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2026 NHL Draft Profile | Jakub Vanecek, Tri-City Americans

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:35:57 +0000

Jakub Vanecek always wanted to be like his big brother, Jan- especially when he watched him take his first strides on the ice. "He started playing hockey before me," Vanecek explained. "Then I started when I was three years old, so I started because of him." Years later, the brothers got to live out a bit of a childhood dream as they suited up alongside each other with Bili Tygri Liberec in the Czech U20 league. Jakub had already garnered some buzz with a handful of national team appearances and a silver medal at the 2024 Youth Olympic Games. But with one goal and 15 assists across 52 games at the U20 and U17 level, he was a bit of an off-the-radar prospect entering his draft year. Maybe it was time for a change of scenery. Vanecek had been selected by the Tri-City Americans with the 25th overall pick in the first round of the 2025 CHL Import Draft, and less than three weeks later, he had committed to make the jump from Czechia to North America. "I think it's the hardest junior league in the world," Vanecek said. "This is why I picked WHL, because I want to play on the highest level." The smaller ice and amped-up checking proved to be a bit of a shock, but Vanecek fell into step quickly, netting 14 goals (including two-game winners) and 21 assists for 35 points in 59 games while growing more confident in his own physicality. Vanecek led all Americans rookies in scoring and ranked sixth in points-per-game among all WHL first-year blueliners. https://twitter.com/TheWHL/status/2018130562658320773 "He's a solid two-way defenceman that skates well, defends well, and will chip in offensively when it's required," Ams Head Coach Jody Hull said. "To me, he's a complete defenceman, and he's only going to get better as he matures. The thing I like about him is that he's the same all the time. He practices the right way, he does his off-ice workouts the right way, he's kind of a consummate pro. That's what he wants to be, and he puts his best foot forward every day, regardless of what happens, and you know, I think he was probably one of our most consistent players." https://twitter.com/TheWHL/status/1992465493643678083 And NHL scouts have taken notice. The 6-foot-2, 203-pound, left-shot defender is ranked 31st among all North American skaters leading into the 2026 NHL Draft. In addition to packing on more than 10 pounds since joining Tri-City, he also finished in the top 20 in six events at the 2026 NHL Combine, highlighted by a tie for third in pull-ups with 16. "He did it by being Jakub Vanecek," Hull added. "He puts in the work, and at the end of the day, he knows what he wants to be, and that's to be a pro hockey player. He'll go above and beyond, but he'll also just make sure he's doing what's needed for both the team to succeed and himself... He exudes character. He's a guy that'll be part of our leadership group moving forward, not so much by the vocal part of it, but more by example." On the international stage, Vanecek was part of Czechia's silver medal-winning squad at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, though he only appeared in pre-tournament games, and made a statement at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship with five points (3G-2A) in seven outings en route to a bronze medal. Vanecek led all defencemen in goals at U18s and says his next goal is to make his World Juniors debut in December. But first, he'll wait with bated breath to see which team calls his name at this week's NHL Draft. Round 1 kicks off on Friday, June 26, at 5:00 p.m. MT, with Rounds 2-7 following on June 27 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.

Western Hockey League announces 2026 Preseason schedule

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:59:17 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – The Western Hockey League announced today the complete schedule for the 2026 WHL Preseason.

The 2026 WHL Preseason features 56 games stretching from Sunday, August 30, through Sunday, September 13, including stops in communities outside of WHL Club markets, providing an opportunity for hockey fans in other areas of Western Canada to enjoy the thrill of WHL hockey.

The 2026 WHL Preseason schedule begins Sunday, August 30, when the Seattle Thunderbirds visit the Everett Silvertips at 1 p.m. PT.

Headlining the 2026 WHL Preseason schedule is inter-league action featuring the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights, who visit the Victoria Royals for a pair of games Friday, September 4, and Saturday, September 5, at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

The Edmonton Oil Kings and Prince George Cougars will play a pair of games in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. – Friday, September 4, and Sunday, September 6, while seven other communities will also host WHL Preseason action – see below for complete details.

The 2026 WHL Preseason schedule once again features two U.S. Division tournaments, including events hosted by the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans.

Everett’s seven-game tournament at Angel of the Winds Arena is slated to run from Friday, September 4, through Sunday, September 6, featuring all six U.S. Division Clubs, along with the Vancouver Giants.

Tri-City’s five-game preseason tournament at Toyota Arena in Kennewick, Wash., is scheduled for Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 13, featuring the Portland Winterhawks, Seattle Thunderbirds, Spokane Chiefs, Wenatchee Wild, and the host Americans.

The 2026-27 WHL Regular Season schedule will be released Tuesday, June 30.

