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Two WHL Alumni among those ranked No. 20 through No. 11 on CHL Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:44:05 +0000

The Top 50 players were selected through an initial media vote, with the final order determined by a weighted combination of media and fan voting. After unveiling players ranked No. 50 through No. 21 over the past three weeks, the CHL continues the countdown today, with full player bios available at chl.ca/chl50.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to unveil the players ranked No. 20 through No. 11 on its Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list (see below), a marquee initiative of the CHL’s 50th anniversary season. The countdown recognizes the greatest players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) since 1975-76, celebrating the stars who have defined major junior hockey over the past five decades. Two WHL Alumni find themselves ranked from 20 to 11 on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years, including Jarome Iginla (14) and Scott Niedermayer (11). As part of the initiative, a panel of media members first selected the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years. The final ranking order was then determined using a weighted formula that combined media and fan voting to rank the players from No. 1 through No. 50. After unveiling players ranked No. 50 through No. 21 over the past three weeks, the CHL’s countdown continues today with one of the most accomplished 10-player groups on the list. The players ranked No. 20 through No. 11 feature a balanced mix of elite forwards, franchise goaltenders, and era-defining defencemen, including four players from the OHL, four from the QMJHL, and two from the WHL. The group includes eight Hockey Hall of Fame inductees, four Memorial Cup champions, two CHL Player of the Year recipients, two No. 1 NHL Draft picks, and two Triple Gold Club members. It also features the two highest-ranked goaltenders on the CHL Top 50 list in Martin Brodeur (No. 17) and Patrick Roy (No. 16), two of the most accomplished netminders in hockey history. Four of the nine defencemen named to the full Top 50 also appear in this range: Al MacInnis, Chris Pronger, Paul Coffey, and Scott Niedermayer. KEY FACTS & MEDIA NOTES: CHL TOP 50 PLAYERS KEY FACTS & MEDIA NOTES: PLAYERS RANKED NO. 20 THROUGH NO. 11 MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) PLAYERS RANKED NO. 50 THROUGH 41 PLAYERS RANKED NO. 40 THROUGH 31 PLAYERS RANKED NO. 30 THROUGH 21 20. Pat LaFontaine, Forward | QMJHL | Verdun Juniors (1982-83) | New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres & New York Rangers (1983-98): LaFontaine authored one of the most historic rookie seasons in CHL history with Verdun in 1982-83, producing 234 points in 70 games — including 104 goals and 130 assists — to establish CHL single-season rookie records in all three categories. He led the QMJHL in scoring, recorded at least one point in 69 of 70 games, captured QMJHL MVP and Playoff MVP honours, and was named CHL Player of the Year after helping Verdun win the QMJHL championship. Selected third overall in 1983, LaFontaine went on to record six straight 40-goal seasons in the NHL, won the Bill Masterton Trophy, posted a Buffalo Sabres franchise-record 148 points in 1992-93, and finished with 1,013 career points on his way to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Internationally, he won the 1996 World Cup of Hockey with the United States and represented his country at two Olympic Winter Games. 19. Al MacInnis, Defenceman | OHL | Kitchener Rangers (1980-83) | Calgary Flames & St. Louis Blues (1980-2004): MacInnis became a star on the Kitchener blue line after beginning his CHL career with two WHL games for Regina, helping the Rangers win back-to-back OHL championships and the 1982 Memorial Cup. He earned OHL First All-Star Team honours in consecutive seasons and captured the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL’s top defenceman in 1982-83 after tying Bobby Orr’s OHL record for goals by a defenceman with 38. Drafted 15th overall by Calgary in 1981, MacInnis became one of the most feared shooters and productive defencemen in NHL history, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy while leading the Flames to the Stanley Cup in 1989 and later capturing the Norris Trophy with St. Louis. A Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, he retired with 1,274 points in 1,416 NHL games. Internationally, he won Canada Cup gold in 1991 and Olympic gold with Canada in 2002. 