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Canada pulls off semifinal comeback to set up rematch against United States in Hlinka Gretzky Cup gold medal match

Sat, 08 Aug 2026 03:33:09 +0000

Edmonton, Alta.- It took two tying goals and a third-period comeback, but Canada overcame a slow start to best Finland 6-3 in semifinal action on Friday evening at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The Canadians will improve on last year's bronze medal at the prestigious U18 tournament, and will get a chance at gold against the reigning champion United States. Lethbridge Hurricanes netminder Leif Oaten was named Canada's Player of the Game with a 24-save effort, highlighted by a massive powerplay stop in the third period. The Finns opened the scoring on the powerplay as Olli Kylmala struck just over five minutes into the opening frame and dominated on the shot clock in the early goings of the game. Projected top 2027 NHL Draft pick and Canadian captain Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / Calgary, Alta.) gave the home team some juice with a ferocious one-timer from the edge of the right faceoff dot to send the teams to the dressing rooms tied after 20 minutes. https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/status/2085874281439809909 Edmonton Oil Kings forward Kayden Stroeder (Saskatoon, Sask.) served up the primary assist and dished several thunderous hits throughout the game. The middle frame saw Finland regain its momentum as Max Poikela snagged his second goal of the tournament as he tucked the puck home in a blink-and-you'll-miss-it play off the faceoff. Again, Canada had an answer as Benjamin Veitch (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL) solved Samuel Heikkinen with a seeing-eye wrister from the blue line to get the crowd going. There were flashes of promise as Maddox Schultz (Regina Pats / Regina, Sask.) fired it off the post moments after the tying goal, and his Pats teammate, Liam Pue (Langley, B.C.), appeared to put Canada in front as he hacked away at a rebound on a shorthanded rush. However, officials called Pue's marker back for goaltender interference, setting the stage for a winner-take-all third period. The 16-year-old came agonizingly close to putting Canada on top again with a partial break in the opening minutes of the third period, but was foiled by Heikkanen. It looked like the knocks would keep coming as Malik L'Italien's long wrister underwent a lengthy review for a potential offside on the play, but the goal stood to give Canada its first lead. Less than three minutes later, Jaakko Wycisk (Guelph Storm / OHL) added some insurance with a tight one-timer teed up by Vietch. Wycisk's massive night saw him bury a goal and three assists. The Finns weren't done as Kylmala was left alone on the Canadian doorstep for a quick snapper to get his team within one with under eight minutes remaining. With the Finnish net empty, Canada dug deep as Brock Cripps (Prince Albert Raiders / Victoria, B.C.) sacrificed for a major shot block that allowed Veitch to give Canada some breathing room with an empty net goal, before Stroeder added another with .6 seconds remaining to close out the scoring. Canada will take on the defending champion United States in Saturday's gold medal game at 5:00 p.m. MT., while Finland and Slovakia will battle for bronze at 12:00 p.m. MT. NOTES Spokane Chiefs forward Gavin Burcar dominated with a goal and three assists to help the United States down Slovakia 5-2... Incoming Brandon Wheat King Colin Grubb added an assist in the win.

NHL Prospect Watch: Nashville Predators

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 17:10:16 +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. Today, we'll check on the poor souls who get to rep the infamous 'Preds in the Community' t-shirts.

