Saturday, September 19

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Brandon Wheat Kings

Joby Baumuller, Prabh Bhathal, Ryan Boyce, Jimmy Egan, Levi Ellingsen, Ahmad Fayad, Gunnar Gleasman, Colin Grubb, Cole Hunter, Jaxon Jacobson, Hudson Landmark, Kris Muissu, Carson Park, Chase Surkan, Brady Turko, Cameron Allard, Nigel Boehm, Cruz Jim, Ilari Kapanen, Josh McGregor, Easten Turko, Ethan Young, Ryley Budd, Joffrey Chan, Filip Ruzicka

Calgary Hitmen

Landon Amrhein, Grady Anaka, Gabriel Belanger, Brennan Brown, Antonio Correia, Shaun Hildebrandt, Keaton Jundt, Artem Katsuro, Charlie Kresl, Julien Maze, Teague McGlynn, Andrei Molgachev, Rylan Ng, Jack Poole, Carter Sanderson, Blake Vanek, Caine Wilke, Hunter Aura, Tate Batchelor, Calder Hamilton, Jakob Leander, Kale McCann, Wyatt Pisarczyk, Parker Schellenberg, Maden Simard, Aidan Hesse, Eric Tu

Edmonton Oil Kings

Jonny Bloedow, Dylan Dean, Easton Doran, Kaslo Ferner, Kanjyu Gojsic, Ezekiel Kaebel, Cole Landreville, Jensen Marsh, Aaron Obobaifo, Tyler Potter, Luke Powell, KJ Sauer, Cage Smith, Kayden Stroeder, Tucker Tullikopf, Jonas Vanicek, Olli Wahlroos, Matt Williams, Kayson Anderson, Ryan Gower, Matthew Hauser, Matheas Hejda, Chris Kokkoris, Josh Lee, Dylan Ronald, Noa Ta’amu, Elias Mitrikas, Ethan Simcoe, Parker Snell

Everett Silvertips

Henri Ament, Charlie Barnes, Dario Blengino, Reid Brown, Mirco Dufour, Crosby Harrison, Rhys Jamieson, Lukas Kaplan, Henry Meier, Reid Nicol, Hunter Rudolph, Clarke Schaefer, Eddy Spytz, Jaxsin Vaughan, Atte Vuori, Adam Boatter, Nathan Guenther, Henry Hlinka, Bode Laylin, Logan Lepinski, Brek Liske, Jaxon Pisani, Mattias Uyeda, Luke Vlooswyk, Bennett Byers, Jayden Kraus

Kamloops Blazers

River Arnason, Ty Bonkowski, Teagen Bouchard, Owen Cooper, Ty Coupland, Jacob Dumansky, Asher Gingras, Collin Kim, Logan Lanti, Cooper Moore, Gavin Nemis, Brady Ondrus, Andrew Thomson, Eli Tverdovsky, Vit Zahejsky, Mikhail Cherepanov, Dryden Deobald, Mateo Ferreira, Joaquin Geras, Isa Guram, Liam Kilfoil, Carson Olsen, Madden Tymchak, Logan Edmonstone, Kaeden Tate

Kelowna Rockets

Eli Barrett, Cole Braunshausen, Madden Daneault, Owen Folstrom, Jakub Frolo, Dawson Gerwing, Jaxon Kehrig, Von Lakovic, Drew Larioza, Colton Lien, William Matte, Gabriel O’Brien, Ryan Oothoudt, Dallin Antos, Nate Corbet, Rowan Guest, Jacob Henderson, Will Kelts, Peyton Kettles, Remy Koch, Dane Sorensen, Josh Banini, Harrison Boettiger, Linden Sobocan

Lethbridge Hurricanes

Kai Anderson, Owen Berge, Dayne Beuker, Easton Daneault, Enzo DiDomenicantonio, Kade Duell, Jake Evans, Hunter Kapen, Tyden Lafournaise, Gavin Lesiuk, Cohen Pentney, Oliver Sichtar, Jake Stuart, Logan Stuart, Oliver Vanha, Carsen Adair, Dominick Byrtus, Kyle Heger, Nathan Maloney, Grady Pichette, Will Scott, Brayden Smith, Reid Soper, Koen Cleaver, Leif Oaten

Medicine Hat Tigers

Yaroslav Bryzgalov, Luke Cozens, Jaxson Craig, Noah Davidson, Arvid Drott, Josh Evaschesen, Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll, Owen Hayes, Brayden Holberton, Gavin Kor, Nolan Marto, Kadon McCann, Cam Parr, Liam Ruck, Markus Ruck, Luke Ruptash, Koray Bozkaya, Jake Burmis, Ty Krooshoop, Tyson Moss, Denis Pasler, Mace’o Phillips, Reily Pickford, Dayton Reschny, Riley Steen, Luke Warrener, Carter Casey, Cash Christie

Moose Jaw Warriors

Kash Andresen, Casey Brown, Noah Degenstein, Carson Deichert, Kash Elke, Maxon Johnston, Rasmus Kamarainen, Mathieu Lajoie, Landen McFadden, Luke Moroz, Gage Nagel, Chase Petersen, Carson Smith, Riley Thorpe, Jan Trefny, Colt Carter, Griffin Darby, William Degagne, Ethan Fidelak, Benson Hirst, Brady Ness, Nolan Paquette, Connor Schmidt, Cohen Williams, Kyle Jones, Dylan Mingo, Jordan Switzer

Penticton Vees

Kash Alger-East, Tyden Bergeson, Carter Cunningham, Tyler Deakos, Brooks DeMars, Graham Jones, Gavin Katz, Noah Milford, Roberts Naudins, Cameron Norrie, Noel Pakarinen, Nate Pederson, Tristan Petersen, Tucker Robertson, Avery Watson, Sean Burick, Parker Deraney, Eli Johnson, Thor Liffiton, Giorgos Pantelas, Whitaker Rewertz, Jackson Schneider, Callum Stone, Andrew Reyelts, Kaenan Smith

