Western Hockey League - Feed

East Division champion Raiders oust rival Blades in Game 4, move on to Eastern Conference Championship

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:29:51 +0000

The Raiders have lived up to their nickname. With a 5-3 win on the road against the rival Saskatoon Blades, Prince Albert has secured a sweep and punched its ticket to the 2026 Eastern Conference Championship. With three quick goals from Braeden Cootes, Maddix McCagherty, and Matyas Man, the Prince Albert Raiders took a commanding lead and ran with it. 2026 NHL Draft Top Prospect Daxon Rudolph helped pad to the Raiders lead with his fifth of the season, before San Jose Sharks prospect Max Heise added the final dagger in the second frame. While the Raiders have flexed their scoring might throughout the series, it's their defensive stinginess that's taken centre stage. Top 2026 NHL Draft prospect Daxon Rudolph (NHL CSS: 6) and captain Justice Christensen combined for a goal and five assists in Game 1 as Prince Albert rolled to a 6-1 win at a raucous Art Hauser Centre. They did one better the following night, as WHL Goaltender of the Year finalist Michal Orsulak (NHL CSS: 2) stopped all 15 shots he faced for a 3-0 shutout, with Owen Corkish, Jonas Sivertson and Matyas Man providing the offence. Orsulak posted a second-straight clean sheet in a statement 4-0 win in Saskatoon in Game 3. Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes scored twice, while Dallas Stars pick Brandon Gorzynski netted the game-winner to set up Wednesday's clinching scenario. With the Conference Championship looming, Prince Albert will have to prove its might against the team that booted them from the 2025 postseason- the reigning WHL Champion Medicine Hat Tigers. Medicine Hat has closed out its second round series with a sweep of the Calgary Hitmen. The Raiders and Tigers both cleared 50 wins in the 2025-26 regular season, but each team only needs four more to get a shot at playing for the Ed Chynoweth Cup.

Defending WHL champion Tigers sweep Hitmen, advance to 2026 WHL Eastern Conference Championship

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:26:53 +0000

The boys from the Gas City are cooking with diesel. With a 5-2 win in Game 4 against the Calgary Hitmen on Wednesday night, the Medicine Hat Tigers have completed their second-round sweep and booked a berth in the 2026 Eastern Conference Championship. The defending champs got ahead on the scoreboard early into the first with the help from 2027 NHL Draft eligible, Noah Davidson, and didn't look back. Third period goals from forward Kade Stengrim and veteran Ethan Neutens put the game out of reach for the Tigers. While the reigning WHL Champions are moving on in four games, the Central Division showdown was a hotly contested affair that was highlighted by stellar goaltending performances. Both teams traded goals in Game 1, with Calgary alternate captain Ethan Moore netting a late game-tying goal to force overtime, where Tigers captain Bryce Pickford scored his second goal of the game in front of a packed Co-op Place. Game 2 saw the Hitmen surge to a 3-1 lead before Kade Stengrim and Defenceman of the Year finalist Jonas Woo put things back on even ground. Alternate captain and hometown boy Josh Van Mulligen sealed a 4-3 win with his first goal of the postseason. As the series shifted to the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary for Game 3, the Hitmen took another early lead, but the Tigers attacked for four unanswered goals to tee up Wednesday's win. Game 3 saw 2026 NHL Draft-eligible Liam Ruck (NHL CSS: 26) net a hat trick and earn the primary assist on twin brother Markus's (NHL CSS: 31) game-winning goal. Medicine Hat hopes to become the first team to win back-to-back WHL Championships since the powerhouse Kamloops Blazers did it in 1994 and 1995. They'll turn their attention to the WHL Eastern Conference Championship, where they'll face an old playoff foe in the Prince Albert Raiders. The Raiders, who led the Eastern Conference in the regular season, are fresh off a second-round sweep of the Saskatoon Blades. Medicine Hat eliminated Prince Albert in four games in the second round of the 2025 WHL Playoffs. Both teams also surpassed 50 wins in the 2025-26 regular season- but it's the next four that matter most.

WHL Stars & NHL Debuts: Seeley swept up with Hurricanes in regular-season finale

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:34:42 +0000

It didn't take long for a gust of activity at the Seeley residence to whip up into a full-on frenzy. Ronan Seeley's dad and brother had just flown into Chicago with three games left on Ronan's regular-season schedule with the AHL's Chicago Wolves. With a packed apartment that included Seeley's mother-in-law and wife's best friend, the conversation was flowing and everyone was busy preparing dinner when Seeley's phone rang. Wolves interim head coach Spiros Anastas was the one to deliver the life-changing news- Seeley would make his NHL debut on Long Island the next day. "There's a flurry of phone calls and emotions, and then it was just hours of planning, trying to get everybody here," the freshly minted NHLer grinned. "It was a whirlwind, and I can't believe it's over already." It may have been game 82 for Carolina, but it was also an unforgettable game one for the former WHL All-Star. https://twitter.com/Canes/status/2044188867343913413 The 23-year-old defenceman logged two blocks over 19 shifts in 15:12 of ice time, helping the Eastern Conference-leading Hurricanes ice a 2-1 win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday night. "Super nervous, but I was just trying to embrace it all," Seeley told reporters. "That's what I've been dreaming about since I was a little kid... Even if it's game 82, you know, I just tried to take in everything and take in every second. I'm so happy my family's here, and the guys were so welcoming. It was an awesome experience." Seeley took his first strides alongside another NHL newcomer, forward Felix Unger Sorum. "That's a big deal when they can step in, and we don't have to miss a beat, especially when you put that many guys in," Hurricanes Head Coach Rod Brindamour said. "It's one thing, one guy here or there. But every night here lately, we've had five or six, and we're still finding ways to win. So it's good on those guys." Seeley, a 6-foot-1, 192-pound defenceman, is enjoying career highs in his fourth season of professional hockey. The Wolves alternate captain has picked up 22 points (10G-12A) in 67 games to help Chicago clinch second in the AHL's Central Division. He developed his game with the WHL's Everett Silvertips, piling up 102 points (20G-82A) in 190 regular-season games over parts of four seasons. Seeley was named to the 2022 WHL U.S. Division Second All-Star Team after a 44-point (11G-33A) campaign and helped Canada to a gold medal at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship, which was held in the summer months just north of his hometown of Olds, Alta. He was drafted by the Hurricanes with the 208th overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft. Since skating under the bright lights of the NHL, Seeley has returned to Chicago to close out the AHL's regular season and gear up for the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs.

