[{"id":268555,"date":"2026-06-30T17:31:26","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T23:31:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/?p=268555"},"modified":"2026-06-30T17:43:05","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T23:43:05","slug":"whl-clubs-select-44-players-from-nine-nations-in-2026-chl-import-draft","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/article\/whl-clubs-select-44-players-from-nine-nations-in-2026-chl-import-draft","title":{"rendered":"WHL clubs select 44 players from nine nations in 2026 CHL Import Draft"},"content":{"rendered":"

Calgary, Alta. \u2013<\/strong> The Western Hockey League announced today that 44 players have been selected from nine different nations by WHL Clubs through the 2026 CHL Import Draft, which was completed online on Tuesday.<\/p>\n

The contingent includes nine players who have been drafted by NHL teams, including Josh Floris<\/strong> (Vancouver Giants \/ Nashville Predators), Zeb Lindgren<\/strong> (Red Deer Rebels \/ New York Rangers), Vladimir Proskurin<\/strong> (Victoria Royals \/ St. Louis Blues), Mikhail Cherepanov<\/strong> (Kamloops Blazers \/ Dallas Stars), Jakob Leander<\/strong> (Calgary Hitmen \/ Calgary Flames), Arvid Drott<\/strong> (Medicine Hat Tigers \/ Florida Panthers), Samuel Hrenak<\/strong> (Moose Jaw Warriors \/ Winnipeg Jets), Noel Pakarinen<\/strong> (Penticton Vees \/ Vegas Golden Knights) and Reko Alanko<\/strong> (Seattle Thunderbirds \/ Utah Mammoth).<\/p>\n

The 2026 CHL Import Draft featured new rules which allow 20-year-old import players to be selected in any round.<\/p>\n

Sixteen-year-old import players are only eligible to be chosen in the first round.<\/p>\n

WHL clubs may only roster one 16-year-old import player per season, and that player can\u2019t be traded or replaced during their 16-year-old season.<\/p>\n

The 2026 CHL Import Draft saw 21 WHL teams select one 2006-born player, 12 2007-born players, 18 2008-born players, 11 2009-born players and two 2010-born players.<\/p>\n

Czechia led the way with 16 players selected, followed by Finland and Russia with eight apiece, five from Slovakia, three from Sweden, and one player from Latvia, Germany, Kazakhstan and Austria.<\/p>\n

The three-round draft takes place online with the order of selection rotating through each of the CHL\u2019s three leagues \u2013 the WHL, the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).<\/p>\n

Import players developed through the Western Hockey League have seen tremendous success both in the WHL and at the NHL Draft.<\/p>\n

The 2026 NHL Draft saw 2026 WHL Champion and Memorial Cup All-Star Team member Matias Vanhanen<\/strong> (Everett Silvertips) selected 37th<\/sup> overall in the second round by the New Jersey Devils after going undrafted in his first season of eligibility. Vanhanen is one of seven import WHLers drafted in 2026, joining Jakub Vanecek<\/strong> (Tri-City Americans \/ Dallas Stars), Michal Orsulak<\/strong> (Prince Albert Raiders \/ Detroit Red Wings), Yaroslav Bryzgalov<\/strong> (Medicine Hat Tigers \/ Vancouver Canucks), Marek Sklenicka <\/strong>(Seattle Thunderbirds \/ Philadelphia Flyers), Tobias Tvrznik<\/strong> (Wenatchee Wild \/ Colorado Avalanche) and Filip Ruzicka<\/strong> (Brandon Wheat Kings \/ Minnesota Wild).<\/p>\n

The CHL Import Draft saw WHL Clubs select 27 forwards, 14 defencemen and three goaltenders.<\/p>\n

For complete results from the 2026 CHL Import Draft, please visit: CHL.ca\/draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n

