About the WHL
The Western Hockey League (WHL) is one of Canada's three major junior ice hockey leagues, part of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). Featuring players aged 16-21, the WHL is a key developmental stage for future NHL talent. It includes teams from Western Canada and the Northwestern United States. The league is renowned for its physical style of play and strong player development programs, offering both high-level competition and educational scholarships.
Top Rated Teams
Ranked by THR grade
2026 WHL rankings
The best WHL teams in every category, from verified reviews, alumni advancement, and five seasons of results
All Teams
Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)
Calgary Hitmen
Edmonton Oil Kings
Everett Silvertips
Kamloops Blazers
Kelowna Rockets
Lethbridge Hurricanes (WHL)
Medicine Hat Tigers
Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Penticton Vees
Portland Winterhawks
Prince Albert Raiders
Prince George Cougars
Red Deer Rebels
Regina Pats
Saskatoon Blades
Seattle Thunderbirds
Spokane Chiefs
Swift Current Broncos
Tri-City Americans
Vancouver Giants
Victoria Royals
Wenatchee Wild (WHL)Quick Facts
Major Junior — one of the three CHL leagues
23 teams — Eastern Conference (MB, SK, AB) and Western Conference (BC, WA, OR)
19 Memorial Cup titles
NCAA-eligible under the 2024 rule change (effective 2025-26)
Where WHL Draftees Came From
Across 32 leagues · 107 teams
Top Contributing Teams
- Northern Alberta Xtreme U18 PrepCSSHL U188 (3.9%)
- Delta Hockey Academy U15 PrepCSSHL U158 (3.9%)
- Shattuck St. Mary's 14U AAA14U AAA8 (3.9%)
- Dallas Stars Elite 14U AAA14U AAA7 (3.4%)
- Yale Hockey Academy U17 PrepCSSHL U176 (2.9%)
- Red Deer Rebels U15 AAAAEHL U155 (2.4%)
- Burnaby Winter Club U15 PrepCSSHL U155 (2.4%)
- Calgary IHA U17 PrepCSSHL U175 (2.4%)
- OHA Edmonton U15 PrepCSSHL U154 (1.9%)
- East Grand Forks Bantam AA15U AA4 (1.9%)