Vancouver Giants

Over the month of August, the Western Hockey League will be celebrating the WHL Graduates from the 2025-26 season in a 23-part, team-by-team series. Today, we continue with the graduating players from the Calgary Hitmen. Axel Hurtig (D) Hometown: Högås, SwedenWHL Career Stats: 119 GP – 11 G-24 A – 35 pointsNHL Draft: 2023 – Seventh Round, 208th Overall (Calgary Flames)CHL Import Draft: 2023 – First Round, 33rd Ov

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. The Islanders contingent includes two of the Western Conference's top rookies from 2025-26. Burke Hood A rash of injuries spelled doom for the Vancouver Giants' playoff hopes in 2025-26, but netminder Burke Hood was a bright spot for the young squad. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound puckstopper went 18-18-1-1 with a 3.83 goals-against average and an .892 save percentage, while making 40 or more saves on five occasions. The 19-year-old was drafted with the 170th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Hood has spent two seasons in the WHL, both with the Giants, and owns a career 37-31-7-1 record, a 3.48 GAA, a .901 save percentage and three shutouts. Daylan Kuefler  A full season

For the first time in a while, the Flyers are coming off a playoff run.That, of course, makes life a little different for the club’s amateur scouting staff leading up to the 2026 NHL draft. Barring a trade, the Flyers will pick at 21st overall. It’s their lowest first-round spot since 2020.But that was when the Flyers drafted a foundation piece,

Vandermeer brings 18 years of pro hockey experience, including 461 NHL games, while Dyck led Penn State to its first-ever Frozen Four appearance in 2024-25.

Ladner, B.C. - The Vancouver Giants announced today the hiring of Carson Dyck (Lethbridge, Alta.) and Jim Vandermeer (Caroline, Alta.) as Assistant Co... - WHL Vancouver Giants

Edmonton, Alta.- "Canada is golden!" After a 2025-26 season that saw Canada fail to capture a gold medal in a major international men's tournament, a dynamite group returned the country to the top of the podium with an 8-1 victory over the United States at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Captain and 2026 WHL Champion Landon DuPont, who is a projected top pick for the 2027 NHL Draft, logged four assists in the win, marking Canada's 14th gold medal in the last 18 editions of the tournament. The WHL's first exceptional-status defenceman changed the colour of his medal as the lone returning player from the 2025 bronze medal-winning squad. 2025 WHL first-overall pick Maddox Schultz (Regina, Sask.) was named Canada's Player of the Game with a two-goal, one-assist effort. Nine Canadian WHLers picked up a gold medal, while another four Americans, Kaeden Tate (Kamloops Blazers), Gavin Burcar (Spokane Chiefs), Brooks DeMars (Penticton Vees) and Colin Grubb (Brandon Wheat Kings

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. Today, we focus on Montreal's up-and-comers, highlighted by the WHL Player of the Year. Jared Davidson The WHL Champion who was initially passed over in the NHL Draft defied the odds to make his NHL debut in 2025-26. The 24-year-old from Edmonton, Alta. put up four shots and a hit in his debut on November 15, 2025, and finished his NHL stint with an assist in 10 appearances. Davidson logged another 25 points (16G-9A), including a team-best five game-winning goals, in 53 games with the AHL's Laval Rocket and earned a one-year, two-way contract with the Habs. The 5-foot-11, 183-pound forward was drafted by Montreal with the 130th overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft. Davidson spent his entire WHL career wit

Edmonton, Alta.- Sixteen-year-old Liam Pue's Hlinka Gretzky Cup mastery was on full display as Canada trounced Sweden 7-4 in group stage action at the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. Pue, who played 34 games with the Regina Pats in 2025-26 as an underage player, scored his fourth goal and fifth point of the tournament in a win that guaranteed Canada first place in Group A and eliminated Sweden (0-1-2-0) from medal contention. Fresh off a two-goal performance in his home barn, Kaeden Stroeder (Edmonton Oil Kings / Saskatoon, Sask.) was named Player of the Game with a one-goal, two-assist effort. For a third straight game, Canada opened the scoring in the early goings, this time with 2026 Rookie of the Year finalist Brock Cripps (Prince Albert Raiders / Victoria, B.C.) outwaiting a sprawling Swedish defender to rip a shorthanded goal home from the slot. His defensive partner, Boston Tait (Wenatchee Wild / Estevan, Sask.), picked up the secondary assist. Stroeder bagged his

