Western Hockey League - Feed

Winterhawks sign Cullen Stephenson to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:51:26 +0000

Portland, Ore. - The Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club announced today the signing of forward Cullen Stephenson to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Stephenson, of Warman, Saskatchewan, was selected with the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. With his selection, Stephenson became the highest Winterhawks draft pick since 2009. “We are thrilled to welcome Cullen Stephenson to Portland,” Winterhawks President and General Manager Mike Johnston said. “Cullen is a leader on and off the ice. He is a highly-skilled player who we feel has the potential to be an impact player in this league.” In 25 games with the Warman Wildcats U15 AA team, the 2011-born skater tallied an immense 88 points from 38 goals and 50 assists. The forward also suited up for the Moose Jaw Warriors U18 AAA side for two games – scoring twice and assisting once. "Matt Davidson was the one who said that he has a lot of similarities to Nate Danielson," Head Saskatchewan Scout Darwin Bennett said. "Sven [Bärtschi] watched some tape and compared him to former teammate Ryan Johansen, so I think he's that type of player for sure. He makes other players better, and he’s got a high compete…a real solid team player.” Playing in the WHL runs in the Stephenson family; Cullen’s father, Shay, won an Ed Chynoweth Cup and Memorial Cup as a member of the 2001 Red Deer Rebels. Welcome to the Rose City, Cullen!

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Wyatt Jolleys signs WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with Thunderbirds

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:39:44 +0000

Former first-round selection Dayne Beuker joins Lethbridge Hurricanes

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 18:06:21 +0000

Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club has announced the signing of 2008-born forward Dayne Beuker to a Western Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement. “Dayne is a talented player who has competed successfully on the international level, and we are pleased that he has chosen to continue his development with our organization,” said Hurricanes Interim General Manager Barclay Parneta. “We are also grateful that Dayne and his family have trusted us with the next steps in his development. He brings a strong skill set and character to our group, and we believe he will be an important part of our future.” Beuker, 18, was originally drafted by the Hurricanes in the first-round (14^th overall) in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. The product of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, holds a dual citizenship and has spent the last two seasons with US National Development Program. In 2025-2026, he recorded 61 points (20g-41a) along with 18 penalty minutes in a combined 87 regular season games with the USNTDP U18 program finishing seventh in team scoring. Beuker collected 18 points (6g-12a) along with two penalty minutes and a plus-7 rating in 25 games with USNTDP in United States Hockey League competition. He is ranked 76^th among North American skaters by the National Hockey League Central Scouting Service on their Final Rankings for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. “I am really excited to join the Hurricanes. They have a great organization that has produced a lot of high-end players, they have great a coaching staff, management group and an awesome fan base,” said Beuker. “I think Lethbridge is a great place to develop. From the staff, to the facility, to the trainers, they offer it all. Being able to compete against a lot of good players in practice and to play a lot of games, this is a great situation for me to grow as a player.” The 5’10, 170-pound forward appeared suited up for the USNTDP at the 2025 CHL-USA Prospects Challenge which was held in Calgary and Lethbridge in November. Beuker recorded one goal and four penalty minutes in the three contests. He also represented the United States at the World Under-18 Championships in April where he collected five points (2g-3a) along with a plus-5 rating in five contests finishing fourth in American scoring. In two seasons with the USNTDP, Beuker recorded a combined 118 points (38g-80a) along with 36 penalty minutes in 180 regular season games at both the U17 and U18 levels. In his draft year, the right-shot centre racked up 103 points (47g-56a) along with 10 penalty minutes in 30 regular season games with the Humboldt Broncos U15 AA program before amassing a whopping 28 points (11g-17a) and four penalty minutes in nine post-season games leading the Broncos to a SAAHL U15 Championship. In the year after being drafted by Lethbridge, Beuker had a standout 2023-2024 season finishing with 84 points (41g-43a) in 44 regular season games before adding 11 points (4g-7a) in 10 playoff contests. That year, he led the Blazers to a SMAAAHL Championship while leading the league in goals, assists and points. He was also named a SMAAAHL First Team All-Star, the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year and Top Forward as a 15-year-old. “I am really looking forward to playing in front of the fans. I played there last year for the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge and it was awesome,” added Beuker. “I know a couple of the guys on the team having played with them growing up. It seems like a great group and I’m excited to get to work with them I’m really grateful to get this opportunity to part of the Hurricanes organization, I’m excited to get to play for Matt Anholt, and I’m really excited to get things started with the Hurricanes. I can’t wait for camp; it will be very important for our group to set foundations of ethic, teamwork and play structure.” Beuker is the son of WHL alumnus Dean Beuker who spent parts of five seasons in the league with the Tri-City Americans, Portland Winterhawks and Regina Pats before embarking on a four-year career in CIS hockey with the University of Saskatchewan. “Full credit goes to our entire hockey staff for the work they have done in building relationships and creating an environment that players want to be a part of. I would also like to recognize Pete Anholt, who played a significant role in identifying and bringing a player of Dayne’s caliber into our system,” added Parneta. “We look forward to welcoming Dayne and his family to Lethbridge and seeing him in a Hurricanes jersey this fall.” Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40^th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are now on sale with Loyalty Pricing available until July 2^nd at 5:00pm. Premium Season Tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.