Portland Winterhawks

Sam Auld, Nathan Brown, Reed Brown, Owen Chapman, Alessandro Domenichelli, Jordan Duguay, Jake Gustafson, David Hoy, Kyle McDonough, Ben Miller, Finn Spehar, Sam Spehar, Jordin St. Louis, Trevor Toyne, Luke Wilfley, Luke Christopherson, Easton Dozark, Stevie Grumley, Cameron Jacobson, Avery Laliberte, Will McLaughlin, Liam Reed, Cole Slobodian, Cruz Chase, Ondrej Stebetak

Prince Albert Raiders

Riley Boychuk, Owen Corkish, Carsyn Dyck, Brandon Gorzynski, Ben Harvey, Connor Howe, Carter Kingerski, Cash Lanigan, Malaki Martin, Maddix McCagherty, Kyle Obobaifo, Alisher Sarkenov, Athens Shingoose, Jonah Sivertson, Evan Smith, Hubert Clarke, Kade Corbet, Brock Cripps, Darius Hordal, Benett Kelly, Oskars Luks, Liam Myhre, Steele Bass, Michal Orsulak

Prince George Cougars

Riley Ashe, Jonathan Bitonti, Jack Finnegan, Aiden Foster, Koy Funk, Cole Hajt, Townes Kozicky, Jett Lajoie, Kayden Lemire, Evan Lynch, Kadric Mujcin, Tre Peck, Lee Shurgot, Dade Wotherspoon, Dmitri Yakutsenak, Arsenii Anisimov, Cooper Bratton, Phoenix Cahill, Kaeson Fisher, Dermot Johnston, Ethan Popowich, Anderson Reschny, Corbin Vaughan, Kole Anderosov, Alexander Levshyn, Peyton Shore

Red Deer Rebels

Poul Andersen, Cash Arcand-Vandale, Owen DeWitt, Beckett Hamilton, Luke Jamieson, Cameron Kuzma, Kohen Lodge, Paxson Madill, Grayden Peterson, Nolan Schmidt, Patrick Sopiarz, Cole Temple, Chace Turchak, Kalder Varga, Noah Chadi, Cameron Dillard, Jiri Kamas, Zeb Lindgren, Matus Lisy, Kaden Meyer, Jake Missura, Graeme Pickering, Matthew Kondro, Nathan Salisbury

Regina Pats

Connor Bear, Dayce Derkatch, Jace Egland, Keets Fawcett, Braden Hordichuk, Samuel Karsay, Cohen Klassen, Zachary Lansard, Ellis Mieyette, Zach Moore, Mathis Paull, Liam Pue, Maddox Schultz, Owen Sejna, Parker Trottier, Kolten Bridgeman, Tomas Cermak, Dayton Deschamps, Jett Deschamps, Reese Hamilton, Matt Paranych, Ossi Tukio, Aiden Wagner, Drake Mooney, Taylor Tabashniuk

Saskatoon Blades

Gavin Andersen, Ben Bowtell, Noah Fowler, Yegor Gusev, Hayden Harsanyi, Konstantin Hutzinger, Jaggar John, Hunter Laing, Cohen Lewko, Kain Martinuik, Kazden Mathies, Triston Mitchell-McElhone, Trevin Vargo, Cooper Williams, Liam Brooks, Luke Dumas, Jack Kachkowski, Brayden Klimpke, Spencer Kuntz, Jack Lavallee, Jordan Martin, Isaac Poll, Tyrone Sobry, Max Hartel, Martin Psohlavec, Taye Timmerman

Seattle Thunderbirds

Ethan Bibeau, Knox Burton, Seamus Dillon, Brock England, Matthew Gard, Noah Kosick, Marcus Laraque, Simon Lovsin, Antonio Martorana, Sawyer Mayes, Luke Melnik, Josh Polak, Luke Puchner, Dominik Ripa, Reko Alanko, Henry Chmiel, Ethan Creran, Brook Haile, Owen Hayden, Brennen Hocher, Jonas Kemps, Tai Riley, Grayson Tash, Jaxson Dikur, Grayson Malinoski, Marek Sklenicka

Spokane Chiefs

Nolan Bisson, Jan Brabenec, Tristen Buckley, Gavin Burcar, Parker Colmer, Brody Gillespie, Chase Harrington, Cohen Harris, Ethan Hughes, Luca Jarvis, Owen Martin, Aedan McCarry, Ossie McIntyre, Smyth Rebman, Tyus Sparks, Matej Tomanek, Caden Zasada, Ryker Doka, Marek Howell, Harry Mattern, Nathan Mayes, Bryson Roberts, Rhett Sather, Nolan Saunderson, Owen Schoettler, Carter Esler, Bryce Francisco

Swift Current Broncos

Lincoln Ayers Assad, Jacob Beaulieu, Brock Burch, Sawyer Dingman, Stepan Farushev, Gavin Harrison, Luke Huska, Hudson Kibblewhite, Ashton McCann, Ty Meunier, Carter Moen, Jayden Oleskiw, Zach Pantelakis, Parker Rondeau, Brendan Rudolph, Oliver Torkki, Trae Wilke, Colton Alain, Hyde Davidson, Avi Kasargod, Hudson Kowalchuk, Jace McFaul, Kayd Ruedig, Yuri Vlasvenko, Daxon Yerex, Cal Conway, Archer Cooke, Aiden Eskit

Tri-City Americans

Hudson Champagne, Brock Cheslock, Hugo Daniel, Seth Garofalo, Koji Gibson, David Huk, Owen Kraft, David Krcal, Alexander Laing, Lukas Lima, Grady Martin, Crew Martinson, Eli McKamey, Jesse McKinnon, Ben Oliverio, Cruz Pavao, Trae Peterson, Ryan Sadovia, Evan Wanner, Jaxen Adam, Aden Bouchard, Carter Bylycia, David Byrne, Caden Campion, Dylan LeBret, Lukasz McIsaac, Jakub Vanecek, Karter Gibson, Ryan Grout, Xavier Wendt

