The first round of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, held on May 7, 2025, saw 23 players selected by the league’s 22 clubs, with the Regina Pats making a significant impact by securing three picks, including the first and third overall selections. The draft showcased talent primarily from Western Canada, with Alberta leading the way as the province with the most players drafted, contributing 10 of the 23 first-rounders. Saskatchewan followed with six players, British Columbia had five, and Manitoba had two. Notable selections included Maddox Schultz (Regina, 1st overall), a standout forward from Saskatchewan, and Holden Wouters (Edmonton, 2nd overall), a highly touted Alberta defenseman. The draft featured a mix of forwards (14) and defensemen (9), with no goalkeepers chosen in the opening round. Trades were prominent, including Regina’s acquisition of the third overall pick from Kelowna and Swift Current’s deal with Saskatoon to move into the first round, highlighting the strategic maneuvering among teams.
1 Regina Pats –Maddox Schultz
F- 5’10 -165- Regina, SK -Regina Pat Canadians U18 AAA / SMAAAHL
Just like last season with Landon Dupont going first overall, this years selection was well known before the season even started. The Pats first overall selection since Connor Bedard in 2020. At just 15, Schultz delivered an extraordinary performance as an underager for the Regina Pat Canadians in the 2024-25 season, powering the team to their first Telus Cup Championship since 1999. Hailing from Regina, Saskatchewan, Schultz earned Telus Cup MVP honors, dominating the tournament with 9 goals, 11 assists, and 20 points in seven games. His overtime goal clinched the Pat Canadians’ fifth National U18 Championship. Schultz’s 20 points rank as the second-highest by an underager in tournament history, trailing only Sidney Crosby’s 24 points in 2002.
The 5-foot-10, 165-pound left-shot forward amassed 93 points (43 goals, 50 assists) in 44 games with the Pat Canadians, leading the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League in goals, assists, and points. The 2010-born standout was named both Player and Rookie of the Year.
After excelling at the U15 level, Schultz received an exemption to compete at the U18 level with the Pat Canadians this season, despite still being age-eligible for U15. Due to this allowance, Schultz is eligible to play up to 34 games with the Regina Pats in the 2025-26 season while continuing to suit up for the Pat Canadians at the U18 level.
2 Edmonton Oil Kings –Holden Wouters
D- 6’2- 174- Vancouver, BC- St. George’s School U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
With the second overall pick, the Oil Kings chose defenceman Holden Wouters. Hailing from Vancouver, B.C., Wouters spent the past two seasons with the St. George’s U15 Prep team in the CSSHL. This year, he tallied 12 goals and 29 assists for 41 points in 29 games, ranking third overall on his team and first among defencemen. In the playoffs, he contributed a goal and an assist over three games.
“He’s a commanding presence on the blue line, a right-shot defender with sharp offensive skills and strong defensive play,” said Kirt Hill, Oil Kings President and General Manager. “We see him logging major minutes and anchoring our defence in the years ahead.” The 6’4”, 175-pound blueliner also recorded two assists in five games at the John Reid Memorial Tournament in St. Albert.
Wouters earned a spot on the CSSHL B.C. Division First All-Star Team this season.
3 Regina Pats –Liam Pue
F- 6’1- 154- Langley, BC- Langley Hockey Academy U18 / JPHL U18
Kelowna traded this pick to Regina during the draft. With the third overall pick, the Pats selected Liam Pue from the Langley Hockey Academy. Pue, 15, tallied 50 points (30G-20A) in 29 games as an underager with the Langley Hockey Academy U18, leading the JPHL in goals. The Langley, B.C., product played for Langley Hockey Academy’s U15 program in 2023-24, leading the league in goals (40), assists (64) and points (104) in just 31 games. Like Schultz, the 6-foot-1, 154 lb. right-shot forward is eligible to play 34 games with the Pats next season after playing U18 hockey as an underager.
Many had Pue has the second ranked player available in this draft.
