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Fifth-overall selection Jevin Morrison signs WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement with Wild

Communications Intern — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:44:42 +0000

Wenatchee, Wash. – The Wenatchee Wild, proud members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), are excited to announce that 2011-born defenseman Jevin Morrison has signed a Scholarship & Development Agreement with the organization. A native of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, Morrison comes to the Wenatchee Valley from the Red Deer Rebels U15 AAA team in the Alberta Elite Hockey League. “It’s a super exciting opportunity ahead,” said Morrison. “Playing for the Wild and in the WHL is a dream come true, ever since I was little – the organization is great, and I’m excited to get started with them. It’s a nice city, and the facility is super nice, and above that are all the people in the organization. I’m excited to get started.” Morrison showcased his skills at both ends of the ice, rolling up 17 goals and 47 assists in 24 games with the Rebels U15 squad, followed by 12 points in nine AEHL playoff games. After leading his Red Deer group to an AEHL U15 title in 2025, his team nearly repeated the feat this year, dropping an overtime decision to the Lethbridge Golden Hawks in the provincial final. His 64 points this season led all AEHL U15 blueliners, and earned him a spot on the division’s First All-Star Team. He says he is especially proud of his skating ability, as well as his ability to deceive opponents while in transition. He says the opportunity to train and skate every day with the Wenatchee coaching staff and improve his overall game is especially exciting. “Jevin is a tremendously talented young man,” said Wenatchee Wild director of scouting Leigh Mendelson. “His mobility and instincts make him a very dangerous player while attacking, and he took big steps in the past season working on his reliability defensively. He has made a lot of progress in that facet of his game. Jevin will be a big part of the Wild’s success in the future, and it is exciting to have him and his family part of our organization.” The fifth overall selection in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, Morrison is the second player from the 2026 draft class to sign with the Wild. Upon his selection by the Wild on May 6, Morrison became the WHL franchise’s highest defenseman taken in the draft since current Iowa Wild blueliner Carson Lambos was taken second overall in the 2018 WHL Prospects Draft by the former Kootenay ICE. The Wenatchee Wild congratulate Jevin Morrison on signing his Scholarship & Development Agreement with the club, and are proud to officially welcome him to the Wild family.

Western Hockey League announces home opening dates for 2026-27 WHL Regular Season

Communications Intern — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:59:35 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today home opening dates for all 23 Clubs for the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season.

The 2026-27 WHL Regular Season officially begins Friday, September 18, with five games on the calendar, while Saturday, September 19, features 10 games on the slate, including the defending WHL champion Everett Silvertips hosting the Portland Winterhawks.

The defending East Division champion Prince Albert Raiders open the 2026-27 campaign by hosting the Regina Pats at the Art Hauser Centre in Hockey Town North on Friday, September 18.

The defending Central Division champion Medicine Hat Tigers begin their home schedule by hosting the rival Lethbridge Hurricanes on Saturday, September 19.

The defending B.C. Division champion Penticton Vees make their home debut Friday, September 25, when the Kelowna Rockets visit the South Okanagan Events Centre.

2026-27 WHL Regular Season Home Opening Dates

Friday, September 18

Saskatoon Blades at Brandon Wheat Kings Red Deer Rebels at Calgary Hitmen Medicine Hat Tigers at Lethbridge Hurricanes Regina Pats at Prince Albert Raiders Penticton Vees at Prince George Cougars

Saturday, September 19

Portland Winterhawks at Everett Silvertips Victoria Royals at Kamloops Blazers Lethbridge Hurricanes at Medicine Hat Tigers Saskatoon Blades at Moose Jaw Warriors Penticton Vees at Prince George Cougars Edmonton Oil Kings at Red Deer Rebels Prince Albert Raiders at Swift Current Broncos Spokane Chiefs at Tri-City Americans Kelowna Rockets at Vancouver Giants Seattle Thunderbirds at Wenatchee Wild

Sunday, September 20

Calgary Hitmen at Edmonton Oil Kings

Friday, September 25

Kelowna Rockets at Penticton Vees

Saturday, September 26

Penticton Vees at Kelowna Rockets Kamloops Blazers at Portland Winterhawks Prince Albert Raiders at Saskatoon Blades Prince George Cougars at Seattle Thunderbirds Tri-City Americans at Spokane Chiefs Vancouver Giants at Victoria Royals

Sunday, September 27

Swift Current Broncos at Regina Pats

The 2026 WHL Preseason schedule will be announced Monday, June 22.