Vancouver Giants

Sam Charko, Tafari Chingwaru, Blake Chorney, Dennis Emesibe, Colton Gerrior, Dominic Grieco, Kaden Hayes, Louis Oscar Holowaychuk, Joe Iginla, Brayden Jugnauth, Cash Koch, Nickolas Kovich, Brogan McNeil, Brett Olson, Jakob Oreskovic, Mathis Preston, Tobias Tomik, Kaleb Hartmann, Sullivan Humeniuk, Dylan Hurren, Crosby Mateychuk, Lance McCloskey, Jaxson Pawlenchuk, Rhys Pederson, Derek Thurston, Maverick Bell, Oliver Bryks, Burke Hood

Victoria Royals

Ashton Brown, Eliot Compton, Miles Cooper, Wyatt Danyleyko, Caleb Matthews, Hayden Moore, Filip Novak, Marek Peroutka, Ludovic Perreault, Cameron Schmidt, Jacob Schwartz, Max Silver, Nolan Stewart, Drayden Uhrina, Savin Virk, Cruz Waltze, Axel Bisbee, Jonas Kohn, Ryland Moore, Henry Peterson, Sam Schulte, Odin Vauhkonen, Nate Yellowaga, Landon Young, Seth Badry, Cole Prelusky, Vladimir Proskurin

Wenatchee Wild

Alexandre Andre, Levi Benson, Riley Brown, Nolan Caffey, Chace Gregg, Rui Han, Caelan Joudrey, Kayden Longley, Parker McMillan, Kalen Miles, Jake Mintenko, Mathias Silaban, Zane Torre, Grady Wedman, Michal Capos, Josh Fluker, Brayden Gregg, Tate Hardacre, Jevin Morrison, Darian Rolsing, Drew Smith, Boston Tait, Josh Toll, Daniel Vaillant, Mark Djomo, Carsten Leyerzapf, Tobias Tvrznik

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 60 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.

“As we embark on the 61st season of WHL hockey, we say thank you to the millions of fans across Western Canada, the Pacific Northwest and across the globe for being with us every step of the journey,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “The WHL’s fan footprint has grown substantially in the last year and we’re truly grateful for how fans around the world are embracing our teams and players.” – LETTER from WHL COMMISSIONER DAN NEAR

WHL GAMES STREAMING FREE on YOUTUBE

To start the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season, all WHL games will be streamed for FREE on YouTube. WHL fans can expect the same quality production they have come to expect from the WHL’s streaming product. New for 2026-27 through YouTube’s community-oriented platform, fans can look forward to engaging in live chat with one another during WHL games.

SUBSCRIBE to WHL on YOUTUBE

WHL OPENING WEEK PRESENTED BY RE/MAX

WHL Opening Week presented by RE/MAX stretches 10 days from Friday, September 18, through Sunday, September 27, and features 36 games across the WHL.

The opening night of the WHL schedule features five games, including the final Saddledome home opener in WHL history, when the Calgary Hitmen welcome the Red Deer Rebels on Friday at 7 p.m. MT.

Saturday, September 19, features 10 games, with the defending WHL Champion Everett Silvertips set to raise the franchise’s first Ed Chynoweth Cup banner when they host the Portland Winterhawks at Angel of the Winds Arena in downtown Everett at 6:05 p.m. PT.

2026-27 WHL Regular Season Schedule

WHL INTRODUCES VIDEO REVIEW & EXTENSION OF ‘NO RETURN’ OT PILOT

Prior to the start of the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season, the WHL introduced the Coach Challenge for possible offside goals, Referee video review on all major and match penalties, and the continuation of the preseason pilot program for ‘No Return’ three-on-three overtime.

• Coach Challenge for Possible Offside Goals: A team may now request a Coach Challenge to review a play that results in a goal call on the ice where the defending team claims that the play should have been stopped due to offside.
• Referee Video Review of Major & Match Penalties: Referees shall review all Major and Match penalties, except fighting majors, at the penalty box to confirm the penalty assessed or downgrade the penalty.
• ‘No Return’ Three-on-Three Overtime Pilot Continues: Introduced during the 2026 WHL Preseason, the ‘No Return’ three-on-three overtime pilot will continue through the duration of the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season. Under this format, a team in possession and control of the puck in the attacking zone may not retreat back into the neutral zone or their own defending zone.

Full details on new video review and ‘No Return’ three-on-three overtime were announced Wednesday, September 16. – LEARN MORE

2027 WHL PROSPECTS GAME TO BE HOSTED IN BRANDON

The 2026-27 WHL Regular Season will feature the second WHL Prospects Game, to be hosted Wednesday, February 17, 2027, at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, Man.

The 2027 WHL Prospects Game will pit the most highly touted, NHL Draft-eligible prospects in a one-game showcase in front of hundreds of NHL scouts and thousands of WHL fans.

Brandon last hosted a major WHL or Canadian Hockey League (CHL) event in November 2014, when Team WHL hosted Team Russia during the 2014 CHL Canada-Russia Super Series. – DETAILS

2026-27 WHL CALENDAR

Beginning with the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season, the WHL regular season will extend by one week. The decompressed schedule will create additional rest and recovery for players, opportunity for additional strength and conditioning, and support for the athletes’ educational priorities.

The 2026-27 WHL Regular Season begins Friday, September 18, and will end one week later than has been historically scheduled, with the final day of the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season falling Sunday, March 28, 2027.

The 2027 WHL Playoffs are scheduled to begin Wednesday, March 31, 2027, with the first round of the WHL Playoffs now being contested as a best-of-five.

AIR TRAVEL FOR SELECT ROAD GAMES

New for 2026-27, WHL Clubs are permitted to travel via air for one (1) set of road games to start and return home, under the following parameters:

• Trip by bus must be greater than 10 hours;
• Applies to out-of-conference travel only

This initiative will further augment the WHL Player Experience, contribute to the enhancement of player development, and is an adaptation to the changing hockey landscape.

