The 2026 WHL Prospects Draft kicked off with plenty of fireworks as teams loaded up on high-end talent in a deep class headlined by dominant U15 performers. Kelowna Rockets took dynamic centre Madden Daneault first overall after trading for the pick, while Wenatchee Wild got aggressive, trading up to snag big power winger Parker McMillan at No. 2. Vancouver Giants followed with back-to-back selections of smooth defenseman Eli Vickers (3rd) and high-IQ centre Brayden Jugnauth (4th), then Wenatchee added another gem in blueliner Jevin Morrison at 5th. The first round featured a nice mix of flashy forwards, mobile defensemen, and big-bodied prospects, with notable storylines including Texas kids Jack Arnold and Ethan Zhang going in the top 20 (historic for the state), legacy picks like Max Osgood (son of Chris Osgood) to Medicine Hat, and several big trades that reshaped the board. Overall, it was a strong, competitive draft that gave a lot of clubs legitimate building blocks for the future.
#1 Kelowna Rocket- Madden Daneault
F- 5’10- 168- Red Deer, AB- Red Deer Rebels U15 AAA / AEHL U15
Madden Daneault just rewrote the record books and gave the Kelowna Rockets their first-ever first-overall pick since relocating to Kelowna from Tacoma. The Red Deer Rebels U15 AAA product out of Red Deer, Alberta, went No. 1 overall in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft after the Rockets traded for the pick from Lethbridge, and honestly, it’s hard to argue with it. This kid didn’t just dominate—he obliterated the AEHL U15 scene. At 5’10” or 5’11” and around 168-172 lbs, the right-shooting centre put up a ridiculous 65 goals and 84 assists for 149 points in just 34 games this past season. That’s not only a single-season record for the league, it’s one of the most dominant U15 campaigns anyone’s ever seen. He was captain, a two-time John Reid Memorial MVP, and an All-Star who brings elite skill, hockey sense, a wicked shot, and a compete level that scouts rave about. He’s physical when he needs to be, defensively engaged, and the kind of guy who elevates everyone around him. Kelowna landed a true game-changer with top-six, high-end offensive upside written all over him. Watch this guy become a cornerstone in Okanagan capital for years.
#2 Wenatchee Wild- Parker McMillan
F- 6’2- 181- Vancouver, BC- Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
Parker McMillan is the big, nasty power forward the Wenatchee Wild just stole with the second-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft — and they had to get aggressive to land him. Wenatchee pulled off a blockbuster trade-up with the Vancouver Giants on draft day, shipping out their own third-overall selection along with a package of future assets (second-rounders in 2027 and 2028, plus a 2030 first-rounder) to jump up one spot and secure the 6’2″–6’3″, 180-190 lb right-shot winger. The Surrey/Semiahmoo, B.C. product out of Yale Hockey Academy absolutely torched the CSSHL U15 Prep league this season. 41 goals and 50 assists for 91 points in just 25 games — that’s video-game numbers. Throw in another 10 points in three playoff games and you’ve got a legitimate freight train: legit size, explosive skating, a heavy shot, high-end skill, and that five-tool package scouts love. He’s physical with a mean streak, drives hard to the net, throws his weight around, and still makes plays while competing on both ends of the ice. U15 Prep MVP, Forward of the Year, and the kind of guy built for top-six power winger minutes with real NHL upside. Wenatchee went all-in on draft day to add this cornerstone, and it’s going to pay off — McMillan’s going to bang bodies, fill nets, and lead the charge in the green and white for years to come. Huge get for the Wild.