18. Chris Pronger, Defenceman | OHL | Peterborough Petes (1991-93) | Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks & Philadelphia Flyers (1993-2012): Pronger’s dominance took shape in Peterborough, where the towering defenceman posted 139 points across two regular seasons before delivering one of the greatest playoff runs ever by an OHL blueliner. In 1992-93, he recorded 40 points in 21 playoff games — still the OHL single-playoff scoring record for a defenceman — while leading the Petes to the OHL championship. That season, he was named OHL and CHL Defenceman of the Year, earned First All-Star Team honours in both, and captured the CHL Plus/Minus Award. Selected second overall in 1993, Pronger became one of the NHL’s defining defencemen, winning the Hart and Norris trophies, capturing the Stanley Cup with Anaheim in 2007, and earning recognition as one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players. Internationally, he became a Triple Gold Club member with Olympic gold, World Championship gold, and a Stanley Cup. 17. Martin Brodeur, Goaltender | QMJHL | Saint-Hyacinthe Lasers (1989-92) | New Jersey Devils & St. Louis Blues (1991-2015): Brodeur developed into one of hockey’s greatest goaltenders with Saint-Hyacinthe, where he spent three seasons in the QMJHL and earned QMJHL All-Rookie and Second All-Star Team honours. His junior career helped lay the foundation for one of the most decorated goaltending résumés in hockey history. Selected 20th overall by New Jersey in 1990, Brodeur became the NHL’s all-time leader among goaltenders in wins, shutouts, and games played. He won three Stanley Cups with the Devils, four Vezina Trophies, five William M. Jennings Trophies, and the Calder Trophy, while also being named one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players. Internationally, Brodeur won Olympic gold with Canada in 2002 and 2010 and backstopped Canada to the 2004 World Cup of Hockey title. 16. Patrick Roy, Goaltender | QMJHL | Granby Bisons (1982-85) | Montreal Canadiens & Colorado Avalanche (1984-2003): Roy’s path to greatness began with the Granby Bisons, where he became a workhorse in the crease during three QMJHL seasons. Facing heavy shot volumes throughout his junior career, Roy earned QMJHL Third All-Star Team honours as a 17-year-old and continued to anchor Granby before making the jump to professional hockey. His junior legacy remains firmly tied to the QMJHL, where he was later inducted into the league’s Hall of Fame and had the QMJHL Goaltender of the Year award named in his honour. In the NHL, Roy became one of the most decorated goaltenders in history, winning four Stanley Cups, three Conn Smythe Trophies — the most by any player — and three Vezina Trophies. A Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Roy was the first NHL goaltender to reach 500 wins and 1,000 games played, and he remains one of the sport’s greatest playoff performers. 15. John Tavares, Forward | OHL | Oshawa Generals & London Knights (2005-09) | New York Islanders & Toronto Maple Leafs (2009-Present): The first player ever granted exceptional status into the OHL, Tavares entered the league at 15 and quickly became one of the most prolific scorers in CHL history. He won OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year honours in 2005-06, then erupted for 72 goals and 134 points the following season to capture the Red Tilson Trophy as OHL MVP and become the youngest CHL Player of the Year winner ever. Tavares later won the Eddie Powers Trophy as OHL scoring champion, earned the CHL Top Prospect Award, and became the OHL’s all-time goals leader with 215. Selected first overall by the New York Islanders in 2009, Tavares has gone on to captain both the Islanders and Toronto Maple Leafs while reaching the 1,000-game, 1,000-point, and 500-goal milestones. Internationally, he won two World Juniors gold medals, Olympic gold in 2014, and World Cup gold in 2016. 14. Jarome Iginla, Forward | WHL | Kamloops Blazers (1993-96) | Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche & Los Angeles Kings (1995-2017): Undrafted in the WHL Bantam Draft, Iginla became a Kamloops Blazers icon, helping the club win back-to-back WHL championships and Memorial Cup titles in 1994 and 1995. He then delivered a dominant 1995-96 season with 136 points in 63 games, earning WHL Player of the Year honours along with CHL First Team All-Star recognition. In 183 regular-season WHL games, Iginla totaled 236 points and added 56 more in 56 playoff contests. Drafted 11th overall by Dallas in 1995, Iginla became the Calgary Flames’ all-time leader in goals, points, and games played, while winning the Art Ross Trophy, two Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophies, and surpassing both 600 goals and 1,300 points. A Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, he was also a cornerstone for Canada internationally, winning World Juniors gold, World Championship gold, World Cup gold, and two Olympic gold medals. 