Seven WHL Alumni nominated for NHL’s Bill Masterton Trophy for perseverance and dedication to hockey

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:33:51 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – Seven WHL Alumni have been named as nominees for the NHL’s Bill Masterton Trophy, presented annually by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.

Each NHL Club has one player nominated by the local chapter of the PHWA. The list will be narrowed to three finalists and a winner named at a future date.

WHL Alumni named as Masterton Trophy Nominees

Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars Connor Ingram, Edmonton Oilers Ozzy Wiesblatt, Nashville Predators Brenden Dillon, New Jersey Devils Matthew Robertson, New York Rangers Laurent Brossoit, San Jose Sharks Jordan Eberle, Seattle Kraken

Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars

A 36-year-old native of Victoria, B.C., Benn has played more than 1,200 NHL regular season games, amassing 991 points (414G-577A) along the way. Prior to the 2013-14 season, he was named the sixth captain in Dallas Stars franchise history. Over the course of 17 seasons in the NHL, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound left winger has been named to two NHL First All-Star Teams (2014, 2016), one NHL Second All-Star Team (2015), and won the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s top scorer.

Prior to joining the Stars, Benn starred in the WHL after being unselected in the WHL Bantam Draft. He went on to play 107 career regular season games as a member of the Kelowna Rockets, scoring 147 points (79G-68A). In 2008-09, he served as an alternate captain and led the 2009 WHL Playoffs in scoring as the Rockets claimed the Ed Chynoweth Cup as WHL Champions.

Benn was selected by the Stars in the fifth round (129th overall) of the 2007 NHL Draft. He helped Canada earn a gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, after helping his nation claim gold at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Connor Ingram, Edmonton Oilers

A 29-year-old native of Saskatoon, Sask., Ingram has played 133 career NHL regular season games over five seasons. The former Kamloops Blazers goaltender has openly discussed his mental health journey, and has persevered through numerous challenges over his career, including the death of his mother. In 2023-24 as a member of the Arizona Coyotes, Ingram enjoyed a career season, going 23-21-3 with a 2.91 goals-against average, .907 save percentage, and six shutouts, earning the Bill Masterton Trophy as recognition for his dedication to the game.

In 2025-26, Ingram was acquired by the Oilers from the Utah Mammoth and began the campaign with the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors. Recalled to Edmonton in December 2025, Ingram has since solidified himself as the starting goaltender for the Oilers, going 29-15-10-3 with a 2.65 GAA and two shutouts.

Prior to advancing to the NHL, Ingram spent three seasons with the Kamloops Blazers, going 81-50-9-9 with a 2.68 GAA, .918 SV%, and 12 shutouts. Unselected in the WHL Bantam Draft, Ingram was named to the WHL’s Western Conference Second All-Star Team on two occasions (2016, 2017).

He was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the third round (88th overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft and helped Canada earn a silver medal at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Ozzy Wiesblatt, Nashville Predators

A 24-year-old product of Calgary, Alta., Wiesblatt is in his first full NHL season, having made the Nashville Predators out of training camp this fall. Wiesblatt’s arrival in Nashville came following the tragic passing of his older brother, Orca, in a car accident in September.

In 39 games with the Preds, Wiesblatt has registered five points (1G-4A), including his first career NHL marker, which came December 2, 2025, against his hometown Calgary Flames.

Wiesblatt grew up raised by a single mother, Kim White, who is deaf.

Prior to graduating to the NHL, Wiesblatt won a WHL Championship as a member of the Prince Albert Raiders in 2019. Over four seasons in Hockey Town North, the 5-foot-10, 183-pound centre tallied 179 points (58G-121A) in 195 games after being selected by the Raiders in the second round (25th overall) of the 2017 WHL Bantam Draft.

Wiesblatt was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the first round (31st overall) of the 2020 NHL Draft.

Brenden Dillon, New Jersey Devils

A 35-year-old native of Surrey, B.C., Dillon returned to the Devils following off-season neck surgery. Not only did he return to the Devils blueline, he has played every single game this season and is averaging over 17 minutes of ice time per night.

On December 1, 2025, Dillon played in the 1,000th game of his NHL career, after going unselected in the NHL Draft.

Not only was Dillon unselected in the NHL Draft, he went unselected in the WHL Bantam Draft years prior. He caught on with the Seattle Thunderbirds in 2007-08 and went on to play four seasons and 280 regular season games in the Emerald City. In his final season in Seattle, he served as team captain, amassing 59 points (8G-51A) in 72 games and earning an entry-level contract with the Dallas Stars.