Hiroki Gojsic Six-foot-3, 203-pound winger Hiroki Gojsic was just shy of his third straight 20-goal season with the Kelowna Rockets, but his production was actually up in a season slightly hampered by injury. The Langley, B.C. product notched 41 points (19G-22A) in 55 games with the Rockets, averaging .75 points per game. Gojsic chipped in another goal and two assists as Kelowna reached the second round of the 2026 WHL Playoffs and suited up for three games at the Memorial Cup, where he had one helper. He was selected by the Predators with the 94th overall pick in the third round of the 2024 NHL Draft and signed his entry-level deal the following fall. Now 20, Gojsic is expected to make his AHL debut in the fall. Should that be the case, he'll wrap up his time in major junior with 128 points (60G-68A) in 184 contests. Kalan Lind Former Red Deer Rebels alternate captain Kalan Lind saw his first professional season split between the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals and the ECHL with the Atlanta Gladiators. The 6-foot-1, 163-pound winger began the season in the ECHL, putting up four assists in his third game of the season, before earning a number of call-ups to the AHL. He closed out the season with 16 points (5G-11A) in 34 outings with Atlanta and eight points (5G-3A) in 26 turns with Milwaukee. Notably, the Swift Current, Sask. product also piled up 91 penalty minutes between the two teams. Lind, 21, was a career Rebel, amassing 160 points (68G-92A) in 202 games over five seasons. He wore the 'A' for Red Deer for his dinal two seasons and was chosen 46th overall in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Miguel Marques The longtime Lethbridge Hurricanes forward tried his hand at the college ranks at the University of Maine, where he registered 23 points (10G-13A) in 33 games, good for fourth on the team in points. Marques, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound winger, was selected by Nashville with the 87th overall pick in 2024 and sat next to Gojsic during his post-draft interview. He whipped up 138 points (52G-86A) in 165 games over parts of four seasons with the Hurricanes, highlighted by a tremendous 2024-25 that saw him add 17 points (4G-13A) in 16 playoff games to reach the Eastern Conference Championship. However, Lethbridge would fall to our next Predators prospect and the Medicine Hat Tigers... Tanner Molendyk The NHL is warming on smaller defencemen, and 2025 WHL Champion Tanner Molendyk seems to be fitting the bill. The 6-foot, 290-pound rearguard earned 23 points (4G-19A), highlighted by two game-winning goals, in 60 games with Milwaukee. Molendyk ranked 10th in points among all AHL rookie defencemen while finishing 11th on the Admirals in scoring. The 2023 24th overall pick made the jump after a dominant WHL career that saw him net 160 points (31G-129A) in 238 games over parts of five seasons with the Saskatoon Blades and Medicine Hat Tigers. Molendyk, 21, spent most of his time in Saskatoon, where the team's Defenceman of the Year award is named after him, before joining the Tigers for their 2025 WHL Championship run. The Kamloops, B.C. product exploded for 20 points (4G-16A) in 18 games to hoist the Ed Chynoweth Cup, and was named to the CHL Memorial Cup All-Star Team that spring. Molendyk is also a two-time WHL East Division First Team All-Star. Austin Roest The former Everett Silvertips captain is off to the races with his first season of pro hockey in the books. Roest, 22, spent the bulk of the campaign with the Admirals, with two brief stints with the ECHL's Atlanta Gladiators. The 5-foot-10, 186-pound centreman posted seven points (1G-6A) in 41 turns with Milwaukee and was a point-per-game (2G-3A) in five spins in Atlanta, keeping in mind that he missed most of last season with injury. Roest is expected to begin 2026-27 with the AHL club. The Coldstream, B.C. product is an all-time Silvertips great, logging 196 points (89G-107A) in 289 games over parts of five seasons. He put up seven points (3G-4A) in the final seven games of the 2024-25 regular season to help Everett lock up the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as regular season champions. Roest was selected in the sixth round (175th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft, which was held in Nashville, and signed an entry-level deal in March of 2024.

NHL Prospect Watch: Montreal Canadiens

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:34:48 +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. Today, we focus on Montreal's up-and-comers, highlighted by the WHL Player of the Year.