13. Nathan MacKinnon, Forward | QMJHL | Halifax Mooseheads (2011-13) | Colorado Avalanche (2013-Present): MacKinnon was a game-breaking force with the Halifax Mooseheads, recording 153 points in 102 regular-season games and adding 61 points in 34 playoff contests. In 2012-13, he helped lead Halifax to the QMJHL championship before delivering a defining Memorial Cup performance, posting 13 points in five games and earning tournament MVP honours after a championship-game hat trick against Portland. Selected first overall by Colorado in 2013 as the first Mooseheads alumnus ever taken No. 1, MacKinnon has become one of the NHL’s most dominant players. He has won the Stanley Cup, Hart Trophy, Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award, highlighted by a 140-point season in 2023-24, and reached his 1,000th NHL point in 2025. Internationally, he has won gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and IIHF World Championship, and was named MVP of the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off after leading Canada in goals. 12. Paul Coffey, Defenceman | OHL | Kingston Canadians, Soo Greyhounds & Kitchener Rangers (1977-80) | Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes & Boston Bruins (1980-2001): Coffey’s Hall of Fame career was launched in the OHL, where he developed into one of the most dynamic offensive defencemen the sport has ever seen. After beginning with Kingston, he broke out with the Soo Greyhounds in 1978-79, recording 89 points and setting a single-season franchise record for assists by a defenceman that he still shares. He closed his junior career in 1979-80 by totaling 102 points between Soo and Kitchener, becoming one of only a select group of OHL defencemen since 1975 to reach 100 points in a season. Drafted sixth overall by Edmonton in 1980, Coffey became a prototype for the modern high-octane defenceman, winning four Stanley Cups and three Norris Trophies while setting the NHL single-season record for goals by a defenceman with 48. He retired with 1,531 NHL points, the second-most by a defenceman in league history. Internationally, he won three Canada Cups with Canada. 11. Scott Niedermayer, Defenceman | WHL | Kamloops Blazers (1989-92) | New Jersey Devils & Anaheim Ducks (1991-2010): Niedermayer’s championship pedigree was forged with the Kamloops Blazers, where he became one of the WHL’s premier two-way defencemen. He posted 69 points as a 16-year-old rookie in 1989-90 while helping Kamloops win the WHL title, then followed with a career-best 82 points in 1990-91 while earning WHL and CHL Scholastic Player of the Year honours. In 1991-92, Niedermayer helped the Blazers capture another WHL championship and their first Memorial Cup, assisting on the Cup-winning goal with 14.6 seconds remaining and earning Stafford Smythe Trophy honours as Memorial Cup MVP. Selected third overall by New Jersey in 1991, he went on to win four Stanley Cups, the Norris Trophy, and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2007. A Hockey Hall of Fame inductee, Niedermayer also became one of hockey’s ultimate winners internationally, capturing World Junior gold, two Olympic gold medals, World Championship gold, and World Cup gold. He remains one of only two players in hockey history, alongside Corey Perry, to win the Memorial Cup, World Juniors, Olympic gold, IIHF World Championship, World Cup of Hockey, and Stanley Cup. The Top 10 players on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list will be revealed over the coming weeks. CHL Top 50 Evaluation Criteria and Eligibility The CHL’s Top 50 Players were selected by a panel of more than 40 media members who submitted ranked 1–50 ballots guided by a weighted evaluation framework designed to ensure consistency across eras. Panelists considered a player’s impact beyond the CHL — including NHL and international success, major awards and championships, and Hall of Fame recognition — alongside on-ice achievement in the Member Leagues, reflecting what players accomplished during their time in the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL through production, individual honours, team success, and sustained dominance. Selections also accounted for historical significance, recognizing milestones, era-defining influence, generational impact, and lasting contributions to CHL history. To be eligible, players must have competed in at least one full season in the WHL, OHL, or QMJHL during the CHL’s 50-year history beginning in 1975–76; for players who competed in 1975–76 and also played prior to that season, their entire CHL career was considered when evaluating on-ice accomplishments.