Since then, Dillon has played 1,056 NHL games spread across stints with the Stars, San Jose Sharks, Washington Capitals, Winnipeg Jets, and Devils.

Matthew Robertson, New York Rangers

A 25-year-old product of Edmonton, Alta., Robertson became an NHL regular this season following four seasons in the American Hockey League. In 71 outings, he has secured 18 points (6G-12A) and a minus-3 rating, averaging 17:25 time on ice per game.

Selected by the Rangers in the second round (49th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft, Robertson spent four seasons patrolling the blueline for the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, playing 208 career regular season contests and notching 127 points (31G-96A) along the way. He helped Canada to a gold medal at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and was named a WHL Eastern Conference Second All-Star in 2020.

Across four AHL seasons with the Hartford Wolfpack, Robertson appeared in 250 career regular season games, posting 80 points (11G-69A).

Laurent Brossoit, San Jose Sharks

A 33-year-old native of Port Alberni, B.C., Brossoit returned to the NHL for the first time since April 2024, when he dressed for the Sharks on March 15 at Ottawa. He missed the entirety of the 2024-25 season recovering from hip and knee surgeries.

In 141 career NHL games, Brossoit has gone 64-47-13 with a 2.66 GAA, .910 SV%, and six shutouts. In 2023, he won the Stanley Cup as a member of the Vegas Golden Knights. Brossoit was selected by the Calgary Flames in the sixth round (164th overall) of the 2011 NHL Draft.

Prior to making the jump to pro hockey, the 6-foot-3, 203-pound puckstopper spent three seasons with the Edmonton Oil Kings, appearing in 147 regular season games with a record of 88-34-4-9, a 2.59 GAA, .909 SV%, and 10 shutouts.

Selected by the Oil Kings in the second round (26th overall) of the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft, Brossoit backstopped the Oil Kings to a WHL Championship in 2012 and was named WHL Playoff MVP after going 16-4 with a 2.04 GAA, .933 SV%, and two shutouts.

Jordan Eberle, Seattle Kraken

A 35-year-old native of Calgary, Alta., Eberle returned as captain of the Seattle Kraken following a rare surgery for a serious pelvic injury last season.

Eberle not only returned in 2025-26, he came back to lead his team in goals (26) and points (55) over 78 games. It’s the latest season for the reliable scorer over a career that has spanned more than 1,100 NHL regular season outings. Across 16 NHL seasons, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound Eberle has amassed 783 points (334G-449A) during stints with the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, and Kraken.

Selected by the Oilers in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2008 NHL Draft, Eberle’s success began as a member of the Regina Pats in the WHL.

In 2007-08, he earned the Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL’s Scholastic Player of the Year. That same season, he was named to the WHL Eastern Conference First All-Star Team after scoring 75 points (42G-33A) in 70 games.

The following season, he helped Canada earn gold at the 2009 IIHF World Junior Championship. During the tournament, he recorded arguably the most famous goal in Canadian World Juniors history, scoring with 5.5 seconds remaining in regulation to tie Russia in semifinal action, forcing an overtime period and shootout, which Canada eventually won thanks to a shootout tally from Eberle.

In 2009-10, Eberle cemented himself as one of the best players in junior hockey, winning the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy as WHL Player of the Year. He was also named CHL Player of the Year after a campaign that included 106 points (50G-56A) in 57 games.

Originally selected by the Pats in the seventh round (126th overall) of the 2005 WHL Bantam Draft, Eberle enjoyed great success in the WHL, tallying 310 points (155G-155A) in 254 career WHL regular season contests.

Former Rebels star Nugent-Hopkins nominated for NHL’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:33:02 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – Former Red Deer Rebels star Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, now of the Edmonton Oilers, has been named a finalist for the NHL’s King Clancy Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.

The nominees were selected by their respective NHL teams. The winner will be chosen by a selection committee consisting of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman as well as former winners of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and the historic NHL Foundation Player Award.

The nominee with the most votes will be named the winner of the King Clancy Memorial Trophy and receive a $25,000 donation to benefit a charity or charities of his choice. The winner will also be eligible to elect that his Club receive a grant from the NHL, up to $20,000, to help organize a special activation related to his humanitarian cause.

Nugent-Hopkins, 33, has been deeply involved in the community, with a particular focus and effort placed on fundraising and awareness for cystic fibrosis, serving for nine years as the honourary chair of the Face Off with CF Gala in Edmonton.

On June 20, 2025, Nugent-Hopkins was presented with the King Charles III Coronation Medal – a commemorative honour recognizing 30,000 Canadians for significant contributions to their community. Nugent-Hopkins was nominated for the special award by Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

Over 15 NHL seasons – all with the Oilers – Nugent-Hopkins has appeared in 1,030 regular season games, amassing 803 points (290G-513A). The product of Burnaby, B.C., was selected by the Oilers first overall in the 2011 NHL Draft.

Prior to making his mark with the Oilers, Nugent-Hopkins was selected first overall by the Red Deer Rebels in the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft. Over 141 career WHL regular season contests, the 6-foot-1, 192-pound pivot registered 177 points (57G-120A) with the Rebels.