Giants sign defenceman Eli Vickers to WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 17:41:06 +0000

Langley, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants are proud to announce the signing of 2011-born defenceman Eli Vickers (South Surrey, B.C.) to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Vickers was selected by the Giants with the third overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. The left-shot blueliner was named the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL) U15 Prep Top Defenceman this past season. He led all U15 prep blueliners with 62 points in 30 games, thanks to 22 goals and 40 assists. “We’re excited to welcome Eli to our organization and announce the signing of his WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement," Giants Assistant General Manager Pete Toigo said. "He’s a dynamic, offensively gifted defenceman who moves the puck exceptionally well and has the talent and work ethic to make a major impact in our league.” Vickers was also called up to Delta's U17 Prep team at the end of the 2025-26 season, where he scored five goals in four games. “I’ve admired his competitiveness and his will to win for the last two years,” Giants Director of Player Personnel Greg Batters said after the Giants drafted him on May 6. “The people at Delta speak super highly of him...He’s a winner; a leader. He’s going to be a fan favourite for sure.” Vickers' 62 points ranked fifth among all U15 prep skaters and were the third-most productive blueline season in CSSHL U15 Prep history. Having been part of Delta’s 2025 CSSHL Western Championship team, Vickers had 98 points in 65 career U15 Prep games, the second-most all time among defensemen. "I’m so honoured to be selected by the Giants in the 2026 WHL Draft," Vickers said. “Huge thank you to the ownership group and scouting staff for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play for my hometown team. I also want to thank all of my coaches, teammates, family and everyone at Delta Hockey Academy and the Semiahmoo Ravens who have supported me throughout my journey. Excited for what’s ahead.” The Vancouver Giants extend a warm welcome to Eli and the Vickers family. Vickers is guaranteed a WHL Scholarship for every year he plays in the WHL by signing a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

"Eli Vickers makes hockey look easy."

Vickers was the first defenceman ranked on Elite Prospects Top-120 Ranking for the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. "Arguably the best skater in the draft class, he’s extremely fluid, elite off his edges, and explosive across the rink. That mobility powers his defensive game, eliminating plays with tight gaps," the EP ranking said. "Vickers is also a high-end thinker, scanning, anticipating, and reading plays. He’s a strong playmaker, finding high-value passing lanes, and a highly skilled handler. Combined with his skating, his skill and strength make him extremely challenging to get the puck from. "With such a diverse skill set and a highly competitive style, Vickers projects as a top-pair defenceman. His game is as plug-and-play as they come, too."

Hurricanes sign 2023 first-round pick Beuker to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 18:28:33 +0000

Lethbridge, AB - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club has announced the signing of 2008-born forward Dayne Beuker to a Western Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement.

“Dayne is a talented player who has competed successfully on the international level, and we are pleased that he has chosen to continue his development with our organization,” said Hurricanes Interim General Manager Barclay Parneta. “We are also grateful that Dayne and his family have trusted us with the next steps in his development. He brings a strong skill set and character to our group, and we believe he will be an important part of our future.”

Beuker, 18, was originally drafted by the Hurricanes in the first-round (14^th overall) in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft. The product of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, holds a dual citizenship and has spent the last two seasons with US National Development Program. In 2025-2026, he recorded 61 points (20g-41a) along with 18 penalty minutes in a combined 87 regular season games with the USNTDP U18 program finishing seventh in team scoring. Beuker collected 18 points (6g-12a) along with two penalty minutes and a plus-7 rating in 25 games with USNTDP in United States Hockey League competition. He is ranked 76^th among North American skaters by the National Hockey League Central Scouting Service on their Final Rankings for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft.