4 Penticton Vees –Thor Liffiton
D- 6’1- 161- Calgary, AB- Calgary Northstars U15 AAA / AEHL U15
Calgary’s Thor Liffiton (Calgary Northstars U15AAA) was the top Albertan selected, fourth overall by the WHL’s newest team, the Penticton Vees. The defenceman had seven goals and 31 assists last season in the Alberta Elite Hockey League.
Born and raised in the hockey world, Thor Liffiton, son of former NHLer David Liffiton and Danish born mother Rikke Liffiton, was born in Cleveland, OH in December of 2010. Thor’s early childhood memories are from rinks around the world, which has given him a deep understanding and love for the game.
Thor is in his second season with the U15 AAA Calgary Northstars. The 6ft right-handed defenseman is proud to be the team’s captain this year. Thor started his hockey career on the road. He played on teams in Sweden, Austria, Denmark and BC Canada before moving to Calgary in 2022.
5 Everett Silvertips –Reid Nicol
F- 6’2- 183- Brandon, MB- Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA / MU18HL
The Everett Silvertips chose forward Reid Nicol with the fifth-overall selection in the 2025 WHL Draft.
A native of Brandon, Manitoba, Nicol recorded 35 goals and 23 assists for 58 points in 48 games with the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA last season, adding eight goals and six assists in nine playoff games. The 6-foot-2, 183-pound forward also celebrated a WAAA U15 Championship with the Wheat Kings U15 AAA in 2023-24, tallying 36 goals and 44 assists in 32 regular-season games, plus 24 points in 11 playoff contests. His performance that year earned him second-team All-Star honors.
“Reid aligns perfectly with our vision,” said Director of Scouting Brooks Christensen. “We’ve had great discussions with him and his family. Adding a skilled, big-bodied center like Reid is a major boost for our team. We’re thrilled to welcome him and his family into the organization.”
6 Vancouver Giants –Louis-Oscar Holowaychuk
F- 5’9- 130- Vancouver, BC- St. George’s School U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
Holowaychuk is a massive goal scorer. He was named the CSSHL U15 Prep MVP after scoring 50 goals in 34 games this past season, which was 15 more goals than any other skater in the U15 Prep division. His 83 points also ranked first and was named a first-team all-star not just in the CSSHL, but also at the John Reid Memorial tournament.
“His compete level is second to none. He wants the puck. He’s a player that’s willing to go to the dirty areas to get the puck,” Giants Head Scout Terry Bonner said. “He knows how to score goals. He reminds me a lot of the way that Logan Stankoven played. I think at the end of the day, he wants to really be a good hockey player and he’s willing to do it. Size is not an issue with me because he plays a lot bigger than he is. He’s very talented and has a high hockey IQ.”
7 Red Deer Rebels- Nolan Wolitski
D- 6’3- 181- St. Albert, AB- Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
The Red Deer Rebels have chosen defenceman Nolan Wolitski as their first-round pick, 7th overall, in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft.
Playing for the Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep (CSSHL) in the 2024-25 season, Wolitski recorded 48 points, including eight goals and 40 assists, along with 74 penalty minutes across 29 regular-season games. He contributed seven points in five playoff games and also appeared in four games for NAX’s U18 Prep team this season.
At the John Reid Memorial Tournament in St. Albert this year, Wolitski amassed 10 points (two goals, eight assists) in six games.
A St. Albert resident with dual Canadian/U.S. citizenship, Wolitski was born in Raleigh, North Carolina. This selection is the third time the Rebels have picked 7th overall in the WHL Prospects Draft. The team previously selected centre Jayden Grubbe (2018), who later became captain, and defenceman Doug Lynch (1998), a future Memorial Cup winner.
8 Edmonton Oil Kings –Christopher Kokkoris
D- 6’6- 165- Langley, BC- Yale Hockey Academy U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
With the eighth overall pick, the Oil Kings bolstered their defense, drafting blueliner Christopher Kokkoris.
Hailing from Langley, B.C., Kokkoris has developed over the past two seasons with Yale Hockey Academy’s U15 Prep and Varsity teams. Standing at 6’6” and weighing 176 pounds, the defenceman recorded 37 points in 34 games this season, including a team-leading 33 assists. His point total topped all defenders on Yale’s U15 Prep squad. He also contributed two points in four playoff games.
