Western Hockey League - Feed

Raiders sign Oskars Luks to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 20:30:17 +0000

The Prince Albert Raiders made just one pick in the 2026 CHL Import Draft, and that pick is now signed. 2008-born defenceman Oskars Luks has signed a WHL Scholarship and Development contract with the Raiders, and will join the club for training camp this fall. The 17-year-old is from Riga, Latvia, and his late October 12^th birthday makes him eligible for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft. The 6’5, 209lb blueliner spent the 2025-26 season in Finland with the Jukurit U18 program. He scored 4 goals and added 20 assists in 39 games, tacking on 39 penalty minutes. He also represented Latvia internationally at the U18 level. “Oskars is a big, mobile defenceman,” Raiders general manager Curtis Hunt said after the 2026 CHL Import Draft. “He has great mobility, great reach and attention to detail. We feel he can step right in and support the group we have. We’re excited to see him get to Prince Albert and watch his game grow.”

NHL Prospect Watch: Dallas Stars

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 18:59:36 +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. To quote the late, great Prince: 'Baby, I'm a (Dallas) Star'.

Jaxon Fuder Six-foot-1, 176-pound forward Jaxon Fuder flipped a mid-season switch to the WHL into an NHL deal. After earning an invitation to Stars Development Camp last summer, the 20-year-old inked a three-year, entry-level contract with Dallas as an undrafted free agent in September of 2025. Fuder responded with 37 points (8G-29A) in 52 regular-season games with the Red Deer Rebels and Edmonton Oil Kings. The Cold Lake, Alta. product has amassed 63 points (19G-44A) in 97 regular-season games over parts of two seasons in the Dub and is expected to make the jump to pro with the AHL's Texas Stars in 2026-27. Brandon Gorzynski Mr. Score-zynski, come on down! The Scottsdale, Ariz. product got off to a roaring start with 13 goals and 29 points in 27 games to kick off his third season with the Calgary Hitmen. The Prince Albert Raiders traded for the 6-foot-2, 190-pound forward in December in anticipation of a long postseason run. Gorzynski tallied 40 points (14G-26A) in 38 games as a Raider, highlighted by a hat trick and two assists in his home debut in green and gold. He added nine points (5G-4A) in 12 playoff games to help Prince Albert claw its way to the 2026 WHL Championship Series, though a significant injury held him out of the lineup for the bulk of the Final. Gorzynski was drafted with the 126th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Niilopekka Muhonen Offense has never been Niilopekka Muhonen's calling card, but the 6-foot-5, 215-pound rearguard has found plenty of ways to contribute with the Medicine Hat Tigers. After capturing the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2025, Muhonen logged 12 assists and a +27 rating in 39 games with the Tabbies in 2025-26, in addition to another two points (1G-1A) and a +8 rating in 14 playoff tilts. Since being selected with the 158th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2024 NHL Draft, the Kuopio, Fin. product has picked up 29 points (4G-25) over two seasons in the Gas City, played in the Memorial Cup Final, and put pen to paper on a three-year, entry-level contract with Dallas. Cameron Schmidt The wildly talented 2025 third-round pick (94th overall) topped the WHL goal-scoring race with a whopping 51 goals in 72 games with the Vancouver Giants and Seattle Thunderbirds. Schmidt hit the century mark for the first time in his major career to finish third in points among all WHL skaters, trailing only the Ruck twins in Medicine Hat. The 5-foot-8, 158-pound winger had one four-goal game in addition to a pair of natural hat tricks, helping him become a finalist for WHL Player of the Year. Schmidt owns 237 points (123G-114A) in 195 tilts over parts of four seasons in the WHL, and will return to the B.C. Division as a member of the Victoria Royals in 2026-27. The Prince George, B.C. product is currently in Ontario participating in the World Junior Summer Showcase with Team Canada. Matthew Seminoff After splitting last season between the AHL and ECHL, 23-year-old Matthew Seminoff iced a breakout campaign with 50 points (24G-26A) in 72 outings with the Texas Stars. He paced the AHL squad in goals while finishing second in points and third in assists. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound forward, who was born in Virginia and raised in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, spent his entire WHL career with the Kamloops Blazers, where he racked up 170 points (73G-97A) in 196 regular-season games, in addition to 28 (16G-12A) in 31 postseason contests. Seminoff joined the Stars organization as the 179th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2022 NHL Draft and signed a two-year, two-way contract extension with the club in June of 2026. Jakub Vanecek Czech defender Jakub Vanecek found his footing in his first season in North America, potting 14 goals (including two game-winners) and 21 assists for 35 points in 59 games with the Tri-City Americans. The 6-foot-1, 191-pound skater led all Americans rookies in scoring and ranked sixth in points-per-game among all WHL first-year blueliners. 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; he left his mark at the 2026 IIHF U18 World Championship with five points (3G-2A) in seven matches to claim bronze. Dallas snapped him up with the 59th overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NHL Draft, making him the Stars' first selection in 2026.

