, basketball, tag, and grounders, with young elementary school kids. – PHOTOS

Blades assist with U9 minor hockey practice
Members of the Saskatoon Blades, including Lochlan Tetarenko and Cameron Sytsma, hit the ice for practice with the U9 Flyer Storm of the Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association this past week. – PHOTO

Broncos assist with Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Radiothon
Seattle Kraken prospect Clarke Caswell, goaltender Reid Dyck, and defenceman Eric Johnston are taking calls and donations as part of the Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation Radiothon. The Dr. Noble Irwin Regional Healthcare Foundation was established in 1999 to help support the delivery of healthcare for residents living in Southwest Saskatchewan. – PHOTO

Big Brothers Big Sisters Skate with the Tigers slated for October 28
The Medicine Hat Tigers will welcome the community to Skate with the Tigers this coming Monday, October 28, in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Medicine Hat & District. The event is free of charge, but donations for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Medicine Hat & District are welcome. The skate begins at 6:30 p.m. MT at Co-op Place. – MORE INFO

Blazers present at Kamloops Minor Hockey Association Leadership Meeting
Ryan Michael, Harrison Brunicke, Emmitt Finnie, and Jordan Keller of the Kamloops Blazers were in attendance to present to young minor hockey players during the Kamloops Minor Hockey Association Leadership Meeting this past week. – PHOTOS

Thunderbirds collect 816 pounds of food for Salvation Army
This past week, the Seattle Thunderbirds announced the Fred Meyer Food Drive helped to collect 816 pounds of food and another $361 in donations in support of Salvation Army. – PHOTO

OTHER NEWS

WHL mourns passing of Raiders builder Bruce Vance
The Western Hockey League is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bruce Vance, longtime Prince Albert Raiders marketing director and business manager. Vance passed away Thursday, October 18, following a courageous battle with cancer. – MORE

Thunderbirds, Silvertips to face off in fourth annual Battle of the Sound
For the second time, the Seattle Thunderbirds and Everett Silvertips will come together at Climate Pledge Arena for the Battle of the Sound. The two U.S. Division rivals are set to compete at the home of the Seattle Kraken on Friday, December 27. – DETAILS

WHL ALUMNI NEWS

WHL alumnus Mirasty fighting for better way of life for Flying Dust First Nation
Former Tri-City Americans and Moose Jaw Warriors player Jon Mirasty, who has recently enjoyed an acting career on the popular TV show ‘Shoresy,’ is serving as a councillor for Flying Dust First Nation, near Meadow Lake, Sask., and working empower people to succeed. – FULL STORY FROM ANNIE FOWLER

Former Raiders & Thunderbirds defenceman Allan breaks through with Blackhawks
WHL Champion Nolan Allan recently made his NHL debut as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks, taking to the ice at the Delta Centre in Salt Lake City. – FULL STORY

Former Rockets defenceman Schenn reaches 1,000 NHL games
Saskatoon product Luke Schenn is one of the latest players to reach 1,000 games played in the NHL. He accomplished the feat Thursday, October 17 as the Nashville Predators hosted the Edmonton Oilers. – MORE

Former Rockets defenceman Tyler Myers plays 1,000th NHL game
Vancouver Canucks defenceman Tyler Myers skated in his 1,000th career NHL game Saturday, October 19. The blueliner, who won a WHL Championship and was named WHL Playoff MVP, will be recognized by the Canucks this Saturday, October 26.

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

Chiefs acquire Oremba from Pats in exchange for draft picks
2005-born forward Sam Oremba is on his way back to the U.S. Division after a trade from the Regina Pats to the Spokane Chiefs. – DETAILS

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

Thursday, October 24
WHL Cup – B.C. vs. Saskatchewan – 4:15 p.m. MT
WHL Cup – Alberta vs. Manitoba – 7 p.m. MT

Friday, October 25
WHL Cup – Saskatchewan vs. Manitoba – 10:30 a.m. MT
WHL Cup – B.C. vs. Alberta – 1:15 p.m. MT
Saskatoon at Brandon – 7 p.m. CT
Seattle at Prince Albert – 7 p.m. MT
Medicine Hat at Red Deer – 7 p.m. MT
Calgary at Regina – 7 p.m. MT
Lethbridge at Swift Current – 7 p.m. MT
Tri-City at Wenatchee – 7 p.m. PT
Victoria at Prince George – 7 p.m. PT
Edmonton at Everett – 7:05 p.m. PT
Moose Jaw at Kelowna – 7:05 p.m. PT
Vancouver at Spokane – 7:05 p.m. PT

Saturday, October 26
WHL Cup – Semifinal #1 – 1:15 p.m. MT
WHL Cup – Semifinal #2 – 4 p.m. MT
Calgary at Brandon – 7 p.m. CT
Red Deer at Lethbridge – 6 p.m. MT
Moose Jaw at Kamloops – 6 p.m. PT
Edmonton at Portland – 6 p.m. PT
Victoria at Prince George – 6 p.m. PT
Regina at Medicine Hat – 7 p.m. MT
Seattle at Swift Current – 7 p.m. MT
Wenatchee at Everett – 6:05 p.m. PT
Tri-City at Spokane – 6:05 p.m. PT

Sunday, October 27
WHL Cup – Bronze Medal – 10:15 a.m. MT
WHL Cup – Gold Medal – 1 p.m. MT
Everett at Portland – 4 p.m. PT
Kamloops at Vancouver – 4 p.m. PT

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.