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 consists of 23 member Clubs with 17 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 over 50 years. The WHL is also the 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.

2026 NHL Draft Profile | Mathis Preston, Vancouver Giants

Communications Intern — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 22:02:51 +0000

Mathis Preston has been known to dazzle (or irritate) his opponents with his flash and speed. Not just on the ice, but also on the track. The Vancouver Giants forward was also a talented BMX racer as a kid, where he got to unleash his daredevil nature on dirt tracks dotted with jumps, rollers and steep turns. Racing is actually where he picked up his signature number, 96. "I started BMX when I was really young, just racing against my brother for fun," Preston recalled. "Then we started to get into competitions as we got a little bit older. I kind of wasn't scared of getting hurt or getting injured or anything. Kind of like a good and bad thing." While Preston eventually shifted most of his energy towards hockey, you can still see the elements of the player and person that would allow him to succeed at almost any sport. Despite an injury-shortened campaign and midseason trade, Preston logged 18 goals (including four game-winners) and 26 assists for 44 points in 46 games with the Giants and Spokane Chiefs in 2025-26. https://twitter.com/TheWHL/status/2009867520908636483 After being dealt to Vancouver at the 2026 WHL Trade Deadline, the 5-foot-10.75, 172-pound winger looked primed to explode with 12 points (4G-8A) in 10 games with the G-Men before being sidelined with a lower-body injury from January 10 to March 6. "When he has the puck, his head is always up, he's always one or two plays ahead of everybody," Giants assistant coach Wacey Rabbit said. "His shot is underrated. I remember we hadn't scored a while on the power play, and we're in Kamloops, it's one of our last games, and he just grabbed the puck and in a flash it's in the back of the net. As he grows as a player, he'll have more confidence in that shot because it's really underrated. It's quick, it's fast, and, you know, his tenacity to get the puck back is elite. Once the puck's on his stick, you're not taking it off of him." Despite the Giants missing the postseason, Preston got an extra shot to prove himself at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship, where he finished second in scoring among Canadians with six points (2G-4A) in five games. He also added a goal and two assists in two games at the CHL USA Prospects Challenge. "When I'm at my best, I'm pushing the pace of the game," Preston said ahead of the Prospects Challenge. "I think I like to speed up the game more than I slow it down. (I) can push defenders back and get them on their heels, as well as make plays in the O-zone." The Penticton, B.C. product has flexed that ability from the jump. Preston was selected by Spokane with the third overall pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft and potted 45 points (23G-22A) in 54 games in his first full WHL season. In the 2025 WHL Playoffs, when most rookies would start to see their ice time trimmed, Preston iced 16 points (9G-7A) in 20 games to help the Chiefs reach the Championship Series, highlighted by a one-goal, one-assist effort in Game 2 of the Final. While the Chiefs would fall to fellow top 2026 draft-eligibles Gavin McKenna, Markus and Liam Ruck, and the Medicine Hat Tigers in Game 5, it showed Preston wouldn't shy away in big-time moments. More recently, the 18-year-old put forward a strong showing at the NHL Combine, where he finished in the top 10 in seven events- including a second-place finish in isokinetic squat and anaerobic fitness – peak power output (T-2nd), plus a tie for third in the 10-metre spring. "He's a gym rat," Preston's former coach, Spokane Chiefs bench boss Brad Lauer, added. "One thing with Mathis is he puts in the time, and he works. He wants to be a player, he wants to be a pro. He's got a great skill. He's going to get drafted, he's going to have an opportunity, which is great to see." Preston enters the 2026 NHL Draft ranked 32nd among all North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting. He has high hopes for the future, and looks forward to returning to the Dub to chase a championship in 2026-27. "It just kind of flashes before your eyes," Preston explained. "You grow up, want to get drafted, watching the draft and, you know, seeing all that stuff, and now it's you, and you're up next." Round 1 of the 2026 NHL Draft begins on Friday, June 26, at 5:00 p.m. MT, with Rounds 2-7 to follow on Saturday, June 27, at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.