The 2009-10 season saw him take home the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy, presented annually to the WHL’s Rookie of the Year, after posting 65 points (24G-41A) in 67 games. He finished his WHL career with a 106-point season (31G-75A) in 2010-11, en route to going first overall in the 2011 NHL Draft and eventually making his NHL debut at the age of 18.

First presented following the 1987-88 NHL season, the King Clancy Memorial Trophy has been won by numerous WHL alumni over the years.

WHL Alumni to win King Clancy Memorial Trophy

1987-88: Lanny McDonald, Calgary Flames (Medicine Hat Tigers) 1988-89: Bryan Trottier, New York Islanders (Swift Current / Lethbridge Broncos) 1996-97: Trevor Linden, Vancouver Canucks (Medicine Hat Tigers) 1997-98: Kelly Chase, St. Louis Blues (Saskatoon Blades) 2003-04: Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames (Kamloops Blazers) 2005-06: Olaf Kolzig, Washington Capitals (Tri-City Americans) 2009-10: Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes (Kamloops Blazers) 2013-14: Andrew Ference, Edmonton Oilers (Portland Winterhawks) 2019-20: Mathew Dumba, Minnesota Wild (Red Deer Rebels, Portland Winterhawks) 2022-23: Mikael Backlund, Calgary Flames (Kelowna Rockets)

Two WHL Alumni among those ranked No. 40 through No. 31 on CHL Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:32:09 +0000

The Top 50 players were identified through a media vote, with the final rankings determined by a weighted combination of media and fan voting. After unveiling players ranked No. 50 through No. 41 last week, the CHL continues the countdown today, while full player bios remain available at chl.ca/chl50.

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is proud to reveal the players ranked No. 40 through No. 31 on its Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list (see below), a signature initiative launched as part of the CHL’s 50th anniversary season. The countdown celebrates the greatest players from the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) since 1975-76, honouring the stars who have shaped major junior hockey over the past five decades. Two WHL alumni find themselves ranked from 40 to 31 on the CHL’s Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years, including Shea Weber (36) and Ray Ferraro (33). As part of the initiative, a panel of media members first identified the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years (since 1975-76). From there, the final ranking order was determined using a weighted formula that combined media and fan voting to rank the players from No. 1 through No. 50. Last week, the CHL unveiled the players ranked No. 50 through No. 41 to begin the countdown. KEY FACTS & MEDIA NOTES: CHL TOP 50 PLAYERS MEDIA RESOURCES (PHOTOS, LOGOS, VIDEOS & MORE) 40. Vincent Lecavalier, Forward | QMJHL | Rimouski Océanic (1996-98) | Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers & Los Angeles Kings (1998-2016): Lecavalier starred in two dominant seasons with Rimouski, recording 217 points in 122 regular-season games and earning both QMJHL and CHL Rookie of the Year honours in 1996-97. He followed with 115 points in 58 games in 1997-98, was named to the QMJHL and CHL First All-Star Teams, and added 41 points in 18 playoff games as the Océanic reached the QMJHL Championship Series. The first overall pick in the 1998 NHL Draft, Lecavalier went on to captain the Lightning, win the Stanley Cup in 2004, capture the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2006-07, and finish with 949 points in 1,212 NHL games. 39. Drew Doughty, Defenceman | OHL | Guelph Storm (2005-08) | Los Angeles Kings (2008-Present): Doughty emerged as one of the OHL’s top defencemen during three seasons in Guelph, earning CHL and OHL All-Rookie Team honours in 2005-06 before breaking out with 74 points in 67 games the following year. In 2007-08, he won the Max Kaminsky Trophy as the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenceman and was named to the OHL and CHL First All-Star Teams. Selected second overall in 2008, Doughty became a franchise cornerstone in Los Angeles, winning the Norris Trophy and helping the Kings capture Stanley Cups in 2012 and 2014. 38. Ron Francis, Forward | OHL | Soo Greyhounds (1980-82) | Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes & Toronto Maple Leafs (1981-2004): Francis made an immediate impact with his hometown Soo Greyhounds, posting 69 points in 64 games as an OHL rookie in 1980-81, then adding 48 points in just 25 games the next season before jumping to the NHL. His junior career may have been brief, but it was enough to cement his place in Greyhounds history, with the club later retiring his No. 10. Chosen fourth overall in 1981, Francis built a Hall of Fame career in the NHL that included two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh and 1,798 points in 1,731 games. 37. Roberto Luongo, Goaltender | QMJHL | Val-d’Or Foreurs & Acadie-Bathurst Titan (1995-99) | New York Islanders, Florida Panthers & Vancouver Canucks (1999-2019): Luongo developed into one of the QMJHL’s elite goaltenders over four seasons with Val-d’Or and Acadie-Bathurst. He won the QMJHL’s Michael-Bossy Trophy (Top Professional Prospect) in 1996-97, helped Val-d’Or capture its first QMJHL title in 1998, then added a second league championship with Acadie-Bathurst in 1999. Luongo finished his QMJHL playoff career holding league records for games, minutes, wins, and shots faced. The fourth overall pick in 1997, he went on to a Hall of Fame career in the NHL, ranking among the all-time leaders in games and wins while starring for both the Panthers and Canucks. 36. Shea Weber, Defenceman | WHL | Kelowna Rockets (2001-05) | Nashville Predators & Montreal Canadiens (2005-21): Weber played a key role in one of the WHL’s top clubs of the early 2000s, helping Kelowna win two WHL championships and the 2004 Memorial Cup. He earned WHL and CHL all-star recognition in his final two seasons and capped his junior career by winning WHL Playoffs MVP in 2005 after scoring nine goals from the blue line in the postseason. Drafted by Nashville in 2003, Weber became one of the NHL’s premier defencemen, captaining both the Predators and Canadiens and finishing with 589 points in 1,038 NHL games. 35. Bobby Smith, Forward | OHL | Ottawa 67’s (1975-78) | Minnesota North Stars & Montreal Canadiens (1978-93): Smith authored one of the greatest careers in Ottawa 67’s history, highlighted by a remarkable 1977-78 season in which he produced 192 points in 61 games to win the Eddie Powers Memorial Trophy (OHL Top Scorer), Red Tilson Trophy (OHL MVP), and CHL Player of the Year honours. A year earlier, he led the OHL with 65 goals, and he also starred at the 1977 Memorial Cup, where he shared the scoring lead and won the George Parsons Trophy. Selected first overall in 1978, Smith went on to win the Calder Trophy, capture a Stanley Cup with Montreal in 1986, and record 1,036 points in 1,077 NHL games. 34. Brendan Shanahan, Forward | OHL | London Knights (1985-87) | New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings & New York Rangers (1987-2009): Shanahan established himself as a premier power forward with the London Knights, totaling 154 points in 115 games over two OHL seasons. He scored 92 points in 1986-87, earned OHL Third All-Star Team honours, and solidified himself as one of the top prospects in junior hockey. Selected second overall in 1987, Shanahan went on to a Hall of Fame career in the NHL that featured 656 goals, 1,354 points, three Stanley Cups with Detroit, and membership in the Triple Gold Club. 33. Ray Ferraro, Forward | WHL | Portland Winterhawks & Brandon Wheat Kings (1982-84) | Hartford Whalers, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Thrashers & St. Louis Blues (1984-2002): Ferraro was one of the WHL’s most prolific scorers, totaling 282 points in just 122 regular-season games. After a standout rookie year in Portland, he delivered a historic 1983-84 season in Brandon with 108 goals and 192 points, winning both WHL Player of the Year and Top Scorer honours. He remains the only player in WHL history to score 100 goals in a season. Despite being a fifth-round NHL pick, Ferraro went on to enjoy an 18-year NHL career, finishing with 408 goals and 898 points. 32. Joe Thornton, Forward | OHL | Soo Greyhounds (1995-97) | Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs & Florida Panthers (1997-2022): Thornton dominated in just two OHL seasons with the Soo Greyhounds, recording 198 points in 125 games. He won both OHL and CHL Rookie of the Year in 1995-96, then followed with 122 points in 59 games in 1996-97 while earning OHL and CHL Second All-Star Team honours and the CHL Top Prospect Award. Chosen first overall in 1997, Thornton built a Hall of Fame career in the NHL, winning the Hart and Art Ross trophies in 2005-06 and retiring with 1,539 points in 1,714 games 31. Brad Richards, Forward | QMJHL | Rimouski Océanic (1997-2000) | Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks & Detroit Red Wings (2000-16): Richards put together one of the most impressive offensive runs in modern QMJHL history, topping 100 points in each of his three seasons with Rimouski. His crowning campaign came in 1999-2000, when he piled up 186 points in 63 games and led the Océanic to both the QMJHL championship and Memorial Cup title, while sweeping league, playoff, and Memorial Cup MVP honours. Drafted by Tampa Bay in 1998, Richards went on to play 1,126 NHL games, win two Stanley Cups, and claim the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2004. Further rankings from the Top 50 Players of the Last 50 Years list will be revealed in 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 15