Giants acquire defenceman Thurston from Blades for conditional pick

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:35:06 +0000

Langley, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants are excited to announce the acquisition of 2006-born defenceman Derek Thurston (Delta, B.C.) from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for a conditional draft pick in the 2027 WHL Draft.

In 131 career regular season WHL games, Thurston has produced 10 goals and 16 assists for 26 points, along with 162 penalty minutes and a +11 plus-minus rating. During the 2024-25 season, the 6-foot-1 left-shot blueliner produced a career-best 22 points (9G-13A) in 67 games, along with a +9 rating and 96 penalty minutes.

“We are excited to add Derek to help bolster our defence,” Giants Head Coach and General Manager Michael Dyck said. “His presence and experience solidify not only our blueline, but our whole organization, and we’re looking forward to welcoming him back home to Delta.”

Thurston is a product of Delta Hockey Academy, where he won a U17 Prep championship in 2022. He was named the CSSHL U16 Top Defenceman during the 2021-22 season, after recording 36 points (12G-24A) in 33 games. In his U18 season with DHA in 2022-23, he was teammates with current Giants forward Jakob Oreskovic.

The Delta native was originally selected by the Rebels in the sixth round (112th overall) of the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.

The Vancouver Giants extend a warm welcome home to Derek.

Silvertips acquire goaltender Kraus in trade with Brandon

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 17:11:44 +0000

EVERETT, Wash. -- The Everett Silvertips have acquired goaltender Jayden Kraus from the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for a third- and sixth-round pick in the 2029 WHL Draft.

"We wanted to add a veteran netminder to our group with both of our goaltenders deciding to move on following last season," noted Silvertips general manager Mike Fraser. "Jayden has good experience in our league, brings some stability to the position and leadership to our organization. We're excited to have him join the Silvertips."

Kraus, a 2006-born Prince Albert, SK native, posted a 14-11-1 record with the Wheat Kings in 2025-26 with a .895 save percentage and a 3.65 goals-against average. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound goaltender recorded a career-high 50 saves on 54 shots at Angel of the Winds Arena against the Silvertips on Jan. 23. He previously was with the Victoria Royals, finishing 25-8-9 in 2024-25 with a .908 save percentage and a 2.86 goals-against average.

Kraus also attended Colorado Avalanche NHL Camp prior to the 2025-26 season.

Both members of Everett's goaltending tandem last season have committed to NCAA programs, with Anders Miller headed to Lake Superior State and Raiden LeGall heading to Minnesota State University, Mankato. Kraus fills a third overager spot on the Silvertips' active roster, joining forward Jaxsin Vaughan and defenseman Mattias Uyeda.

The Silvertips’ 2026-27 season schedule can be viewed here.

NHL Prospect Watch: Columbus Blue Jackets

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:58:44 +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. From centre ice to the blue paint, Columbus boasts a strong table of talent developed in the west.