Former Blades captain Wouters inks first NHL contract with Vancouver Canucks

Communications Intern — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:57:36 +0000

Is 2026-27 the year we finally 'C' Chase Wouters in the NHL? If his latest pro contract is any indication, the odds are looking good for the longtime AHL captain and former Saskatoon Blades star. The Vancouver Canucks have signed the 26-year-old to a one-year, two-way contract. "Chase has worked extremely hard to earn this contract," Canucks General Manager Ryan Johnson said. "He is a heart and soul type player, someone who doesn’t cheat the game and always goes the extra mile to work on his craft. Detail-oriented and coachable, Chase is a very good hockey player who leads by example. I am impressed with his development and proud of the progress he has made since turning pro. Besides all his work on the ice, he is the first to raise his hand to help others and go above and beyond in the community. His leadership qualities, skill set, and hockey IQ have helped him take another step forward in his hockey journey." The North Battleford, Sask. product was originally drafted by the Blades with the 18th overall pick in the 2015 WHL Prospects Draft. Wouters went on to register 181 points (75G-106A) in 280 regular-season games over parts of six seasons in the Bridge City. Beyond the stats, he proudly served as captain for three seasons and remains the longest-serving 'C' in the Blades' long history. The 6-foot, 182-pound centreman signed with the AHL's Abbotsford Canucks as an undrafted free agent in 2021 and has spent his entire professional career with the club. Wouters has racked up 120 points (43G-77A) in 338 games in five seasons with Abbotsford and has served as team captain since 2022. He's won the team's Man of the Year award four times and ranks as the franchise leader in regular-season games played (338) as well as playoff matches (38). Wouters posted five points (2G-3A) in 24 outings to help the Canucks hoist the Calder Cup as AHL Champions in 2024-25 and brought the cup to Saskatoon to celebrate shortly afterward. Tuesday's signing marks Wouters' first NHL contract.

Former Wheat Kings captain Craig named Head Coach of NHL’s Golden Knights

Communications Intern — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 19:14:09 +0000

Las Vegas, Nevada – Former Brandon Wheat Kings captain Ryan Craig has been named the fifth Head Coach in the franchise history of the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Golden Knights announced the promotion of Craig on Wednesday. The 44-year-old native of Abbotsford, B.C., has spent the past three seasons as Head Coach of the AHL’s Henderson Silver Knights.

Selected by the Wheat Kings in the second round (34th overall) of the 1997 WHL Draft, Craig played five seasons in the Wheat City, culminating with two campaigns as captain – 2001-02 and 2002-03.

During his NHL Draft season, the 6-foot-2, 212-pound forward tallied 64 points (29G-35A) in 52 games. He did enough to capture the attention of NHL scouts and went on to be selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the eighth round (255th overall) of the 2002 NHL Draft.

After being drafted, Craig return to the WHL for his second season as captain of the Wheat Kings and he put up career numbers – 74 points (42G-32A) in 60 games. The performance earned Craig a place on the WHL’s Eastern Conference First All-Star Team. He was also awarded the Doug Wickenheiser Trophy, presented annually to the WHL’s Humanitarian of the Year.

Upon graduation from the WHL, Craig went on to enjoy a 12-season professional career, including playing 198 NHL regular season contests with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Over his pro career, Craig also served as captain for four AHL teams – the Norfolk Admirals (2009-10), Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (2010-11 to 2011-12), Springfield Falcons (2012-13 to 2014-15), and Lake Erie / Cleveland Monsters (2015-16 to 2016-17).

After retiring as a player, Craig immediately joined the Golden Knights as an assistant coach in 2017-18. He spent six seasons as an assistant coach in Vegas, helping guide the Club to a Stanley Cup championship in 2023. From there, he became Head Coach of the Silver Knights ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

Craig reunites with Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon – the longtime Owner, President, General Manager, and Head Coach of the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. The two were together from 1998 to 2003 when Craig played for McCrimmon, who was GM at the time.

https://twitter.com/GoldenKnights/status/2067292326935048383?s=20

Former WHL Coach of the Year Hiller named Head Coach of NHL’s Maple Leafs

Communications Intern — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 17:36:01 +0000

Toronto, Ont. – Former WHL Coach of the Year Jim Hiller has been named the 41st coach in Toronto Maple Leafs franchise history.

Hiller was announced as the Leafs new coach Wednesday morning.

“Jim is an experienced coach with a strong understanding of what it takes to win in today’s NHL,” said John Chayka, General Manager of the Maple Leafs. “He has worked with successful teams throughout his career, connects well with players and brings a clear approach behind the bench. We believe he’s the right person to lead our team and help us reach our goals.”