2026 CHL Import Draft<\/u><\/strong> \u2013 WHL Selections<\/strong><\/p>\n

First Round<\/strong><\/p>\n

3. Lethbridge Hurricanes:<\/strong> Dominick Radim Byrtus (D) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 5\u201910\u201d \/ 190 lbs. \u2013 April 20, 2009
\n6. Everett Silvertips (from Swift Current):<\/strong> Dario Blengino (LW) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 6\u20190\u201d \/ 168 lbs. \u2013 Feb. 20, 2009
\n9. Vancouver Giants:<\/strong> Jakub Floris (D) \u2013 Slovakia \u2013 6\u20193\u201d \/ 194 lbs. \u2013 Feb. 18, 2008
\n12. Tri-City Americans (from Wenatchee):<\/strong> David Huk (C) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 6\u20192\u201d \/ 206 lbs \u2013 Nov. 9, 2008
\n15. Moose Jaw Warriors:<\/strong> Rasmus Kamarainen (LW) \u2013 Finland \u2013 5\u201911\u201d \/ 176 lbs. \u2013 June 4, 2007
\n18. Regina Pats (from Red Deer):<\/strong> Ossi Tukio (D) \u2013 Finland \u2013 6\u20192\u201d \/ 186 lbs. \u2013 Nov. 2, 2007
\n21. Swift Current Broncos (from Tri-City):<\/strong> Yuri Vlasenko (D) \u2013 Austria \u2013 6\u20192\u201d \/ 170 lbs. \u2013 July 18, 2010
\n24. Red Deer Rebels (from Regina):<\/strong> Zeb Lindgren (D) \u2013 Sweden \u2013 6\u20191\u201d \/ 198 lbs. \u2013 April 13, 2007
\n27. Victoria Royals:<\/strong> Vladimir Proskurin (G) \u2013 Russia \u2013 6\u20191\u201d \/ 170 lbs. \u2013 May 27, 2008
\n30. Portland Winterhawks:<\/strong> Max Melicherik (RW) \u2013 Slovakia \u2013 6\u20192\u201d \/ 183 lbs. \u2013 Nov. 27, 2010
\n33. Kelowna Rockets (from Seattle): <\/strong>Jakub Frolo (C) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 6\u20191\u201d \/ 194 lbs. \u2013 Dec. 4, 2007
\n36. Spokane Chiefs:<\/strong> Matej Tomanek (LW) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 5\u20198\u201d \/ 171 lbs. \u2013 Sept. 20, 2008
\n39. Kamloops Blazers:<\/strong> Mikhail Cherepanov (D) \u2013 Russia \u2013 6\u20192\u201d \/ 188 lbs. \u2013 Feb. 14, 2008
\n42. Saskatoon Blades:<\/strong> Martin Psohlavec (G) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 6\u20195\u201d \/ 183 lbs. \u2013 May 5, 2008
\n45. Brandon Wheat Kings:<\/strong> Kristof Muissu (RW) \u2013 Russia \u2013 6\u20193\u201d \/ 214 lbs. \u2013 Aug. 21, 2006
\n48. Calgary Hitmen:<\/strong> Jakob Leander (D) \u2013 Sweden \u2013 6\u20194\u201d \/ 196 lbs. \u2013 Feb. 2, 2007
\n51. Edmonton Oil Kings (from Kelowna):<\/strong> Lukas Kachlir (D) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 5\u20198\u201d \/ 150 lbs. \u2013 Sept. 4, 2009
\n54. Saskatoon Blades (from Prince George):<\/strong> Yegor Gusev (LW) \u2013 Russia \u2013 6\u20190\u201d \/ 165 lbs. \u2013 April 23, 2007
\n56. Edmonton Oil Kings:<\/strong> Jonas Vanicek (C) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 6\u20190\u201d \/ 168 lbs. \u2013 April 5, 2009
\n58. Victoria Royals (from Penticton):<\/strong> Marek Peroutka (C) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 6\u20194\u201d \/ 192 lbs. \u2013 Nov. 27, 2007
\n59. Medicine Hat Tigers:<\/strong> Arvid Drott (RW) \u2013 Sweden \u2013 6\u20190\u201d \/ 187 lbs. \u2013 Aug. 10, 2007
\n60. Prince Albert Raiders:<\/strong> Oskars Luks (D) \u2013 Latvia \u2013 6\u20195\u201d \/ 215 lbs. \u2013 Oct. 11, 2008
\n61. Everett Silvertips:<\/strong> Atte Vuori (C) \u2013 Finland \u2013 5\u201911\u201d \/ 167 lbs. \u2013 Jan. 22, 2008<\/p>\n

Second Round<\/strong><\/p>\n

64. Lethbridge Hurricanes:<\/strong> Oliver Sichtar (RW) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 6\u20194\u201d \/ 195 lbs. \u2013 March 1, 2008
\n67. Swift Current Broncos:<\/strong> Oliver Torkki (RW) \u2013 Finland \u2013 6\u20191\u201d \/ 193 lbs. \u2013 March 2, 2008
\n70. Vancouver Giants: <\/strong>Oliver Botka (D) \u2013 Slovakia \u2013 6\u20192\u201d \/ 171 lbs. \u2013 April 1, 2009
\n73. Medicine Hat Tigers (from Wenatchee): <\/strong>Dennis Pasler (D) \u2013 Russia \u2013 6\u20195\u201d \/ 204 lbs. \u2013 April 21, 2008
\n76. Moose Jaw Warriors:<\/strong> Samuel Hrenak (G) \u2013 Slovakia \u2013 6\u20193\u201d \/ 190 lbs. \u2013 March 18, 2008
\n82. Calgary Hitmen (from Tri-City):<\/strong> Artyom Katsuro (LW) \u2013 Russia \u2013 6\u20190\u201d. 167 lbs. \u2013 Jan. 1, 2009
\n85. Regina Pats: Tomas<\/strong> Cermak (D) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 6\u20193\u201d \/ 190 lbs. \u2013 June 28, 2008
\n88. Penticton Vees (from Victoria):<\/strong> Noel Pakarinen (LW) \u2013 Finland \u2013 6\u20192\u201d \/ 200 lbs. \u2013 July 8, 2008
\n91. Swift Current Broncos (from Portland): <\/strong>Stepan Farushev (LW) \u2013 Russia \u2013 6\u20195\u201d \/ 161 lbs. \u2013 Nov. 30, 2009
\n94. Seattle Thunderbirds:<\/strong> Reko Alanko (D) \u2013 Finland \u2013 6\u20196\u201d \/ 203 lbs. \u2013 July 14, 2007
\n97. Spokane Chiefs:<\/strong> Jonas Schwarz (C) \u2013 Germany \u2013 5\u201911\u201d \/ 166 lbs. \u2013 April 9, 2009
\n100. Kamloops Blazers:<\/strong> Yegor Kravchenko (LW) \u2013 Kazakhstan \u2013 5\u201911\u201d \/ 157 lbs. \u2013 Dec. 4, 2008
\n103. Saskatoon Blades:<\/strong> Alexander Sapozhnikov (D) \u2013 Russia \u2013 6\u20196\u201d \/ 209 lbs \u2013 Jan. 16, 2007
\n106. Brandon Wheat Kings:<\/strong> Ilari Kapanen (LW) \u2013 Finland \u2013 5\u201911\u201d \/ 161 lbs. \u2013 June 11, 2007
\n112. Seattle Thunderbirds (from Kelowna):<\/strong> Dominik Ripa (C) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 5\u20199\u201d \/ 164 lbs. \u2013 Sept. 6, 2008
\n117. Edmonton Oil Kings:<\/strong> Olli Wahlroos (LW) \u2013 Finland \u2013 6\u20191\u201d \/ 188 lbs \u2013 Feb. 14, 2008
\n119. Penticton Vees:<\/strong> Dominik Drabek (RW) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 5\u201911\u201d \/ 183 lbs. \u2013 March 20, 2009<\/p>\n