“I am really excited to join the Hurricanes. They have a great organization that has produced a lot of high-end players, they have great a coaching staff, management group and an awesome fan base,” said Beuker. “I think Lethbridge is a great place to develop. From the staff, to the facility, to the trainers, they offer it all. Being able to compete against a lot of good players in practice and to play a lot of games, this is a great situation for me to grow as a player.”

The 5’10, 170-pound forward appeared suited up for the USNTDP at the 2025 CHL-USA Prospects Challenge which was held in Calgary and Lethbridge in November. Beuker recorded one goal and four penalty minutes in the three contests. He also represented the United States at the World Under-18 Championships in April where he collected five points (2g-3a) along with a plus-5 rating in five contests finishing fourth in American scoring.

In two seasons with the USNTDP, Beuker recorded a combined 118 points (38g-80a) along with 36 penalty minutes in 180 regular season games at both the U17 and U18 levels. In his draft year, the right-shot centre racked up 103 points (47g-56a) along with 10 penalty minutes in 30 regular season games with the Humboldt Broncos U15 AA program before amassing a whopping 28 points (11g-17a) and four penalty minutes in nine post-season games leading the Broncos to a SAAHL U15 Championship. In the year after being drafted by Lethbridge, Beuker had a standout 2023-2024 season finishing with 84 points (41g-43a) in 44 regular season games before adding 11 points (4g-7a) in 10 playoff contests. That year, he led the Blazers to a SMAAAHL Championship while leading the league in goals, assists and points. He was also named a SMAAAHL First Team All-Star, the Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year and Top Forward as a 15-year-old.

“I am really looking forward to playing in front of the fans. I played there last year for the CHL-USA Prospects Challenge and it was awesome,” added Beuker. “I know a couple of the guys on the team having played with them growing up. It seems like a great group and I’m excited to get to work with them

I’m really grateful to get this opportunity to part of the Hurricanes organization, I’m excited to get to play for Matt Anholt, and I’m really excited to get things started with the Hurricanes. I can’t wait for camp; it will be very important for our group to set foundations of ethic, teamwork and play structure.”

Beuker is the son of WHL alumnus Dean Beuker who spent parts of five seasons in the league with the Tri-City Americans, Portland Winterhawks and Regina Pats before embarking on a four-year career in CIS hockey with the University of Saskatchewan.

“Full credit goes to our entire hockey staff for the work they have done in building relationships and creating an environment that players want to be a part of. I would also like to recognize Pete Anholt, who played a significant role in identifying and bringing a player of Dayne’s caliber into our system,” added Parneta. “We look forward to welcoming Dayne and his family to Lethbridge and seeing him in a Hurricanes jersey this fall.”

Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40^th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are now on sale with Loyalty Pricing available until July 2^nd at 5:00pm. Premium Season Tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.

Habscheid resigns as Head Coach of Rebels

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:15:01 +0000

RED DEER, Alta. – The Red Deer Rebels today announced that Marc Habscheid has resigned as the club’s head coach.

“After living back in Canada this last year, I realize that my heart lays in Europe where I’ve lived in my home for the past four years,” Habscheid said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to coach the Rebels and wish nothing but success to Brent and the entire organization.”

Habscheid leaves after one season with the Rebels in which the club went 26-36-4-2 and returned to the WHL Playoffs. He earned his 600^th career WHL coaching win February 3 in Prince George.

“We would like to thank Marc for all of his hard work this past season and wish him the best with his future endeavours,” said Brent Sutter, Owner, President and General Manager of the Rebels.

The search for the next head coach of the Red Deer Rebels begins immediately.

“We are excited to build on the success we saw in the second half of the season,” Sutter noted. “Our next coach will have a talented roster to work with as we continue toward our goal of bringing a championship back to Red Deer.”

Chan named Oil Kings President & GM as Hill joins NHL’s Edmonton Oilers

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:08:17 +0000

Edmonton, Alta. – As announced by the Edmonton Oilers today, Kirt Hill will be departing the Oil Kings as General Manager, President of Hockey Operations and Alternate Governor for a new position with the Oilers as Assistant General Manager, Player Procurement. Hill will lead the player procurement group which includes pro and amateur scouting as well as undrafted free agents.