“He’s got great size and moves the puck well, with crisp breakout passes,” said Hill. “His reach and ability to cover ice are impressive. He really stood out at the sports school championships, showing his potential and convincing us he was the right choice.” Kokkoris earned a spot on the CSSHL B.C. Division Second All-Star Team this season and saw action in three games with Yale’s U17 Prep team.
This marks a historic moment for the Oil Kings, as it’s the first time the franchise has selected twice within the top-10 of the WHL Prospects Draft.
9 Tri City Americans –Ben Oliverio
F- 5’9- 165- Calgary, AB- Calgary Northstars U15 AAA / AEHL U15
On Wednesday, the Tri-City Americans made their move in the first round of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, selecting forward Ben Oliverio with the ninth overall pick.
Hailing from Calgary, Alberta, Oliverio was chosen from the Calgary Northstars U15 team, where he amassed 77 points (37 goals, 40 assists) in just 28 games during the 2024-25 season. He also topped the AEHL U15 league in penalty minutes with 88.
Oliverio’s scoring prowess carried into the playoffs, where he notched 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in 10 games.
“Ben drives his team’s engine,” said Americans assistant general manager Roy Stasiuk. “He’s a highly skilled forward with a strong leadership presence, which we value greatly.”
At the 2025 Alberta Cup, a showcase of Alberta’s top WHL draft-eligible talent, Oliverio captained Team Red to victory, contributing three goals and three assists in five games.
Oliverio continues the Americans’ trend of selecting first-round talent from the Calgary region, following Jackson Smith (2022, 2nd), Cruz Pavao (2023, 13th), and Aden Bouchard (2024, 3rd).
10 Wenatchee Wild –Kalen Miles
F- 6’2- 181- Edmonton, AB -Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
The Wenatchee Wild proudly revealed their selection of center Kalen Miles on Wednesday afternoon, securing the 10th overall pick in the Western Hockey League Prospects Draft. Hailing from the Canadian Sport School Hockey League’s Northern Alberta Xtreme Under-15 Prep team, Miles was chosen during the league’s opening round of its annual bantam draft, with subsequent rounds scheduled for Thursday.
“He’s a versatile player who brings a lot to the table, both on the ice and as a teammate in the locker room,” said Leigh Mendelson, Wenatchee Wild’s director of scouting. “Kalen’s a strong presence in the center, capable of contributing in all scenarios—offense, defense, you name it. He’s dependable, intelligent, and remarkably athletic for his size, which aligns perfectly with the culture we’re building in Wenatchee.”
Miles, an Edmonton, Alberta native, completed his second season in the CSSHL this year, appearing in 36 regular-season games and amassing 57 points for NAX’s U15 squad, while also playing two games for the program’s U18 team. His performance shone brightest in high-stakes moments, as he racked up nine points in five games at the CSSHL Western Championships in Penticton, British Columbia, guiding NAX to a second-place finish and scoring twice in the championship game.
11 Kamloops Blazers –Mateo Ferreira
D- Winnipeg Bruins U15 AAA / WAAA U15
The Blazers selected Winnipeg defenceman Mateo Ferreira with the 11th overall pick. Ferreira scored 21 goals and 70 points in 32 games with the Winnipeg Bruins in Winnipeg AAA U-15 Hockey, good for second in defencemen in scoring and 11th overall in league scoring.
–Blazers 11th overall pick D Matteo Ferreira was at home watching the draft in Winnipeg: “We were watching online, and obviously when my name was called, we all jumped in excitement. We were all pumped.” “I’m a puck moving d-men, my best attribute is my skating and hockey IQ.”
12 Brandon Wheat Kings –Cruz Jim
D- 5’8- 150- Grande Prairie, AB- Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
For the first time since selecting Joby Baumuller in 2022, the Brandon Wheat Kings held the 12th overall pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, aiming to land a future cornerstone on defense.
