Western Hockey League - Feed

Broncos sign Finnish forward Oliver Torkki to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 05:40:29 +0000

Swift Current, SK – The Swift Current Broncos have signed 2008-born Finnish forward Oliver Torkki to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

The Broncos selected Torkki with the 67th overall pick in the 2026 CHL Import Draft.

A native of Espoo, Finland, Torkki spent the 2025-26 season with Kiekko-Espoo U20, where he recorded 11 goals and eight assists for 19 points in 23 games. The skilled forward has also represented Finland on the international stage, competing at the 2024 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge and the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. During the 2025-26 season, he also appeared in 10 games with Finland's U18 National Team, collecting two assists.

"I am very happy to officially be a part of the Broncos. I am excited for what's ahead and ready to get to work!" said Torkki.

The Broncos welcome Oliver and his family to the organization and look forward to seeing him on the ice.

Finnish defenceman Ossi Tukio signs with Pats

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 05:39:29 +0000

Regina, Sask. – The Regina Pats announced today that the hockey club has signed defenceman Ossi Tukio to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Tukio, 18, was selected by the Pats in the first round (18th overall) of the 2026 CHL Import Draft.

The 6-foot-2, 187-pound left-shot defenceman from Tampere, Finland, spent the 2025-26 season captaining Ilves' U20 team in Finland's U20 SM-sarja. Tukio recorded 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists) in 34 regular-season games, helping lead Ilves to a second-place finish while ranking second among all draft-eligible defencemen in league scoring.

Hockey has been a part of Tukio's life from the very beginning. He grew up around professional dressing rooms as the son of former Finnish defenceman Arto Tukio, who enjoyed a lengthy professional career spanning nearly two decades. Arto appeared in approximately 500 games across Finland's Liiga while also spending time with Jokerit and Ilves before playing two seasons with Frölunda HC in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL), where he captured a Swedish championship in 2005. A fourth-round selection (101st overall) of the New York Islanders in the 2000 NHL Draft, Arto remained in Europe throughout his professional career.

"We're very excited to sign Ossi to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement," said Pats General Manager Dale Derkatch. "He is a defenceman with strong offensive instincts who likes to join the rush and create scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates. Ossi has the ability to contribute on the power play, and his skill set brings another dynamic element to our blue line. We believe he has tremendous upside, and we're excited to welcome him to Regina and support his development both on and off the ice."

Tukio becomes the third and final member of the Pats 2026 Import Class to sign, joining Samuel Karsay and Tomas Cermak.

Tigers ink Dennis Pasler to a WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 05:38:28 +0000

Medicine Hat, AB - The Medicine Hat Tigers are proud to announce the signing of 2008-born defenceman Denis Pasler to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. "Denis is a big defender with good four-way skating ability." said Assistant General Manager Bobby Fox. "He closes gaps aggressively using his reach and physicality, defends the net front well, and makes quick, efficient plays on retrievals. He also has the confidence to join the rush and contribute offensively." The 6-foot-5 defender was drafted in the second round (73rd overall) of the 2026 CHL Import Draft. Pasler totalled 11 points in 59 games in the MHL during the 2025-26 season. The Tigers are excited to welcome Denis to the organization and look forward to his continued development as part of Medicine Hat’s growing core of young talent.

Chiefs sign forward Matěj Tománek to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Fri, 31 Jul 2026 05:37:43 +0000

Seattle Thunderbirds ink Czech import Dominik Ripa

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 22:37:25 +0000

Rockets import forward Jakub Frolo to WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 21:37:12 +0000