Jared Davidson The WHL Champion who was initially passed over in the NHL Draft defied the odds to make his NHL debut in 2025-26. The 24-year-old from Edmonton, Alta. put up four shots and a hit in his debut on November 15, 2025, and finished his NHL stint with an assist in 10 appearances. Davidson logged another 25 points (16G-9A), including a team-best five game-winning goals, in 53 games with the AHL's Laval Rocket and earned a one-year, two-way contract with the Habs. The 5-foot-11, 183-pound forward was drafted by Montreal with the 130th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Davidson spent his entire WHL career with the Seattle Thunderbirds, putting up 99 goals and 111 assists for 210 points in 254 games over five seasons. He earned WHL U.S. Division First Team All-Star honours twice and wore the ‘A’ for Seattle’s 2023 WHL Championship Run. Tyler Deakos Incoming Penticton Vees forward Tyler Deakos holds the dubious honour of being the very last player selected in the 2026 NHL Draft at 224th overall. He'll have a solid opportunity to prove he could have gone higher as he prepares to join the reigning B.C. Division champions after splitting 2025-26 with the AJHL's Drumheller Dragons, where he scored 15 points (8G-7A) in 10 games, and the USHL's Waterloo Black Hawks, where he posted 17 points (7G-10A). The 19-year-old from Canmore, Alta. clocks in at 6-foot-1, 174 pounds. Brayden Klimpke 2026 fourth-round pick Brayden Klimpke blew his previous numbers out of the water with a 46-point (4G-43A) campaign with Saskatoon. The 6-foot, 167-pound Blades alternate captain finished fifth on the team in points and ranked 11th in assists among all WHL defencemen. Klimpke, from Calgary, Alta., also potted five points (1G-4A) in 11 playoff games as the six-seed Blades upset the Edmonton Oil Kings before falling to the eventual Eastern Conference champion Prince Albert Raiders. He also suited up for Team East at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game. Hayden Paupanekis Six-foot-five, 203-pound centreman Hayden Paupanekis got to compete with the CHL's best at the 2026 Memorial Cup, where he iced three games with the Kelowna Rockets. Paupanekis picked up 37 points (15G-22A) in 57 regular-season tilts with the Rockets, highlighted by a two-goal, two-assist effort in an 8-5 offensive outburst against the Regina Pats. The Winnipeg, Man. product was selected by Montreal with the 69th overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Paupanekis has hit 100 points (47G-53A) in 190 games over parts of four seasons with the Spokane Chiefs and Kelowna Rockets. Bryce Pickford Had two-time WHL Champion and Medicine Hat Tigers captain Bryce Pickford avoided a late-season injury, there was a very real chance he'd lead the WHL in goals. Instead, he had to settle for WHL Player of the Year and CHL and WHL Defenceman of the Year honours. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound right-shot defender ripped up the league with 45 goals (including a league-best 11 game-winners and three hat tricks) and 38 assists for 83 points in 55 games. Pickford tied for second in the WHL goals race, finished 14th in points and set a franchise record for single-season goals by a defenceman. The 20-year-old added another 12 points (6G-6A) in 15 playoff contests, though the Tigers saw their title defence end in the Eastern Conference Championship. Drafted by the Canadiens with the 81st overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NHL Draft, Pickford signed his entry-level deal in December of 2025 and is expected to turn pro in 2026-27. Timofei Runtso Six-foot-3, 196-pound Timofei Runtso used his first WHL season to propel himself to a second-round draft position with Montreal. The right-shot rearguard totalled 44 points (11G-33A) and nine multipoint efforts to finish fifth in scoring on the upstart Victoria Royals and 20th among all WHL defenders. Runtso, from Marina Del Rey, Calif., represented Team West at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game, where he picked up an assist. The 19-year-old was selected 57th overall in the second round of the 2026 NHL Draft in Buffalo. Ethan Samson Twenty-two-year-old defenceman Ethan Samson is ready for a fresh start with a new organization after signing a one-year, two-way contract with Montreal on the opening day of the 2026 NHL free agency period. The 6-foot-1, 181-pound rearguard had four assists in 10 games with the AHL's Lehigh Valley Phantoms before a trade to the Syracuse Crunch saw him net another 14 points (5G-9A) in 30 outings. Samson was picked by the Flyers with the 174th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2021 NHL Draft. The Delta, B.C. product played the entirety of his junior career with the Prince George Cougars, where he was an alternate captain for his final two seasons and piled up 122 points (36G-86A) across 211 games in four seasons. Samson was a B.C. Division First-Team All-Star in 2022-23 and made the second team in 2021-22. Tyler Thorpe Six-foot-5, 220-pound winger Tyler Thorpe had plenty of bright spots in his first season of professional hockey. The former Vancouver Giants standout notched 16 points (4G-12A) and 77 penalty minutes in 68 games with the AHL Rocket, leading all Rocket rookies in scoring and finishing fourth on the team in PIMs. Originally selected by Montreal with the 130th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2024 NHL Draft, Davidson will look for an even bigger impact as he enters the second season of his three-year, entry-level contract. Thorpe established himself as a consistent goal scorer and intimidating physical presence over parts of three seasons with the Vancouver Giants, where he earned 102 points (54G-48A) in 167 games. Parker Trottier Eighteen-year-old Parker Trottier will spend his draft-plus-one season with the Regina Pats after plying his trade with the U.S. National Team Development Program. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound forward from Edina, Minn. was chosen in the sixth round of the 2026 NHL Draft (189th overall). He strung together 14 points (8G-6A) in 24 outings with the USHL U.S. NTDP Juniors, in addition to 27 points (11G-16A) in 61 outings with the U.S. National U18 Team in 2025-26.

Nissan Canada Becomes Official Partner of the CHL, WHL, OHL and QMJHL

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 18:03:34 +0000

New multi-year partnership spans marquee CHL events and key WHL, OHL and QMJHL properties, connecting Nissan with hockey communities across Canada through local dealer engagement