COUNTDOWN TO WHL OPENING WEEK CONTEST: PRESENTED by RE/MAX

By completing a simple survey, WHL fans can enter to win two (2) tickets to a 2026-27 WHL Regular Season game, plus a jersey from your favourite Club, thanks to longtime WHL sponsor RE/MAX. Visit the contest page prior to Friday, September 18, at 11:59 p.m. MT to enter. – CONTEST

WHL & THE BANKES BROTHERS “RISK IT ALL” TO START 2026-27

Hailing from Victoria, B.C., The Bankes Brothers provide the soundtrack to WHL Opening Week presented by RE/MAX, with their upbeat, high-energy track “Risk It All.”

A four-piece alternative / indie rock band formed in 2017, The Bankes Brothers features brothers Morgan and Nelson Bankes on vocals, joined by Carson Cleaver on lead guitar, and drummer Gray Oxley.

WATCH – Welcome to the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season ft. The Bankes Brothers

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 60 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.

And for that, we are grateful.

You are the reason the WHL has become so deeply entrenched in 23 communities – an integral piece of every day from Brandon in the east to Victoria in the west, Prince George to the north and Portland to the south, and everywhere in between.

To the volunteers, the billet families, education advisors, support staff, and local sponsors – the role you play across the WHL ensures we reach this new horizon, each and every year. Your support is unwavering and such a special part of what makes the WHL the best development league in the world.

The 2026-27 WHL season – from sunup to sundown – will assuredly deliver moments for a lifetime. From our traditional rivalries to our world-class talent, we look forward to walking a path that features NHL-calibre skill, and intense competition, while embracing the values and spirit of our communities.

Congratulations to the players making their WHL debuts over the coming weeks, a true milestone in your hockey journey.  This marks the beginning of a special experience. We hope you’ll remember your time in “The Dub” forever. Savour it – every moment in the community, every hit in the corner, every practice with your teammates, every opportunity to leave your mark on the day.

As the sun rises today, the sky is the limit for all 23 WHL Clubs. Let’s celebrate that together.

I’ll see you at the rink!

• WHL Commissioner Dan Near

“We are pleased to welcome Fanbase as an Official Partner of the WHL,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “The 23 member Clubs of the WHL are continually looking for innovative ways to improve upon the fan experience and we’re looking forward to exploring new opportunities with Fanbase.”

Fanbase is a complete ticketing and fan experience platform built for ambitious sports organizations. Used by more than 300 teams across the U.S., U.K., and now Canada, Fanbase brings ticketing, memberships, premium, fan data, and communication channels together in one platform, helping organizations: grow revenue, build stronger fan relationships and like a top pro team without the huge costs.

“The Western Hockey League has everything we love about live sports: teams deeply rooted in their communities, incredibly passionate fans, and organizations constantly looking for new ways to grow,” said Ali Crawley, CEO and Co-founder of Fanbase. “There’s a huge opportunity for technology to help those teams build even stronger relationships with their fans, understand their audiences better and create more opportunities for people to attend and engage throughout the season.

“We’re incredibly proud to become an Official Partner of the Western Hockey League and excited to start working directly with its teams.”

Fanbase’s technology is designed to make buying and attending live sports simpler for fans, while giving teams a clearer understanding of their audience and the tools to turn engagement into long-term growth.

About Fanbase

Fanbase is a dynamic digital platform that provides sports clubs and organizations with comprehensive tools for ticketing, fan engagement, and operational management, designed to enhance the overall fan experience and streamline cub operations.

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.

“We are pleased to welcome Ricky’s All Day Grill as an Official Partner of the WHL,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “Ricky’s All Day Grill was established right here in Western Canada with an appetite for providing exceptional value for families – two realities that make for a perfect partnership with the Western Hockey League. We know fans will enjoy many benefits of the WHL’s new partnership with Ricky’s All Day Grill – from the in-arena activations to in-restaurant promotions and discounts.”

Ricky’s All Day Grill is one of the best casual family dining experiences in the country. Ricky’s All Day Grill focuses on providing a wide variety of tasty dishes and great service in a family-friendly environment, which has been the cornerstone of its success for 50-plus years.

With over 85 locations across Canada (and more under development), Ricky’s All Day Grill is all about great service, great people, and great food.

“We are thrilled to partner with the WHL in this coming season,” said Raymond Ho, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for FDF Brandz. “Many of our restaurant operators, staff and also our guests are avid hockey fans, so we are proud to have the opportunity to get involved in the games and activities that the WHL has planned. It’ll be an exciting year and we look forward to our partnership.”

As Official Partner of the WHL, fans will see Ricky’s All Day Grill at the rink in the form of the Ricky’s All Day Grill Pancake Flipping Competition during select media timeouts in select Canadian markets.

Fans looking for a great meal on game day can head over to participating Ricky’s All Day Grill restaurants where the Ricky’s Hometown Rewards Program delivers 15-per-cent off discounts for WHL fans sporting their favourite Club merchandise or showing their game ticket.

Throughout the 2026-27 WHL season, Ricky’s All Day Grill is also set to celebrate WHL billet families with the Ricky’s WHL Billet Family Breakfast – a complimentary breakfast for WHL billet families in 12 Canadian markets. Across the WHL, hundreds of hockey players pursuing their dreams are welcomed into the homes of billet families and Ricky’s All Day Grill is poised to thank those generous community leaders for their unwavering support.

About Ricky’s All Day Grill

For over 60 years, Ricky’s Restaurants have been a beloved Canadian favourite, serving made-to-order home-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. From Buttermilk Pancakes and Eggs Benedict to hand-battered Fish & Chips, fresh-grilled Alberta Beef burgers, juice Chicken Tenders and other well-loved dinner classics, Ricky’s has something for everyone. Ricky’s is committed to uncompromising food quality and freshly prepared recipes using local, high-quality ingredients, including sustainably-grown Rainforest Alliance certified coffee. There are 70 locations across Western Canada, the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, ready to serve new and loyal guests their favourite meal. Come in, we’ll make you one.

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.