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 18:16:16 +0000

NEED TO KNOW - Vancouver Canucks prospect Bradeden Cootes scored twice against Saskatoon to give Prince Albert a daunting 3-0 series lead - Fantastic Finns Julius Miettinen (SEA) and Matias Vanhanen combined for two goals and two assists to put Everett in the driver's seat against Kelowna - Louis Wehmann earned three assists to complete a comeback against Prince George and get the Vees on the board in Round Two - Top 2026 NHL Draft prospect Michal Orsulak registered a second consecutive clean sheet against the Blades, bringing his shutout streak to 129:08 - Three teams can advance to the Conference Championships with wins on Wednesday TOP PERFORMER Vees alternate captain Brady Birnie was a critical part of Penticton's road win at an electric CN Centre on Tuesday night. The WHL veteran was the lucky recipient of a Louis Wehmann feed on a two-on-one rush to give Penticton its first lead of the night, and bagged the game-winner by posting up outside the blue paint to redirect another Wehmann pass. Birnie, 20, has five goals and one assist for six points in eight playoff games. The 5-foot-7, 167-pound winger was picked up from the Swift Current Broncos in the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft and has brought a stellar presence and scoring touch to the Okanagan. Birnie enters the postseason as one of the WHL's active games-played leaders with 334 regular-season matches under his belt (second only to Kelowna's Mazden Leslie with 347) and leads the Vees with three goals in round two. RESULTS Everett 4, Kelowna 1 EVT leads 3-0 The Western Conference Championship is so close, the Everett Silvertips can practically taste it. The Rockets overwhelmed the regular-season champs with 16 shots to Everett's four in the opening frame, but the Tips came out swinging with a three-goal second period to seal the win. Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen stole the puck behind the net to tee up a wide-open Matias Vanhanen (NHL CSS: 76) for a one-timer in the slot, and Brek Liske (NHL CSS: 34) doubled the lead minutes later with a deceptive wrister off the wall. Miettinen made it 3-0 as an Everett powerplay was expiring by shovelling the puck through in a scramble in front of the Kelowna net. New York Islanders prospect Tomas Poletin logged Kelowna's lone goal of the game in the third period before Lukas Kaplan added more insurance with a late penalty shot. THREE STARS 1- Anders Miller, EVT – 36 saves, .973 save percentage 2- Tomas Poletin, KEL – 1G 3- Julius Miettinen, EVT – 1G-1A Prince Albert 4, Saskatoon 0 PA leads 3-0 The Raiders lived up to their name with a 4-0 shutout in enemy territory on Tuesday night. Dallas Stars prospect Brandon Gorzynski was first out of the gate with a crisp redirection on a Brayden Dube shot before Vancouver Canucks prospect Braeden Cootes tacked on a pair of second-period tallies. Cootes, 19, barreled in on a partial breakaway to beat Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Evan Gardner blocker side and added his second of the night by dancing around his check and roofing another shot from below the right faceoff circle. Evan Smith picked up an empty-netter, while draft-eligible Michal Orsulak (NHL CSS: 2) earned a second consecutive shutout with a 23-save effort- his busiest game of the 2026 WHL Playoffs. THREE STARS 1- Braeden Cootes, PA – 2G 2- Michal Orsulak, PA – 23 saves, shutout 3- Evan Gardner, SAS – 37 saves, .925 save percentage