Third Round<\/strong><\/p>\n

125. Lethbridge Hurricanes:<\/strong> Oliver Vanha (C) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 6\u20193\u201d \/ 187 lbs \u2013 April 21, 2009
\n146. Regina Pats: <\/strong>Samuel Karsay (LW) \u2013 Slovakia \u2013 6\u20191\u201d \/ 172 lbs. \u2013 March 11, 2008
\n158. Spokane Chiefs:<\/strong> Jan Brabenec (C) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 6\u20194\u201d \/ 181 lbs. \u2013 Oct. 1, 2007
\n173. Kelowna Rockets:<\/strong> Petr Hornig (RW) \u2013 Czechia \u2013 5\u201910\u201d \/ 165 lbs. Oct. 14, 2009<\/p>\n

About the Western Hockey League<\/strong><\/p>\n

Regarded as the world\u2019s 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\u2019s National Junior Hockey Team.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

-30-<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Calgary, Alta. \u2013 The Western Hockey League announced today that 44 players have been selected from nine different nations by WHL Clubs through the 2026 CHL Import Draft, which was completed online on Tuesday. The contingent includes nine players who have been drafted by NHL teams, including Josh Floris (Vancouver Giants \/ Nashville Predators), Zeb…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":487,"featured_media":268557,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"article","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1110],"tags":[{"term_id":2416,"name":"2026 CHL Import Draft","slug":"2026-chl-import-draft","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2416,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":1528,"name":"WHL to NHL","slug":"whl-to-nhl","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1528,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":126,"filter":"raw","term_order":"832"}],"class_list":["post-268555","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-article","tag-2026-chl-import-draft","tag-whl-to-nhl","category-1110","description-off"],"acf":[],"featured_image":["https:\/\/media.chl.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/06\/30172712\/1920-3.png",1920,1080,false],"hide_from_app_feed":false,"video":false,"gallery":null,"ht_game_id":0,"target_video":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268555","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/487"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=268555"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268555\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":268560,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268555\/revisions\/268560"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/268557"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=268555"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=268555"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=268555"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":268505,"date":"2026-06-30T17:10:23","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T23:10:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/?p=268505"},"modified":"2026-06-30T17:10:23","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T23:10:23","slug":"2026-whl-player-tracker-nhl-development-camps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/article\/2026-whl-player-tracker-nhl-development-camps","title":{"rendered":"2026 WHL Player Tracker: NHL Development Camps"},"content":{"rendered":"

As any pro will tell you, it’s not about where- or if- you’re drafted; it’s about what you do with the opportunity. With the book closed on the 2026 NHL Draft, prospects, minor professionals and free agents have received invitations to NHL development camps. This includes five current WHLers and two alumni selected in the first round in Buffalo. <\/em>The player tracker will be updated as more teams release camp rosters and denotes the most recent WHL club the player has suited up for.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Anaheim Ducks<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Noah Kosick, Seattle Thunderbirds (2026- 6th round, 192nd overall)<\/p>\n

F- Roger McQueen, Brandon Wheat Kings (2025- 1st round, 10th overall)<\/em><\/p>\n

F- Mathis Preston, Vancouver Giants (2026- 2nd round, 60th overall)<\/p>\n

F- Brady Turko, Brandon Wheat Kings (2025- 7th round, 200th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Tarin Smith, Everett Silvertips (2024- 3rd round, 79th overall)<\/p>\n

Boston Bruins<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Jaxsin Vaughan, Everett Silvertips (camp invite)<\/p>\n

Buffalo Sabres<\/strong><\/p>\n

D- Radim Mrtka, Seattle Thunderbirds (2025, 1st round, 9th overall)*<\/p>\n

D- Daxon Rudolph, Prince Albert Raiders (2026, 1st round, 4th overall)<\/p>\n

Calgary Flames<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Max Curran, Edmonton Oil Kings (2024, 5th round, 161st overall (COL))<\/p>\n

F- Chase Harrington, Spokane Chiefs (2026, 2nd round, 36th overall)<\/p>\n

F- Joe Iginla, Vancouver Giants (2026, 3rd round, 65th overall)<\/p>\n

F- Brett Olson, Vancouver Giants (camp invite)<\/p>\n

F- Cole Reschny, Victoria Royals (2025, 1st round, 18th overall)<\/em><\/p>\n

D- Carson Carels, Prince George Cougars (2026, 1st round, 6th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Bode Laylin, Everett Silvertips (2026, 6th round, 164th)**<\/p>\n

Carolina Hurricanes<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Zach Lansard, Regina Pats (2026- 3rd round, 68th overall)<\/p>\n

Chicago Blackhawks<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Nathan Behm, Kamloops Blazers (2025- 3rd round, 66th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Ashton Cumby, Seattle Thunderbirds (2025- 6th round, 162nd overall)<\/p>\n

Colorado Avalanche<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Rilen Kovacevic, Prince Albert Raiders (camp invite)<\/em><\/p>\n

F- Beckett Hamilton, Red Deer Rebels (2026, 3rd round, 74th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Saige Weinstein, Spokane Chiefs (camp invite)<\/em><\/p>\n