#3 Vancouver Giants- Eli Vickers
D- 5’9- 154- Surrey, BC- Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
Eli Vickers is the smooth, dynamic defenseman the Vancouver Giants grabbed with the third-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, and it feels like they landed one of the most exciting blueliners in the class. The 5’9″, 155-159 lb left-shot D from Surrey, B.C., out of Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep, just put together one of the greatest offensive seasons ever by a U15 Prep defenseman in CSSHL history. 22 goals and 40 assists for 62 points in 30 games this season? That’s absurd production from the back end. He’s got elite edgework and multi-directional skating that lets him slice through neutral zone pressure, maintain separation on the offensive blue line, and accelerate out of pivots before defenders even react. Vickers isn’t just fast — he’s got high-end puck skill, vision, and the hockey sense to slow the game down, deceive opponents with his hands and feet, then rip a heavy shot or thread a perfect pass for high-danger chances. Named CSSHL U15 Top Defenseman and a key part of Delta’s championship runs, he’s already showing strong defensive reads and the ability to eliminate threats with his quickness and positioning. Vancouver got themselves a true offensive driver with top-pair WHL upside who can quarterback a power play and dominate possession. This kid is going to be a fan favorite at the Pacific Coliseum for a long time. Big-time get for the Giants.
#4 Vancouver Giants- Brayden Jugnauth
F- 5’10- 154- Kelowna, BC- Okanagan Rockets U18 AAA / BCEHL U18
Brayden Jugnauth is the cerebral, high-IQ centre the Vancouver Giants added with the fourth-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, and it’s another sharp selection after they took Eli Vickers at three. The Kelowna, B.C. native out of the Okanagan Rockets U18 AAA program just turned 15 in April and still put up a monster season as the only full-time underage player in BCEHL U18 history. 32 goals and 26 assists for 58 points in 34 games, plus a ridiculous nine goals and nine assists in just six playoff games as the Rockets won back-to-back U18 titles. He was named BCEHL U18 Player of the Year for a reason — elite hockey sense, vision, playmaking ability, and a quick, accurate shot that creates constant threats off the rush and in the offensive zone. At 5’9″–5’10” and around 154–155 lbs, he’s not the biggest guy, but his compete level, two-way awareness, and ability to slow the game down and make everyone around him better scream top-six centre upside with real No. 1 potential. Vancouver just landed a smart, dynamic forward who’s going to quarterback attacks, win battles in tight areas, and grow into a leader at the Pacific Coliseum. Huge addition for the Giants.
#5 Wenatchee Wild- Jevin Morrison
D- 5’7- 130- Sylvan Lake, AB- Red Deer Rebels U15 AAA / AEHL U15
Jevin Morrison puts the “elite” in Alberta’s elite hockey scene, and the Wenatchee Wild just landed a serious steal with the fifth-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. The Red Deer Rebels U15 AAA product out of Sylvan Lake, Alberta, is a right-shot defenseman who makes the game look ridiculously easy. At just 5’7″ and around 130-150 lbs, he’s not the biggest guy back there, but man, that doesn’t matter when you’ve got wheels like his. Scouts are throwing out Scott Niedermayer comparisons, and honestly, it’s not a stretch—powerful, fully extended crossovers that hit top speed in a few strides, tight turns, and that sneaky change-of-pace where he sucks forecheckers in before pulling the puck back and exploding the other way.
He’s a constant threat in transition and with the puck on his stick, walking the blue line, evading checks, and slicing through the middle for high-danger chances. The kid set the single-season AEHL U15 points-per-game record for a reason. In 2024-25 he put up 45 points (11G, 34A) in 34 games, then went nuclear this past season with 64 points (17G, 47A) in just 24 games. His defensive reads have come a long way too—steadily improving zone play and smart puck decisions that scream top-pair WHL puck-mover upside. Wenatchee traded up to grab him, and you can already picture this dynamic, minute-munching two-way blueliner quarterbacking their power play and skating away from pressure for years to come. Boom potential for sure.
#6 Tri City- Kenzo Gibson
C- 6’0- 185- North Vancouver, BC- Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
The Tri-City Americans made a statement early in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, grabbing forward Kenzo Gibson with the sixth overall pick out of the Burnaby Winter Club. One scout had him ranked as the third-best player available, and the Ams were thrilled to land the big, hard-nosed power forward they love—exactly the type who thrives in the dirty areas and brings that gritty edge every night.