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. These Los Angeles Kings prospects are fit for a crown.  Vojtech Cihar Kelowna Rockets standout Vojtech Cihar conquered new lands in 2025-26. After a difficult start that saw him put up eight points (4G-4A) in 27 games for HC Energie Karlovy Vary, the 19-year-old was re-energized by a breakout run at the 2026 IIHF World Junior Championship. Cihar netted 12 points (4G-8A) in seven games to help Czechia to silver and earn tournament MVP honours. He went from the Czech national team to the Okanagan, where he erupted for 12 goals (including a hat trick) and 19 assists in 31 regular-season games to close out the campaign and lead the Rockets in postseason scoring with 13 points (6G-7A). While the host Rockets

Date: 08/04/2026 Player: Jan Skok (D) From: Vancouver Giants To: Cortina Source: You need a free account to view Transfer URL Sign In/Up

Ferguson, 43, has spent the last six years as the Head Coach and GM of the West Kelowna Warriors.

Langley, B.C. - The Vancouver Giants announced today the hiring of Simon Ferguson (Prince Rupert, B.C.) as an Assistant Coach.Ferguson, 43, has sp... - WHL Vancouver Giants

The Saskatoon Blades and Brandon Wheat Kings have struck a deal on Wednesday morning. The Blades acquired a pair of Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospect Draft picks from the Brandon Wheat Kings on Wednesday in exchange for 2008-born goaltender Ryley Budd. The picks include a 2029 third-round pick and 2027 eighth-round selection. The deal came two hours after Saskatoon acquired a conditional draft pick in 2027 from the Vancouver Giants for defenceman Derek Thurston. "With the signing of Martin Psohlavec and a deep bench at the goaltending position, we felt this was a good move to get Ryley to a spot where he can be a regular," said Blades president and general manager Colin Priestner. "We thank Ryley for everything he did for our club and the communities of Saskatoon and Calgary through his Be A Budd program and wish him nothing but the best!" The Calgary, AB native appeared in 11 games with the Blue and Gold last season. Budd went 4-4-1-0 with a .888 save percentage (SV%) and 3.08

Barring any trades before Friday, the Nashville Predators will draft 10th overall at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. arring any trades before Friday, the Nashville Predators will draft 10th overall at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. Chris MacFarland’s first pick is a critical one, not just because it’s a lottery selection, but because it will set the tone for how this franchise thinks it can contend again. With that in mind, below are five prospects I like in the first round. Type your email... Subscribe Viggo Björck (F) | Djurgårdens IF | SHL Let’s get this out of the way first: everyone knows about Viggo Björck’s size. At 5’9”, there’s a natural hesitation to draft the Swedish forward highly, but at this juncture, Nashville should throw those concerns out the window. Björck turned heads two seasons ago at the U18 level in Sweden before firmly establishing his name in the 2026 lottery conversation with 74 points in 42 games as a 16-year-old playing U20 hockey last year. Fast forward to t

At the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Nashville Predators welcomed eight new prospects into the organization. At the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, the Nashville Predators welcomed eight new prospects into the organization. Below, I take a look at four of those players and their strengths, weaknesses, and potential. Dmitri Borichev (G) | Loko-76 Yaroslavl (MHL) | 70th overall Adding a third goalie to the junior ranks of the pipeline, Nashville used a third-round pick on Russian netminder Dmitri Borichev. The 6’2”, left-catching goalie grew up in the Yaroslavl system where Egor Surin currently plays. Last season at the junior level, he played in 24 games and posted a 0.929 save percentage. Borichev is an athletic goalie whose stature fills the net more than his listed height may suggest. He’s agile, quick on his edges, and anticipates puck movements well. For plays down low in the zone or behind his net, Borichev mixes a standard RVH stance with his edges stapled to both posts, sealing

The 20-year-old blueliner brings a strong two-way game to the Giants.