D- Ethan Weber, Penticton Vees (camp invite)<\/p>\n

G- Tobias Tvrznik, Wenatchee Wild (2026, 4th round, 126th overall)<\/p>\n

Columbus Blue Jackets<\/strong><\/p>\n

F-\u00a0Cayden Lindstrom, Medicine Hat Tigers (2024, 1st round, fourth overall)<\/em><\/p>\n

D- Charlie Elick, Tri-City Americans (2024, 2nd round, 36th overall)*<\/p>\n

D-\u00a0Jackson Smith, Tri-City Americans (2025, 1st round, 14th overall)<\/em><\/p>\n

D- Jonas Woo, Medicine Hat Tigers (2026, 6th round, 185th overall)<\/p>\n

G- Evan Gardner, Saskatoon Blades (2024, 2nd round, 60th overall)*<\/p>\n

G- Aiden Hesse, Calgary Hitmen (camp invite)<\/p>\n

G- Parker Snell, Edmonton Oil Kings (2026, 5th round, 142nd overall)<\/p>\n

Dallas Stars<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Kyle Chyzowski, Portland Winterhawks (camp invite)<\/em><\/p>\n

F- Josh Evaschesen, Kamloops Blazers (camp invite)<\/em><\/p>\n

F- Jaxon Fuder, Edmonton Oil Kings (free agent signing)*<\/p>\n

F- Brandon Gorzynski, Prince Albert Raiders (2025, 4th round, 126th overall)<\/p>\n

F- Carson Latimer, Red Deer Rebels (2021, 4th round, 123rd overall (OTT))<\/p>\n

F- Cameron Schmidt, Victoria Royals (2025, 3rd round, 94th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Reese Hamilton, Regina Pats (camp invite)<\/p>\n

D- Keith McInnis, Kelowna Rockets (camp invite)<\/p>\n

D- Niilopekka Muhonen, Medicine Hat Tigers (2024- 5th round, 158th overall)*<\/p>\n

D- Jakub Vanecek, Tri-City Americans (2026, 2nd round, 59th overall)<\/p>\n

Detroit Red Wings<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Carter Bear, Everett Silvertips (2025, 1st round, 13th overall)*<\/p>\n

F- J.P. Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers (2026, 1st round, 23rd overall)<\/p>\n

D- Justice Christensen, Prince Albert Raiders (signed by AHL Grand Rapids)*<\/p>\n

G- Michal Orsulak, Prince Albert (2026, 3rd round, 79th overall)<\/p>\n

Edmonton Oilers<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Tommy Lafreniere, Kamloops Blazers (2025, 3rd round, 83rd overall)<\/p>\n

F- David Lewandowski, Saskatoon Blades (2025, 4th round, 117th overall)<\/p>\n

F- Aidan Park, Calgary Hitmen (2025, 7th round, 223rd overall)<\/em><\/p>\n

G- Johnny Hicks, Victoria Royals (camp invite)<\/em><\/p>\n

G- Connor Ungar, Moose Jaw Warriors (free agent signing)*<\/em><\/p>\n

*Vancouver Giants draft pick Chloe Primerano is part of a trio of female skaters to earn camp invitations<\/p>\n

Florida Panthers<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Shea Busch, Everett Silvertips (2025- 4th round, 128th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Brendan Dunphy, Wenatchee Wild (2025- 7th round, 197th overall)<\/em><\/p>\n

D- Jonas Kemps, Seattle Thunderbirds (4th round, 98th overall)**<\/p>\n

Los Angeles Kings<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Louis Wehmann, Penticton Vees (camp invite)<\/p>\n

F- Vojtech Cihar, Kelowna Rockets (2025, 2nd round, 59th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Will Sharpe, Kelowna Rockets (2025, 7th round, 216th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Nate Corbet, Kelowna Rockets (camp invite)<\/p>\n

D- Giorgos Pantelas, Brandon Wheat Kings (2026, 5th round, 153rd overall)<\/p>\n

Minnesota Wild<\/strong><\/p>\n

TBA<\/p>\n

Montreal Canadiens<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Tyler Deakos, Penticton Vees (2026, 7th round, 224th overall)**<\/p>\n

F- Hayden Paupanekis, Kelowna Rockets (2025, 3rd round, 69th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Brayden Klimpke, Saskatoon Blades (2026, 4th round, 117th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Bryce Pickford, Medicine Hat Tigers (2025, 3rd round, 81st overall)*<\/p>\n

D- Timofei Runtso, Victoria Royals (2026, 2nd round, 57th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Nolan Stevenson, Penticton Vees (camp invite)<\/p>\n

Nashville Predators<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Miguel Marques, Lethbridge Hurricanes (2024- 3rd round, 87th overall)<\/em><\/p>\n

F- Hiroki Gojsic, Kelowna Rockets (2024- 3rd round, 94th overall)*<\/p>\n

New Jersey Devils<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Matias Vanhanen, Everett Silvertips (2026, 2nd round, 37th overall)<\/p>\n

F- Luke Wilfley, Portland Winterhawks (2026, 6th round, 172nd overall)<\/p>\n

New York Islanders<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Jacob Kvasnicka, Penticton Vees (2025, 7th round, 202nd overall)<\/p>\n

F- Tomas Poletin, Kelowna Rockets (2025, 4th round, 106th overall)<\/p>\n

G- Daniel Hauser, Calgary Hitmen (camp invite)<\/em><\/p>\n

G- Burke Hood, Vancouver Giants (2025, 6th round, 170th overall)<\/p>\n

New York Rangers<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Dayne Beuker, Lethbridge Hurricanes (camp invite)**<\/p>\n