At 5’11, 186 pounds, the North Vancouver product is a physical specimen with an explosive stride that lets him power through checks or finesse his way into high-end plays. He’s an offensive-minded left-shot center who pushes the pace, protects the puck like a pro under pressure, and has elite hands to go with it. Gibson absolutely lit it up this past season as captain of BWC’s U15 Prep squad, putting up a ridiculous 34 goals and 58 points in just 23 games. He kept the momentum going in the playoffs with four points in four games, dropped seven more (4-3-7) at the John Reid Tournament, then torched the BC U16 Cup for six points in five games before heading to Toronto and racking up nine (5-4-9) at the Exposure Cup.
Scouts rave about his ability to play at a breakneck speed right away, and while he can occasionally get a step ahead of his linemates, that should smooth out fast once he’s rolling with older, quicker WHL teammates. Top-six upside all day, and he’s expected to make an impact as a 16-year-old. Kenzo Gibson is exactly the kind of dynamic, two-way force the Americans were hunting for.
#7 Seattle Thunderbirds- Wyatt Jolleys
F- 6’0- 141- Calgary, AB- Calgary Bisons U15 AAA / AEHL U15
With the seventh-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, the Seattle Thunderbirds have selected forward Wyatt Jolleys from the Calgary Bisons U15 AAA (AEHL). The T-Birds traded up, sending Cameron Schmidt to Victoria to grab the 7th spot and snag this left-shooting centre. At 6’0 and 147 lbs, the Calgary kid born February 7, 2011, brings serious skill and poise. He’s an elite puck protector and dual-threat scoring center who sees the ice incredibly well, controls the game like a veteran, and threads those east-to-west passes under pressure by adjusting his upper body in stride. Jolleys flashes high-end attacker tools all over the ice—great routes, the ability to speed things up or slow them down, and an impressive backcheck effort that defenders hate. His playmaking stands out in a strong class, and that dual-threat scoring gives opponents no easy answers. Strength development will be the big focus as he fills out, but his hockey IQ and skill already scream top-six potential in the WHL. Huge get up the middle for Seattle.
#8 Kamloops Blazers- Micah Montgomery
F- 5’11- 161- Edmonton, AB- OHA Edmonton U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
The Kamloops Blazers put their eyes on Edmonton on Wednesday night for the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft and came away with a player many around the league feel could be a real steal at eighth overall. They selected 15-year-old centre Micah Montgomery, a 2011-born Edmonton kid who lit up the OHA Edmonton U-15 prep team this season with 21 goals and 63 points in just 30 games, finishing fourth in scoring in the CSSHL at that level. Standing around 6-foot-1 and listed at 174 pounds, Montgomery is a smart, two-way pivot with outstanding puck protection, the ability to make high-end plays with defenders draped all over him, and no shortage of finish around the net. One scout put it simply: “You win with guys like Micah Montgomery.”
Coached by former Blazer defenceman Jason Strudwick and with strong ties through director of player personnel Aaron Keller, the Blazers had excellent intel on the forward and clearly loved what they saw. He’s the kind of mature, detail-oriented centre who dictates pace, forechecks like an elite already, and brings a polished, pro-ready game that should translate quickly. Plenty of people around the draft were calling him a safe, high-floor pick with real staying power, the type of player who has “long career in the league” written all over him. Some are even throwing out the Mini-Draisaitl comp because of how he protects the puck and controls the middle of the ice. Kamloops walked away feeling like they got a guy they didn’t expect to still be on the board, and the early buzz is that he could be a solid WHL contributor in short order.
#9 Regina Pats- Fletcher MacDonald
G- 6’1- 175- Edmonton, AB- CAC Canadians U15 AAA / AEHL U15
The Regina Pats made a splash in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft on Wednesday, selecting 14-year-old goaltender Fletcher MacDonald from Edmonton with the ninth overall pick. He becomes the highest-drafted goalie in franchise history and the first first-rounder the Pats have taken at the position since Jordan Hollett in 2014. MacDonald had a strong season with the Canadian Athletic Club U15 AA squad in the AEHL, posting a 2.87 GAA and .925 save percentage while facing a league-high 1,005 shots. The 6-foot-3 netminder earned First All-Star honors, then turned it up in the playoffs with a .969 save percentage and shone for Team Alberta at the Alberta Cup, helping them win gold with a .942 save percentage and another All-Star nod.
