WHL

The WHL, the Western Hockey League, is a major junior league for players aged roughly 16 to 20 across Western Canada and the American Pacific Northwest. The WHL is one of the three leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League and a primary feeder to the NHL Draft. Everett won the Ed Chynoweth Cup in 2026, the franchise’s first, captained by Landon DuPont.

Founded	1966; the current name from 1978
Teams	23 for 2026-27
Part of	The Canadian Hockey League, with the OHL and QMJHL
Trophy	Ed Chynoweth Cup; the winner goes to the Memorial Cup
2026 champion	Everett Silvertips, 4-1 over Prince Albert
Memorial Cups	19 won by WHL clubs
Rule change	CHL players have been eligible for NCAA hockey since August 2025

Gavin McKenna names his childhood idol

What a talented player!

Everything you need to know about Gavin McKenna

What a talent!

Gavin McKenna pulls off a Michigan in playoff game

Gavin McKenna, 17, is expected to be drafted first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. Currently, the talented forward is playing playoff hockey in the WHL. Last night, he truly showcased his skill set with ...

Gavin McKenna scores ”goal of the year” in WHL playoffs

Gavin McKenna is the 17-year-old WHL prospect everyone expects to be drafted first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. Last night, the supertalent showed exactly why he’s on everybody’s radar. Born in 2007, Gavin McKenna ...

WHL forward suspended for club-record 25 games following dangerous hit; opponent sent to the hospital

Dangerous hit sent his opponent to the hospital

Connor Bedard scores unbelievable goal in WHL playoffs, fans are just getting more excited about his NHL arrival

Fans can't wait for his NHL arrival

Connor Bedard makes unbelievable return in first WHL game since winning the JWC, he just can’t stop scoring

The hype was real when Connor Bedard entered the World Junior Championship in late December. Bedard is one of the biggest talents we’ve ever seen, and the 17-year-old exceeded every expectation during the tournament. He ...