Penticton 5, Prince George 3 PG leads 2-1 The Penticton Vees came alive on the road to reignite their second-round hopes against the Cougars. But it took a big comeback effort with Aiden Foster and WHL Playoffs leading scorer Brock Souch putting Prince George up 2-0 after the opening period. Former Cougar Matteo Danis, who was acquired by Penticton in the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft, poked a loose puck into the net to kickstart the Vees' drive. Seattle Kraken signee Ryden Evers stole the puck in the slot and whipped a shot under the arm of San Jose Sharks prospect Joshua Ravensbergen to level the game. Alternate Captain Brady Birnie scored his first of the night off a two-on-one, and while Dmitri Yakutsenak briefly tied things again, Birnie had the dagger with a clean shot at the back post. New Yorks Islanders prospect Jacob Kvasnicka clinched Penticton's first win in Round Two with an empty-netter. THREE STARS 1- Brady Birnie, PEN – 2G 2- Louis Wehmann, PEN – 3A 3- Aiden Foster, PG – 1G-1A ON TAP

WHL Stars & NHL Debuts: WHL Champion Yager cleared for takeoff in first match with Jets

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 20:08:02 +0000

The Winnipeg Jets may be in refueling mode one season after taking home the Presidents' Trophy as NHL regular-season champions, but Brayden Yager is ready for takeoff. The Prince Albert-born, Saskatoon-raised forward took his first NHL strides under the bright lights of Las Vegas's T-Mobile Arena on Monday night. "Everybody has kind of come up to me and congratulated me and are just saying enjoy it," Yager said prior to the match. "You only get your first game once, so go out there, have fun, compete and just enjoy it." While the Jets were mathematically eliminated from playoff contention with a 6-2 loss to the 2023 Stanley Cup Champions, Yager showed plenty of promise with one shot and 17 shifts in 10:25 of ice time, while skating on a line with WHL great Nino Niederreiter, who surpassed 1,000 NHL games earlier this season. With two games left on the regular season slate, Jets alternate captain and Penticton Vees part-owner Mark Scheifele sees plenty of opportunity ahead for Yager and his fellow Winnipeg prospects. "It’s difficult, but we have young guys coming in the lineup and playing their early games, so it’s time for guys to show their stuff," Scheifele told reporters postgame. "We’re going to have spots open next year. Two games left. You have to play them, you have to give them your all." https://twitter.com/NHLJets/status/2043865477219528983 It's a chance that's well-earned for Yager, who was named Rookie of the Year for the AHL's Manitoba Moose this season. The 6-foot, 170-pound forward logged 10 goals (including three powerplay strikes and a game-winner) and 20 assists for 30 points in 68 AHL games. Originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins with the 14th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, the Jets traded for Yager in August 2024 for Rutger McGroarty. "We are very excited to add Brayden to the organization," Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff said at the time. "I think he's a very talented player, a very skilled position at center where he can certainly make other players better around him." Yager registered 332 points (129G-203A) in 265 games over parts of five seasons with the Moose Jaw Warriors and Lethbridge Hurricanes. He ranks in the top-10 in all-time points, goals and assists by a Warriors skater, but most importantly, played a key role in bringing Moose Jaw its first WHL Championship in 2024 by sweeping the Portland Winterhawks. Yager chipped in 27 points (11G-16A) in the Championship run and helped Lethbridge reach the 2025 WHL Eastern Conference Championship the following season, though the Hurricanes would fall to the eventual Ed Chynoweth Cup winners from Medicine Hat. Over his time in major junior, Yager was crowned Rookie of the Year in 2022, earned back-to-back WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player Awards, captured CHL Sportsman of the Year, and cracked the 2024 CHL Memorial Cup All-Star Team. He also made the WHL East Division Second All-Star Team twice. Yager could get his second NHL match under his belt as soon as Tuesday night, with the Jets visiting the Utah Mammoth at 7:00 p.m. MT.

Nine WHL players named to Canada’s pre-tournament camp roster for 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship

Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:30:15 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – Nine Western Hockey League players have been named to the pre-tournament camp roster for Canada’s National Men’s U-18 Team ahead of the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship, Hockey Canada announced Monday.