2026 WHL Preseason Schedule

Visitor	Home	Date	Time	Location
Seattle	Everett	August 30	1 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Tri-City	Portland	August 30	2 p.m. PT	Veterans Memorial Coliseum – Portland, Ore.
Tri-City	Wenatchee	August 31	2 p.m. PT	Town Toyota Center – Wenatchee, Wash.
Prince Albert	Saskatoon	September 1	2 p.m. ST	SaskTel Centre – Saskatoon, Sask.
Medicine Hat	Lethbridge	September 1	7 p.m. MT	VisitLethbridge.com Arena – Lethbridge, Alta.
Swift Current	Regina	September 1	7 p.m. ST	Brandt Centre – Regina, Sask.
Penticton	Kamloops	September 2	7 p.m. PT	Sandman Centre – Kamloops, B.C.
Moose Jaw	Regina	September 2	7 p.m. ST	Brandt Centre – Regina, Sask.
Vancouver	Seattle	September 4	12 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Spokane	Portland	September 4	3:30 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Regina	Brandon	September 4	7 p.m. CT	Assiniboine Credit Union Place – Brandon, Man.
Red Deer	Calgary	September 4	7 p.m. MT	7 Chiefs Sportsplex – Tsuut’ina Nation, Alta.
Kelowna	Kamloops	September 4	7 p.m. PT	Sandman Centre – Kamloops, B.C.
Moose Jaw	Prince Albert	September 4	7 p.m. ST	Art Hauser Centre – Prince Albert, Sask.
Edmonton	Prince George	September 4	7 p.m. PT	Tumbler Ridge Arena – Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
Saskatoon	Swift Current	September 4	7 p.m. ST	InnovationPlex – Swift Current, Sask.
Tri-City	Everett	September 4	7 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
London (OHL)	Victoria	September 4	7:05 p.m. PT	Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre – Victoria, B.C.
Seattle	Spokane	September 5	2 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
London (OHL)	Victoria	September 5	4:05 p.m. PT	Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre – Victoria, B.C.
Portland	Everett	September 5	6 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Kamloops	Kelowna	September 5	6:05 p.m. PT	Prospera Place – Kelowna, B.C.
Lethbridge	Medicine Hat	September 5	7 p.m. MT	Co-op Place – Medicine Hat, Alta.
Swift Current	Moose Jaw	September 5	7 p.m. ST	Southland Co-op Centre – Assiniboia, Sask.
Calgary	Red Deer	September 5	6 p.m. MT	Marchant Crane Centrium – Red Deer, Alta.
Brandon	Regina	September 5	6 p.m. ST	Chief Denton George Memorial Multiplex – Ochapowace, Sask.
Prince Albert	Saskatoon	September 5	7 p.m. ST	Warman Home Centre Communiplex – Warman, Sask.
Tri-City	Wenatchee	September 5	6 p.m. PT	Town Toyota Center – Wenatchee, Wash.
Edmonton	Prince George	September 6	12 p.m. PT	Tumbler Ridge Arena – Tumbler Ridge, B.C.
Wenatchee	Vancouver	September 6	12 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Seattle	Everett	September 6	4 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Regina	Moose Jaw	September 8	7 p.m. ST	Temple Gardens Centre – Moose Jaw, Sask.
Kamloops	Penticton	September 8	6:35 p.m. PT	South Okanagan Events Centre – Penticton, B.C.
Kelowna	Penticton	September 9	6:35 p.m. PT	South Okanagan Events Centre – Penticton, B.C.
Red Deer	Lethbridge	September 10	7 p.m. MT	VisitLethbridge.com Arena – Lethbridge, Alta.
Saskatoon	Prince Albert	September 10	7 p.m. ST	Art Hauser Centre – Prince Albert, Sask.
Wenatchee	Seattle	September 11	3 p.m. PT	Toyota Arena – Kennewick, Wash.
Moose Jaw	Brandon	September 11	7 p.m. CT	Assiniboine Credit Union Place – Brandon, Man.
Swift Current	Medicine Hat	September 11	7 p.m. MT	Co-op Place – Medicine Hat, Alta.
Edmonton	Red Deer	September 11	7 p.m. MT	Marchant Crane Centrium – Red Deer, Alta.
Prince Albert	Regina	September 11	7 p.m. ST	Brandt Centre – Regina, Sask.
Portland	Spokane	September 11	7 p.m. PT	Toyota Arena – Kennewick, Wash.
Victoria	Everett	September 11	7:05 p.m. PT	Angel of the Winds Arena – Everett, Wash.
Seattle	Portland	September 12	2 p.m. PT	Toyota Arena – Kennewick, Wash.
Medicine Hat	Swift Current	September 12	5 p.m. ST	LSB Legacy Wickenheiser Centre – Shaunavon, Sask.
Calgary	Edmonton	September 12	6 p.m. MT	Glenn Hall Centennial Arena – Stony Plain, Alta.
Brandon	Moose Jaw	September 12	6 p.m. ST	Temple Gardens Centre – Moose Jaw, Sask.
Kamloops	Prince George	September 12	5 p.m. PT	West Fraser Centre – Quesnel, B.C.
Regina	Saskatoon	September 12	7 p.m. ST	SaskTel Centre – Saskatoon, Sask.
Penticton	Kelowna	September 12	6:05 p.m. PT	Prospera Place – Kelowna, B.C.
Spokane	Tri-City	September 12	6:05 p.m. PT	Toyota Arena – Kennewick, Wash.
Victoria	Vancouver	September 12	7 p.m. PT	Jon Baillie Arena – Port Coquitlam, B.C.
Victoria	Vancouver	September 13	2 p.m. PT	Langley Events Centre ARENAS – Langley, B.C.
Wenatchee	Tri-City	September 13	2:05 p.m. PT	Toyota Arena – Kennewick, Wash.
Prince George	Kamloops	September 13	5 p.m. PT	Sandman Centre – Kamloops, B.C.
Lethbridge	Calgary	September 13	4 p.m. MT	7 Chiefs Sportsplex – Tsuut’ina Nation, Alta.