With their first selection at 12th overall, the Wheat Kings chose defenseman Cruz Jim from the Northern Alberta Xtreme in the CSSHL U15 league. Jim shone brightly in the prep school circuit, amassing 66 points in 35 games.
“We’re absolutely thrilled,” said head coach and general manager Marty Murray. “We had him ranked much higher than 12th, so to get him feels like a steal. He’s a puck-moving defenseman who can quarterback a power play and fills a lot of our needs.”
Jim’s 66 points led all CSSHL U15 defensemen and his team in scoring, marking the second-highest point total by a defenseman in league history. His 53 assists also set a new league record.
“We had him pegged well above 12th,” said Director of Hockey Operations Chris Moulton. “Honestly, we thought there was no way he’d be available. Landing him is a fantastic surprise, and we’re excited to add such a skilled defenseman to our organization.”
Originally, the Wheat Kings were slated to have two first-round picks, with the 12th being the first. However, in a significant trade, they packaged that second first-rounder to acquire Luke Mistelbacher and Grayson Burzynski from the Swift Current Broncos.
13 Vancouver Giants- Crosby Mateychuk
D- 6’0- 185- Dominion City, MB- Eastman Selects U15 AAA / WAAA U15
Mateychuk is the younger brother of Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman and former Moose Jaw Warriors captain Denton Mateychuk, and he already has the physical tools to excel, listed at 6-feet and 185 lbs.
The left-shot blueliner scored over a goal-per-game in the Manitoba U15 AAA League, with 32 goals and 71 points in 31 games for the Eastman Selects. He tallied 28 points in his final 10 games of the regular season (11G-17A). He was also named a second-team all-star in the Manitoba U15 AAA League.
“Crosby is a heck of a hockey player. He’s an elite skater, he’s big and strong, he controls the game when he’s out there,” Giants Director of Player Personnel Greg Batters said. “One of the things I liked about him is the bigger the game, the better he plays. He plays a measured type of game. He’s a leader. I can’t say enough good things about him. Great family. Great pedigree.”
14 Kamloops Blazers- Teagen Bouchard
F- Fahler, AB- Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
Bouchard scored 21 goals and 61 points in 30 games with Northern Alberta Xtreme’s U-15 prep team, good for 12 overall in scoring in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League’s U-15 division. The 15-year-old also added one goal and two assists in three games with Northern Alberta Xtreme’s U-18 team.
Blazers 14th overall pick Teagen Bouchard sounds like a spark plug. “It’s been a dream of mine to play in the WHL but it’s even a bigger moment being drafted by the Blazers. ” “I have good awareness. I don’t play to my size, I like big boy hockey. A face-off guy, work ethic.”
15 Saskatoon Blades –Kain Martinuik
F- 5’11- 165- Peachland, BC- Shattuck St. Mary’s 14U AAA / 14U AAA
The Saskatoon Blades are thrilled to welcome Kain Martinuik, selected 15th overall in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft. Moments before the pick, the Blades secured the 15th slot through a trade with the Swift Current Broncos, sending their 22nd overall pick, a 2025 fourth-round pick, and a 2025 fifth-round pick in exchange. The 93rd overall pick, also involved in the deal, was acquired earlier in a trade that sent forward Willy James to the Penticton Vees.
Martinuik, a 15-year-old winger from Peachland, BC, lit up the scoresheet with Shattuck St. Mary’s 14U AAA, tallying 44 goals and 36 assists for 80 points in 57 games. At the US 14 Nationals, he added six goals and three assists in five games.
“I owe so much to my coaches, teammates, family, and everyone who’s supported me,” Martinuik said. “I’m honestly speechless right now.”
The 5-foot-11 left-shot forward previously played for St. George’s School U15 Prep in the CSSHL during the 2023-24 season, recording 14 goals and 23 assists in 27 games, plus six assists and eight penalty minutes in four playoff games.
“When I heard my name, my phone blew up, and my teammates rushed in to celebrate with me,” Martinuik shared.