The WHL will be represented by two goaltenders, two defencemen, and five forwards on Canada’s pre-tournament roster. In total, Hockey Canada named three goaltenders, seven defencemen, and 13 forwards to the roster, which was selected by General Manager Alan Millar (Tottenham, Ont.) and Head Scout Byron Bonora (Brooks, Alta.), with support from Director of Hockey Operations Benoit Roy (Sudbury, Ont.), Senior Vice-President of High Performance and Hockey Operations Scott Salmond (Creston, B.C.), and Coordinator of Hockey Operations Jared Power (Calgary, Alta.).

Seven WHL Clubs will be represented on Canada’s roster, with the Brandon Wheat Kings and Vancouver Giants both boasting two players. Also represented are the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Red Deer Rebels Regina Pats, Seattle Thunderbirds, and Spokane Chiefs.

Canada’s National Men’s U-18 Team – Pre-Tournament Camp, WHL Players

Last Name	First Name	WHL Club	Hometown	Ht	Wt	Pos
Oaten	Leif	Lethbridge Hurricanes	Calgary, Alta.	6-3	194	G
Esler	Carter	Spokane Chiefs	Okotoks, Alta.	5-11	165	G
Lin	Ryan	Vancouver Giants	Richmond, B.C.	5-11	176	D
Pantelas	Giorgos	Brandon Wheat Kings	Victoria, B.C.	6-2	214	D
Preston	Mathis	Vancouver Giants	Penticton, B.C.	5-11	176	F
Lansard	Zach	Regina Pats	Ste. Anne, Man.	6-0	174	F
England	Brock	Seattle Thunderbirds	Red Deer, Alta.	5-11	174	F
Jacobson	Jaxon	Brandon Wheat Kings	Brandon, Man.	5-10	183	F
Hamilton	Beckett	Red Deer Rebels	Saskatoon, Sask.	5-11	172	F

Also named to the team is former Victoria Royals defenceman Keaton Verhoeff. Roster additions will be announced in the coming weeks following the conclusion of the second round of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) playoffs, while the final roster for the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship will be announced prior to the start of the tournament.

Oaten appeared in 31 games with the Hurricanes this season, going 6-19-2-0. He won gold with Canada Red at the 2025 U17 World Hockey Challenge. Oaten was originally selected by Lethbridge in the third round (58th overall) of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft. He is eligible for the 2028 NHL Draft.

In his second season with the Chiefs, Esler went 24-18-1-0 with a 2.80 goals-against average, .903 save percentage and five shutouts in 44 appearances. Internationally, he most recently helped Canada to a bronze medal at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He was named a finalist for the WHL’s Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy, which is presented annually to the WHL’s Humanitarian of the Year. Esler is eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft.

Lin enjoyed a second consecutive campaign with 50+ points on the Giants blueline, registering 57 points (14G-43A) in 53 games. He represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge and was also named to the roster for Team West at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass, but was unable to compete due to injury. Internationally, Lin most recently helped Canada claim bronze at the 20225 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He was also a member of Canada’s gold-medal winning team at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship. Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Lin is listed 13th among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

In his second season with the Wheat Kings, Pantelas posted career highs in goals (6), assists (31), and points (37), while taking to the ice for 68 regular season games. He represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge and also competed for Team East at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass. Internationally, Pantelas most recently represented Canada at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, helping his nation to a bronze medal. Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Pantelas is listed 58th among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

Preston registered 44 points (18G-26A) in 46 games split between the Giants and Spokane Chiefs this past season. He represented Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge and was named to the roster for Team West at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass, but was unable to compete due to injury. Preston was a member of Canada’s bronze-medal squad at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, he is listed 24th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

Lansard tallied 56 points (24G-32A) in 68 games in his second season with the Pats. He represented Team East at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass. He has yet to represent Canada on the international stage. Originally selected by the Pats in the fourth round (78th overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Lansard is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft and is listed 72nd among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

England impressed in his WHL rookie campaign, posting 51 points (21G-30A) in 64 games with the Thunderbirds. Internationally, he helped Canada Red claim gold at the 2025 U17 World Hockey Challenge. Originally selected by the Thunderbirds in the first round (11th overall) of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft, England is considered a top prospect eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft.

In his second WHL season, Jacobson excelled with the Wheat Kings, posting 85 points (25G-60A) in 63 games, earning a place on the WHL’s Eastern Conference Second All-Star Team. Internationally, Jacobson earned a silver medal with Canada Red at the 2024 U17 World Hockey Challenge. Originally selected by the Wheat Kings in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Jacobson is considered a top prospect eligible for the 2027 NHL Draft.

Recently named captain of the Rebels, Hamilton emerged with 62 points (24G-38A) in 67 games this past season. He represented Team East at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass. Originally selected by the Rebels in the first round (18th overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Hamilton is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, listed 75th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings. He has yet to represent Canada on the international stage.

Verhoeff spent the 2025-26 campaign with the University of North Dakota following 75 games over two seasons with the Victoria Royals. From 2023-24 through 2024-25, the 6-foot-4, 212-pound right-shot defenceman tallied 47 points (21G-26A) as a member of the Royals. Most recently, he patrolled the blueline for Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, bringing home a bronze medal. Verhoeff is eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, listed second among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings.