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.

Regina Pats name David Bell as 44th head coach in franchise history

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:09:35 +0000

Regina, Sask. – The Regina Pats Hockey Club is proud to announce the hiring of David Bell as the 44th Head Coach in franchise history. Bell, 49, joins the Pats following seven seasons with the American Hockey League's Belleville Senators, the primary affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. He served as an assistant coach from 2019-23 before being promoted to head coach in 2023, a position he held through December 2025. During his time with the Senators organization, Bell played an integral role in the development of numerous NHL players, including Drake Batherson, Josh Norris, Ridly Greig, Parker Kelly, Cole Reihnhardt, Mark Kastelic, and Zack Ostapchuk. As Belleville's head coach, Bell compiled a 97-78-15-11 record over 201 regular season games, guided the club to the second round of the 2024 Calder Cup Playoffs, and led the Senators to a franchise-record 45-win season in 2024-25. Following an extensive search, Bell emerged as the unanimous choice because of his proven leadership, outstanding communication skills, exceptional player development record, and clear vision for building a championship culture. "We're excited to welcome Dave and his family to our organization," said Regina Pats General Manager Dale Derkatch. "Dave brings more than 20 years of coaching experience at both the Canadian Hockey League and American Hockey League levels and has a proven track record of developing young talent. Throughout our search, one thing became very clear — Dave was the right person to lead our hockey club into its next chapter. We weren't simply looking for our next head coach—we were looking for someone who could become a teacher, mentor and leader for our players while helping establish the championship culture we believe will define the future of the Regina Pats. Dave embodies everything we were looking for. He is an outstanding communicator and an exceptional bench coach whose preparation, game management and competitive nature immediately stood out throughout our process." A native of Wiarton, Ontario, Bell's coaching career spans more than two decades. He spent 13 seasons in the Ontario Hockey League between 2004 and 2017, serving as an assistant coach with the Owen Sound Attack, Barrie Colts and Niagara IceDogs before being named head coach of the IceDogs during the 2016-17 season. Prior to joining the Ottawa organization, Bell spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Ontario Reign of the American Hockey League from 2017-19, helping develop prospects within the Los Angeles Kings system. "What impressed us most is the way Dave builds meaningful relationships with his players," Derkatch continued. "He believes trust is the foundation of development and creates an environment where players feel supported while also being challenged every day. He has a unique ability to push players outside of their comfort zones to reach their full potential while genuinely caring about them as hockey players and as people. Dave has a clear vision for where he wants to take this hockey team and shares our belief in building a championship culture through accountability, development, hard work and strong relationships. His values align with who we want to be as an organization. He is the right leader for our hockey club, and we're excited to watch him lead this talented young group as we pursue our ultimate goal of bringing another WHL championship to Regina." Bell joins the Regina Pats at an exciting time for the organization as Brandt Sports & Entertainment continues its long-term investment in the franchise. With the recent acquisition of the Brandt Centre, the organization is committed to creating one of the premier player development environments in the Canadian Hockey League through significant investments in facilities, technology, health and performance resources, and the overall player experience. "I'm incredibly excited to join the Regina Pats organization," said Bell. "I'd like to thank the Semple family for this opportunity and Dale for believing in my coaching and development philosophy and vision. The Regina Pats are one of the premier franchises in junior hockey, with a proud tradition of developing players and competing for championships. Our responsibility is to help every player become the best version of themselves, both on and off the ice, while building a team that our fans and community can be proud of every night. We want to create an environment where players are challenged, supported and inspired to reach their full potential. If we commit to that process every day, we'll give ourselves the opportunity to compete for championships and ultimately bring another championship back to the Queen City." As a player, Bell suited up as a defenceman with the Ottawa 67's from 1994-98, serving as team captain during his final two seasons. In Ottawa, Bell played for Brian Kilrea, the winningest coach in CHL history. Following his junior career, he signed with the San Jose Sharks organization and played professionally in the American Hockey League and ECHL from 1998-2004. Bell captained the Greenville Grrrowl to the 2002 Kelly Cup Championship before transitioning into coaching shortly after his playing career concluded. Bell becomes the 44th head coach in the storied history of the Regina Pats and will immediately begin preparations for the 2026-27 Western Hockey League season. He assumes the role at an exciting time for the franchise as Brandt Sports & Entertainment continues its long-term investment in the Regina Pats, with a vision centered on developing elite players, providing a first-class player experience, and building a team capable of competing for WHL championships year after year. The Regina Pats would like to welcome Dave, his wife Brooke, and children Brandon, Bryanna, Nolan, and Lilah to Regina.