Hill has spent the past eight seasons as the President and General Manager of the Oil Kings, highlighted by a WHL Championship in 2022.

In a corresponding move, the Oil Kings are excited to welcome Michael Chan as the new President and General Manager, and Alternate Governor. Chan has spent the last five seasons as the team’s Director of Scouting leading the team’s WHL Prospects Drafts. Chan also served as the Oil Kings Video Coach and Hockey Operations Coordinator from 2017 to 2020.

Taking over as the Oil Kings Director of Scouting will be Jamie Jackson, who has served as an Area Scout for the club since 2021. Jackson has also recently served as Head Coach and Director of Player Development at the Northern Alberta Xtreme Hockey Academy.

The Oil Kings would like to congratulate Kirt on his new position and thank him for his efforts with the club over the last eight seasons. The team is also thrilled to welcome Michael and Jamie into their new roles.

Royals acquire 2008-born defenceman Yellowaga from Rebels

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:46:26 +0000

Victoria, B.C. – The Victoria Royals announced today the acquisition of 2008-born defenceman Nate Yellowaga from the Red Deer Rebels in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2030 fourth-round pick.

The 5-foot-11, 179-pound defenceman finished this past season, his first in the WHL, with 27 points (7G-20A) in 67 games. Yellowaga also registered four points in five playoff games against the Prince Albert Raiders. Hailing from Calgary, Alta., Yellowaga started his junior career with the Brooks Bandits in the BCHL before joining the Rebels prior to last season. “Nate is a dynamic defenseman that will add an important element to our team” said Jake Heisinger, General Manager of the Victoria Royals. “He is an excellent skater that will be an impact player at both ends of the ice”. Yellowaga, a former CSSHL U18 Second Team All-Star, was drafted in the ninth round of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft by Red Deer. He won a BCHL Championship with the Brooks Bandits in the 2024-25 season.

Thirty WHL Alumni participating in 2026 Stanley Cup Final

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 19:12:53 +0000

CAROLINA HURRICANES LED BY BLAZERS ALUMNUS STANKOVEN; VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS CAPTAINED BY WHEAT KINGS ALUMNUS STONE

Calgary, B.C. – A total of 30 Western Hockey League alumni will compete in the 2026 Stanley Cup Final, beginning Tuesday, June 2, in Raleigh, N.C.

The Carolina Hurricanes will take to the ice with three forwards hailing from the WHL, including Seth Jarvis, Jordan Martinook, and Logan Stankoven.

The Vegas Golden Knights roster features an impressive 12 WHL Alumni, including captain Mark Stone and defenceman Shea Theodore. The Golden Knights roster was constructed by General Manager Kelly McCrimmon, who previously served as the longtime GM and Owner of the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings.

LIST OF WHL ALUMNI PARTICIPATING IN 2026 STANLEY CUP FINAL (last WHL Club listed)

Carolina Hurricanes (6)

Players (3): Seth Jarvis (Portland Winterhawks), Jordan Martinook (Vancouver Giants), Logan Stankoven (Kamloops Blazers)

Staff (3): Eric Fink (Amateur Scout; Portland Winterhawks), Cody Nickolet (Amateur Scout; Saskatoon Blades), Kevin McCarthy (Development Coach; Winnipeg Clubs)

Vegas Golden Knights (24)

Players (12): Dylan Coghlan (Tri-City Americans), Carter Hart (Everett Silvertips), Adin Hill (Portland Winterhawks), Brett Howden (Moose Jaw Warriors), Keegan Kolesar (Seattle Thunderbirds), Kaedan Korczak (Kelowna Rockets), Brayden McNabb (Kootenay ICE), Akira Schmid (Lethbridge Hurricanes), Colton Sissons (Kelowna Rockets), Mark Stone (Brandon Wheat Kings), Shea Theodore (Seattle Thunderbirds), Kai Uchacz (Red Deer Rebels)