“We had Kain ranked in our top three,” said Blades executive Priestner. “We barely discussed him this week, assuming he’d be gone in the top five or ten. When he was still available at 10, 11, 12, we were shocked. Maybe playing at Shattuck St. Mary’s, as a Canadian in the US, caused him to slip.”
Martinuik is Saskatoon’s first first-round pick since defenseman Isaac Poll in 2022.
“He’s a 6-foot-plus power forward with a scoring touch and an edge,” Priestner noted. “With 110 penalty minutes and 40 goals at Shattuck, he elevates the team’s intensity. He’s a perfect fit alongside smaller wingers like Halat and Johns from last year. We see him as a potential first-line center who can play at 16.”
16 Prince Albert Raiders –Athens Shingoose
F- 5’6- 128- Waywayseecapoo*, MB- RINK HA Winnipeg U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
With the 16th overall selection in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, sponsored by Windsor Plywood, the Prince Albert Raiders are thrilled to draft Athens Shingoose from RHA Winnipeg.
Standing at 5’6” and weighing 128 lbs entering the 2024-25 season, Shingoose dazzled in the CSSHL with his exceptional puck control and deadly shot. He netted 31 goals, placing fifth in the league, and amassed 60 points, ranking 16th. Shingoose co-led the league with 10 powerplay goals and contributed 12 powerplay assists.
“We’re overjoyed to welcome Athens to our team,” said Raiders Director of Player Personnel Bruno Zarrillo. “He’s a dynamic player who makes things happen every time he’s on the ice. His balance and strength make him nearly impossible to dispossess. He’s a fierce competitor and, from what we’ve heard in the community, an outstanding young man. We’re incredibly excited to have him.
“He’s a fantastic teammate who’s passionate about hockey. He’s always at the rink, engaging with coaches and asking questions. Athens is truly an impressive individual.”
17 Prince George Cougars –Cohen Baker
F- 5’7- 134- Kamloops, BC- Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
The Prince George Cougars are delighted to select forward Cohen Baker from the Burnaby Winter Club U15 program with the 17th overall pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft.
At 15 years old, Baker delivered a remarkable season at BWC, tallying 34 goals and 30 assists for 64 points in 33 games, while racking up 80 penalty minutes, highlighting his offensive flair and tenacious spirit.
“We’re ecstatic to bring Cohen into our fold,” said Bob Simmonds, Director of Scouting. “He’s arguably the fiercest competitor in this draft class. Cohen’s always in the thick of the action, blending dynamic skill with offensive output. His mix of toughness and talent makes him an exceptional addition to our team.”
Baker is eager to embark on his journey with the Cougars. “I’m thrilled about this opportunity—I couldn’t be more excited to join the Prince George Cougars,” Baker shared. “They have an incredible group of players and prospects, and I’m ready to get going. I’m a hard-working player who loves creating plays and setting up teammates. I lean toward passing but can find the net too, and I play with a lot of fire. I hope the PG fans will love my style.”
18 Moose Jaw Warriors –Kash Elke
F- 6’2- 165- Lanigan, SK- Humboldt Broncos U15 AA / SAAHL U15
At the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, the Moose Jaw Warriors used their 18th overall pick to draft Kash Elke from the Humboldt Broncos U15AA team.
General Manager Jason Ripplinger praised the selection, stating, “We’ve added a highly versatile centreman. He’s tall, a strong skater, and brings a lot of talent to our organization.”
Hailing from Lanigan, Saskatchewan, Elke recorded an impressive 33 goals and 33 assists for 66 points in 29 games last season. As a call-up for the Tisdale Trojans U18 AAA team, he contributed two goals and two assists in six regular-season games and also played in two playoff contests.
Ripplinger highlighted Elke’s potential, saying, “A 6’2” centre who can put the puck in the net is a valuable asset for our future.”
Serving as captain of the U15 AA Broncos, Elke led his team in both goals and total points. “We have high expectations for him,” Ripplinger added.
19 Victoria Royals –Roan Greschuk
D- 5’10- 150- Sturgeon County, AB – St. Albert Sabres U15 AAA / AEHL U15
The Victoria Royals selected Roan Greschuk 19th overall in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft.