The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) announced today a new multi-year partnership with Nissan Canada, which becomes an Official Partner of the CHL and its Member Leagues — the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Through the partnership, Nissan and its dealer network will work alongside teams across the CHL to support hockey communities nationwide in Canada through local activations, community events and fan experiences. With dealers operating in Canadian markets that are home to WHL, OHL and QMJHL teams, the partnership will create new opportunities to engage fans and support the communities where the game is played, celebrated and shared. “We are proud to welcome Nissan Canada as an Official Partner of the CHL and our Member Leagues,” said Dan MacKenzie, President of the CHL. “With Nissan dealers serving many of the markets our teams call home, this partnership combines the national reach of our marquee events and key WHL, OHL and QMJHL properties with meaningful local engagement. Our goal is to build a partnership that resonates as strongly within those communities as it does on the national stage.” Throughout the multi-year partnership, Nissan will have a presence at the CHL’s marquee annual events: the CHL USA Prospects Challenge and the Memorial Cup presented by Kubota. The upcoming 2026 CHL USA Prospects Challenge, featuring top 2027 NHL Draft prospects from the CHL and the U.S. National Under-18 Team, will be held December 1 in Chicoutimi, Que., and December 2 in Québec City. The 2027 Memorial Cup, which will crown the CHL champion, will be hosted by the Guelph Storm in Guelph, Ont., from May 20–30. At the Member League level, Nissan will serve as presenting sponsor of the WHL Prospects Draft and QMJHL Opening Week and as title sponsor of the OHL Playoffs, while supporting other programs and events throughout the partnership. Beyond these national and league properties, Nissan will help advance a range of initiatives over the course of the partnership, including dealer-led activations, youth hockey experiences and fan engagement programs. Participating dealers will have opportunities to work alongside local WHL, OHL and QMJHL teams to deliver community-based programming in markets across Canada. “Hockey has long been Canada’s game, bringing people together and creating lasting connections in communities across the country,” said Kristina Herder, Director, Marketing Communications, Nissan Canada. “This partnership is more than a sponsorship. It’s about showing up in those communities, supporting the next generation of players and fans, and creating meaningful experiences that bring people together through the game.” By bringing together the CHL, the WHL, OHL and QMJHL, and Nissan’s dealer network across Canada, the partnership creates new opportunities to engage fans, support local hockey initiatives and celebrate the game at both the local and national levels. Further details on activations and community programming will be announced throughout the season. For more information about Nissan Canada’s products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan.ca. Follow Nissan Canada on Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn, and watch its latest videos on YouTube. About the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is the world’s largest development hockey league, featuring 52 Canadian and nine American teams across the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). The CHL supplies more players to the National Hockey League (NHL) than any other league, while supporting student-athletes through a significant investment in education and scholarship programs. Each year, nearly 1,000 CHL graduates receive support through WHL, OHL, and QMJHL scholarship programs, with CHL clubs investing nearly $10 million annually in player education and scholarship support. During the 2025–26 NHL season, more than 475 CHL alumni were among the 1,033-plus players to appear in at least one game. At the 2026 NHL Draft, 106 CHL-developed players were selected—the most of any development league worldwide and the CHL’s highest total since 2010—including 16 first-round picks. For more information, please visit chl.ca. About Nissan Canada Inc. Nissan Canada Inc. (NCI) is the Canadian sales, marketing and distribution subsidiary of Nissan Motor Limited and Nissan North America, Inc. NCI was the first Japanese-based automaker to incorporate in Canada in 1965, and now directly employs 306 full-time staff across offices in Vancouver (BC), Mississauga (ON), and Kirkland (QC). There are 210 independent Nissan dealerships, including 87 that also act as Nissan Commercial Vehicles dealers, 136 electric vehicle-certified dealers, and 39 INFINITI retailers across Canada.

Oil Kings’ Stroeder adds three points on home ice, Pue continues offensive wizardry as Canada stays perfect at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 03:07:59 +0000

Edmonton, Alta.- Sixteen-year-old Liam Pue's Hlinka Gretzky Cup mastery was on full display as Canada trounced Sweden 7-4 in group stage action at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Pue, who played 34 games with the Regina Pats in 2025-26 as an underage player, scored his fourth goal and fifth point of the tournament in a win that guaranteed Canada first place in Group A and eliminated Sweden (0-1-2-0) from medal contention. Fresh off a two-goal performance in his home barn, Kaeden Stroeder (Edmonton Oil Kings / Saskatoon, Sask.) was named Player of the Game with a one-goal, two-assist effort. For a third straight game, Canada opened the scoring in the early goings, this time with 2026 Rookie of the Year finalist Brock Cripps (Prince Albert Raiders / Victoria, B.C.) outwaiting a sprawling Swedish defender to rip a shorthanded goal home from the slot. His defensive partner, Boston Tait (Wenatchee Wild / Estevan, Sask.), picked up the secondary assist. Stroeder bagged his first assist of the night shortly afterward as he teed up Benjamin Veitch (Newfoundland Regiment / QMJHL) for a one-timer near the midway mark of the first period. Two minutes later, Pats stars Pue (Langley, B.C.) and Maddox Schultz (Regina, Sask.) linked up again on a two-on-one break, with Schultz wiring a pass to Pue for a sizzling shortside wrister and a 3-0 lead. Canada capped off the period with two goals just 20 seconds apart. Stroeder had another assist on a Ryerson Edgar (Niagara Wolves / OHL) powerplay tally and lit the lamp himself as he made a dangerous one-timer in tight to the net, collected his own rebound, and whirled around for a low spinning shot. But Sweden wouldn't go quietly into the night. The 2025 silver medalists chipped away at the deficit with a pair of goals in the second period and a final, late marker, with two goals coming on the powerplay. Schultz and Canadian Captain Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / Calgary, Alta.) added some necessary insurance with assists on a late powerplay goal from Alexis Joseph (Saint John Sea Dogs / QMJHL), but the Swedes responded quickly with a late chip shot. However, the comeback attempt would be halted by Schultz and Pue, this time, with Pue setting up Schultz for an empty-netter. Leif Oaten (Lethbridge Hurricanes / Calgary, Alta.) made 23 saves for a .852 save percentage and a second consecutive victory. Canada (3-0-0-0) is off on Thursday before facing Finland in Semifinal action at 5:00 pm. MT on Friday. NOTES Vancouver Giants prospect Oliver Botka registered an assist for Slovakia in a 6-2 drubbing of Switzerland... Incoming Lethbridge Hurricanes defenceman Dominick Radim Byrtus assisted on Czechia's opening goal, but Finland would quickly pile up four goals en route to a 5-4 victory... Fellow Hurricanes import draft pick Oliver Vanha and Kelowna Rockets prospect Petr Hornig also earned helpers to confirm a semifinal matchup against the defending champions from the United States.