WHL Morning Skate: April 30

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:17:10 +0000

NEED TO KNOW - Projected 2026 NHL first-round pick Daxon Rudolph's four-point night has tied him for the WHL Playoff scoring lead - Game 3 overtime goal-scorer Liam Ruck (NHL CSS: 20) did not suit up for Medicine Hat in Game 4 - The Eastern Conference Championship will shift to the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert for Game 5 on Friday night TOP PERFORMER Daximum effort, Daximum results. Lacombe, Alta.'s Daxon Rudolph made quick work of a powerplay opportunity in the first period as he sliced a long shot from the point high glove side on Jordan Switzer. The 6-foot-2, 202-pound defender came back for more just 25 seconds into the second period as he flew up the centre of the ice and wristed a shot to the same spot from the slot. Rudolph picked up two assists to ensure the win and mark his first four-point playoff game. The 18-year-old owns eight goals (including three game-winners) and 11 assists for 19 points in 13 playoff games. Not only does he lead all defencemen in goals and points, he's also tied with Everett Silvertips forward Matias Vanhanen (NHL CSS: 54) for the playoff points lead. Rudolph has only been held off the scoresheet three times in the playoffs and has five multi-point games under his belt. Rudolph is ranked fifth among all North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in the agency's final list ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. RESULTS Prince Albert 6, Medicine Hat 3 Series tied 2-2 After suffering a 2-1 overtime loss in Game 3, the Prince Albert Raiders got one back on the road thanks to a tremendous second period and efficient work on the man advantage. After Rudolph's game-opening powerplay goal, Evan Smith doubled the lead with another long shot through traffic less than two minutes later. The goals came fast and furious as 2027 NHL Draft-eligible Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll cut the deficit in half eight seconds later with a deceptive one-timer from the slot that beat Michal Orsulak (NHL CSS: 2) five-hole. Rudolph bagged his second goal of the night just 25 seconds into the second period with another powerplay goal off a rush. Raiders veteran Aiden Oiring was next on the board as he tapped home a rebound on the back door, with his sixth goal of the postseason standing as the game-winner. Rudolph teed up Maddix McCagherty for an insurance marker as he lofted a pass through the blue paint for a wide-open McCagherty. Twenty-year-old Ethan Neutens got one back for the Tigers to make it 5-2 as he one-timed a puck that took a wild bounce off the corner boards. San Jose Sharks prospect Max Heise did the work himself on a third-period two-on-one for his third playoff goal before Gordon-Carroll closed out the scoring with a tip on a Dayton Reschny point shot. Prince Albert went 2/5 on the powerplay, while Medicine Hat failed to convert on its single man-advantage. THREE STARS 1- Daxon Rudolph, PA – 2G-2A 2- Michal Orsulak – 23 saves, .885 save percentage 3- Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll – 2G

2026 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Rudolph named Tempo WHL Player of the Month for April, fuelled by Co-op

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:37:59 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today 2026 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Daxon Rudolph of the Prince Albert Raiders has been named Tempo WHL Player of the Month for April, Fuelled by Co-op.

Rudolph, an 18-year-old product of Lacombe, Alta., recorded 13 points (6G-7A) and a plus-2 rating in 10 games, as the Raiders find themselves tied 2-2 with the Medicine Hat Tigers in the best-of-seven WHL Eastern Conference Championship Series presented by Nutrien.

Ranked fifth among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft, Rudolph has been a two-way force on the blueline for the Raiders.

The 6-foot-2, 202-pound right-shot rearguard logged three multipoint performances during the month of April, including a four-point (2G-2A) outburst Wednesday, April 29, to help the Raiders claim a 6-3 victory, tying the WHL Eastern Conference Championship Series at 2-2.

Rudolph started Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Championship Series with a power-play goal to open the scoring 10:16 into the first period. He added another power-play tally 25 seconds into the second period, giving Prince Albert a 3-1 lead. From there, the second-year defenceman added assists on second period goals by veterans Aiden Oiring and Maddix McCagherty as the Raiders padded their advantage. At the end of the night, Rudolph was named first star of the game for his four-point effort.