The following rule changes are being implemented in the interest of enhancing the fan experience, enforcing speed of play, and ensuring scoring plays are ruled correctly. The changes outlined below were approved by WHL General Managers prior to the start of the Regular Season.

The 2026-27 WHL Regular Season begins Friday, September 18, with five games on the schedule. All WHL Regular Season games are set to stream FREE on YouTube.

1) Coach Challenge for Possible Offside Goals

The Coach Challenge has been implemented in the WHL for potential offside goals. A team may only request a Coach Challenge to review a play that results in a goal call on the ice where the defending team claims that the play should have been stopped due to an offside infraction at the blueline by the attacking team. The video review process triggered by the Coach Challenge can only be utilized in a goal situation.

A Coach Challenge must be initiated prior to the centre ice faceoff following the goal. Should a team require more time to determine whether they want to initiate a Coach Challenge, they will be permitted to use their timeout, provided they have not previously used it.

After review, the Linesperson who made the original call will render the final decision to uphold or overturn the original call on the ice.

Teams may initiate a Coach Challenge after goals at any time during Regulation or Overtime in the Regular Season or Playoffs.

There are two possible outcomes from a Coach Challenge:

• Disallow the goal, reset time on the score clock to the time at which the play should have been stopped, and faceoff at appropriate location
• Allow the goal and assess a penalty to the coach for requesting the challenge

If one or more penalties – Minor or Major – are assessed between the time of the missed offside and the video review that disallows the apparent goal, the offending team(s), and responsible player(s) will still be required to serve the penalty(ies) identified and assessed, and the time of the penalty(ies) will be recorded as the time at which the play should have been stopped for the missed offside infraction.

If a team initiates a Coach Challenge unsuccessfully, the team is to be assessed a Bench Minor penalty for delay of game on the first occasion. If a team that has already unsuccessfully initiated a Challenge initiates another Coach Challenge that is also unsuccessful, the team is to be assessed a Bench Double Minor penalty for delay of game. Any subsequent unsuccessful challenge shall also result in a Double Minor penalty being assessed.

The standard for overturning the call in the event of a goal call on the ice is if the Video Review determines conclusively that one or more players on the attacking team preceded the puck into the attacking zone prior to the goal being scored, and as a result, the play should have been stopped for an Offside infraction.

2) Referee Video Review of Major and Match Penalties

Referees shall review all Major and Match penalties, except fighting majors, on a video tablet at the penalty box in order to confirm the penalty assessed or to downgrade the penalty to a lower category.

The options, after review, are as follows:

• Confirm the original Major or Match penalty call;
• Reduce the Major or Match penalty call to a lesser penalty (Double Minor or Minor);
• Rescind the Major or Match penalty altogether (no penalty)

3) ‘No Return’ Three-on-Three Overtime

Should a regular season game be tied after regulation, the two teams will continue to play a five-minute sudden-death overtime period.

In the overtime period, a team in possession and control of the puck in the attacking zone may not retreat – carry, pass, or play the puck – back into the neutral zone or their own defending zone.

This rule also applies to any attacking player within playing distance of the puck who deliberately refrains from playing it and chooses to allow the puck to exit the attacking zone.

When an attacking player carries, passes, or plays the puck back into the neutral or defending zone, the attacking team may not regain possession. However, the defending team can gain possession of the puck in the neutral zone or beyond.

A puck that is carried out of the zone results in an immediate whistle. Other pucks that exit the zone result in a delayed whistle. The Linesperson will signal a delayed whistle for the puck leaving the zone just as they would signal for a delayed offside situation entering the zone. In these situations, the defending team can play the puck in the neutral zone or beyond, the offending team cannot.

Failed passes and self-caused errors in puckhandling that result in the puck exiting the attacking zone also constitute violations.

For violation of this rule, play shall be stopped, and the ensuing faceoff shall be conducted at one of the two faceoff circles in the offending team’s defending zone, with the non-offending team having the choice of which endzone circle the faceoff will take place. The offending team shall not be permitted to make any player substitutions prior to the ensuring faceoff.

NOTE: A team shall be permitted to make a player substitution to replace a goaltender who had been substituted for an extra attacker, to replace an injured player or a player with a broken skate, etc., or when a penalty(ies) has been assessed.

Clarifications:

• When a faceoff is cleanly won in the attacking zone by the attacking team and the puck exits directly into the neutral zone, it shall not be considered as a violation of this rule and thus will be waived off, unless an attacking player deliberately refrains from playing the puck and chooses to allow it to exit the attacking zone.
• Pucks exiting the endzone immediately following a shot attempt towards the net shall be waived off, unless the Linespersons or Referees determine that the attacking player deliberately allows the puck to exit the zone. All other puck exits, specifically failed passes, are subject to the rule.
• If a defending player physically forces the opponent off the puck with a legal body check or stick check causing the attacking player to lose control of the puck, the rule does not apply, unless any attacking player deliberately refrains from playing the puck and chooses to allow it to exit the attacking zone. Both the Referees and Linespersons may stop play for this offense.
• In overtime, coincidental penalties do not go on the clock, and teams remain playing three-on-three. Should there be staggered minor penalties to each team, they may play four-on-four or five-on-five for a period of time. In these instances only, the ‘No Return’ rule is not in effect. However, as soon as a penalty expires, meaning a team is back on the power play, the ‘No Return’ rule is in effect.

NOTE: ‘No Return’ infractions are not subject to video review.

After the Everett Silvertips broke through for their first ever Ed Chynoweth title a season ago, it’s been a summer of movement across the WHL.

Champions in 2024, the Medicine Hat Tigers continued to add to an already impressive roster while arguably the biggest move of the summer belonged to the Victoria Royals.

Cameron Schmidt (Vancouver → Victoria)

The biggest name on the move this summer in the WHL, and arguably in the CHL, Cameron Schmidt’s (DAL) trade to Victoria puts the Royals firmly in contender category as they chase a first WHL championship.

Last season, between Seattle and Vancouver, Schmidt hit the 50-goal, 100-point plateau, the only player in the WHL to do so. The two previous seasons with the Giants, he tallied a combined 71 goals. In all, Schmidt has 123 goals and 237 points across three WHL seasons.