Charlie Elick Six-foot-4, 205-pound defender Charlie Elick's bread and butter is his shutdown defensive play. The 20-year-old had one of his best offensive campaigns in the WHL with a six-goal, 14-assist run in 63 games with the Tri-City Americans. Elick was also named an alternate captain in his first full season with the Ams after being dealt from the Brandon Wheat Kings in a blockbuster trade in 2024-25. Drafted with the 36th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft, Elick signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Columbus in March of 2025. He made his professional debut with the AHL's Cleveland Monsters this spring, earning his first pro assist in two appearances. Evan Gardner En Gard! Saskatoon Blades star Evan Gardner logged his third consecutive 20-plus win season, going 25-16-4-2 with a 2.96 goals-against average, a .902 save percentage and three shutouts. The 20-year-old made the fifth-most saves of any WHL goaltender (1,279) while finishing ninth in wins. The postseason saw the Fort St. John, B.C. product battle past the third-seed Edmonton Oil Kings before falling to the eventual Eastern Conference Champion Prince Albert Raiders, posting a 4-5-2 record, a 3.04 GAA and .907 save percentage. But there was more hockey to be played for the 2024 60th overall pick. Gardner, who signed his three-year, entry-level deal back in March of 2025, got his first professional playoff experience in a relief appearance with the Monsters. He stopped all 10 shots he faced. The 6-foot-1, 181-pound netminder was named a finalist for WHL Humanitarian of the Year thanks to his continued diabetes advocacy, and is eligible to make the jump to the pro ranks full-time in 2026-27. Cayden Lindstrom After missing the entire 2024-25 regular season and getting into limited, but exciting, playoff action, Cayden Lindstrom was finding his footing with a 10-point (3G-7A) campaign in 31 games with Michigan State University. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound forward also logged 94 penalty minutes. Back in the 2025 WHL Playoffs, Lindstrom hit the ice for the WHL Championship Series and put up four points (2G-2A) in four games to help the Medicine Hat Tigers hoist the Ed Chynoweth Cup for the sixth time in franchise history. The 20-year-old from Chetwynd, B.C., graduated from the WHL with 88 points (46G-42A) in 99 games and was the WHL's highest overall draft pick in 2024 when Columbus selected him fourth overall. Filip Novak Six-foot-1, 198-pound forward Filip Novak is preparing for his WHL rookie season after signing a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Victoria Royals. The Blue Jackets added the 18-year-old to their prospect pool with the 206th overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Novak, from Chomutov, Cze., spent the bulk of 2025-26 with HC Sparta's U20 squad, where he posted 35 points (11G-24A) in 28 outings. Jackson Smith Noted for his offensive upside, Calgary, Alta.'s Jackson Smith has represented Canada at the World U17 Challenge, Hlinka Gretzky Cup and IIHF U18 World Championship, and is now making his case for the prestigious U20 squad at the World Junior Summer Showcase. The 6-foot-4, 205-pound rearguard registered 26 points (11G-15A) at Penn State and had 40 penalty minutes to go with it. The 2025 14th overall pick spent parts of three seasons with the Tri-City Americans, racking up 85 points (19G-66A) in 136 regular-season matches. Parker Snell St. Albert, Alta.'s Parker Snell snuck up on many people in his rookie WHL run. The 6-foot-2, 173-pound netminder went 21-9-1-0 with a 2.74 GAA, an .895 save percentage and three shutouts for his hometown Edmonton Oil Kings. Snell finished sixth in GAA among all qualified WHL netminders while tying for seventh in shutouts. He battled none other than Gardner in his first trip to the postseason and went 2-1-1 with a 2.22 GAA and .924 save percentage. He joined the prospect pool when Columbus called his name 142nd overall in the fifth round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Jonas Woo How much time do you have? Nineteen-year-old Jonas Woo shattered defensive scoring records in Medicine Hat with 29 goals (including four game-winners and a hat trick) and 57 assists for 68 points in 56 games. The 2025 WHL Champion led all WHL defencemen in points, while finishing second in goals among blueliners. His dominance spilled over to the playoffs, where Woo netted a hat trick in Game 1 of Medicine Hat's first-round series against Regina, and he went on to notch 17 points (8G-9A) while reaching the Eastern Conference Championship. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound defender owns 187 points (51G-136A) in 259 regular-season games with Medicine Hat and the Wenatchee Wild/Winnipeg ICE franchise, and is one of the WHL's active playoff games-played leaders with 71 postseason matches under his belt. He was named a finalist for WHL Defenceman of the Year and was chosen with the 185th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

Oil Kings equipment manager Dean accepts role with NHL’s Edmonton Oilers

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 18:05:26 +0000

Edmonton, Alta. – The Edmonton Oil Kings announced today that long-time Head Equipment Manager Rogan Dean has taken a new position with the Edmonton Oilers as an Assistant Equipment Manager.

Dean, from Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., is the longest serving staff member of the Oil Kings, having been with the club for the entirety of the team’s 19-year modern history, joining the club in 2007 when the team rejoined the Western Hockey League as a volunteer trainer’s assistant, before taking the full time Head Equipment Manager position the next season.

In those 19 years, Dean was a key cog behind the scenes for the Oil Kings as the team won three Ed Chynoweth Cups as WHL Champions, and the 2014 Memorial Cup as CHL Champions during his tenure.

“It’s hard to put into words how much Rogan has meant to the organization over the last 19 years,” said Oil Kings President and General Manager Michael Chan. “The title of Equipment Manager does not quite capture the impact he has had on every player and staff member that has walked through our dressing room doors. He has been a big brother, a mentor and a much-needed voice of reason to many over the years. Nobody has been more proud to represent the organization and uphold what it means to be an Edmonton Oil King - loyal, committed, passionate, driven. Rogan leaves a lasting impact on so many people as he moves on to the next level, and we could not be happier for him as he enters this new chapter of his career.”

During his 19-years with the club, Dean worked over 1,400 games between the regular season, playoffs, and Memorial Cup.