F- Kalder Varga, Red Deer Rebels (camp invite)<\/p>\n

D- Ben MacBeath, Calgary Hitmen (2026, 2nd round, 64th overall)<\/p>\n

Ottawa Senators<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Luke Mistelbacher, Brandon Wheat Kings (signed by AHL Belleville)*<\/p>\n

F- Blake Vanek, Calgary Hitmen (2025, 3rd round, 93rd overall)<\/p>\n

F-\u00a0Shea Van Olm, Spokane Chiefs (camp invite)<\/em><\/p>\n

D- Carter Yakemchuk, Calgary Hitmen (2024, 1st round, seventh overall)<\/em>*<\/p>\n

Philadelphia Flyers<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Sawyer Dingman, Swift Current Broncos (camp invite)<\/p>\n

F- Matthew Gard, Red Deer Rebels (2025, 2nd round, 57th overall)<\/p>\n

F- Kent (KJ) Sauer, Edmonton Oil Kings (2026, 5th round, 136th overall)**<\/p>\n

D- Brek Liske, Everett Silvertips (2026, 2nd round, 53rd overall)<\/p>\n

D- Riley Steen, Medicine Hat Tigers (camp invite)<\/p>\n

D- Luke Vlooswyk, Red Deer Rebels (2025, 5th round, 157th overall)<\/p>\n

G- Carson Bjarnason, Brandon Wheat Kings (2023, 2nd round, 51st overall)*<\/em><\/p>\n

G- Marek Sklenicka, Seattle Thunderbirds (2026, 4th round, 120th overall)<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh Penguins<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Kale Dach, Calgary Hitmen (2025, 7th round, 201st overall)<\/p>\n

F- Ryan Miller, Portland Winterhawks (2025, 5th round, 130th overall)<\/p>\n

F- Liam Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers (2026, 1st round, 22nd overall)<\/p>\n

F- Markus Ruck, Medicine Hat Tigers (2026, 2nd round, 39th overall)<\/p>\n

F- Carter Sanderson, Calgary Hitmen (2026, 6th round, 169th overall)**<\/p>\n

D- Bennett Kelly, Prince Albert Raiders (camp invite)<\/p>\n

D- Peyton Kettles, Kelowna Rockets (2025, 2nd round, 39th overall)*<\/p>\n

G- Carter Casey, Medicine Hat Tigers (camp invite)<\/p>\n

G- Xavier Wendt, Tri-City Americans (camp invite)<\/p>\n

San Jose Sharks<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Jake Gustafson, Portland Winterhawks (2026, 6th round, 174th overall)<\/p>\n

F- Max Heise, Prince Albert Raiders (2025, 5th round, 150th overall)<\/p>\n

F- Carson Wetsch, Kelowna Rockets (2024, 3rd round, 82nd overall)*<\/p>\n

D- Ryan Lin, Vancouver Giants (2026, 1st round, 21st overall)<\/p>\n

D- Nate Misskey, Victoria Royals (2024, 5th round, 143rd overall)<\/em><\/p>\n

D- Colton Roberts, Vancouver Giants (2024, 5th round, 131st overall)<\/em><\/p>\n

D-\u00a0Keaton Verhoeff, Victoria Royals (2026, 1st round, 9th overall)<\/em><\/p>\n

G- Joshua Ravensbergen, Prince George Cougars (2024, 1st round, 30th overall)<\/p>\n

Seattle Kraken<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Clarke Caswell, Swift Current Broncos (2024, 5th round, 141st overall)<\/em><\/p>\n

F- Ryden Evers, Penticton Vees (signed agent signing)*<\/p>\n

F- Brody Gillespie, Spokane Chiefs (camp invite)<\/p>\n

F- Ollie Josephson, Red Deer Rebels (2024, 4th round, 105th overall)\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

D- Blake Fiddler, Edmonton Oil Kings (2025, 2nd round, 36th overall)<\/p>\n

St. Louis Blues<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Adam Jecho, Edmonton Oil Kings (2024, 3rd round, 95th overall)*<\/p>\n

Tampa Bay Lightning<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Carlin DeZainde, Prince George Cougars (camp invite)<\/p>\n

F- Aiden Foster, Prince George Cougars (2025, 4th round, 127th overall)<\/p>\n

G-\u00a0Harrison Meneghin, Medicine Hat Tigers (2024, 7th round, 206th overall)*<\/em><\/p>\n

Toronto Maple Leafs<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Miroslav Holinka, Edmonton Oil Kings (2024, 5th round, 151st overall)*<\/p>\n

F- Gavin McKenna, Medicine Hat Tigers (2026, 1st round, 1st overall)<\/p>\n

F- Zach Olsen, Saskatoon Blades (2026, 3rd round, 73rd overall)<\/p>\n

F- Cooper Williams, Saskatoon Blades (2026, 5th round, 158th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Ethan MacKenzie, Edmonton Oil Kings (2026, 3rd round, 69th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Matyas Man, Prince Albert Raiders (camp invite)<\/p>\n

D- Quinn Mantei, Brandon Wheat Kings (camp invite)<\/em><\/p>\n

G- Ethan McCallum, Penticton Vees (camp invite)<\/p>\n

Utah Mammoth<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Tij Iginla, Kelowna Rockets (2024, 1st round, 6th overall)*<\/p>\n

D- Terrell Goldsmith, Tri-City Americans (2023, 4th round, 102nd overall)*<\/p>\n

D- Max Psenicka, Portland Winterhawks (2025, 2nd round, 46th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Veeti Vaisanen, Medicine Hat Tigers (2024, 3rd round, 96th overall)<\/p>\n