The 94th overall pick by the Stars in the 2025 NHL Draft, he has also tasted international success with gold medals at the 2023 World U17 Hockey Challenge, 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup and 2025 U18 World Championships.

The Royals also added Savin Virk – who led Tri-City in scoring last year – while a pair of European NHL prospects are off to Vancouver Island in forward Filip Novak (CBJ) and goaltender Vladimir Proskurin (STL).

Josh Evaschesen (Kamloops → Medicine Hat)

Already loaded with offensive talent, the Medicine Hat Tigers felt more would be better as they added 20-year-old Josh Evaschesen from Kamloops.

In his first season with the Blazers last year, he had 33 goals and 73 points as he made an immediate impact in the WHL.

Now Evaschesen joins an offence that already includes the dymanic Ruck twins – who each passed 100 points last season before being drafted by Pittsburgh – NHL prospect Yaroslav Bryzgalov (VAN) as well as 2027 NHL Draft prospects Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll and Noah Davidson. The club also added Arvid Drott (FLA) in the CHL Import Draft.

On the back end, the Tigers got a commitment from Mace’o Phillips (CGY) after a three-year USHL career to help offset the departures of Bryce Pickford (MTL) and Jonas Woo (CBJ).

Giorgos Pantelas (Brandon → Penticton)

After a debut WHL season that exceeded expectations, the Penticton Vees shored up its d-line with the addition of Giorgos Pantelas (LA).

Pantelas’ second full WHL season saw him record a career high 37 points (six goals) as he finished second among Brandon blueliners in scoring a season ago.

The 18-year-old will be part of a blue line that includes a returning Callum Stone as well as the fifth overall pick in the 2025 WHL Draft in Thor Liffiton. The club also signed Jackson Schneider after he spent last season in the USHL with Waterloo.

Parker Trottier (USNTDP → Regina)

The Regina Pats already had a pair of offensive stars in 2028 NHL Draft prospects Maddox Schultz and Liam Pue to build around. They then added Parker Trottier (MTL) for good measure.

The Montreal Canadiens prospect heads to the WHL after two seasons in the USNTDP that concluded with him being the 189th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.

The Edina, MN., native is the latest addition in a summer that saw the Pats invest heavily through the CHL Import Draft with the arrivals of Finnish d-man Ossi Tukio, Czechia blueliner Tomas Cermak and Slovak forward Samuel Karsay. Alongside NHL prospect Zachary Lansard (CAR), new head coach David Bell has ample of talent as his disposal in his first season behind the Regina bench.

Carter Sanderson (Muskegon → Calgary)

In a summer that saw a number of players jump from the USHL to the CHL, Carter Sanderson (PIT) is one of the more notable signings.

A native of Pierre, SD, Sanderson joins the Hitmen after a 34-point campaign with Muskegon where he was also the team's captain. The year prior, he was crowned a Clark Cup champion as a rookie.

He also heads into his maiden WHL season with a buzz – he was one of the star’s of the 2026 World Juniors Summer Showcase where he had eight goals and 14 points.

In Calgary, he’ll help pace an attack that also includes the returning Andrei Molgachev and Blake Vanek (OTT) alongside newly acquired Russian Import Artem Katsuro. On the blue line, another Import was added in Swedish NHL prospect Jakob Leander (CGY).

Compiled with input from NHL Central Scouting, the rankings arrive ahead of tomorrow’s season opener and a campaign expected to feature more than 125 NHL-drafted prospects across the WHL, OHL, and QMJHL.

The OHL opens tomorrow when the Peterborough Petes host the Kingston Frontenacs at 7:05 p.m. ET / 4:05 p.m. PT (on FloHockey). Friday’s 21-game slate is highlighted by two championship banner ceremonies. The defending CHL champion Kitchener Rangers will raise their Memorial Cup and J. Ross Robertson Cup banners before hosting the Owen Sound Attack at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, while the Chicoutimi Saguenéens will unveil their Gilles-Courteau Trophy banner before facing the Shawinigan Cataractes at the same time. Guelph opens at home against the Erie Otters at 7:07 p.m. ET / 4:07 p.m. PT. In the WHL, the No. 10-ranked Brandon Wheat Kings host the Saskatoon Blades at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT before the No. 6-ranked Medicine Hat Tigers visit the Lethbridge Hurricanes at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.

FloHockey will stream OHL and QMJHL games throughout 2026-27, while WHL regular-season games will stream free on YouTube.

The season will culminate in Guelph during the city’s bicentennial year, when the Storm host the 107th Memorial Cup presented by Kubota from May 20–30, 2027. It will be the first Memorial Cup in Guelph since 2002, when the Kootenay Ice defeated the Victoriaville Tigres in the final.

CHL Top-10 Rankings – Preseason

1. Guelph Storm (OHL): The 2027 Memorial Cup hosts did not stand pat this offseason, adding high-end forwards Owen Griffin (25G-42A in 66 GP in 2025-26) and Ethan Czata (25G-28A in 63 GP), goaltender Ben Hrebik—who posted a .920 save percentage in each of the past two seasons—New York Islanders fifth-rounder Vladimir Dravecky (9G-19A in 58 GP) and Czech forward Adrien Bartovič. They join a core led by Toronto Maple Leafs third-rounder Tyler Hopkins (25G-25A in 56 GP) and Chicago Blackhawks second-rounder Ryan Roobroeck (30G-28A in 49 GP). St. Louis Blues prospect Carter Stevens (20G-16A in 53 GP), 2026 CHL Import Draft fourth-overall pick Timothy Kazda and 2027 NHL Draft prospect Jaakko Wycisk (17G-26A in 60 GP) deepen the attack. Anaheim Ducks fifth-rounder Eric Frossard (5G-9A in 51 GP), Tampa Bay Lightning seventh-rounder Grant Spada (6G-15A in 61 GP) and Seattle Kraken seventh-rounder Rylan Singh (4G-19A in 52 GP) headline the blue line. The offseason overhaul gives Guelph 10 NHL prospects in all, underscoring the depth of a roster built to contend immediately. General manager George Burnett and head coach Cory Stillman will now look to guide the reshaped roster to Guelph’s first J. Ross Robertson Cup since 2019 and the franchise’s first Memorial Cup title.