NHL Prospect Watch: Minnesota Wild

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:09:18 +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. The powerhouse Minnesota Wild's contingent includes a pair of WHL Goaltender of the Year finalists who have already inked their first pro deals.

Caedan Bankier Twenty-three-year-old Caedan Bankier showed he was about more than just points in 2025-26. The 6-foot-2, 192-pound centreman notched 20 points (10G-10A) on an Iowa Wild team that struggled to score, but he did tie for sixth in goals among Wild skaters, while nabbing two game winners and converting three of five shootout attempts. While Iowa just missed out on the AHL playoffs, Bankier did earn a one-year, two-way contract that will take effect in 2026-27. The White Rock, B.C. product logged 188 points (76G-112A) in 202 regular-season tilts over four seasons with the Kamloops Blazers, highlighted by a 37-goal run in 2022-23. The former Blazers alternate captain also earned a gold medal at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship, WHL B.C. Division Second Team All-Star honours and contributed four points (1G-3A) at the 2023 Memorial Cup. He was selected with the 86th overall pick in the third round of the 2021 NHL Draft. Riley Heidt Welcome to the pro ranks! Former Prince George Cougars captain Riley Heidt battled hard in his first AHL season, scoring in his professional debut and tallying eight goals (including three game-openers) and 17 assists for 25 points and 38 penalty minutes in 71 tilts with the Wild. He led all Iowa rookies in scoring and ranked fifth on the squad in shot percentage. Heidt, 20, stands as the Cougars' all-time top scorer since the club moved to Prince George ahead of the 1994-95 season, racking up 370 points (116G-254A) in 281 regular-season games over parts of five seasons. The 5-foot-11, 179-pound forward is the franchise leader in assists and heard his name called 64th overall in the second round of the 2023 NHL Draft. Justin Kipkie Clocking in at a staggering 6-foot-4, 216-pound, defenceman Justin Kipkie tried his hand at the NCAA level in 2025-26, registering 13 points (4G-9A) in 35 tilts with Arizona State University. The former Royals captain helped elevate Victoria to a B.C. Division title in 2025 and posted 147 points (36G-111A) over 206 games in four seasons. The Calgarian was named a B.C. Division First Team All-Star in 2024 and made the second team the following season, while earning Victoria's captaincy. Originally drafted by Arizona in 2023, Kipkie re-entered the NHL Draft and was snapped up by Minnesota with the 141st overall pick in the fifth round in 2025. The 21-year-old is slated to suit up for the University of St. Thomas for the upcoming season. Carter Klippenstein Six-foot-3, 186-pound centreman Carter Klippenstein was on pace for a career-best season with the Brandon Wheat Kings before a season-ending shoulder injury that required surgery in January. The Lethbridge, Alta. product posted 28 points (11G-17) in 38 games, including seven multipoint games, while finishing fourth on the team in faceoff wins with 336 (51.9%). The 19-year-old was drafted by the Wild in the fourth round (123rd overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft and owns 77 points (35G-42A) in 164 games and a well-earned hardworking reputation over four seasons in Manitoba. Carson Lambos A milestone season for 23-year-old Carson Lambos saw the defender make his NHL debut and earn a one-year, two-way contract. The Winnipeg, Man. product picked up a shot, a block, and a +1 rating in 10:16 of ice time in a 5-2 win over Columbus in December. His AHL season was on par with previous years, with the 6-foot-1, 193-pound rearguard notching 19 points (8G-11A) in 70 games, ranking third among Iowa defenders. Drafted by the Wild with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2021 NHL Draft, Lambos spent his entire junior career with the Kootenay/Winnipeg ICE, now known as the Wenatchee Wild. He wore a letter in three of his four seasons, closed out his career with 128 points (31G-97A) in 176 games, was named to the 2022 WHL East Division First All-Star Team and won gold at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Championship. Kayden Lemire 2026 fourth-round selection Kayden Lemire has brought a physical, heavy presence to the Prince George Cougars' forward group. The 6-foot-4, 192-pound winger tabbed nine goals (including two game-winners) and 20 assists for 29 points in 68 outings with the Cats, finishing fourth on the team in penalty minutes (62). Originally selected with the 37th overall pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, the Edmonton, Alta. native has scored 35 points (13G-22A) in 134 regular-season contests with Prince George. Ryder Ritchie Twenty-year-old Ryder Ritchie stepped into a new league with a 17-point (7G-10A) run in 36 games at Boston University. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound winger was selected 45th overall in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft after winning WHL Rookie of the Year in 2023. Ritchie, who hails from Calgary, Alta., was just shy of a point-per-game in his WHL career, tallying 160 points (68G-92A) in 161 games across three seasons with the Medicine Hat Tigers and Prince Albert Raiders. Ritchie's major junior tenure was highlighted by a 25-point (12G-13A) run in the 2025 WHL Playoffs that saw the Tabbies capture the Ed Chynoweth Cup and advance to the Memorial Cup Final. Filip Ruzicka The Wild feature two goaltending prospects who happen to be WHL Goaltender of the Year finalists who've also inked their three-year, entry-level deals! Filip Ruzicka became the first goalie selected in the 2026 NHL Draft (fifth round, 136th overall) to sign an ELC when he put pen to paper on July 14. The 6-foot-8, 230-pound Ruzicka went 26-14-1-0 with a 3.19 goals-against average, a .906 save percentage and two shutouts in the regular season, finishing seventh among all qualified WHL netminders in save percentage and wins, while making headlines for a wild goalie fight against Regina's Taylor Tabashniuk. After being named a finalist for WHL Goaltender of the Year, the Trinec, Cze. product turned in a 64-shot performance in a 1-0 triple-overtime loss to the Calgary Hitmen in Game 1 of their first-round series in the 2026 WHL Playoffs. Despite the loss, Ruzicka was lauded as one of the stars of the series. Chase Wutzke Twenty-year-old Chase Wutzke suited up for four different teams in 2025-26 while making his professional debut. The Debden, Sask. product went 16-24-3-1 with a 3.33 goals-against average, .904 save percentage, and one shutout with Red Deer Rebels and Moose Jaw Warriors. Wutzke, who stands 6-foot-3 and 156 pounds, finished second in saves (1,404) while facing the third-most shots of any WHL goalie (1,553) en route to his first nomination for WHL Goaltender of the Year. The 2024 fifth-round Wild draft pick signed his ELC back in September. Upon the conclusion of Moose Jaw's season, Wutzke jumped to the ECHL's Iowa Heartlanders, going 2-1-2 with a 2.98 GAA and .898 save percentage. He closed out the campaign with a 31-save effort in his AHL debut, a 6-1 loss to the Manitoba Moose.