#10 Portland Winterhawks- Cullen Stephenson
F- 5’11- 132- Outlook, SK- Warman Wildcats U15 AA / SAAHL U15
Cullen Stephenson is the slick, high-octane right winger the Portland Winterhawks snagged with the tenth-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, and it’s a pick that has Saskatchewan fans buzzing. The 5’11”, 135 lb right-shot forward out of Warman, SK (Warman Wildcats U15 AA) comes from strong hockey bloodlines — son of former pro Shay Stephenson and a second cousin to NHLer Chandler Stephenson — and he absolutely lit up the SAAHL U15 this season. He posted a ridiculous 38 goals and 50 assists for 88 points in just 25 games, followed by another 20 points in 7 playoff games. That kind of production from a first-year eligible player? Pure dominance. Stephenson brings elite speed, smooth hands, and a natural finishing touch paired with elite vision and playmaking ability. He drives play with powerful crossovers, attacks with pace off the rush, and has that dangerous ability to find soft spots or thread seam passes that create instant high-danger chances. He’s got a quick, accurate release and isn’t afraid to go to the dirty areas, while scouts love his compete level and two-way awareness. Portland just added a dynamic, goal-scoring forward with legitimate top-six upside who can make plays at full speed and grow into a real difference-maker in the WHL. This is a big-time building block for the Winterhawks with some serious family pedigree behind him. Solid pick.
#11 Seattle Thunderbirds- Jax Bubnick
D- 6’2- 185- Saskatoon, SK- Saskatoon Blazers U18 AAA / SMAAAHL
Jax Bubnick is the big, physical shutdown defenseman the Seattle Thunderbirds selected with the eleventh-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, and it’s a pick that fits their blue-line rebuild perfectly. The 6’2″, 185 lb left-shot D out of Saskatoon, SK (Saskatoon Generals U15 AA) just dominated the SAAHL U15 as a two-way force, posting 19 goals and 24 assists for 43 points in 26 games while racking up 55 PIM and captaining his squad. He added another 5 points in just four playoff games on top of that. Bubnick brings an imposing frame and legitimate physical authority — he wins wall battles with size and reach, shuts down the rush with strong positioning and an active stick, and has the offensive instincts to jump into the play and unleash a heavy point shot on the power play. His activation habits are already a real strength, and while the first-step quickness and pivot speed are still works in progress, the tools and compete level scream top-pair WHL upside with shutdown ability and secondary scoring punch. Seattle just landed a projectable, minute-eating blueliner who can bang bodies, log big ice time, and grow into a cornerstone on the back end. This is a big-time building block for the Thunderbirds.
#12 Spokane Chiefs- Brody Antignani
F- 5’8- 143- Calgary, AB- Calgary Edge School U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
Brody Antignani is the dynamic, high-scoring forward the Spokane Chiefs grabbed with the twelfth-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, and it’s a selection that adds serious offensive firepower to the lineup. The 5’8″, 149 lb left-shooting winger/centre out of Calgary, Alberta (Calgary Edge School U15 Prep) just put on one of the most dominant U15 seasons the CSSHL has ever seen — 29 goals and 37 assists for 66 points in 30 games, plus another 3 goals and 2 assists in five playoff games. Some reports had him pushing toward 60 goals and over 100 combined points through the full regular season and playoffs. That production is video-game level for a first-year eligible player. Antignani brings elite vision, playmaking instincts that find seams most kids don’t even see, and a lethal dual-threat scoring game with a weaponized backhand. He’s got quick hands, smooth edges, deceptive speed through the neutral zone, and the creativity to make plays at full tilt while driving to high-danger areas. Scouts call him one of the most complete offensive forwards in the class with legit top-six, first-line WHL upside. Spokane just landed a high-octane difference-maker who can tilt games and grow into a cornerstone for years in the Lilac City. Big-time get for the Chiefs.