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. To quote the late, great Prince: 'Baby, I'm a (Dallas) Star'. Jaxon Fuder Six-foot-1, 176-pound forward Jaxon Fuder flipped a mid-season switch to the WHL into an NHL deal. After earning an invitation to Stars Development Camp last summer, the 20-year-old inked a three-year, entry-level contract with Dallas as an undrafted free agent in September of 2025. Fuder responded with 37 points (8G-29A) in 52 regular-season games with the Red Deer Rebels and Edmonton Oil Kings. The Cold Lake, Alta. product has amassed 63 points (19G-44A) in 97 regular-season games over parts of two seasons in the Dub and is expected to make the jump to pro with the AHL's Texas Stars in 2026-27. Brandon Gorzynski

Langley, B.C. - The Vancouver Giants are excited to announce the acquisition of 2006-born defenceman Derek Thurston (Delta, B.C.) from the Saskatoon B... - WHL Vancouver Giants

Saskatoon, SK - The Saskatoon Blades have acquired a conditional draft pick in the 2027 Western Hockey League (WHL) Prospects Draft from the Vancouver... - WHL Saskatoon Blades

Date: 07/29/2026 Player: Derek Thurston (D) From: Saskatoon Blades To: Vancouver Giants Information: Traded Source: You need a free account to view Transfer URL Sign In/Up

American forward Spencer Wilmot becomes the 5th player from the 2026 WHL Draft class to sign.

Date: 07/28/2026 Player: Spencer Wilmot (F) From: Okanagan HA Colorado 14U AAA To: Vancouver Giants Information: Junior contract Source: You need a free account to view Transfer URL Sign In/Up

Langley, B.C. - The Vancouver Giants are excited to announce the signing of 2011-born forward Spencer Wilmot (Littleton, CO) to a WHL Scholarship and ... - WHL Vancouver Giants

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we’re diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL’s criteria for rookie status. Much like an avalanche, Colorado's prospect pool is gaining some serious momentum. Beckett Hamilton 2026 74th-overall pick Beckett Hamilton's breakout is underway. The 5-foot-11, 174-pound forward led the Red Deer Rebels with 62 points (24G-38A) in 67 games, with 14 of his goals (including three game-winners) coming in the back half of the season after a switch to centre. He picked up a helper to lift Team East to a 5-4 overtime win at the 2026 WHL Prospects Game and led the Rebels with five points (2G-3A) in five playoff games against the powerhouse Prince Albert Raiders. Hamilton has been announced as the incoming captain for the Rebels in 2026-27. The dual Canadian-American citizen also represented C

Calgary, Alta.- Twelve players developed in the Western Hockey League have been invited to represent Canada at the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase. The weeklong exhibition is the first step on the road to the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship. A total of 32 skaters will participate in practices, scrimmages and exhibition games against Finland, Sweden and the United States. The WHL contingent features six defencemen and six forwards, including seven first-round NHL Draft picks and two WHL champions. 2026 NHL sixth-overall pick and Calgary Flames prospect Carson Carels (Prince George Cougars / Cypress River, Man.), Vancouver Canucks first-rounder Braeden Cootes (Prince Albert Raiders / Sherwood Park, Alta.), and Victoria Royals alumnus Keaton Verhoeff (Fort Saskatchewan, Alta.) and Cole Reschny (Macklin, Sask.) are all eligible to return from the 2026 World Junior quad, which won bronze in Minnesota. "We're excited to announce the 32 players who will attend th

Lin is one of 10 defencemen named to Hockey Canada's World Junior Summer Showcase roster in preparation for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Soon to be 20-year-old defenceman brings size, experience and leadership.