KELOWNA, BC — The Kelowna Rockets have signed forward Jakub Frolo to a WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Kelowna selected Frolo in the first round, 33rd overall, of the 2026 CHL Import Draft. Frolo, 18, is a 6'2", 194-pound right-shot forward from Vsetin, Czechia. He developed within the Ilves organization in Finland, competing at the U18 and U20 levels before establishing himself as one of the most productive forwards in the U20 SM-sarja in 2025-26. Over 37 regular-season games with Ilves' U20 squad, Frolo posted 10 goals and 30 assists for 40 points, the highest points-per-game average among all draft-eligible skaters in the league with at least 10 games played. He sustained that level of play through the postseason, adding two goals and seven assists for nine points in eight playoff games as Ilves earned a silver medal. Frolo also made one appearance with Ilves' senior Liiga roster and three appearances in the Champions Hockey League, giving him exposure well beyond the junior level before arriving in North America. Heading into the 2026 NHL Draft, NHL Central Scouting ranked Jakub 32nd among European skaters, but he went undrafted. An intelligent, playmaking forward, Frolo excels at reading the game and finding teammates from difficult positions, particularly from the half-wall and across the slot. He is a skilled passer in tight quarters and brings a competitive edge to his game, playing with physicality and a willingness to get under opponents' skin. His combination of offensive instincts and on-ice character made him the clear target for Kelowna with the 33rd overall selection. "Jakub was a player we identified early and we were very happy to get him at 33," said President & General Manager Bruce Hamilton. "He's a smart, skilled forward who has shown he can produce consistently at a high level. He plays with an edge, he makes plays, and he's the type of player who makes everyone around him better. We're excited to get him to Kelowna." Frolo joins Vojtech Cihar and Tomas Poletin to give the Rockets a strong core of import forwards heading into the 2026-27 season.

Swift Current signs Russian defenceman Yuri Vlasenko to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 19:01:33 +0000

Swift Current, Sask. – The Swift Current Broncos have signed 2010-born Russian defenceman Yuri Vlasenko to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Vlasenko was selected by the Broncos with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 CHL Import Draft.

Born in Vienna (Wien), Austria, Vlasenko spent the 2025-26 season with Dynamo Moskva U16, where he served as an alternate captain and was recognized as the top 2010-born defenceman in Russia.

At the 2025-26 Russia Cup, Vlasenko recorded four goals and 15 assists for 19 points in 24 games with Dynamo Moskva U16, showcasing his offensive ability from the blue line. The 16-year-old also earned opportunities to play with Dynamo Moskva’s U17 and U18 teams throughout the season while representing Russia internationally with the country’s U16 National Team.

"I am proud to officially sign with the Broncos," said Vlasenko. "I am excited for this next chapter and ready to leave everything on the ice for Swift Current. See you soon, Broncos Nation."

The Broncos welcome Yuri and his family to the organization.

McSweeney’s WHL Community Collective: Lethbridge Hurricanes

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 18:45:26 +0000

The Lethbridge Hurricanes are no strangers to a long road trip. But while the Central Division squad has an exciting game or a warm bed waiting at each end of a drive, they know many people throughout the province have to make similar journeys to access important healthcare. That's why the Hurricanes have teamed up with the Bringing Hearts Home Campaign to expand cardiac care in the area. The campaign, which is headed up by the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation (CRHF), the Cardiac Sciences Advisory Cabinet, and AHS South Zone leadership, aims to raise $30 million by 2027 to create a Cardiac Centre of Excellence while improving other cardiac facilities and programs. This includes expanding intensive care unit and cardiac care capacity at nearby hospitals, as well as a new cardiac catheterization lab and advanced imaging technology. People living in the south end of the province currently have regional hospitals in Lethbridge and Medicine Hat and 14 acute care and community healthcare centres sprinkled across rural areas, though the CHRF says none of those facilities are able to provide cutting-edge, life-saving cardiac treatment. It's a cause that hits close to home for up-and-coming forward Tyden Lafournaise, whose father, Marc, passed away after suffering a cardiac event in April of 2025. Marc Lafournaise was 55 years old. "In the summers, he'd always take me on a fishing trip. That was kind of thing we liked to do the most together. We'd always have competitions, who would catch bigger fish or more fish, and you know, I always won," Lafournaise smiled. "It was just, you know, being out there on a lake, peaceful, spending time with your dad. That's what meant the most to me. I think everyone talks about how hard it is to lose someone that you love most, and you don't really understand what they mean by that until you have to go through it." In 2025-26, the Hurricanes donated $50 for every point Lafournaise scored to the campaign. The 17-year-old's 18-point (11G-7A) campaign saw $900 raised, in addition to a staggering $15,145.75 from the team's Bringing Hearts Home Game on February 13, 2026. Lethbridge auctioned off specialty jerseys and sold commemorative pucks, in addition to contributing $5 from every ticket purchased to the cause. “This game is about more than hockey,” Lethbridge Hurricanes General Manager of Business Operations Terry Huisman said. “It’s about community — families, friends, and neighbours — and making sure the care they need is right here, right now. This campaign is meaningful to our entire community, and especially to our organization, as we have multiple staff and volunteers who have been affected by cardiac health issues or know someone who has.” Nearly 5,000 fans turned out for the event.

