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.