Vancouver Canucks<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Braeden Cootes, Seattle Thunderbirds (2025, 1st round, 15th overall)*<\/p>\n

F- Connor Dale, Tri-City Americans (camp invite)<\/p>\n

D- Parker Alcos, Edmonton Oil Kings (2024, 6th round, 189th overall)<\/p>\n

G- Anders Miller, Everett Silvertips (camp invite)<\/p>\n

Vegas Golden Knights<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Alex Weiermair, Portland Winterhawks (2025, 6th round, 186th overall)*<\/p>\n

F- Jordan Gustafson, Lethbridge Hurricanes (2022, 3rd round, 79th overall)*<\/em><\/p>\n

F- Nathan Pilling, Seattle Thunderbirds (camp invite)<\/p>\n

F- Jonah Sivertson, Prince Albert Raiders (2026, 4th round, 113th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Sean Burick, Penticton Vees (2026, 3rd round, 95th overall)<\/p>\n

D- Viliam Kmec, Prince George Cougars (signed)*<\/em><\/p>\n

D- Will McLaughlin, Portland Winterhawks (2026, 5th round, 159th overall)<\/p>\n

G- Alex Levshyn, Prince George Cougars (camp invite)<\/p>\n

Washington Capitals<\/strong><\/p>\n

F- Brett Hyland, Brandon Wheat Kings (2023, 7th round, 200th overall)<\/p>\n

F- Lynden Lakovic, Moose Jaw Warriors (2025, 1st round, 27th overall)*<\/p>\n

F- Gavin Lesiuk, Lethbridge Hurricanes (camp invite)<\/p>\n

F- Terik Parascak, Prince George Cougars (2024, 1st round, 17th overall)*<\/p>\n

F- Tyus Sparks, Spokane Chiefs (2026, 4th round, 101st overall)<\/p>\n

F- Logan Stuart, Lethbridge Hurricanes (2026, 7th round, 208th overall)**<\/p>\n

G- AJ Reyelts, Penticton Vees (camp invite)<\/p>\n

Winnipeg Jets<\/strong><\/p>\n

F-\u00a0Brayden Yager, Lethbridge Hurricanes (2023, 1st round, 14th overall (PIT))*<\/em><\/p>\n

F- Jett Lajoie, Prince George Cougars (camp invite)<\/p>\n

F- Owen Martin, Spokane Chiefs (2025, 3rd round, 92nd overall)<\/p>\n

D- Brayden Crampton, Spokane Chiefs (camp invite)<\/p>\n

D- Noa Ta’amu, Edmonton Oil Kings (2026, 7th round, 199th overall)<\/p>\n

G- Max Hildebrand, Prince Albert Raiders (camp invite)<\/em><\/p>\n

G-\u00a0Alex Worthington, Edmonton Oil Kings (camp invite)<\/em><\/p>\n

*- Player has signed an NHL contract<\/p>\n

**- Incoming WHL player<\/p>\n

Italics indicate Western Hockey League alumni<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As any pro will tell you, it’s not about where- or if- you’re drafted; it’s about what you do with the opportunity. With the book closed on the 2026 NHL Draft, prospects, minor professionals and free agents have received invitations to NHL development camps. This includes five current WHLers and two alumni selected in the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":487,"featured_media":268554,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"article","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1110],"tags":[{"term_id":1528,"name":"WHL to NHL","slug":"whl-to-nhl","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1528,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":126,"filter":"raw","term_order":"832"},{"term_id":1301,"name":"2026 NHL Draft","slug":"2026-nhl-draft","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1301,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":130,"filter":"raw","term_order":"1029"}],"class_list":["post-268505","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-article","tag-whl-to-nhl","tag-2026-nhl-draft","category-1110","description-off"],"acf":[],"featured_image":["https:\/\/media.chl.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/06\/30170854\/Dev-Camps-1920.png",1920,1080,false],"hide_from_app_feed":false,"video":false,"gallery":null,"ht_game_id":0,"target_video":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268505","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/487"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=268505"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268505\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":268530,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268505\/revisions\/268530"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/268554"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=268505"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=268505"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=268505"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":268550,"date":"2026-06-30T16:43:54","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T22:43:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/?p=268550"},"modified":"2026-06-30T16:43:54","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T22:43:54","slug":"medicine-hat-portland-complete-trade-involving-flames-prospect-maceo-phillips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/article\/medicine-hat-portland-complete-trade-involving-flames-prospect-maceo-phillips","title":{"rendered":"Medicine Hat, Portland complete trade involving Flames prospect Mace’o Phillips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Medicine Hat, Alta – <\/strong>The Medicine Hat Tigers have acquired 2007-born defenceman Mace’o Phillips from the Portland Winterhawks in exchange for a third-round pick in 2027 and a fifth-round pick in 2029.<\/p>\n