#13 Everett Silvertips- Wyatt Bitz
D- 6’1- 157- Saskatoon, SK- Saskatoon Contacts U18 AAA / SMAAAHL
Wyatt Bitz is the rangy, offensive-minded defenseman the Everett Silvertips grabbed with the thirteenth-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, jumping up from Kamloops in a trade to land him. The 6’1″, 152-157 lb left-shot D out of Saskatoon, SK (Saskatoon Outlaws U15 AA) comes from serious hockey bloodlines as the son of former NHLer Byron Bitz, who played for the Boston Bruins, Florida Panthers, and Vancouver Canucks. He exploded this season with 18 goals and 35 assists for 53 points in 27 games — elite production for a blueliner in the SAAHL U15. Wyatt brings size, smooth skating, strong puck-carrying ability, and the instincts to jump into the rush, dictate play from the back end, and unleash a heavy shot on the power play. He wins battles along the wall with reach and compete, activates smartly, and shows real two-way potential with improving defensive positioning. Scouts love his offensive upside and project him as a future top-pair puck-mover. Everett just added a high-ceiling building block with NHL pedigree who can log big minutes, run a power play, and grow into a cornerstone on the blue line. This is a big-time get for the Silvertips.
#14 Lethbridge Hurricanes- Artello Forestal
F- 5’9- 150- Edmonton, AB- OHA Edmonton U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
The Lethbridge Hurricanes picked Edmonton forward Artello Forestal 14th overall in the first round of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft on Wednesday. The 14-year-old centre, a late 2011 birthdate, put up an impressive 47 points (22 goals, 25 assists) in just 21 games with OHA Edmonton U15 Prep this past season, adding four more points in three playoff games. At 5-foot-10 and 147 pounds, Forestal is known for his scoring touch, hockey sense, and ability to make linemates better. “We really stressed that we wanted way more speed and skill in this draft and Artello is one of those players who has the attributes that we were looking for,” said Hurricanes head scout Garry Carson. He’s not NHL eligible until 2030 but is expected to bring immediate scoring punch to Lethbridge’s lineup.
#15 Saskatoon Blades- Teagan Dernisky
F- 5’7- 150- Delta, BC- Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
The Saskatoon Blades traded up to select speedy winger Teagan Dernisky with the 15th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft on Wednesday. The Blades sent their 18th overall pick and a 2026 third-rounder to the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for the 15th and a fifth-round selection.The 5-foot-7 left-shot forward from Delta, BC, dominated the CSSHL U15 league this season, leading the entire league with 98 points (43 goals, 55 assists) in just 30 games while playing for Yale Hockey Academy. He added six points in three playoff games and was a standout in tournaments, including 11 points in six games at the John Reid Memorial. Blades Director of Scouting Dan Tencer compared him to a Brandon Hagel-type player, praising his skill, speed, and upside. Dernisky was fired up about the pick, saying he couldn’t wait to get started in Saskatoon. He also loved being called the “rat” of the first round on the broadcast, embracing the gritty Brad Marchand/Brandon Hagel comp.
#16 Spokane Chiefs- Jack Arnold
F- 6’3- 170- North Richland Hills, TX- Dallas Stars Elite 14U AAA / 14U AAA
Jack Arnold is the big, athletic power forward the Spokane Chiefs landed with the sixteenth-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, and it marks a huge milestone for hockey in Texas. The 6’3″, 170 lb right-shooting winger from North Richland Hills, Texas (Dallas Stars Elite 14U) becomes one of the highest-drafted Texas-born players in WHL history — the first American off the board and part of a historic first-round duo of Texans alongside Ethan Zhang. Spokane acquired the pick (originally Calgary’s) in a January trade with the Vancouver Giants. Arnold put up a strong 25 goals and 25 assists for 50 points in 44 games this season, plus another 4 points in three playoff games. He brings legitimate size, a powerful and accurate shot, skilled playmaking, and an elite-level work ethic on and off the ice. Scouts love his ability to dominate physically in the tough areas while still making plays at speed and driving to the net. At just 14 years old with a November birthday, the tools and compete level scream future top-six power forward with real NHL upside. Spokane just added a high-ceiling building block who can bang bodies, score goals, and grow into a cornerstone up front. This is a big-time get for the Chiefs and a proud moment for Texas hockey. Solid pick.
