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WHL This Week: January 16, 2025

Calgary, Alta. –  With the WHL Trade Deadline in the rearview mirror, the focus now shifts to playoffs races as Clubs jockey for position within their respective Conferences. Let’s tour around the WHL once again.

WHL HEADLINES

Sixty-six WHL players named to 2025 NHL Central Scouting Midterm Rankings

NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft are here and six WHL players find themselves in the top 20 among North American skaters, while Prince George Cougars netminder Joshua Ravensbergen tops the list of North American goaltenders. – FULL LIST

Cristall shines in return to Kelowna as Chiefs top Rockets on Wednesday Night in the Dub

Washington Capitals prospect Andrew Cristall scored twice and added two assists as the Spokane Chiefs topped the Kelowna Rockets on the latest edition of Wednesday Night in The Dub. – GAME STORY

WHL announces next set of Wednesday Night in The Dub freeview games

There is more free hockey on the horizon as Wednesday Night in The Dub games were announced for January 15 through February 19. – SCHEDULE

Kraken prospects featured as Chiefs host Silvertips on next Wednesday Night in The Dub

The WHL freeview action continues next week as the Kaden Hammell and the Everett Silvertips visit Berkly Catton and the Spokane Chiefs for an all-important U.S. Division clash. – YOUTUBE

Tigers coach Desjardins reaches 500 career wins

Willie Desjardins of the Medicine Hat Tigers is the 12th coach in WHL history to reach 500 career wins, following a victory over the Red Deer Rebels last Friday. – DETAILS

Capitals prospect Cristall named Tempo WHL Player of the Week

Prior to his explosive performance on Wednesday Night in The Dub, Andrew Cristall was named Tempo WHL Player of the Week after tallying seven points (3G-4A) in his weekend debut with the Chiefs. – DETAILS

Royals netminder Kraus named WHL Goaltender of the Week

Prior to being name to NHL Central Scouting’s Midterm Rankings, Victoria Royals keeper Jayden Kraus was named WHL Goaltender of the Week after going 3-0-0-0 with a 1.76 GAA and .932 SV% last week. – DETAILS

Blazers forward Lafreniere named WHL Rookie of the Week

It was a big week for Kamloops Blazers forward Tommy Lafreniere, who was named WHL Rookie of the Week on Monday and listed by NHL Central Scouting on Tuesday. – DETAILS

WHL announces changes to Hockey Operations department

The WHL has announced changes to its Hockey Operations department, including the introduction of Sean Marcellus (Senior Manager, Hockey Operations) and the promotion of Brad Ginnell (Manager, Hockey Operations & Recruitment). – MORE INFO

COMMUNITY CORNER

Giants to hold Friday Chuck-A-Puck to benefit those impacted by California wildfires

The Vancouver Giants have announced a special Chuck-A-Puck for Friday, January 17, with proceeds going directly to Home Bank LA, an extension of the non-profit A Sense of Home (ASOH), which helps to deliver home goods to those in urgent need. – MORE INFO

Hurricanes introduce SRI Homes Yager-Bombs Campaign

The Lethbridge Hurricanes have introduced the SRI Homes Yager-Bombs Campaign in support of the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories. The campaign will see SRI Homes donate $250 for each goal and $100 for each assist Brayden Yager records with the Hurricanes. – MORE INFO 

Cougars unveil 2025 Indigenous Weekend Jerseys

The Prince George Cougars will host 2025 Indigenous Weekend on January 24 and 25. Recently, they unveiled the special-edition sweaters they will wear, designed by Dakelh fine artist Kobe Antoine of the Lake Babine Nation. – PHOTOS

Pats partner with Heart & Stroke Foundation to promote heart awareness

The Regina Pats are engaging in a new partnership with the Heart & Stroke Foundation to raise awareness and support for heart health in the Queen City. The Pats will utilize their platform to promote healthy living, encourage heart health education, and support vital research into cardiovascular disease. – MORE INFO

Americans skate with Pendelton Youth program

For the third consecutive year, members of the Tri-City Americans visited the Pendelton Ice Sports Hockey Club to work with youth hockey players on skills. – FULL STORY

Warriors visit William Grayson School

Members of the Moose Jaw Warriors made a trip to William Grayson School to share in some storytime with luck students this past week. – PHOTOS

Winterhawks unveil Pacific Islander Celebration Night

The Portland Winterhawks have announced Pacific Islander Celebration Night on Saturday, February 8, featuring an evening of culture, community, and the rich heritage of the Pacific Islander community. – MORE INFO

Thunderbirds raise $9,800 for Puget Sound Firefighter’s Foundation

The Seattle Thunderbirds have raised $9,810 for the Puget Sound Firefighter’s Foundation and the Behind the Badge Foundation thanks to the South Sound Police vs. Fire Charity Cup this past Saturday. – PHOTO

Cougars join Prince George Special Olympics for floor hockey

Members of the Prince George Cougars joined local participants of the Prince George Special Olympics for a fun night of floor hockey this past week. – PHOTOS