Staff (12): Kelly McCrimmon (General Manager; Brandon Wheat Kings), Scott Boggs (Equipment Manager; Calgary Hitmen), Bob Lowes (Director of Player Personnel; Brandon Wheat Kings), Tim Speltz (General Manager, Henderson Silver Knights; Spokane Chiefs), Scott Luce (Senior Advisor; Moose Jaw Warriors), Jim McKenzie (Director of Professional Scouting; Victoria Cougars), Kelly Kisio (Pro Scout; Calgary Hitmen), Mick McCrimmon (Pro Scout; Brandon Wheat Kings), Craig Cunningham (Pro Scout; Portland Winterhawks), Bruno Campese (Amateur Scout; Kelowna Rockets), Brad McEwen (Amateur Scout; Medicine Hat Tigers), Nick Holden (Development Coach; Chilliwack Bruins)

KEY STORYLINES

Former Warriors captain Howden powering Golden Knights

Brett Howden, who played for the Moose Jaw Warriors from 2013-14 through 2017-18, has registered 12 points (10G-2A) in 16 playoff games this season. The 28-year-old product of Oakbank, Man., is tied for first in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with 10 goals. Howden served as Warriors captain for two seasons (2016-17, 2017-18) and played in 248 career WHL regular season games, tallying 267 points (109G-158A). He was a member of the Golden Knights Stanley Cup championship squad in 2023.

Former Blazers captain Stankoven driving Hurricanes

Logan Stankoven, who played for the Kamloops Blazers from 2018-19 through 2022-23, has registered 12 points (9G-3A) in 13 playoff games this season. The 23-year-old product of Kamloops, B.C., ranks third in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with nine goals. Stankoven served as Blazers captain for two seasons (2021-22, 2022-23) and played in 179 career WHL regular season games, tallying 260 points (115G-145A). He filled his trophy cabinet as a WHL star, being named WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player (2021-22), WHL Humanitarian of the Year (2022-23), WHL Player of the Year (2021-22), and CHL Player of the Year (2021-22). During the 2023 Memorial Cup in Kamloops, Stankoven led the tournament in scoring and was named Most Sportsmanlike Player.

Former Silvertips netminder Hart backstopping Golden Knights

Carter Hart, who played for the Everett Silvertips from 2013-14 through 2017-18, has backstopped the Golden Knights through the Stanley Cup Playoffs, going 12-4 with a 2.22 goals-against average and .924 save percentage. The 27-year-old product of Sherwood Park, Alta., was well decorated during his WHL career, being named WHL Goaltender of the Year for three consecutive seasons (2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18). He capped his WHL career by being named WHL Player of the Year in 2017-18. Over 190 career WHL appearances, Hart logged a record of 116-46-22 with a 2.01 GAA, .927 SV%, and 26 shutouts. Hart’s 26 shutouts are tied for the most in WHL history, matching Tyson Sexsmith (Vancouver Giants).

Former Thunderbirds defenceman Theodore provides two-way presence for Golden Knights

Shea Theodore, who played for the Seattle Thunderbirds from 2010-11 though 2014-15, leads all NHL defencemen remaining in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with 11 points (4G-7A) in 16 games. His 11 points are tied for fourth overall. The 30-year-old product of Langley, B.C., was named WHL Defenceman of the Year in 2014-15 and served as captain of the Thunderbirds that same season. Over 257 career WHL regular season contests, Theodore logged 212 points (58G-154A). He was a member of the Golden Knights Stanley Cup championship squad in 2023.

Former Wheat Kings captain Stone leads Golden Knights in pursuit of second Stanley Cup

Mark Stone, who played for the Brandon Wheat Kings from 2008-09 through 2011-12, serves as captain of the Vegas Golden Knights and has scored nearly a point per game with 10 points (5G-5A) in 11 outings. The 34-year-old product of Winnipeg, Man., was named WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player in 2011-12 and played 232 career WHL regular season games, registering 296 points (106G-190A) along the way. Stone previously captained the Golden Knights to a Stanley Cup title in 2023.

2026 Stanley Cup Final Schedule

Tuesday, June 2 at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT – Vegas at Carolina Thursday, June 4 at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT – Vegas at Carolina Saturday, June 6 at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT – Carolina at Vegas Tuesday, June 9 at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT – Carolina at Vegas *Thursday, June 11 at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT – Vegas at Carolina *Sunday, June 14 at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT – Carolina at Vegas *Wednesday, June 17 at 8 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. MT – Vegas at Carolina

* = if necessary

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.