Hiller, 57, got his start behind the bench as an assistant coach with the Tri-City Americans during the 2002-03 season. In 2006-07, he took over as Head Coach of the WHL’s Chilliwack Bruins, where he spent three seasons.

In 2009-10, the product of Port Alberni, B.C., joined the Tri-City Americans as Head Coach. In his first season behind the bench, Hiller guided the Ams to a U.S. Division title and a record of 47-22-1-2. Led by the likes of Brendan Shinnimin and Kruise Reddick, Hiller and the Americans advanced to the WHL Championship where they fell to the Calgary Hitmen in five games.

In 2010-11, Hiller’s Ams once again enjoyed a great regular season, going 44-24-2-2 to finish third in the U.S. Division.

The 2011-12 campaign represents Hiller’s best season behind a WHL bench as he guided the Americans to a record of 50-18-2-2, which was good enough to finish first in the U.S. Division and second in the WHL regular season standings. That year, Shinnimin recorded 134 points (58G-76A) to lead the WHL in scoring, while Adam Hughesman and Patrick Holland both surpassed the 100-point plateau as well, collecting 116 points and 109 points respectively. The Ams advanced to the Western Conference Championship for the second time in three seasons, but ultimately fell to the Portland Winterhawks in four games. Despite the playoff setback, Hiller was recognized with the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy as WHL Coach of the Year. He was also named the winner of the Brian Kilrea Award, presented annually to the Coach of the Year across the entire Canadian Hockey League.

Hiller wrapped up his WHL coaching career with one final season in Tri-City before joining the Detroit Red Wings as an assistant coach ahead of the 2013-14 campaign.

During his WHL tenure, Hiller oversaw the development of numerous players that advanced to the NHL, including but not limited to: Nick Holden, Chris Driedger, Eric Comrie, Parker Wotherspoon, and Brandon Carlo.

From 2015-16 to 2018-19, Hiller served as an assistant coach with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After three seasons as an assistant coach with the New York Islanders (2019-20 to 2021-22) he joined the Los Angeles Kings as an assistant coach in 2022-23.

During the 2023-24 season, Hiller was named Interim Head Coach of the Kings on February 2. The interim tag was removed prior to the 2024-25 season and Hiller remained as Head Coach of the Kings until March 1, 2026.

Over his tenure with the Kings, Hiller amassed a record of 93-58-24, good enough for a .600 win percentage over 175 regular season games.

https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/2067230869790539965?s=20

Broncos sign first-round pick Jacson Bradbeer to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Communications Intern — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:10:13 +0000

Swift Current, Sask – The Swift Current Broncos are pleased to announce the signing of 2011-born defenceman Jacson Bradbeer to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Bradbeer was selected by the Broncos 22nd overall in the first round of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft.

Bradbeer joins the Broncos after an impressive season with Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep. The Maple Ridge, B.C. product recorded 61 points in 29 regular season games from the blue line, and added another six points in three playoff games.

The 5-foot-9 defenceman also suited up in five games with Yale Hockey Academy's U17 Prep team. Bradbeer also represented British Columbia at the U16 BC Cup, where he collected four assists in four games.

“We are excited to officially welcome Jacson and the Bradbeer family to the Broncos organization,” said Broncos General Manager and Head Coach Travis Crickard. “He is someone who can overwhelm opponents with his mobility, precise passing, and hockey sense. We are excited to make a positive impact on his development as Jacson will be a prominent member of our defence group for many years to come.”

2026 NHL Draft Profile | Chase Harrington, Spokane Chiefs

Communications Intern — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:44:57 +0000