Edmonton, Alta. - The Edmonton Oil Kings announced today that they have traded 2006-born defenceman Rhys Pederson to the Vancouver Giants in exchange ... - WHL Edmonton Oil Kings

Date: 07/23/2026 Player: Rhys Pederson (D) From: Edmonton Oil Kings To: Vancouver Giants Information: Traded Source: You need a free account to view Transfer URL Sign In/Up

Langley, B.C. - The Vancouver Giants are pleased to announce the acquisition of 2006-born defenceman Rhys Pederson (Stettler, Alta.) from the Edmonton... - WHL Vancouver Giants

Calgary, Alta.- A strong contingent of hockey greats with ties to the WHL will help Canada chase gold at the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship. Three current and former WHL players and coaches will be on the bench for Canada, in addition to two members of the squad's support staff. 2020 WHL Coach of the Year Brad Lauer (Spokane Chiefs / Humboldt, Sask.) will reprise his role as an assistant coach after being part of the bronze medal-winning effort in January. Calgary Hitmen great Ryan Getzlaf (Regina, Sask.) is set to make his international coaching debut as an assistant under Head Coach Misha Donskov (Montreal, Que.), while Dan De Palma (Kamloops Blazers / Kamloops, B.C.) will return for a third stint as goaltending coach. Fellow CHLers Drew Bannister (Sault Ste. Marie, OHL / Belleville, Ont.) and Jim Hulton (Saint John, QMJHL / Wolfe Island, Ont.) will also serve as assistant coaches. They're joined by video coach Adam Filmon (Edmonton Oil Kings / Winnipeg, Ma

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we're diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL's criteria for rookie status. The Anaheim Ducks feature new acquisitions, a pair of 2026 Draftees, and a newly crowned WHL champion. Noah Kosick The 6-foot, 160-pound centreman saw his production take off in his sophomore WHL season. Kosick bagged 16 goals and 38 assists for 54 points in 69 games with the Seattle Thunderbirds and Swift Current Broncos. Kosick made his way to the Pacific Northwest in a midseason trade and ended up finishing third on the Thunderbirds in points and second in assists. The Victoria, B.C. product averaged a point per game in his first trip to the WHL Playoffs with a goal and four helpers in five matches as Seattle bowed out to the B.C. Division Champion Penticton Vees. Kosick, 17, represented Team West at

Langley, B.C. – The Vancouver Giants are proud to announce the signing of 2011-born forward Bryaden Jugnauth (Kelowna, B.C.) to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement. Jugnauth was selected by the Giants with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. The 15-year-old right-shot forward was named the U18 player of the year in the BC Elite Hockey League (BCEHL) this past season after producing 58 points (32G-26A) in 34 games. He added nine goals and nine assists for 18 points in just six playoff games, helping the Rockets win back-to-back U18 Championships. “We’re thrilled to welcome Brayden to our organization and announce the signing of his WHL Scholarship and Development Agree

In the lead-up to the 2026-27 hockey season, we're diving into the WHL prospect pool for every NHL team. To be included in this list, a player must be recently drafted, signed to an NHL contract, or meet the NHL's criteria for rookie status. The Calgary Flames' prospect pool ranges from blue-chip and blue-collar pickups to some of the most exciting prospects slated to start their WHL careers in 2026-27. Andrew Basha After starting the season in the professional ranks, 2025 WHL Champion Andrew Basha returned for a final victory lap in Medicine Hat. The 20-year-old registered a goal and four assists in 27 games with the AHL's Calgary Wranglers before being reassigned to Medicine Hat, where he piled up 50 points (18G-32A) in 32 games while making a switch to centre to play alongside the Ruck twins. The 6-foot, 187-pound forward was drafted by the Flames with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft. Basha will close out

Giants Athletic Therapist Mike Burnstein will serve on the staff of Hockey Canada's National Junior Team for the fourth time.

The recently turned 15-year-old forward starred for the U18 Okanagan Rockets last season, leading them to the Telus Cup.

Date: 07/23/2026 Player: Brayden Jugnauth (F) From: Okanagan Rockets U18 AAA To: Vancouver Giants Information: Junior contract Source: You need a free account to view Transfer URL Sign In/Up

Langley, B.C. - The Vancouver Giants are proud to announce the signing of 2011-born forward Bryaden Jugnauth (Kelowna, B.C.) to a WHL Scholarship and ... - WHL Vancouver Giants

Calgary, Alta. - Vancouver Giants Athletic Therapist Mike Burnstein will serve on the support staff of Canada's National Junior Team at the 2027 IIHF ... - WHL Vancouver Giants