Rockets executive assistant Brown recognized with WHL Distinguished Service Award

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:58:01 +0000

Kelowna, B.C. – Western Hockey League Commissioner Dan Near announced today, on behalf of the WHL Board of Governors, that Carrie Brown – Executive Assistant for the Kelowna Rockets – has been named the latest recipient of the WHL Distinguished Service Award for the 2025-26 WHL season.

The WHL Distinguished Service Award, which was introduced by the WHL in 2004, is presented annually to the individuals who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes on behalf of WHL franchises and in doing so have made an extraordinary contribution at the Club and League levels over an extended period. The WHL will present Distinguished Service Awards annually to an individual from both the WHL Western and Eastern Conferences.

Brown was honoured by Commissioner Near and Bruce Hamilton, WHL Chairman of the Board and President / General Manager of the Kelowna Rockets, during Game 6 of the 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota.

“Since 1995, the Rockets inaugural season in Kelowna, Carrie has been a fixture in the Kelowna Rockets front office,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “Every Club is fuelled by key personnel – who consistently provide a steady presence and support our Clubs’ commitment to our communities. For the entirety of her career with the Rockets, Carrie has been that dedicated and passionate contributor.”

Brown, who hails from Kelowna, has worked for the Rockets for 30 years. From coordinating League-related matters and internal operations to supporting staff and players, Brown is organized and accessible. She works with great attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining the proud and strong history of the Rockets.

“Carrie is the heart and soul of our organization,” said Bruce Hamilton, President and General Manager of the Rockets. “She is the steady presence in our office every single day, ensuring that the countless moving pieces of a WHL franchise operate smoothly. Carrie does the work that often goes unnoticed but is absolutely essential.

“Quite simply, without Carrie Brown, the Kelowna Rockets would not be the organization we are today.”

Brown has helped to define the culture and success of the Rockets.

Previous Recipients of the WHL Distinguished Service Award:

Jerome Engele (Saskatoon Blades – Assistant Coach); Bob Schroeder (Portland Winterhawks – Off-Ice Official); Rob McCrea (Edmonton Oil Kings – Off-Ice Officials Supervisor); Glenda Zelmer (Brandon Wheat Kings – Education Advisor); Lucille McClung and Carol Carlson (Prince George Cougars – Core Volunteer Supervisors); Dr. Michael Bobyn (Kelowna Rockets – Team Doctor) – Bernie Bajnok (Calgary Hitmen – Education Advisor); Dean ‘Scooter’ Vrooman (Portland Winterhawks – Play-by-Play Announcer); Bernie Burtney (Saskatoon Blades – Off-Ice Officials); Gerry Bergen (Prince Albert Raiders – Off-Ice Officials); Dr. Bob Smillie (Kamloops Blazers – Team Physician); Bob Bartlett (Lethbridge Hurricanes – Director, Player Development); Sue Johnson (Portland Winterhawks – Education Advisor); Herman Elfring (Lethbridge Hurricanes – Board Member); Norbert Heinzelmann (Kelowna Rockets – Off-Ice Officials); Bill Sanderson (Victoria Royals – Off-Ice Officials); Bob McGill (Edmonton Oil Kings – Scout); Ralph Zander (Calgary Hitmen – Off-Ice Official); Terry Bonner (Vancouver Giants – Scouting Director); Dr. Mary Smith (Spokane Chiefs – Team Dentist); Dennis Coates (Kamloops Blazers – Volunteer Board Member); Judy Seher (Red Deer Rebels – Billet Coordinator); Balzer, Frank, Tony & John Lanz (Medicine Hat Tigers – Off-Ice Officials); Rose Mary Hartney (Moose Jaw Warriors – Education Advisor); Greg ‘Spike’ Wallace (Kamloops Blazers – Community & Sponsorship Coordinator); Nella Rounsville (Kootenay ICE – Education Advisor); Lorne Frey (Kelowna Rockets – Asst GM/Head Scout); Graham Tuer (Saskatchewan Hockey Association – Volunteer); Jann Boss (Portland Winterhawks – Administration); Ruth “Grams” Pollock (Prince Albert Raiders – Billet Coordinator); Dr. Ian Hill (Regina Pats – Team Doctor); Dr. Alfred Blue (Seattle Thunderbirds – Team Doctor); Doris Rubel (Kamloops Blazers – Billet Coordinator); Colleen MacBean (Swift Current Broncos – Education Advisor); and Bob Ridley (Medicine Hat Tigers – Play-By-Play Announcer)

About the Western Hockey League