Spokane Chiefs Chase Harrington comes by his hardworking game honestly. When the going gets tough, he thinks of the long hours his dad, Daryl, has put in on construction sites across B.C.'s Lower Mainland. "Obviously, I'm not working full time, but just watching him, like, he gets up every day at 5:00 a.m., gets home at 7:00 p.m.," Harrington said. "Just a big inspiration for me, the work that he puts in is just like, 'Yeah, why can't I do that in hockey?" Harrington spends summers with Daryl on the job site as well, but he's adding just as many new tools to his belt on the ice. The 6'0.75, 202-pound winger is coming off a career-best 57-point (28G-29A) campaign with the Spokane Chiefs and is trending up ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. "After Christmas, I really think he took off," Spokane Chiefs Head Coach Brad Lauer said. "I think the way he matured as an individual, I really thought his game matured along with him. We talk about getting to the guts of the ice a lot, and that's just getting to the netfront when the pucks are going there. I really thought he did a really good job the second half of getting to the guts of the ice and scoring goals, you know, 2-3 feet from the net. He's got an exceptional shot- he needs to shoot more for us- but I really liked how he got to the hard areas and scored some goals. I really thought I gave him an identity to his game." https://twitter.com/TheWHL/status/2066917794873315650 Indeed, Harrington averaged a point per game in the second half of the season (15G-11A) while embracing a power forward role with the Chiefs. He tied for first on the squad in goals and had four game-winners, four of which came in 2026. The Prince George, B.C. product also finished eighth among all WHL skaters in PIMs with 105. "I think I just found a little more confidence offensively," Harrington said of his hot start to the new year. "Things started clicking a little bit with me and my teammates, and yeah, we've been doing good since. I think I have a lot of speed, my shots are really good. I think the thing that separates me is that little edge I have to my game. I win my battles. I get to the net, I'll stand up for my teammates." Harrington has consistently added another layer of sandpaper to his game in the postseason (20 grit, by our estimation). With the Chiefs trailing the Cougars 3-2 and staring down the threat of elimination in Game 5 of their first-round series, Harrington bagged the equalizer by swatting a loose puck in from the edge of the blue paint with :56 seconds left in regulation. In overtime, he hit twine with a seeing-eye wrister from the slot to extend the series. https://twitter.com/TheWHL/status/2039935201967849498 While Spokane would bow out in Game 6, it was an overall positive showing for Harrington, who finished the postseason with four points (2G-2A). Since being selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft, Harrington has posted 130 goals (53G-77A) in 194 regular-season games. "Playing so many games, you have so much time to work on your game," Harrington noted. "I think the amount of practices and games is a perfect mix, you can work on your game throughout the week, and then play, and then have weekday games here and there." He's snagged invitations to the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, 2026 WHL Prospects Game and 2026 NHL Combine, where he's been tested against the best of his age group. Harrington enters the 2026 NHL Draft ranked 26th among all North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in the agency's final rankings, having climbed six spots since the midterm list dropped in mid-January. NHL teams will reveal their newest selections at the 2026 NHL Draft at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y., on June 26 and 27.

WHL mourns passing of Alvin G. Libin, Calgary Hitmen minority owner

Communications Intern — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:30:23 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Alvin G. Libin, longtime minority owner of the Calgary Hitmen.

The Calgary Flames acknowledged the passing of Libin on Monday. He was 95.

Libin, who hailed from Calgary, joined the Calgary Sports & Entertainment Corporation ownership group in 1994.

Over his time with CSEC, Libin was involved in the acquisition of the Calgary Hitmen, CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, and NLL’s Calgary Roughnecks, along with the relocation of the AHL’s Wranglers to Calgary.

Libin was instrumental in the years leading up to construction on Scotia Place – Calgary’s new downtown arena, which is scheduled to open in September 2027.

He was widely regarded by his colleagues as passionate about the community and the fans.

Libin served as a director on numerous corporate and community boards, was an Officer of the Order of Canada, holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Calgary, and was inducted into the Alberta Order of Excellence in 2004.

The President and CEO of Balmon Investments Ltd., Libin also established The Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta in partnership with the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services.

On behalf of the WHL and its 23 member Clubs, we extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to family, friends, colleagues, and all those who knew Alvin.

Winterhawks acquire the signing rights of Blackhawks prospect Mason West

Communications Intern — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 20:07:42 +0000

Portland, Ore. - The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club announced today the acquisition of Mason West's WHL Playing Rights from the Vancouver Giants in exchange for a conditional 2028 WHL Prospects Draft First-Round pick and a 2030 WHL Prospects Draft Seventh-Round pick. West, of Edina, Minnesota, spent the 2025-26 season with the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League. In 38 games, the 18-year-old forward buried 10 goals and added 15 assists for 25 points. West was selected 29th overall in the first round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks. Standing at 6-foot-6 and weighing 218 pounds, West collected 114 points in 91 games played at Edina High School – with 51 goals and 63 assists. West was a member of the Edina Hornets team that won the 2024 Minnesota High School Class AA State Championship in front of 20,346 fans. Welcome to the Rose City Mason!

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