With 19 points (8G-11A) in 13 post-season contests, Rudolph is tied for the lead in WHL Playoff scoring with Matias Vanhanen of the Everett Silvertips. The highly-touted blueliner has secured three game-winning goals to this point in the playoffs, tied for second among all WHL skaters.

Registering 78 points (28G-50A) in 68 regular season games, Rudolph finished third among all WHL defencemen in scoring during the 2025-26 campaign. He was named to the WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star Team for his performance, and is also a finalist for the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL Defenceman of the Year.

Originally selected by the Raiders with the first overall pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Rudolph has notched 119 points (35G-84A) in 132 career WHL regular season games. During the 2025-26 season, he represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge and also captained Team East at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass.

Rudolph and the Raiders return to the Art Hauser Centre in Prince Albert for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Championship on Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. MT. Stream all the action FREE on Victory+.

Tempo WHL Player of the Month

September / October: JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers November: Tij Iginla, Kelowna Rockets December: Bryce Pickford, Medicine Hat Tigers January: Jacob Kvasnicka, Penticton Vees February: Carter Bear, Everett Silvertips March: Tij Iginla, Kelowna Rockets

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-eligible prospect Vanhanen named Sandman WHL Rookie of the Month for April

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:37:56 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today 2026 NHL Draft-eligible prospect Matias Vanhanen of the Everett Silvertips has been named Sandman WHL Rookie of the Month for April.

The 5-foot-10, 175-pound left winger from Nokia, Finland, recorded 14 points (7G-7A) and a plus-6 rating in 10 games this month as the Silvertips advanced to the 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien.

Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Vanhanen is ranked 54th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings.

Vanhanen’s month was highlighted by a three-point (2G-1A) effort Friday, April 10, as the Silvertips dropped the Kelowna Rockets by a 4-1 score in Game 1 of the second round of the WHL Playoffs. The shifty winger registered the game-winning goal 4:20 into the second period of play before capping his night with an empty-net marker. He was named second star of the game for his performance.

During a four-game sweep of the Penticton Vees in the WHL’s Western Conference Championship, Vanhanen contributed five points (3G-2A), including the game-winning goal in the series clinching contest Tuesday, April 28.

Over the course of the month, Vanhanen produced five multipoint games.

With 19 points (10G-9A) in 13 post-season contests, Vanhanen is tied for the WHL Playoff scoring lead with Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Daxon Rudolph.

Originally selected by the Silvertips in the first round (31st overall) of the 2025 CHL Import Draft, Vanhanen enjoyed a great regular season, tallying 87 points (21G-66A) in 62 games. He was named to the WHL Western Conference Second All-Star Team, and was also a finalist for the Brad Hornung Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually to the WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player. Vanhanen was a finalist for the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually to the WHL Rookie of the Year.

Vanhanen and the Silvertips rest as they await the winner of the WHL’s Eastern Conference Championship Series presented by Nutrien. The Silvertips will host Games 1 and 2 of the 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien, scheduled for Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, respectively.

Sandman WHL Rookie of the Month

September / October: Chase Surkan, Brandon Wheat Kings November: JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers December: Kale Dach, Calgary Hitmen January: JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers February: Matias Vanhanen, Everett Silvertips March: Vojtech Cihar, Kelowna Rockets

About the Western Hockey League

Silvertips netminder Miller named Mary Brown’s Chicken WHL Goaltender of the Month for April

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:37:51 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today Everett Silvertips netminder Anders Miller has been named Mary Brown’s Chicken WHL Goaltender of the Month for April.

Miller, an 18-year-old product of Anchorage, Alaska, went 9-0-1-0 with a 2.14 goals-against average and .929 save percentage during the month of April.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound puckstopper has won five consecutive games to close the month of April, including a four-game sweep of the Penticton Vees in the WHL Western Conference Championship presented by Nutrien.

Miller’s lone defeat of the month came in overtime – a 4-3 setback at the hands of the 2026 Memorial Cup-host Kelowna Rockets in Game 4 of the second round Wednesday, April 15. The Rockets kept Miller busy throughout the series, including in Games 2 and 3, where he was asked to make 37 and 36 saves respectively.