Phillips, a 6-foot-6, 234-pound defenceman was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the third round (80th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. The Wayzata, Minnesota native tallied 11 points in 44 games with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL during the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Medicine Hat, Alta – The Medicine Hat Tigers have acquired 2007-born defenceman Mace’o Phillips from the Portland Winterhawks in exchange for a third-round pick in 2027 and a fifth-round pick in 2029. Phillips, a 6-foot-6, 234-pound defenceman was drafted by the Calgary Flames in the third round (80th overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft. The…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":130,"featured_media":268552,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"article","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1110],"tags":[{"term_id":2415,"name":"Mace'o Phillips","slug":"maceo-phillips","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2415,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1,"filter":"raw","term_order":"0"},{"term_id":1368,"name":"Calgary Flames","slug":"calgary-flames","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1368,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":9,"filter":"raw","term_order":"969"},{"term_id":30,"name":"medicine hat tigers","slug":"medicine-hat-tigers","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":185,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1238,"filter":"raw","term_order":"1787"},{"term_id":32,"name":"portland winterhawks","slug":"portland-winterhawks","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":181,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":1199,"filter":"raw","term_order":"1883"}],"class_list":["post-268550","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-article","tag-maceo-phillips","tag-calgary-flames","tag-medicine-hat-tigers","tag-portland-winterhawks","category-1110","description-off"],"acf":[],"featured_image":["https:\/\/media.chl.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/06\/30164325\/Phillips-Trade_1920.png",1920,1080,false],"hide_from_app_feed":false,"video":false,"gallery":null,"ht_game_id":0,"target_video":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268550","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/130"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=268550"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268550\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":268553,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268550\/revisions\/268553"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/268552"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=268550"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=268550"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=268550"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":268540,"date":"2026-06-30T14:00:25","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T20:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/?p=268540"},"modified":"2026-06-30T14:06:25","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T20:06:25","slug":"western-hockey-league-announces-2026-27-regular-season-schedule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/article\/western-hockey-league-announces-2026-27-regular-season-schedule","title":{"rendered":"Western Hockey League announces 2026-27 Regular Season schedule"},"content":{"rendered":"

Calgary, Alta. \u2013<\/strong> The Western Hockey League announced today the 782-game schedule for the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season.<\/p>\n

All 23 WHL Clubs will compete in a 68-game regular season, beginning Friday, September 18, 2026, and concluding Sunday, March 28, 2027.<\/p>\n

For the second consecutive regular season, Victory+ will serve as the exclusive streaming provider for the WHL, giving fans FREE<\/u><\/strong>access to all 782 WHL regular season games.<\/p>\n

The opening night of the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season will feature five games, with the Brandon Wheat Kings hosting the Saskatoon Blades, Calgary Hitmen welcoming the Red Deer Rebels, Lethbridge Hurricanes facing the Medicine Hat Tigers, Prince Albert Raiders taking on the Regina Pats, and Prince George Cougars rolling out the welcome mats for the Penticton Vees.<\/p>\n

The defending WHL Champion Everett Silvertips open their title defense Saturday, September 19, when the Portland Winterhawks visit Angel of the Winds Arena in downtown Everett.<\/p>\n

The 2026 CHL USA Prospects Challenge will be hosted by the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League in Chicoutimi and Quebec City, Que., on December 1 and 2, 2026.<\/p>\n

The 2027 WHL Prospects Game, set to be hosted in Brandon, Man., by the Brandon Wheat Kings, is scheduled for Wednesday, February 17, 2027.<\/p>\n

A total of 628 games on the WHL Regular Season schedule \u2013 over 80 per cent \u2013 will be played on weekends or holidays. By focusing the schedule on weekends and holidays, along with extending the WHL Regular Season calendar by one week, WHL Clubs can further enhance the WHL player experience by allowing additional time for training and skill development, as well as academic enrichment.<\/p>\n

The 782-game WHL Regular Season schedule concludes Sunday, March 28, 2027, with two games in the Central Division as the Edmonton Oil Kings welcome the Red Deer Rebels and the Medicine Hat Tigers host the Lethbridge Hurricanes.<\/p>\n

The 2027 WHL Playoffs and the battle for the Ed Chynoweth Cup will begin Wednesday, March 31, 2027, culminating with the 2027 WHL Championship Series from Friday, May 7, through Monday, May 17, 2027.<\/p>\n

The 2027 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota will be hosted in Guelph, Ont., by the Ontario Hockey League\u2019s Guelph Storm from Friday, May 21, through Sunday, May 30, 2027.<\/p>\n

About the Western Hockey League<\/strong><\/p>\n

Regarded as the world\u2019s 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\u2019s National Junior Hockey Team.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

All 23 WHL Clubs will compete in a 68-game regular season, beginning Friday, September 18, 2026, and concluding Sunday, March 28, 2027.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":116,"featured_media":268543,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"article","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1110],"tags":[{"term_id":1986,"name":"WHL Schedule","slug":"whl-schedule","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":1986,"taxonomy":"post_tag","description":"","parent":0,"count":6,"filter":"raw","term_order":"384"}],"class_list":["post-268540","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-article","tag-whl-schedule","category-1110","description-off"],"acf":[],"featured_image":["https:\/\/media.chl.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/6\/2026\/06\/30140015\/Regular-Season-Announcement_1920.png",1920,1080,false],"hide_from_app_feed":false,"video":false,"gallery":null,"ht_game_id":0,"target_video":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268540","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/116"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=268540"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268540\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":268545,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/268540\/revisions\/268545"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/268543"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=268540"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=268540"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=268540"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}},{"id":268534,"date":"2026-06-30T13:01:45","date_gmt":"2026-06-30T19:01:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/?p=268534"},"modified":"2026-06-30T13:01:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T19:01:45","slug":"state-of-the-western-hockey-league-june-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chl.ca\/whl\/article\/state-of-the-western-hockey-league-june-2026","title":{"rendered":"State of the Western Hockey League \u2013 June 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

Calgary, Alta. \u2013<\/strong> WHL Commissioner Dan Near issued today the following State of the Western Hockey League update following the successful conclusion of the 2025-26 WHL season, including changes to the WHL schedule and travel regulations aimed at improving the overall WHL Player Experience in response to feedback received directly through a survey of WHL players.<\/p>\n