Games this week: vs. Erie (Sept. 18), @ Brantford (Sept. 19)

2. Cape Breton Eagles (QMJHL): Cape Breton has assembled a legitimate contender, although a deep Eastern Conference featuring Québec, Saint John, Halifax and Moncton will offer little margin for error. An aggressive offseason brought Ottawa Senators prospect Lucas Beckman (2.60 GAA & .917 SV% in 38 GP between Baie-Comeau and Chicoutimi in 2025-26), Los Angeles Kings second-rounder Liam Lefebvre (32G-27A in 59 GP), Washington Capitals third-rounder Maxim Schäfer (21G-28A in 53 GP) and fellow German forward Elias Schneider (23G-30A in 53 GP). They join 2024 fourth-overall QMJHL pick Romain L’Italien (17G-30A in 52 GP), his older brother Eliot L’Italien (16G-18A in 49 GP), Reece Peitzsche (26G-21A in 64 GP) and Boston Bruins prospect Cole Chandler (20G-32A in 62 GP), formerly of Shawinigan, in a deep forward group. On defense, newcomer Alonso Gosselin (7G-21A in 64 GP) adds offense alongside Detroit Red Wings sixth-rounder Will Murphy (4G-4A in 38 GP) and overager Noah Jettelson (4G-22A in 64 GP), who added seven points in six playoff games. With Beckman behind that group, the Eagles have strength at every position.

Games this week: vs. Halifax (Sept. 18), vs. Charlottetown (Sept. 20)

3. Victoria Royals (WHL): After finishing two points short of qualifying for a playoff tiebreaker last season, Victoria enters 2026-27 with a win-now roster. The blockbuster addition of Dallas Stars prospect Cameron Schmidt—who tied for the CHL lead with 51 goals and finished with 100 points in 72 games—transforms the attack. The Royals offered an early glimpse of their upside by scoring 10 goals while splitting two preseason games against London. Returning standouts Nolan Stewart (16G-34A in 65 GP) and Hayden Moore (18G-30A in 62 GP) are joined by former Tri-City scoring leader Savin Virk (27G-38A in 66 GP). Captain Miles Cooper (10G-27A in 50 GP), Caleb Matthews (15G-21A in 65 GP), Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Filip Novak and 2026 first-round CHL Import Draft pick Marek Peroutka add further scoring options. On defense, offseason acquisition Nate Yellowaga (7G-20A in 67 GP) joins 2027 NHL Draft prospect Odin Vauhkonen (3G-20A in 65 GP). Victoria has moved quickly from narrowly missing the postseason to looking capable of a deep run in 2026-27.

Games this week: @ Kamloops (Sept. 19)

4. London Knights (OHL): After winning consecutive J. Ross Robertson Cups, London’s bid for a third straight title ended with a first-round loss to the Soo Greyhounds. The Knights nevertheless return as contenders in 2026-27, led up front by Ottawa Senators first-rounder Jaxon Cover (20G-32A in 67 GP) and Dallas Stars fifth-rounder Ryan Brown (22G-41A in 67 GP). Anaheim Ducks first-rounder Marcus Nordmark, top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Luca Santala, newcomers Kane Barch and Carson Harmer (18G-26A in 66 GP), overager Thomas Zocco and veterans Evan Van Gorp (12G-27A in 66 GP) and Cohen Bidgood (14G-25A in 51 GP) give London its depth. The 6-foot-8 Maksim Sokolovskii, selected in the first round by Philadelphia, anchors a defense that also includes Caleb Mitchell (5G-23A in 57 GP) and 6-foot-6 Boston Bruins fifth-rounder Jacob Vandeven. A return by Los Angeles Kings first-rounder Henry Brzustewicz would make that group even stronger. Vancouver Canucks second-rounder Aleksei Medvedev is in line for the lead role in goal after sharing the crease with Sebastian Gatto last season. Young players such as Ryan Beaulieu, Cooper McAslan and Alex Campeau give an already-deep lineup additional upside.

Games this week: vs. Windsor (Sept. 18), @ Windsor (Sept. 19)

5. Saginaw Spirit (OHL): Saginaw hopes a blend of NHL-drafted talent and emerging players can produce its second Memorial Cup title in four seasons. First-year head coach Brendan Taylor inherits a dynamic forward in Dima Zhilkin (36G-39A in 59 GP), a potential top-10 pick in the 2027 NHL Draft. Winnipeg Jets prospect Jacob Cloutier (22G-25A in 64 GP) and Toronto Maple Leafs sixth-rounder Brody Pepoy (16G-13A in 67 GP) also return, while the acquisition of Braidy Wassilyn (19G-27A in 62 GP) gives the young group another proven scorer. Recent first-round OHL picks Ryan Hanrahan (4G-8A in 46 GP) and Drew Bate provide further upside. On defense, 2027 NHL Draft prospect Levi Harper (12G-45A in 68 GP) leads a group that includes Russian blueliner Gordei Khotkov and draft-eligibles Drew Roscoe (2G-1A in 30 GP), Tyler Martyniuk and Kade Meyer. San Jose Sharks fourth-rounder Brady Knowling and Tampa Bay Lightning sixth-rounder Stepan Shurygin give Saginaw two NHL-drafted goaltenders. The biggest swing factor is reigning OHL scoring champion Nikita Klepov (37G-60A in 67 GP): a return from the Anaheim Ducks would materially raise Saginaw’s ceiling.