Dean has also spent time with Team Canada, including the 2011 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.

https://twitter.com/EdmOilKings/status/2080729845948989687?s=20

Warriors add veteran goaltender Switzer from Tigers

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 17:46:08 +0000

MOOSE JAW, Sask. - The Moose Jaw Warriors have acquired 2007-born goaltender and 2025 WHL Champion Jordan Switzer from the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick, a 2029 second-round pick, and a conditional sixth-round pick in 2030.

“Adding a goalie with the experience Jordan has will help our team keep building from the backend out,” said General Manager Jason Ripplinger.

In 44 games last season with the Tigers, Switzer (6’1, 185lbs) posted a record of 30-7-2-2 with a 2.85 goals-against average and .889 save percentage.

In 10 appearances in the 2026 WHL Playoffs, Switzer registered a 2.70 goals-against average and .898 save percentage along with a 7-2 record, including one shutout victory.

In 78 career regular-season appearances in the WHL, Switzer has earned a record of 54-14-4-2, a 2.78 goals-against average, and a .894 save percentage.

Switzer was drafted by the Medicine Hat Tigers 111th overall at the 2022 WHL Prospects Draft.

“We’d like to thank Jordan and his family for all of their contributions to our team and the community.” said Willie Desjardins, General Manager and Head Coach of the Tigers. “Jordan was an integral part to our championship team in 2024-25 and last year’s team. We appreciate all the time he spent with our organization and wish him all the best moving forward.”

Season tickets for the 2026/2027 season are on sale now at the Warriors Business Office or online.

Western Hockey League players and prospects named to European squads for 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 16:58:53 +0000

Calgary, Alta.- Ten European Western Hockey League players and prospects are getting ready to represent their countries at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. The group is headlined by six players, including three who have signed WHL Scholarship and Development Agreements, who will suit up for Czechia. Edmonton Oil Kings fans will have extra reason to cheer as forward Jonas Vanicek, who was selected by Edmonton with the 56th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 CHL Import Draft, prepares for his first games in his new junior hockey home, along with Oil Kings prospect Lukas Kachlir, who went 51st overall. Vanicek, a 6-foot, 168-pound centreman, signed with the Central Division club last week. CHL top-10 picks Dominick Byrtus (third overall / Lethbridge Hurricanes) and Dario Blengino (sixth overall / Everett Silvertips) have also confirmed they'll make the jump to the WHL in 2026-27. In addition to six Czechs, the group features one German defenceman, two Slovaks and a Swiss forward. Switzerland's Alessandro Domenichelli, 17, posted seven points (2G-5A) in 38 games with the Portland Winterhawks in 2025-26. At the time of publication, Finland has not yet released its roster for the tournament. The 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup runs from August 3-8 in Edmonton, Alta., with games set for the Downtown Community Arena and Rogers Place- home of the Oil Kings and the NHL's Edmonton Oilers. The action starts on Monday, August 3, with Czechia facing the defending champs from the United States at 1:00 p.m. MT, followed by a showdown between Germany and Finland at 3:00 p.m. MT, a tilt between Canada and Switzerland at 5:00 p.m. MT, and a 7:00 p.m. headliner between Slovkia and Sweden. Team Czechia

Last name	First name	WHL Club	Hometown	Height	Weight	Position
Blengino*	Dario	Everett	Plzen, Cze.	6'1	185	F
Byrtus*	Dominick	Lethbridge	Philadelphia, Penn.	5'10	181	D
Hornig	Petr	Kelowna	Liberec, Cze.	5'8	163	F
Kachlir	Lukas	Edmonton	Havlickuv Brod, Cze.	5'8	150	D
Vanha	Oliver	Lethbridge	Prague, Cze.	6'3	187	F
Vanicek*	Jonas	Edmonton	Decin, Cze.	6'0	168	F

Team Germany

Last name	First name	WHL Club	Hometown	Height	Weight	Position
Schwarz	Jonas	Spokane	Landshut, Ger.	6'0	172	F

Team Slovakia

Last name	First name	WHL Club	Hometown	Height	Weight	Position
Botka	Oliver	Vancouver	Martin, Svk.	6'1	171	D
Melicherik	Max	Portland	Trencin, Svk.	6'2	183	F

Team Switzerland

Last name	First name	WHL Club	Hometown	Height	Weight	Position
Domenicelli	Alessandro	Portland	Lugano, Sui.	5'11	183	F

*- Player has signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Four WHL players named to U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team for 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 15:06:06 +0000

Calgary, Alta. – Four players signed to WHL Standard Player Agreements have been named to the roster for the U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team, USA Hockey announced Monday afternoon.