The second-year guardian was no slouch during the Western Conference Championship Series, including a 29-save performance in Game 2 on Saturday, April 25, as he backstopped the Silvertips to a 5-4 double overtime triumph over the Vees. Wrapping up the series, Miller turned in another impressive outing in Game 4 of Tuesday, April 28, making 26 saves to stymie the Vees and help Everett claim a 4-2 triumph along with the WHL’s Western Conference Championship.

Through 13 playoff games, Miller owns a record of 12-0-1-0 with a 1.79 GAA, .936 SV%, and one shutout. He ranks among the WHL leaders in wins (first), GAA (second), SV% (second), and shutouts (T-2nd).

Acquired by the Silvertips from the Calgary Hitmen early in the 2025-26 season, Miller logged a regular season record of 31-5-0-0 with a 2.30 GAA, .914 SV%, and four shutouts.

Undrafted into the WHL, he signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Hitmen in November 2024. In 58 career WHL games, Miller is 44-9-0-2 with a 2.32 GAA, .912 SV%, and five shutouts.

Miller and the Silvertips rest as they await the winner of the WHL’s Eastern Conference Championship Series presented by Nutrien. The Silvertips will host Games 1 and 2 of the 2026 WHL Championship Series presented by Nutrien, scheduled for Friday, May 8, and Saturday, May 9, respectively.

Mary Brown’s Chicken WHL Goaltender of the Month

September / October: Andrew Reyelts, Penticton Vees November: Joshua Ravensbergen, Prince George Cougars December: Filip Ruzicka, Brandon Wheat Kings January: Evan Gardner, Saskatoon Blades February: Carter Esler, Spokane Chiefs March: Michal Orsulak, Prince Albert Raiders

About the Western Hockey League

WHL Morning Skate: April 29

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:59:50 +0000

NEED TO KNOW - The Everett Silvertips have advanced to the WHL Championship Series for the third time in franchise history and first time since 2018 - Matias Vanhanen bagged the series-clinching goal as Everett pulled off a third-period comeback - 2026 NHL Draft-eligible Liam Ruck scored in overtime to give Medicine Hat its first lead of the Eastern Conference Championship - Jordan Switzer made a career-high 37 saves to preserve the 2-1 win for the Tigers - Prince Albert will try to level the series on Wednesday night TOP PERFORMER It's a playoff brek-ening. Brek Liske (NHL CSS: 44) played a critical role in Everett's comeback win with three primary assists- including a helper on the game-winning goal. Liske, 18, has logged three goals and eight assists for 11 points in 13 outings and a +18 rating in the 2026 postseason- including an eight-game point streak in the first and second rounds. The 6-foot-2, 188-pound defenceman from Beausejour, Man. is second in points among Silvertips defenders, trailing only Landon DuPont, and fifth among all Tips skaters. RESULTS

Penticton 4, Everett 5 (2OT) EVT leads 2-0 The Silvertips just reminded how hard it is to hold any kind of lead against the regular-season champs. Facing a must-win outing at home, Penticton opened the scoring for a third-straight game, this time, with captain Nolan Stevenson unleashing a one-timer on the man advantage. Everett got a fortuitous bounce off of Brek Liske to tie the game briefly, but New York Islanders prospect Jacob Kvasnicka put his side back on top with his eighth tally of the playoffs just over a minute later. The Silvertips rattled off a trio of third-period goals to pull off the win, starting with a crash-bang effort from Jesse Heslop. Matias Vanhanen gave the Tips their first lead of the night with a precision tip off a Liske shot, which would stand as the series-winner. Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen iced the match with an empty-netter, while Anders Miller denied 26 of 28 shots in the win. THREE STARS 1- Rylan Gould, EVT – 2G 2- Matias Vanhanen, EVT – 1G-1A 3- Carter Bear, EVT – 1G-2A Prince Albert 1, Medicine Hat 2 (OT) MH leads 2-1