#17 Red Deer Rebels Danny Ramazanov
LW- 5’9- 146- Saskatoon, SK-Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
Danny Razamov (also known as Danel Ramazanov) is the skilled, dynamic left winger the Red Deer Rebels selected with the 17th-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, and for long-suffering fans in Red Deer, it’s a huge relief to finally land a high-end forward in the first round. The 5’9″, 150-155 lb left-shooting forward out of Saskatoon, SK (Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep) led his team in scoring this season with 26 goals and 32 assists for 58 points in 29 games, while adding eight points in six games at the John Reid Memorial tournament and another six points in four playoff games. Razamov brings explosive skating, elite edgework, and high-end puck control that lets him create in tight spaces, adapt on the fly, and generate chances off the rush or in the offensive zone. He’s elusive with the puck, deceptive with his hands, and shows strong playmaking instincts along with a quick release that makes him a dual threat. Scouts rave about his creativity, compete level, and ability to tilt games with skill and pace. After a couple of defensive-heavy early picks in recent years, Red Deer finally added a legitimate top-six offensive weapon with real scoring upside who should excite the Centrium crowd right away. This is exactly the type of building-block forward Rebels fans have been waiting for. Big-time get for Red Deer. Very happy and excited about this pick.
#18 Brandon Wheat Kings Rylan Edwards
F- 5’5- 130- Regina, SK- Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
Rylan Edwards is the speedy, high-energy centre the Brandon Wheat Kings selected with the 18th-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft (acquired from Prince George), and it’s a strong get for a team looking to inject pace and skill up front. The 5’6″, 130-145 lb right-shooting forward out of Regina, SK, via Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep, put together a standout season with 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points in 28 games, plus another eight points in four playoff games and strong showings at the John Reid Memorial. Edwards is an absolute burner who impacts every shift with his elite skating — explosive acceleration, perfect balance, and shifty lateral quickness that lets him attack the middle, change angles, and create space off the rush. He’s got high-end puck skill, vision, deception, and a quick, accurate release that makes him dangerous from the high slot or on the power play. Small in stature but plays with big confidence and compete, winning battles through smarts and energy while showing strong two-way awareness. Scouts love his pace, hockey IQ, and ability to make plays at full speed. Brandon just added a dynamic, game-tilting forward with legit top-six upside who should bring excitement to the Keystone Centre for years. This is a big-time building block for the Wheat Kings.
#19 Tri City Americans Ethan Zhang
F- 6’3- 176- Plano, TX- Dallas Stars Elite 14U AAA / 14U AAA
Ethan Zhang is the big, skilled centre the Tri-City Americans selected with the 19th-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, giving them two first-round forwards on day one for the first time in 25 years. The 6’2″–6’3″, 175 lb left-shooting forward from Plano, Texas (Dallas Stars Elite 14U AAA) just had a monster season, racking up 36 goals and 51 assists for 87 points in 51 games — elite production that helped make him one of the top American prospects available. Neat facts: Zhang is part of a historic first-round duo of Texas-born players alongside Jack Arnold, marking a huge moment for hockey growth in the Lone Star State. Born March 22, 2011, this Plano product is already towering for his age with smooth hands, strong vision, and the ability to dominate in the tough areas while making plays at speed. He brings size, compete, and two-way awareness that scouts project as a future top-six power forward or centre with real NHL potential. Tri-City just added a high-ceiling American building block who can score, create, and grow into a cornerstone up front in Kennewick. This is a big-time get for the Americans and another proud milestone for Texas hockey.
#20 Penticton Vees Liam Bordt
F- 5’10- 154- Langley, BC- Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
Liam Bordt is the explosive right winger the Penticton Vees selected with the 20th-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, adding some serious skill and speed to the forward group. The 5’10”, 154-159 lb right-shooting forward out of Langley, B.C. (Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep) just put up a dominant season with 24 goals and 24 assists for 48 points in 29 games, plus another strong showing in the playoffs and Western Championships where he was wiring lasers and creating chaos. Bordt is a true three-zone player with elite skating — explosive first steps, blazing top-end speed, and the ability to chip pucks past defenders and burn around them in a flash. He’s aggressive on the forecheck, wins battles with compete and physicality despite his size, and shows high-end skill, vision, and a lethal shot that makes him dangerous from anywhere in the offensive zone. Scouts love his pace, hockey sense, and ability to tilt games with speed and skill while playing hard in all areas of the ice. Penticton just landed a dynamic, high-motor forward with legit top-six upside who should bring excitement and energy to the South Okanagan Events Centre for years. This is a big-time building block for the Vees.
