Lethbridge, AB – The Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club have announced the signing of 2009-born defenceman Dominick Byrtus to a Western Hockey League Scholarship and Development Agreement.
Byrtus, 17, was selected by the Hurricanes in the first-round (3rd overall) of the 2026 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft in June. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, product is a dual citizen of both the United States and Czechia. During the 2025-2026 season, he amassed 12 points (4g-8a) along with 16 penalty minutes in 23 regular season games with HC Ocelari Trinec U20 team before adding seven assists and 11 penalty minutes in 10 post-season games. Byrtus also appeared in 22 regular season games on loan to HC Frydek-Mistek club in the Czechia2 league where he collected two points (1g-1a) along with a minus-1 rating.
“We are very excited to welcome Dominick to the Hurricanes. He is a smart, mobile defenseman who moves the puck well, competes hard and plays with confidence,” said Hurricanes General Manager Barclay Parneta. “We believe his game will translate well to the WHL, and we look forward to helping him continue his development in Lethbridge.”
The 5’10, 190-pound defenceman is currently representing Czechia at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup alongside fellow ‘Canes Import Draft pick Oliver Vanha. Byrtus has represented Czechia previously at the U17 and U18 levels. He skated in seven games recording three assists at the World Under-18 Championship while also skating in four games being held pointless with the Czechia U17 team at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge.
During the 2025-2026 season, the left-shot rearguard appeared in 23 games with the Czechia U18 club in international play amassing nine points (4g-5a) along with six penalty minutes while also skating in four international contents with the Czechia U17 team. He helped Czechia earn a Bronze medal at the World U18 Championships.
Byrtus is the first of the ‘Canes trio of Czechia-born players from the 2026 CHL Import Draft to sign with the Hurricanes.
Season Tickets for the 2026-2027 season, which will mark the Hurricanes 40th 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.