The Western Hockey League strives to promote and foster a welcoming environment in communities close to our 23 clubs in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest. Every team has the creative freedom to allow their players and staff to work with the organizations and groups that they are most passionate about. The end goal is to create and maintain long-lasting relationships and ongoing partnerships within their community. Through the McSweeney’s WHL Community Collective, we aim to highlight these outstanding initiatives done by each club throughout the season.

NHL Prospect Watch: Detroit Red Wings

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:59:42 +0000

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. Could Detroit's future lie with a pair of first-round picks who have piled up WHL accolades?

Carter Bear After a season that ended with injury and heartbreak, Carter Bear clawed his way to the top of the WHL mountain. The 2025 13th-overall pick iced 36 goals (including seven game-winners and three hat tricks) and earned a berth on Team Canada at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship, where he was part of a bronze medal-winning effort. Bear finished second on the Silvertips in goals and ninth among all WHLers in points-per-game before taking off for 22 points (7G-15A) in 18 playoff games. The 6-foot, 177-pound winger from West St. Paul, Man., helped the Silvertips clinch the Ed Chynoweth Cup for the first time in franchise history and, with Captain Tarin Smith injured, was the first Tips skater to lift the WHL's top prize. Bear, 19, was named to the WHL Western Conference Second All-Star Team and is expected to turn pro with the AHL's Grand Rapids Griffins next season. Not bad for a guy who was selected in the sixth round of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft! Ondřej Becher Six-foot-1, 187-pound centreman Ondrej Becher improved his offensive output while shoring up his 200-foot game in his sophomore professional season. The Ostrava, Cze. product netted 28 points (9G-19A) in 60 games, in addition to logging 42 penalty minutes and a +5 rating. Originally selected with the 80th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft, Becher spent two seasons with the Prince George Cougars, where he established himself as an offensive whiz. He put up 48 goals and 86 assists for 134 points in 121 games before signing a three-year, entry-level contract in December of 2024. JP Hurlbert The Texas Tornado made a statement with a hat trick in his WHL debut for the Kamloops Blazers and never looked back. Hurlbert registered 42 goals and 55 assists for 97 points in 68 games to finish fourth in WHL scoring and first in points among all first-year players. The 6-foot, 182-pound winger locked up WHL Rookie of the Year honours, while being named a Western Conference finalist for WHL Player of the Year. Hurlbert scored once at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge and added a goal and an assist at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game before being called with the 20th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. The Allen, Texas product is currently making his case to represent the United States at the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship as he participates in the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase. Michal Orsulak Tremosna, Cze.'s Michal Orsulak continued a long tradition of dominant goaltending in Hockeytown North in his rookie WHL campaign. The 18-year-old went 28-4-3-1 with a 2.22 goals-against average, a .907 save percentage and four shutouts to help the Prince Albert Raiders to a 52-win season. Orsulak led all qualified WHL netminders in GAA, tied for second in shutouts and ranked fifth in save percentage and wins. The 6-foot-4, 225-pound puckstopper was named an Eastern Conference First-Team All-Star and a finalist for WHL Goaltender of the Year before backstopping the Raiders to the 2026 WHL Championship Series, where they fell to Bear and the Silvertips. Detroit picked up Orsulak with the 79th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

Blades, Wheat Kings completed deal involving netminder Ryley Budd

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 17:58:06 +0000

The Saskatoon Blades and Brandon Wheat Kings have struck a deal on Wednesday morning. The Blades acquired a pair of Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospect Draft picks from the Brandon Wheat Kings on Wednesday in exchange for 2008-born goaltender Ryley Budd. The picks include a 2029 third-round pick and 2027 eighth-round selection. The deal came two hours after Saskatoon acquired a conditional draft pick in 2027 from the Vancouver Giants for defenceman Derek Thurston. "With the signing of Martin Psohlavec and a deep bench at the goaltending position, we felt this was a good move to get Ryley to a spot where he can be a regular," said Blades president and general manager Colin Priestner. "We thank Ryley for everything he did for our club and the communities of Saskatoon and Calgary through his Be A Budd program and wish him nothing but the best!" The Calgary, AB native appeared in 11 games with the Blue and Gold last season. Budd went 4-4-1-0 with a .888 save percentage (SV%) and 3.08 goals against average (GAA).