The WHL will be represented by three forwards and one goaltender on the U.S. roster at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, which is scheduled for Monday, August 3, through Saturday, August 8, in Edmonton, Alta.

U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team – WHL Players

Last Name	First Name	WHL Club	Hometown	Ht	Wt	Pos
Burcar	Gavin	Spokane Chiefs	Cota de Caza, Calif.	6’2”	174	F
DeMars	Brooks	Penticton Vees	Hugo, Minn.	6’1”	183	F
Grubb	Colin	Brandon Wheat Kings	Minot, N.D.	5’11”	174	F
Tate	Kaeden	Kamloops Blazers	Huntington Beach, Calif.	6’3”	165	G

Gavin Burcar, Spokane Chiefs

The 6-foot-2, 174-pound Burcar spent the 2025-26 season with the Spokane Chiefs, appearing in 63 games and recording 17 points (7G-10A). Hailing from Cota de Caza, Calif., Burcar also dressed in four playoff games for the Chiefs. He made his WHL debut September 19, 2025, registering one assist in an 8-2 victory at Kelowna. Burcar recorded a career-high three points (1G-2A) December 16, 2025, in a 9-2 home triumph over Portland.

Brooks DeMars, Penticton Vees

The 6-foot-1, 183-pound product of Hugo, Minn., dressed in 50 games for the Penticton Vees during the 2025-26 campaign, collecting 13 points (6G-7A) along the way. DeMars also saw action in five post-season contests for the Vees, who claimed the WHL’s B.C. Division title as an expansion team. DeMars made his WHL debut September 19, 2025, at Victoria. He scored his first-career WHL goal November 29, 2025, at Kamloops.

Colin Grubb, Brandon Wheat Kings

The 5-foot-11, 174-pound Grubb was selected by the Wheat Kings in the first round (14th overall) of the 2024 WHL U.S. Priority Draft. The native of Minot, N.D., signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Wheat Kings on April 17, 2026, and is expected to join the Club for the 2026-27 season. Grubb spent the 2025-26 campaign with Shattuck St. Mary’s 18U Prep, registering 40 points (13G-27A) in 51 high school games.

Kaeden Tate, Kamloops Blazers

The 6-foot-3, 165-pound Tate, appeared in two games with the Kamloops Blazers during the 2025-26 season, going 2-0-0-0 with a 2.51 goals-against average and .919 save percentage. A native of Huntington Beach, Calif., Tate was selected by the Blazers in the second round (23rd overall) of the 2024 WHL U.S. Priority Draft. He signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Blazers on September 9, 2025. Tate made his WHL debut November 15, 2025, turning aside 22 of 24 shots in a 6-2 home win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The U.S. Under-18 Men’s Select Team enters the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup with sights set on defending its gold-medal performance from 2025. The U.S. will open the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup Monday, August 3, when they face Czechia at 1 p.m. MT. Next up, the U.S. will challenge Finland on Tuesday, August 4, before wrapping preliminary action Wednesday, August 5, against Germany.

Prior to tournament action, the U.S. will play Slovakia in pre-tournament competition Saturday, August 1.

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.

McSweeney’s WHL Community Collective: Prince George Cougars

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 20:18:40 +0000

Prince George may be the Northern Capital, but the Cougars' ability to impact communities stretches far past city limits. Look no further than the Spirit of Healthy Kids Program. The program initially launched as a reading program back in 2015, but has since expanded to share lessons about healthy habits, kindness and community involvement. In addition to school visits that see players read to classes and take part in group activities, the Cougars have teamed up with Spirit of the North to create videos covering everything from proper teeth brushing to managing screen time. "Screens have a way of sucking us in," forward Townes Kozicky explained in one video. "If we're not careful, we can lose control of our whole day and we can end up feeling low energy and down on ourselves." "The more time we spend on screens, the less time we have for other activities," defenceman Eli Johnson added. "Real life happens off screen. Don't miss it." More than 33,000 students in 220 elementary schools across Northern B.C. take part in the program and even come up with their own creative initiatives designed to encourage healthy lifestyles. This season, École La Grande-Ourse in Smithers, B.C., won a $5,000 prize for its 'Eat the Rainbow' challenge, which saw 100% participation among its small but strong population of 23 students. Another $5,000 in grants has been distributed to five other schools right in Prince George and as far away as Terrace, B.C. "While winning is certainly exciting, the true success of this program is the positive impact it has on the lives of young people across our region," a Cougars press release said. "By encouraging healthy habits and active lifestyles, schools are helping build a healthier and happier future for our children." The Cats look forward to seeing the program return for its 11th season in 2026-27.

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.