The defenseman who hails from Sturgeon County, Alberta tallied 14 goals and 32 assists for 46 points in 31 games for the St. Albert Sabres U15 AAA during the 2024/25 season. Greschuk stands at 5’10 and 150 lbs.
“Roan is a competitive defenceman who makes an impact in all three zones” says Royals Head Scout Brayden Beckley. “His skating and instincts allow him to manage pace, close space efficiently, and handle all situation minutes with control”.
20 Kelowna Rockets –Will Kelts
D- Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
Having traded away the third overall pick, the Kelowna Rockets made their first move in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft by selecting defenceman Will Kelts at 20th overall.
Kelts played the past season with the Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep team, where the 6-foot-2, 192-pound blueliner recorded 13 goals and 26 assists for 39 points in 35 games.
This marks the second straight year the Rockets have used their first-round pick on a defenceman, following the selection of Owen Hayden eighth overall in 2024.
“He’s a big, physical defenceman with a strong presence,” said Rockets scout McFaul. “But he also brings a lot of offensive skill. This was a growth year for him, and his progress from start to finish was remarkable. We believe he has tremendous potential and will be a standout for us.”
21 Seattle Thunderbirds –Brook Haile
D- Calgary Northstars U15 AAA / AEHL U15
With the 21st overall pick in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, the Seattle Thunderbirds selected Brook Haile, Defenseman from Calgary NorthStars.
Haile appeared in 33 games for the Northstars, scoring 7 goals and 34 assists for 41 total points. While also suiting up for 4 games for the Northstars U18 AAA team.
“Brook is a talented, elite skating defenseman who will really fit in with our group,” said Director of player personnel Craig Goebel. “He will be a fixture to our powerplay for years to come, and Thunderbirds fans will be excited to watch him.”
22 Swift Current Broncos- Cohenn Rotar
F- Grande Prairie, AB- Grande Peace Storm U15 AAA / AEHL U15
The Swift Current Broncos entered Day 1 of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft without a first-round pick but made strategic moves to secure Cohenn Rotar from Grande Prairie, Alberta, playing for the Grande Prairie U15 AAA Storm in the Alberta Elite Hockey League.
The Broncos jumped into the draft by trading 2005-born players Luke Mistelbacher and Grayson Burzynski, acquiring multiple picks, including the 15th overall selection. General Manager Chad Leslie then struck a deal with the Saskatoon Blades, swapping the 15th pick for the 22nd overall pick, plus the 72nd and 93rd picks in the following day’s fourth and fifth rounds.
With the 22nd pick, the Broncos selected Rotar, who turns 15 on May 10. The 14-year-old forward posted 34 goals and 33 assists for 67 points in 34 games during the U15 AAA season. At the Alberta Cup Showcase, Rotar contributed two goals and an assist in five games for Team Alberta Gold.
“Cohenn is a dynamic, offensive player with immense potential,” said General Manager Chad Leslie. “He generates scoring chances off the rush, excels in the offensive zone, and is a threat on the power play. We’re thrilled to bring him into our program.”
The Broncos warmly welcome Cohenn and the entire Rotar family to Swift Current and are eager to introduce them to the organization and its fans.
23 Regina Pats – Logan Henry
F- 5’10- 172- Prince George, BC- Burnaby Winter Club U15 Prep / CSSHL U15
Henry, a standout from Prince George’s minor hockey system, became the third first-round selection for the Regina Pats and the final pick of the opening round, taken 33rd overall in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft.
Playing for the Burnaby Winter Club, Henry ranked second on the team in scoring behind Cohen Baker, posting 32 goals and 19 assists for 51 points in 31 games. The 15-year-old power forward also led the squad with 116 penalty minutes.
“Logan brings a fast, physical, WHL-ready style,” said WHL draft analyst Brad Ginnell. “His physicality is unmatched—he can deliver crushing hits with his speed, catching opponents off-guard in open ice. Yet, he’s also a scoring threat, finishing second in goals among a talented Burnaby forward group. He uses his strong frame to drive the puck straight to the net.”
Trades