Oliver Vanha inks WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with Hurricanes

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 02:48:47 +0000

Lethbridge, Alta., - The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have announced they have signed 2009-born Czechia forward Oliver Vanha to a Western Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement. Vanha, 17, was selected by the Hurricanes in the third-round (125^th overall) in the 2026 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft in June. The Praha, Czechia, product spent the 2025-2026 season with the HC Dynamo Pardubice U17 team collecting 57 points (25g-32a) along with 81 penalty minutes in a plus-39 rating in 32 regular season games. He finished fourth in team scoring while also ending the season fourth in goals. Vanha also ranked 11^th in league scoring while ending the campaign 15^th in league goals. “Oliver is a big, strong, powerful player with a high-end skill set and an exceptional compete level,” said Hurricanes General Manager Barclay Parneta. “He has the ability to impact the game in a variety of ways, and we believe his combination of size, talent, and work ethic gives him a very bright future. We’re excited to welcome him to the Lethbridge Hurricanes.” The 6’4, 203-pound forward added 14 points (6g-8a) along with 20 penalty minutes and a plus-10 rating in 11 post-season games with HC Pardubice U17 last year. Vanha finished tied for fourth in league playoff scoring. He also skated in 14 regular season games with the HC Dynamo Pardubice U20 club last year collecting two assists and two penalty minutes. Internationally, Vanha is currently representing Czechia at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup tournament in Edmonton. So far, he has one goal in two preliminary games for his nation. He also skated in 15 international games at the Czechia U16 level during the 2024-2025 season totaling five points (3g-2a) along with six penalty minutes. Vanha joins fellow Czechia products Dominick Byrtus and Oliver Sichtar to sign with the Hurricanes for the upcoming 2026-2027 regular season. Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40^th Anniversary season in Lethbridge, are now on sale. Premium Season Tickets are also available for an additional $250 per seat. Season Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Yates Memorial Theatre and VisitLethbridge.com Arena Ticket Centre, by calling 403-329-SEAT (7328) or online at www.visitlethbridgearena.ca.