SUCCESSES, 2025-26<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

WHL continues to thrive in its local communities<\/strong><\/p>\n

More than 3.2 million fans attended regular season WHL games this year, representing a 4% increase from 2024-25. The WHL averaged 4,144 attendees per game in the regular season, representing the highest average attendance of any Junior League in the world.<\/p>\n

WHL enjoys strong showing at 2026 NHL Draft <\/strong><\/p>\n

With four WHL players being selected in the top 10, the WHL led the way early in the first round of the 2026 NHL Draft. Of the first 100 players selected, 23 hailed from the WHL. The next highest total from any development league was the Ontario Hockey League with 16.<\/p>\n

Overall, the WHL saw 37 current players and two alumni selected in the 2026 NHL Draft, with the mark of 39 serving as the WHL\u2019s best total in over 15 seasons, since 43 players were selected in the 2010 NHL Draft.<\/p>\n

WHL on Victory+ sets records in 2025-26<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first regular season of the WHL on Victory+ was a resounding success, with average regular season viewership increasing by over 50 per cent year over year.<\/p>\n

The 2026 WHL Playoffs on Victory+ saw a 63-per-cent jump in average viewership, with WHL Playoff action generating audiences rivalling that of historical linear cable broadcasts.<\/p>\n

WHL on Victory+ is set to return FOR FREE once again in 2026-27.<\/p>\n

Kelowna Rockets host sold out Memorial Cup presented by Kubota<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 2026 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota was a smashing success in Kelowna, B.C., with every game of the tournament sold out at Prospera Place.<\/p>\n

Hosted in conjunction with the CHL\u2019s 50th Anniversary Season, the sport of hockey congregated in the beautiful Okanagan and enjoyed fantastic weather and competitive hockey featuring the WHL Champion Everett Silvertips, OHL Champion Kitchener Rangers, QMJHL Champion Chicoutimi Sagueneens, and host Kelowna Rockets.<\/p>\n

Everett Silvertips win franchise-first WHL Championship<\/strong><\/p>\n

In May, the Everett Silvertips capped a historic season by hoisting the Ed Chynoweth Cup for the first time in franchise history, defeating the Eastern Conference champion Prince Albert Raiders in five games.<\/p>\n

Seattle Kraken prospect Julius Miettinen was named WHL Playoff MVP, finishing tied for the lead in playoff scoring with 27 points.<\/p>\n

WHL stars secure Canadian Hockey League Awards in June<\/strong><\/p>\n

Four representatives from the WHL came home with hardware from the 2026 CHL Awards in Toronto earlier this month.<\/p>\n

Medicine Hat Tigers defenceman and Montreal Canadiens prospect Bryce Pickford was named CHL Defenceman of the Year, while Everett Silvertips Head Coach Steve Hamilton was presented with the CHL Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award. Medicine Hat Tigers forward Markus Ruck was crowned CHL Top Scorer, while Portland Winterhawks forward Alex Weiermair was named CHL Scholastic Player of the Year.<\/p>\n

2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass<\/strong><\/p>\n

The brand-new WHL Prospects Game made its debut in Langley, B.C., with 40 NHL Draft-eligible prospects putting on an entertaining showcase in front of hundreds of NHL scouts and a near sold-out crowd at the Langley Events Centre, home of the Vancouver Giants, while tens of thousands more watched free on Victory+.<\/p>\n

Team East defeated Team West in overtime, thanks to Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Daxon Rudolph, who scored the game-winning goal. The product of Lacombe, Alta., went on to be the first defenceman selected in the 2026 NHL Draft, when he was chosen by the Buffalo Sabres with the fourth-overall pick.<\/p>\n

WHL Scholarship<\/strong><\/p>\n

The 2025-26 campaign served as the 33rd year of the WHL Scholarship program. This season, 370 WHL graduate players have been awarded WHL Scholarships, representing an investment of over $40 million by WHL Clubs. This season, WHL Clubs have contributed nearly $3 million to the 370 WHL graduates utilizing the WHL Scholarship.<\/p>\n

Administered by the WHL Office, WHL Scholarships are solely funded by WHL member Clubs. Every player who plays in the WHL is eligible to receive the WHL Scholarship. For every season played in the WHL, players receive a guaranteed, full year of WHL Scholarship, including tuition, textbooks, and compulsory fees to a post-secondary institution of their choice. The WHL Scholarship is a full guaranteed academic scholarship with no requirement to play university hockey to qualify.<\/p>\n

NEW FOR 2026-27<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

One week extension of WHL Regular Season Schedule<\/strong><\/p>\n

Beginning with the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season, the WHL regular season schedule will extend by one week. The decompressed schedule will create additional rest and recovery for players, opportunity for additional strength and conditioning, and support the athletes\u2019 educational priorities.<\/p>\n

The 2026-27 WHL Regular Season begins Friday, September 18, and will end one week later than has been historically scheduled. The final day of the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season will be contested Sunday, March 28, 2027.<\/p>\n

The 2027 WHL Playoffs are scheduled to begin Wednesday, March 31. The WHL tiebreaker game will no longer be used to break a tie for the eighth seed in a conference.<\/p>\n

The decision to decompress the WHL schedule was approved by the WHL Board of Governors and WHL General Managers in association with a variety of initiatives to continue to augment the WHL Player Experience, to enhance player development, and to adapt to the changing hockey landscape.<\/p>\n

Air Travel for Select Road Games<\/strong><\/p>\n

Beginning with the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season, WHL Clubs will be permitted to travel via air for one (1) set of road games to start and return home, under the following parameters:<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to view the 2026-27 WHL Regular Season schedule in its entirety. Games, dates, locations, and times are all subject to change.<\/p>\n