Vees sign veteran blueliner Ronan Buckberger to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 07:10:53 +0000

2026 NHL Draft Profile | Michal Orsulak, Prince Albert Raiders

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 23:00:56 +0000

With 2025 WHL Goaltender of the Year Max Hildebrand graduating from the WHL at the end of the 2024-25 season, there were question marks about what the goaltending situation could look like for the Raiders. Much to the delight of fans in Hockeytown North, Michal Orsulak has continued the tradition of spectacular goaltending in Prince Albert- and could see his hard work pay off at next week's NHL Draft. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound puckstopper's enthusiasm was apparent from the jump when he arrived in Northern Saskatchewan from his hometown of Tremosna, Czechia, but his gear didn't. Rather than waiting for his setup to arrive, Orsulak and the Raiders' staff cobbled together a set for him to hit the ice right away and get into preseason games. "He is the happiest guy every single day," Raiders bench boss and 2026 WHL Coach of the Year finalist Ryan McDonald said. "He absolutely loves coming to the rink. He's the first guy who walks through the door. His gear wasn't here on time, so it was putting stuff together to get him on the ice. He went on the ice with mismatched, different coloured gear and whatnot, and just went out there and stopped the puck, and did a tremendous job." For the record, Orsulak eventually got his new green and gold setup- plus a helmet that World Juniors fans would later become very familiar with. The 18-year-old put forward a 28-4-3-1 campaign with a 2.22 goals-against average, a .907 save percentage and four shutouts to help the Raiders ice a 52-win campaign and claim first place in the Eastern Conference. Orsulak led all qualified WHL netminders in GAA, tied for second in shutouts and clocked in at fifth in save percentage and wins.

"I'm trying to like be (Sergei) Bobrovsky, but it's like, it's hard style, because he is, in my opinion, (the) best goalie," Orsulak said.

Orsulak was recognized as a WHL Eastern Conference First-Team All-Star and was named a finalist for WHL Goaltender of the Year.

He also went 3-2-0 with a 3.19 GAA and .874 save percentage to backstop Czechia to a silver medal at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Yep, this is the guy who pulled off back-to-back penalty shot stops on Canada's Michael Hage. Orsulak also saw his draft stock rise off the steam of a sterling performance at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game. While splitting goaltending duties with Medicine Hat's Carter Casey, Orsulak denied all 16 shots he faced in a 5-4 overtime win for Team East- which also saw his Raiders' teammate, projected first-rounder Daxon Rudolph, net the game-winning goal. "When you come down the ice, he's a big guy in the net," McDonald added. " He's been tremendous for us and calming situations down where if a team does get one or two or three opportunities in a row, he stood tall for us and has been very sticky. He battles extremely hard, gets out of the net and plays the puck. He's just been an all-around great addition for us." The postseason saw Orsulak go 13-6-1 with a 2.80 GAA, .895 save percentage and three shutouts to reach the 2026 WHL Championship Series, where the Everett Silvertips prevailed in five games.

NHL Central Scouting has listed Orsulak second among all North American netminders in the agency's final draft rankings and invited him to the annual NHL Combine, where he was tied for the sixth-longest winspan of any player at 78.8 inches.