Games this week: @ Sault Ste. Marie (Sept. 18), vs. Flint (Sept. 19)

6. Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL): After reaching the 2025 Memorial Cup final, Medicine Hat followed with another deep playoff run last season and remains built to contend. Pittsburgh Penguins prospects Liam Ruck (45G-59A in 68 GP) and Markus Ruck (21G-87A in 68 GP) drive one of the CHL’s most dangerous attacks. Potential 2027 NHL Draft first-rounders Noah Davidson (30G-22A in 67 GP) and Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll (12G-25A in 41 GP) add more high-end talent, while Luke Cozens (25G-36A in 69 GP), Yaroslav Bryzgalov (13G-42A in 64 GP) and Kadon McCann (21G-22A in 68 GP) supply proven depth. Offseason addition Josh Evaschesen (33G-40A in 67 GP) and 2026 CHL Import Draft pick Arvid Drott, a Florida Panthers sixth-rounder, make the forward group even deeper. On defense, overager Dayton Reschny (11G-16A in 54 GP), Calgary Flames third-rounder Mace’o Phillips and 6-foot-7 Russian Denis Pasler bring size and experience. The Tigers’ youth creates some questions going into 2026-27, but few teams can match their scoring ceiling.

Games this week: @ Lethbridge (Sept. 18), vs. Lethbridge (Sept. 19)

7. Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL): Saint John’s playoff-series drought dates back to its 2017 QMJHL championship run, though the club captured the Memorial Cup as host in 2022. With an experienced core and a busy offseason, the Sea Dogs appear poised not only to end that drought, but to challenge for their first QMJHL title in a decade. Top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Alexis Joseph (24G-36A in 54 GP) leads an attack reinforced by former U.S. National Team Development Program forward Jamie Glance and CHL Import Draft picks Matyas Cancik and Oliver Ozogany. The club’s top-three scorers from last season—Joseph, Alexander Donovan (25G-28A in 63 GP) and Olivier Groulx (20G-46A in 64 GP)—all return, while former eighth-overall QMJHL pick Dylan Rozzi (20G-25A in 64 GP) is another breakout candidate. The Sea Dogs rebuilt their defense by adding former fourth-overall pick Thomas Charbonneau (2G-9A in 48 GP), Brandon Delarosbil (8G-14A in 60 GP) and veteran Julien Lanthier (3G-12A in 43 GP) to a group led by Olivier Duhamel (5G-21A in 58 GP). Buffalo Sabres fourth-rounder Samuel Meloche gives that revamped blue line an established goaltender behind it.

Games this week: @ Newfoundland (Sept. 18), @ Newfoundland (Sept. 19)

8. Québec Remparts (QMJHL): Four seasons after winning both the Gilles-Courteau Trophy and Memorial Cup, Québec again has the high-end talent to contend. St. Louis Blues first-rounder Maddox Dagenais (30G-32A in 62 GP), Philadelphia Flyers prospect and returning scoring leader Nathan Quinn (34G-39A in 58 GP) and top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Carter Meyer give the Remparts a formidable top line. The supporting cast includes 2025 first-round import pick Nikita Ovcharov (17G-27A in 64 GP), 2026 first-round import pick Samuel Sramaty and 2025 ninth-overall QMJHL pick James Scantlebury, with Sramaty and Scantlebury set to make their league debuts. On defense, Winnipeg Jets fifth-rounder Alexandre Taillefer (2G-15A in 28 GP) and offseason acquisition Maddox Labre (1G-19A in 59 GP) will be counted on to stabilize the group in front of draft-eligible goaltender Patrick Déniger. The ceiling is high; the question is whether Québec’s depth can hold up in a strong Eastern Conference.

Games this week: @ Sherbrooke (Sept. 18), @ Chicoutimi (Sept. 20)

9. Ottawa 67’s (OHL): Ottawa followed a 100-point regular season with a playoff loss to Barrie, who later fell to Kitchener in the OHL Championship Series. Although several veterans have departed, the 67’s return 2027 NHL Draft prospect Kohyn Eshkawkogan and three of their top five postseason scorers as they pursue their first OHL title since 2001. Carolina Hurricanes seventh-rounder Filip Ekberg (24G-22A in 59 GP), New York Rangers fourth-rounder Spencer Bowes (23G-19A in 67 GP) and Nic Whitehead (25G-38A in 64 GP) are the top returning regular-season scorers. 2027 NHL Draft prospect Brock Chitaroni (10G-14A in 60 GP) will look to build on a productive rookie season. On defense, Eshkawkogan, 6-foot-6 Buffalo Sabres third-rounder David Bedkowski (5G-24A in 68 GP) and Colorado Avalanche seventh-rounder Ondrej Ruml (10G-18A in 66 GP) bring both puck movement and size. Jaeden Nelson—who posted a 2.33 goals-against average and .915 save percentage in 29 games—returns as half of Ottawa’s 2026 Dave Pinkney Trophy-winning tandem.

Games this week: @ Kingston (Sept. 20)

10. Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL): Brandon lost five of its top seven scorers from an 82-point season, but the returning core has enough firepower to keep the Wheat Kings in the early contender conversation. Brandon native and top 2027 NHL Draft prospect Jaxon Jacobson (25G-60A in 63 GP) and 40-goal scorer Joby Baumuller lead the attack. Anaheim Ducks seventh-rounder Brady Turko (18G-18A in 66 GP) provides experience, while draft-eligible forwards Chase Surkan (20G-18A in 45 GP) and Prabh Bhathal (8G-23A in 63 GP) are candidates for larger roles. First-round CHL Draft Import pick Kris Muissu and 2025 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft first-overall pick Levi Ellingsen (0G-1A in 5 GP) could add needed depth. With Giorgos Pantelas and Grayson Burzynski gone, the defense will have a new look. Cameron Allard (7G-12A in 62 GP) is the top returning scorer on the blue line, while 2027 NHL Draft prospect Nigel Boehm (2G-14A in 63 GP) and 2025 first-round WHL pick Cruz Jim (0G-1A in 4 GP) should receive larger opportunities. Minnesota Wild fifth-rounder Filip Ruzicka (.906 SV% in 42 GP; .936 in four playoff games) gives the young defense stability behind it.

Games this week: vs. Saskatoon (Sept. 18)