#21 Medicine Hat Tigers Max Osgood
F- 5’9- 142- Detroit, MI- Little Caesars 14U AAA / MAHA 14U
Max Osgood is the skilled, two-way centre the Medicine Hat Tigers selected with the 21st-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, and it’s a pick loaded with hometown ties and big legacy vibes. The 5’9″, 142 lb left-shooting forward from Plymouth, Michigan (Detroit Little Caesars 14U AAA) is the son of former Tigers goaltender and three-time Stanley Cup champion Chris Osgood. Even though he plays in Michigan, Max was eligible for the WHL because of the league’s alumni rule: sons of former WHL players (especially those who played for the drafting team) can declare for that club and bypass standard territorial/import restrictions that normally apply to most American players. Osgood put up a strong 15 goals and 28 assists for 43 points in just 20 games this season, and he capped it off by scoring the overtime winner in the 14U Tier I National Championship for Little Caesars. He brings good size for his age, smooth hands, strong vision, and a compete level that shows up in all three zones. Scouts like his hockey sense, ability to win battles, and potential to develop into a reliable top-six centre with scoring touch and defensive reliability. Medicine Hat just added a high-character kid with serious pedigree who should excite Tigers fans from day one. This is a big-time building block with deep orange-and-black bloodlines.
#22 Swift Current Broncos Jacson Bradbeer
D- 5’8- 150- Maple Ridge, BC- Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
Jacson Bradbeer is the mobile, offensive-minded defenseman the Swift Current Broncos selected with the 22nd-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft (acquired from Prince Albert), capping off a blue-line heavy first round for the club. The 5’8″–5’9″, 150-159 lb right-shot D out of Maple Ridge, B.C. (Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep) led all CSSHL U15 Prep defensemen in scoring this season with an impressive 9 goals and 52 assists for 61 points in 29 games — elite production that earned him Second All-Star honours and a top-4 ranking among WHL D prospects. Bradbeer is a smooth, high-IQ puck-mover with excellent edgework, deception in his passing, and the ability to control the offensive blue line on the power play. He’s clean and precise on breakouts, overwhelms opponents with his mobility, and reads the ice at a high level while closing gaps effectively as a rush defender. Size will be the main area for growth, but the skating, vision, and playmaking tools project him as a future middle-pairing power-play quarterback with strong two-way potential. Swift Current just added a dynamic, puck-moving blueliner who should bring excitement and skill to the blue line for years to come.
#23 Swift Current Broncos Nathan Roberts
D- 6’3- 191- Surrey, BC- Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
Nathan Roberts is the towering, physical right-shot defenseman the Swift Current Broncos grabbed with the 23rd-overall pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft (acquired from Everett), rounding out a strong first-round blue-line haul alongside Jacson Bradbeer. The 6’3.5″, 191 lb D out of Surrey, B.C. (Delta Hockey Academy U15 Prep) had a breakout season, posting 4 goals and 21 assists for 25 points in 30 games, plus another five points in three playoff outings. He showed massive improvement throughout the year, especially after strong showings at the B.C. Cup and Western Championships. Roberts brings legitimate size and a highly physical edge — he wins battles along the wall with reach and strength, closes gaps effectively, and plays a mature two-way game that evolved from stay-at-home roots into a more offensively capable profile. Scouts love his mobility for a big man, active stick, and the upside to activate into the rush and contribute on the power play as he fills out. Swift Current just added a projectable, minute-munching blueliner with shutdown tools and growing offensive potential who should develop into a reliable top-four or top-pair presence. This is a big-time building block for the Broncos.