After trading blowout wins, the Raiders and Tigers grappled for every inch of ice in a thunderous Game 3 showdown in the Gas City. Top 2026 NHL Draft Prospect Daxon Rudolph quieted a voracious crowd at Co-op Place as he swatted his own rebound past Jordan Switzer for his sixth strike of the postseason. The Raiders carried a 1-0 lead in the second period while surviving a pair of early Tigers powerplays, but Kade Stengrim capitalized on the man advantage with a long wrister. Michal Orsulak (NHL CSS: 2) and Switzer denied skaters golden opportunities time and time again as the clock ticked down to zero. Utah Mammoth prospect Veeti Vaisanen also kept the Tigers in it with a critical shot block when Switzer slid out of the net. While regulation time didn't solve anything, overtime was calling Liam Ruck's name. The 2026 NHL Draft-eligible forward (NHL CSS: 20) put the Tabbies on top as he banked a rebound off the skate of Orsulak and across the goal line.

THREE STARS 1- Jordan Switzer, MH – 37 saves, .974 save percentage 2- Liam Ruck, MH – 1G 3- Michal Orsulak – 19 saves, .905 save percentage

ON TAP

Everett Silvertips eliminate Vees, advance to 2026 WHL Championship Series

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:27:34 +0000

For the third time in franchise history, the Everett Silvertips will battle for WHL glory. The Silvertips completed a sweep of the B.C. Division Penticton Vees with a 4-2 comeback win in Game 4 on Tuesday night. Penticton carried a hard-fought 2-1 lead into the final period with hopes of extending their season, but Jesse Heslop breathed new life into the game as he shovelled a loose puck into the Vees net with under nine minutes remaining. Two minutes later, 2026 NHL Draft-eligible Matias Vanhanen (NHL CSS: 54) gave Everett its first lead of the night. His 10th goal of the playoffs would stand as the series-winner. Fellow Finn and Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen iced the Western Conference Championship with an empty net goal, while Anders Miller steered aside 26 of 28 shots. Vanhanen and Miettinen are tied for most goals in the 2026 WHL Playoffs. The powerhouse Silvertips have captured back-to-back Scotty Munro Memorial Trophies as regular-season champions, but are eager to drop 'regular season' from that sentence. Everett is coming off its best regular season in franchise history with a whopping 57-8-2-1 record. Angel of the Winds Arena has become a fortress on Possession Sound, with the Tips going 6-0-0 at home in the postseason. This marks Everett's third trip to the WHL Championship Series and first since 2018. The Tips burst onto the scene in their inaugural season by capturing the U.S. Division title and advancing to the 2004 WHL Championship Series, where they fell to the Medicine Hat Tigers in four straight. They'd have to wait until 2018 to have another crack at the title, but were ultimately felled by the Swift Current Broncos in six games. Now, Everett will await the winner of the Eastern Conference Championship, where the Medicine Hat Tigers hold a 2-1 series lead over the Prince Albert Raiders.

WHL mourns passing of Matt Davidson, Winterhawks Director of Player Personnel

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:14:40 +0000

The Western Hockey League is deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Matt Davidson, Director of Player Personnel for the Portland Winterhawks, earlier this week.

Matt was a beloved and highly respected member of hockey’s scouting community and cherished by those lucky enough to have crossed paths with him.

Matt spent four seasons as a forward with the Winterhawks, appearing in 273 WHL games from 1993-97.

On behalf of the WHL, we extend our thoughts, prayers, and condolences, to Matt’s wife, Jane, his son, Hyde, and all those who were close to Matt.