Oil Kings’ Stroeder scores twice on home ice, Canada flattens Slovakia 6-1 at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 01:46:44 +0000

Edmonton, Alta.- Five Western Hockey League skaters, including Edmonton Oil Kings forward Kayden Stroeder, enjoyed a multi-point night as Canada rolled Slovakia 6-1 to improve to 2-0-0-0 at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. 2026 WHL Champion and Defenceman of the Year finalist Landon DuPont (Everett Silvertips / Calgary, Alta.) was named Canada's Player of the Game with a one-goal, one-assist effort. The opening frame proved to be a much closer affair than Canada's tournament-opener, which saw the Canucks and Switzerland combine for six goals in the first nine minutes. Still, Canada struck first blood as projected top 2027 NHL Draft pick DuPont received a clean pass from Saint John Sea Dogs star Alexis Joseph and beat the Slovakian netminder on a powerplay wraparound. 2025 WHL first-overall pick Maddox Schultz (Regina Pats / Regina, Sask.) picked up a secondary assist on the play. Slovakia briefly tied the game with a point-blank goal from Patrik Rychlik, but Canada restored its lead 19 seconds later as the other Pats sniper, Liam Pue (Langley, B.C.), burst up the wing and lasered a pass to Camryn Warren (North Bay Battalion / OHL) for a quick deke on Nicko Zakk Havel. Boston Tait (Wenatchee Wild / Estevan, Sask.) earned the second helper. Havel stood on his head with a 16-save second period, but Oil Kings forward Stroeder (Saskatoon, Sask.) extended Canada's lead to 3-1 with a quick snapper on a powerplay rush. In the final period, the floodgates opened as Canada potted two goals within four minutes. The Brocks linked up as Rookie of the Year finalist Brock Cripps (Prince Albert Raiders / Victoria, B.C.) and Brock England (Seattle Thunderbirds / Red Deer, Alta.) combined for a strong chance before Ryerson Edgar (Niagara Wolves / OHL) cleaned up a rebound in the slot. Less than two minutes later, DuPont curled behind the Slovakia net to tee up Stroeder for a sharp one-timer in the slot and a 5-1 lead. Canada's youngest players, Pue and Schultz, linked up again as Pue polished off an around-the-net passing play for his second point of the night and third goal of the tournament to close out the scoring. Lethbridge Hurricanes puckstopper Leif Oaten (Calgary, Alta.) made 12 stops for a .923 save percentage in his tournament debut. Canada (2-0-0-0) will battle Sweden (0-1-1-0) in a high-stakes match at Rogers Place on Wednesday, August 4, at 5:00 p.m. MT. A Canadian victory would eliminate the Swedes from medal contention. NOTES 2026 CHL Import Draft pick Petr Hornig (Kelowna Rockets) dazzled with two goals and an assist for Czechia in an 8-3 win over Germany... Incoming Lethbridge Hurricanes blueliner Dominick Radim Byrtus assisted both of Hornig's tallies, while Edmonton Oil Kings' first-round import pick Lukas Kachlir racked up three assists... Another Oil King, Jonas Vanicek, scored his first goal of the tournament- and first in his new home rink...Canes pick Oliver Vanha scored to chase the German netminder, and Everett Silvertips signee Dario Blengino nabbed an assist...Spokane Chiefs signee Jacob Schwarz scored for Germany in the loss... Portland Winterhawks forward Alessandro Domenichelli logged a goal and an assist as Switzerland stunned Sweden 7-6.