Practice with the Pats welcomes George Gordon First Nation

Youth from George Gordon First Nation were treated to Practice with the Pats, led by members of the Regina Pats, including Connor Bear, Kolten Bridgemann, and Tristan and Taylor Frei, this past week. – PHOTOS

Blades help with practice for Aberdeen Minor Hockey U9

Morgan Tastad and Jordan Martin were out in the community rinks this past, helping Aberdeen Minor Hockey U9 with their practice. – PHOTOS

OTHER NEWS

Predators prospect Roest returned to Silvertips

The Everett Silvertips received a big boost on trade deadline day, as it was announced the Nashville Predators were assigning 20-year-old forward Austin Roest. – DETAILS

Western Canada Officiating Coaches Development focuses on work / life balance

The latest edition of the Western Canada Officiating Coaches Development Partnership video series hones in on work / life balance and life skills that can be developed through officiating. – WATCH

Rockets name Martin interim coach

Derrick Martin has been named the interim Head Coach of the Kelowna Rockets after Kris Mallette was relieved of his duties last Friday. – DETAILS

WHL ALUMNI NEWS

Carlsberg Alumni Spotlight: Milestones, debuts, and sibling rivalries

Former Regina Pats star Connor Bedard hits 100 career NHL points, while the Dach brothers go head to head and the Geekie brothers faceoff. Get caught up in the latest edition of the Carlsberg Alumni Spotlight. – READ MORE

WHL alumnus Finley makes debut with Lightning

Former Spokane Chiefs and Winnipeg ICE forward Jack Finley made his NHL debut this past week, suiting up with the Tampa Bay Lightning. – DETAILS

Former Warriors captain Mateychuk scores first NHL goal

Denton Mateychuk registered his first career NHL goal last week, striking in a 6-2 win over the Seattle Kraken.

Coburn and Benning to be inducted into Portland Winterhawks Hall of Fame

The Portland Winterhawks are set to honour two well known alumni, as former defencemen Braydon Coburn and Jim Benning will be inducted into the Club’s Hall of Fame on Sunday, March 9. – DETAILS

UNIVERSITY COMMITMENTS

WHL alumnus Feist commits to Mount Royal University

Layton Feist, who spent time with the Kamloops Blazers, Spokane Chiefs, and Regina Pats, is set to join the Mount Royal University Cougars of Canada West this semester. – DETAILS

Chiefs veteran Van Olm commits to Penn State

Spokane Chiefs 20-year-old Shea Van Olm is set to join Penn State University for the 2025-26 season upon the completion of his WHL eligibility. – DETAILS

Royals forward Lisowsky commits to Colorado College

Victoria Royals 20-year-old Brandon Lisowsky will head to Colorado College for the 2025-26 season upon the completion of his WHL eligibility. – DETAILS

Americans veteran Whynott commits to Bowling Green

Brandon Whynott of the Tri-City Americans will move on to Bowling Green State University in 2025-26, following the completion of his WHL eligibility. – DETAILS

Tigers forward Ward commits to Northern Michigan

Mathew Ward of the Medicine Hat Tigers will join Northern Michigan University for the 2025-26, upon the completion of his WHL eligibility. – DETAILS

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

Friday, January 17
Portland at Moose Jaw – 7 p.m. ST
Swift Current at Prince Albert – 7 p.m. ST
Edmonton at Regina – 7 p.m. ST
Red Deer at Saskatoon – 7 p.m. ST
Medicine Hat at Calgary – 7 p.m. MT
Tri-City at Vancouver – 7 p.m. PT
Lethbridge at Wenatchee – 7 p.m. PT
Kamloops at Victoria – 7:05 p.m. PT
Brandon at Everett – 7:05 p.m. PT
Seattle at Kelowna – 7:05 p.m. PT
Prince George at Spokane – 7:05 p.m. PT

Saturday, January 18
Edmonton at Moose Jaw – 7 p.m. ST
Red Deer at Prince Albert – 7 p.m. ST
Portland at Swift Current – 7 p.m. ST
Calgary at Medicine Hat – 7 p.m. MT
Wenatchee at Tri-City – 6:05 p.m. PT
Kamloops at Victoria – 6:05 p.m. PT
Kelowna at Seattle – 6:05 p.m. PT
Lethbridge at Spokane – 6:05 p.m. PT
Prince George at Everett – 6:05 p.m. PT

Sunday, January 19
Brandon at Vancouver – 2 p.m. PT
Swift Current at Saskatoon – 4 p.m. ST
Regina at Calgary – 4 p.m. MT
Tri-City at Wenatchee – 4 p.m. PT

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 offers a world-class player experience featuring three key cornerstones: hockey development, education, and a safe and positive environment for all participants. A diverse and inclusive organization, the WHL consists of 22 member Clubs with 16 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 close to 60 years. The WHL is also a 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.

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