WHL Morning Skate: April 28

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 16:14:59 +0000

NEED TO KNOW - The Everett Silvertips are one win away from advancing to the WHL Championship Series for the first time since 2018 - NHL Draft-eligible Matias Vanhanen's two-point night has him tied for the playoff scoring lead (9G-9A) - Penticton has scored in the opening minute of a period a league-best three times in the 2026 WHL Playoffs - The Raiders and Tigers will tussle in Game 3 as the Eastern Conference Championship shifts to Medicine Hat TOP PERFORMER Call him one of Everett's crown 'Jules'! Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen put up his sixth multipoint game of the 2026 WHL Playoffs- but it's his timing that's been one of the most important parts of his game. The 6-foot-3, 207-pound centreman tied Game 3 of the Western Conference Championship at the halfway point of the game with a wraparound tally before setting up Matias Vanhanen for Everett's first lead of the night. Miettinen also went 13/24 at the faceoff dot as the Silvertips took a commanding 3-0 series lead. The 20-year-old owns 17 points (9G-8A) in 12 playoff games to tie for second in the WHL playoff scoring race. RESULTS Everett 4, Penticton 3 EVT leads 3-0 Penticton certainly got the start it wanted as Ethan Weber- who tied Game 2 with under a minute remaining- got the SOEC rocking with a wrister from below the faceoff dot just 37 seconds into the match. Unfortunately for the Vees, Everett also got the response it needed. 20-year-old Zackary Shantz tied it up with a one-timer from the slot that Florida Panthers prospect Shea Busch teed up. Vees captain Nolan Stevenson put his team back on top 46 seconds into the second, but the Silvertips had another trick in the bag as Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen put a shot on net from the slot, collected his rebound as frantic skaters jockeyed for position, and buried his ninth goal of the postseason on the wraparound. Miettinen came back for more as he set up his fellow countryman, Matias Vanhanen (NHL CSS: 54), for a bardown snipe to give Everett its first lead of the night. Hunter Rudolph delivered a highlight-reel play as he redirected a between-the-legs pass to Rhys Jamieson to add some insurance for the visitors. Jamieson's second of the playoffs would stand as the game-winner as Vees alternate captain Brady Birnie got Penticton within one. Everett would survive a late delay of game penalty, with Anders Miller stepping up with a flurry of key saves, to bring themselves within one win of punching their ticket to the championship round. THREE STARS 1- Matias Vanhanen, EVT – 1G-1A 2- Julius Miettinen, EVT – 1G-1A 3- Louis Wehmann – 2A ON TAP

WHLers combine for nine points, Canada blanks Finland to finish first in group at 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 15:38:38 +0000

Trencin, Slovakia- After suffering a 2-1 upset at the hands of host Slovakia in their opening match, Canada has stormed back with three straight shutout wins at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship. The Western Hockey League contingent combined for nine points to blank Finland 7-0 on Monday morning. Beckett Hamilton and Mathis Preston each scored twice, while Ryan Lin led the way with a goal and two assists. Lin (Richmond, B.C. / Vancouver Giants) and former Victoria Royals star Keaton Verhoeff teed up Adam Valentini for the game's opening goal just over two minutes into the match. The dynamic defenders are ranked 16th and fourth, respectively, among all North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting in its final release ahead of the 2026 Draft. Hamilton (Saskatoon, Sask. / Red Deer Rebels) doubled the lead just past the halfway mark of the first period by collecting his own rebound off a shot in the slot, carrying the puck behind the net and banking it in off the Finnish goaltender. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2048741694972027002 Lin's Giants teammate, Mathis Preston (Penticton, B.C. / NHL CSS: 32), made it a 3-0 game by wheeling up the left wing and wiring a shot through traffic to the top shelf. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2048744633346277632 Hamilton, who is ranked 33rd among all NA skaters, closed out the period with his second goal of the night and third of the tournament, courtesy of a pretty setup from Lin. Lin picked off an attempted Finnish breakout pass in their own zone and barreled in on the net before feeding Hamilton for a low shot at the last moment. Hamilton now has three goals for Canada in his first turn representing his country on the IIHF stage. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2048745751610552724 With Canada holding a 4-0 lead entering the third period, Preston amped it up with a one-timer from inside the faceoff dot off a Verhoeff setup for his second strike of the night. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2048765377400754190 Dima Zhilkin (Saginaw Spirit / OHL) bagged his tournament-leading fifth goal as the game marched on, and Lin capped off a standout night with a wraparound to make it a 7-0 game. https://twitter.com/CHLHockey/status/2048767511760429397 Canada's 3-0-0-1 and 22:2 goals for/against split has the reigning gold medalists sitting first in Group A for the time being, and will await the conclusion of Slovakia's final preliminary round game before meeting their first playoff opponent.