Moose Jaw Warriors promote Scott King to head coach

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 00:22:24 +0000

Moose Jaw, Sask., – Moose Jaw Warriors General Manager Jason Ripplinger has announced that Associate Coach Scott King has been promoted as the organization's new Head Coach. “Scott has been with our organization for a decade, and knows what our goals are on and off the ice. This is an opportunity that he has been working to achieve for a while, and is the right fit for our team moving forward,” said General Manager Jason Ripplinger. “From an organization standpoint, being able to hire from within is a goal of ours. Scott is familiar with how we operate on a day-to-day basis, and understands the development process for our players to reach the next level,” Ripplinger added. From Saskatoon, King originally joined the Warriors in 2015 – 2016 as a skills coach; the following year he was named an assistant coach, and in 2023 – 2024, he took on an expanded role as an Associate Coach. “I am incredibly excited and honoured for this head coaching opportunity. I want to thank the Warriors Board of Directors and Jason (Ripplinger) for their belief and trust in me and my skills,” Scott King said. “My family and I are rooted in Moose Jaw now, and we have seen firsthand how the Board and the entire community are full of good people that care about the team and its success.” “Junior hockey is a special time in a player's life, and we want to ensure that we are doing everything we can as an organization and a staff to support, develop, and create a positive, competitive, and supportive environment where every player has the opportunity to grow and reach their full potential on and off the ice,” King added. “Knowing the majority of the roster, I look forward to continuing to build relationships with the current group as well as the new players and staff who will join us. Creating a team that commits, communicates, and holds each other to a high standard.” King played in the WHL with the Kelowna Rockets in 1996 – 1997, and had 40 goals and 97 points in 68 games. He went on to play 18 seasons of professional hockey in the AHL, ECHL, and in Germany in the DEL, which is the highest division in German Ice Hockey. He played for Canada on four occasions in the Deutschland Cup and was with Adler Mannheim at the 2009 – 2010 Spengler Cup. After 13 years in Moose Jaw, Mark O’Leary is departing the Friendly City after accepting an assistant coach position with the Abbotsford Canucks in the American Hockey League. “The Warriors want to thank Mark for his years of dedication to our organization and our community. His passion for this club was on display every day,” Ripplinger said. “Mark has worked hard throughout the years, and it’s that work ethic that has earned him this opportunity at the next level. We could not be happier for him and his family.” From Owen Sound, Ontario, O’Leary joined the Warriors in 2012 as an assistant coach and was promoted to associate coach for the 2018 – 2019 season. He took over as head coach on January 6, 2020. In six and a half years, he leaves Moose Jaw as the organization’s all-time leader in games coached (416) and wins (191). He was the head coach who led the Warriors to their first WHL Championship in 2024.

NHL Prospect Watch: Los Angeles Kings

Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:05:00 +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. These Los Angeles Kings prospects are fit for a crown.

Vojtech Cihar Kelowna Rockets standout Vojtech Cihar conquered new lands in 2025-26. After a difficult start that saw him put up eight points (4G-4A) in 27 games for HC Energie Karlovy Vary, the 19-year-old was re-energized by a breakout run at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Cihar netted 12 points (4G-8A) in seven games to help Czechia to silver and earn tournament MVP honours. He went from the Czech national team to the Okanagan, where he erupted for 12 goals (including a hat trick) and 19 assists in 31 regular-season games to close out the campaign and lead the Rockets in postseason scoring with 13 points (6G-7A). While the host Rockets bowed out of the Memorial Cup after round-robin play, Cihar could be back to make a major impact in 2026-27. He was selected by the Kings with the 59th overall pick in the second round of the 2025 NHL Draft and signed his three-year, entry-level deal last December. Jakub Dvorak Six-foot-5, 210-pound shutdown defenceman Jakub Dvorak took big strides forward in his second season of professional hockey with seven points (4G-3A) and 41 penalty minutes in 45 games for the AHL's Ontario Reign. He set new personal highs on offence, but also raised his plus/minus from -8 in his rookie season to +6 in 2025-26. The 21-year-old logged 10 points (2G-8A) and a +19 rating in 21 games with the Swift Current Broncos in 2023-24 and helped Czechia to a bronze medal at the 2025 World Juniors. He joined the Kings organization as the 54th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Giorgos Pantelas One of the newest members of the Kings' stable of prospects, steady defender Giorgos Pantelas is set to debut for the Penticton Vees in 2026-27. The 2026 fifth-round pick (153rd overall) is coming off a solid season with the Brandon Wheat Kings that saw him finish second in scoring among Brandon blueliners with 37 points (6G-31A) and a +19 rating in his draft year. The 18-year-old suited up for the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge and 2026 WHL Prospects Game, where he scored a powerplay goal to help Team East to a 5-4 overtime win. Internationally, Pantelas has represented Canada at the 2024 U17 World Challenge, winning gold, and the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, where he picked up a bronze medal. Will Sharpe Dependable defender Will Sharpe made the most of a midseason trade, putting up a career-best campaign with 29 points (5G-24A) and 44 penalty minutes in 59 games with the Kelowna Rockets and Vancouver Giants. The 6-foot-1, 198-pound blueliner has piled up 84 points (18G-66A) in 185 games over parts of four WHL seasons. Los Angeles called his name with the 216th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Koehn Ziemmer The goals may not have come as easily for former Prince George Cougars alternate captain Koehn Ziemmer, but he had some brilliant moments in his first season in the pros. The 6-foot-1, 201-pound forward registered 24 points (11G-13A) in 57 games to sit 10th on the Reign in scoring, while tallying his first AHL hat trick despite rotating in and out of the Reign lineup. The 2023 third-round (78th overall) NHL pick graduated from the WHL as one of the greatest scorers in Cougars history, posting 260 points (128G-132A) in 244 games over parts of six seasons.