"He's in a special category, technically and mechanically," Central Scouting Director Dan Marr said. "He's got all the tools that you want to see in a prospect. NHL clubs seem to like the goalies that have that size. There's not a lot of net to shoot at, and he doesn't give the shooters much net to aim at. It's his quickness with his reflexes and his reactions, but it's also the compete that he has. He's a very assertive, challenging goalie.

Some of those teams that have multiple picks, if they want to fill a goaltending hole on their depth chart, you know, this is one of the goalies that they might be looking at somewhere in the first round, even."

The 2026 NHL Draft runs from June 26-27 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.

2026 NHL Draft Profile | Brek Liske, Everett Silvertips

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:44:12 +0000

Brek Liske kept his head up as he skated up the wall in the offensive zone and quickly peeled back to shake off his defender. The Everett Silvertips were nursing a 2-1 lead in Game 5 of the 2026 WHL Championship and were 25 minutes away from hoisting the Ed Chynoweth Cup for the first time in franchise history. No pressure. With one opponent out of the mix, Liske cut in towards the Prince Albert net and ripped a low wrister through traffic to light the lamp and extend Everett's lead, keeping a straight face as he embraced his teammates. But Liske's fourth goal of the playoffs would stand as the championship winner, and he let the emotion pour out as the final buzzer rang out through the Art Hauser Centre and new kings were crowned. https://twitter.com/TheWHL/status/2055515830662881404 "There's a point where it hits you," Liske gushed as the Silvertips celebrated on the ice. "It hit me when we threw our gloves, our helmets, and then it hit me again, and then it hit me again, and it hit me again. This is unbelievable. It's unexplainable." It's been a long road for the 6-foot-2, 188-pound blueliner from Beausejour, Manitoba. Liske's sophomore run with the Everett Silvertips saw him enjoy a career year with 24 points (7G-17A) and a +36 rating in 52 regular-season games. But the playoffs changed almost everything. When Silvertips captain and Anaheim Ducks prospect Tarin Smith went down with an upper-body injury at the end of the first round, Liske was called up to the top pairing to play alongside WHL Defenceman of the Year finalist and projected top 2027 NHL Draft pick Landon DuPont. He erupted for four goals (including two game-winners) and 13 assists for 17 points and a +25 rating in 18 games, highlighted by the aforementioned championship-winner, three assists in Game 4 to eliminate Penticton in the Western Conference Championship, and points in four consecutive games in the Final. https://twitter.com/TheWHL/status/2044607901743108179 And the impact goes beyond points. Liske didn't register a negative rating in a single playoff match. In Game 3 of the Championship, he picked up a pair of assists, but also had four hits and three critical shot blocks. "As cliché as it is, playing the game the right way helps, right?" Liske said. "Those two assists weren't exactly pretty, but shots to the net, yeah, block everything. Play the game the right way, and it pays. It's obviously a lot more playing against better players more, but playing with Dups, he talks so well, he's just a great guy, and even the mental side of it, he helps a lot, and obviously the on-ice part, he's huge." No one was watching more intently than the sidelined Smith, who is making his own pitch for an NHL team to take on Liske at next week's draft. "He's come so far," Smith said. "I remember when he came into Everett when he was 15; he was raw. He was good, but he was raw.’ He kind of came into the season with that chip on his shoulder, and you could tell. It's tough for him because he's in his draft year and he's playing on such a loaded team on the back end, so he might not get the looks he deserved, and then playoffs come around and he steps it up. He became one of the best d-men in the playoffs and we leaned on him so hard." Liske went on to appear in all five of Everett's Memorial Cup matches, which saw the Silvertips bow out in the Memorial Cup Final. Three years after he was selected by the 'Tips with the 10th overall pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Liske is ranked 44th among all North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings ahead of the 2026 NHL Draft. As he showed in the postseason, all he needs is an opportunity to prove his worth. The 2026 NHL Draft runs from June 26-27 at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y.

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

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 18:44:42 +0000

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

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

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:59:35 +0000

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

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

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

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

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

2026-27 WHL Regular Season Home Opening Dates

Friday, September 18

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

Saturday, September 19

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

Sunday, September 20

Calgary Hitmen at Edmonton Oil Kings

Friday, September 25

Kelowna Rockets at Penticton Vees

Saturday, September 26

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

Sunday, September 27

Swift Current Broncos at Regina Pats

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

About the Western Hockey League

2026 NHL Draft Profile | Mathis Preston, Vancouver Giants

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 22:02:51 +0000

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

Former Blades captain Wouters inks first NHL contract with Vancouver Canucks

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 20:57:36 +0000

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