Canada’s National Men’s U-18 Team will play two pre-tournament games, taking on Sweden at Ondrej Nepala Arena in Bratislava on April 17 and Czechia at the Pavol Demitra Ice Hockey Arena in Trencin on April 19. The 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship begins April 22, with Canada taking on Slovakia, Latvia, Norway, and Finland in the preliminary round before the tournament concludes with medal games May 2.

For more information on the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship, please visit IIHF.com.

For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Men’s U-18 Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca.

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.

WHL Morning Skate: April 12

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 15:57:27 +0000

NEED TO KNOW - Prince George scored shorthanded goals 12 seconds apart to cruise to a 6-2 win over Penticton - Draft-eligible Michal Orsulak iced a 15-save shutout to lift Prince Albert to a 2-0 series lead at home - Detroit Red Wings first-rounder Carter Bear scored his first career playoff goal to stave off a Rockets comeback attempt in Everett - Defenceman of the Year candidate Jonas Woo scored in his 64th career playoff game to help the Tigers edge the Hitmen TOP PERFORMER A pair of goals for Parascak! The 2024 Washington Capitals 17th-overall pick has launched himself to a new level in Round Two with six points (4G-2A) in two games against the Vees. The 19-year-old capped off a slick pass from Brock Souch for a shorthanded icebreaker at the South Okanagan Events Centre. Just 12 seconds later, Parascak teed up Tyrone Soby for another shorthanded strike. The 6-foot, 187-pound winger capped off a monster first period by one-timing a back-board rebound past Andrew Reyelts to put the game out of reach for Penticton. Parasack has strung together four consecutive multi-goal games to bring his playoff total to 14 points (7G-7A) in eight games. He's tied for the league lead in playoff goals and ranks second in points and first in powerplay goals (4). Parascak has already set new personal highs in playoff scoring, while bringing important experience from the 2024 WHL Western Conference Championship to the ice. RESULTS Kelowna 2, Everett 4 EVT leads 2-0 The regular-season champion Silvertips have yet to trail in this series, despite some stellar comeback efforts from the Rockets. After Zackary Shantz opened the scoring, Montreal Canadiens prospect Hayden Paupanekis levelled things up by shoveling away at a loose puck in the crease. Jaxsin Vaughan and Owen Folstrom traded goals in the second before alternate captain Carter Bear blasted a powerplay goal home with a one-timer off a lively bounce off the back boards. Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen notched his team-best sixth goal of the postseason with a powerplay marker in the third period for some added insurance. Silvertips star Anders Miller's 37-save night marks the third-busiest game of his WHL career, nabbing him first-star honours. THREE STARS 1- Anders Miller, EVT – 37 saves, .974 save percentage 2- Carter Bear, EVT – 1G-1A 3- Jaxsin Vaughan, EVT – 1G Saskatoon 0, Prince Albert 3 PA leads 2-0 Life comes at you fast. So do the Prince Albert Raiders. The East Division champs capitalized on key chances to muscle out a 3-0 win over the Blades at the Art Hauser Centre. Owen Corkish corralled a trickling rebound to take the lead in the second period before draft-eligible Jonah Sivertson (NHL CSS: 88) went high-blocker side on a two-on-one rush. Six-foot-6 defender Matyas Man (NHL CSS: 180) joined in on the action with a blast from the blueline, while his fellow Czech product Michal Orsulak (NHL CSS: 2) stopped all 15 shots he faced for his second shutout of the postseason. THREE STARS 1- Jonah Sivertson, PA – 1G-1A 2- Matyas Man, PA – 1G 3- Owen Corkish, PA – 1A Prince George 6, Penticton 2 PG leads 2-0 Prince George snagged two shorthanded goals, two powerplay goals and two even-strength goals as they rolled the Vees in Game 2. Terik Parascak and Tyrone Sobry hit pay dirt seconds apart before Parascak nabbed his second goal of the period. Jett Lajoe racked up a pair of tallies of his own, starting with a solo net drive late in the opening frame and capping off the Cats' scoring with a powerplay one-timer. Louis Wehmann and Brady Birnie scored for Penticton in the third period, but the Vees were unable to muster further offence. WHL Goaltender of the Year finalist Joshua Ravensbergen, a first-round pick of the San Jose Sharks, denied 40 of 42 shots for an impressive .952 save percentage. THREE STARS 1- Terik Parascak, PG – 2G-1A 2- Jett Lajoie, PG – 2G 3- Louis Wehmann, PEN – 1G-1A Calgary 3, Medicine Hat 4 MH leads 2-0 It took a three-goal comeback for the defending WHL Champions to snag a second consecutive win against their Central Division rivals. With the Hitmen leading 2-1 in the first period, Hitmen alternate captain Ethan Moore continued his astonishing playoff run with his seventh goal of the postseason. But Calgary saw its lead slip away as Kade Stengrim snagged a snapshot from the slot. Defenceman of the Year candidate Jonas Woo served up a highlight-reel goal as he turned on the jets to burn past a Calgary defender and bury a backhand goal to tie the game before alternate captain and hometown boy Josh Van Mulligen bagged the game-winner with a sweeping wrister from above the left faceoff dot. THREE STARS 1- Jordan Switzer, MH – 27 saves, .900 save percentage 2- Ethan Moore, CGY – 1G-1A 3- Kade Stengrim, MH – 1G-1A ON TAP The 2026 WHL Playoffs resume on Monday with Game 3 between the Medicine Hat Tigers and Calgary Hitmen.