JUNIOR HOCKEY FEATURE - CANADA WHL

Learn about Junior Hockey Leagues in Canada and the USA. Today, we have the Western Hockey League from Canada

May 31, 2025

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About the WHL

A World-Leading Development League

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, the Western Hockey League (WHL) consists of 22 Member Clubs located throughout Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Established in 1966-67, the WHL has been a leading developer of NHL player talent for close to 60 years. The WHL is a leading provider of post-secondary scholarships, having awarded over 7,500 WHL scholarships to graduating players since the 1993-94 season. The WHL’s Respect In Hockey Program provides system-leading respect education and training designed to maintain a safe and respectful environment for players and staff.

Our Vision

To remain the World’s premier major junior Hockey league by continuing to provide the best player development and education opportunities while delivering a high level of entertainment value for our fans.

Our Cornerstones

DEVELOPMENT

A world-class development experience for players, coaches, officials, and staff

EDUCATION

A guaranteed post-secondary academic scholarship for all players

RESPECT

A comprehensive respect in the Hockey program promotes a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.

COMMUNITY

A leading fan engagement experience delivering quality entertainment and support for the community

DEVELOPMENT

The WHL is considered the world’s finest development league for junior players (ages 16-20).
More players were selected from the WHL in the 2022 NHL Draft than from any other league or country in the world.
The WHL is the highest level of competition in the Canadian Hockey development system.
WHL member clubs boast the highest caliber of coaching, with nearly all staff members having extensive international or professional experience.
The WHL offers an extensive officiating development program for referees and linespersons who aspire to officiate at the international and professional levels.

EDUCATION

WHL players play at the highest level of the Hockey system without compromising their academic goals.
Each season, over 20% of high school players registered are honour students.
All WHL players are eligible to receive a guaranteed post-secondary academic scholarship. For each season played, a player earns a full year WHL Scholarship, which includes tuition, textbooks, and compulsory fees at an institution of their choice.
Each year, the WHL awards nearly 400 WHL Scholarships to graduating players.
Players also access financial support for post-secondary courses while playing in the WHL.
All WHL Clubs have an Education Advisor who is responsible for monitoring the academic progress of each player and ensuring they are eligible for post-secondary studies.

RESPECT

The WHL’s Respect in Hockey Program offers the most comprehensive Respect education and training curriculum in the game today.
The WHL Respect in Hockey Program is designed to educate all players and staff on the prevention of harassment and abuse, ensuring a safe and positive environment is maintained at all times.
The WHL Respect in Hockey Program includes online Respect education, Respect in Sport Certification, and a series of Respect Champion Workshops.
The WHL Respect Champion Workshops consist of sessions on diversity and Inclusion, Mental Health, consent, and healthy relationships.
The WHL Players First Program offers a series of additional risk prevention services, including the WHL Security Network Player Impact presentation, which highlights the risks associated with being a high-profile athlete.
The WHL Seven Point Plan is a comprehensive player safety initiative that modifies playing rules, regulations, and facility standards to prevent injuries.

COMMUNITY

WHL Clubs generate over 4.3 million annually in support of local charities in the communities they proudly represent.
WHL Players and their clubs are actively engaged in community outreach activities each season, including hospital and school visits, fundraising programs, and charitable events.
All WHL Clubs provide significant financial and other support for local male and female Hockey programs.
The WHL is a major sponsor and supporter of the Provincial Hockey Associations and the Canadian Sport School Hockey League in Western Canada.
The WHL annually pays tribute to the Indigenous Community, supports Canadian Mental Health with Talk Today Initiatives, fundraising for Children’s Miracle Network, and supports multiple local charities.