Western Hockey League logo (Photo courtesy WHL)
The Western Hockey League (WHL) prospects draft kicks off Wednesday, and all eyes are on Saskatchewan’s rising stars. The Regina Pats, holding the top pick, are in a strong position to shape their future.
Regina Pats Eyeing First Overall Pick Again
For the second time in five years, the Regina Pats will make the first overall selection. They last picked first in 2020, selecting Connor Bedard, now a Chicago Blackhawks sensation.
This year, Regina also holds the 23rd overall pick. With three additional second-round selections, they own five of the first 50 picks. Their draft strategy could significantly reshape their roster.
Other Saskatchewan Picks in the First Round
Prince Albert Raiders will choose 16th. Moose Jaw Warriors sit at 18, and the Saskatoon Blades are slotted 22nd.
The Swift Current Broncos won’t pick in the opening round, having traded their selection to the Wenatchee Wild in a deal for Connor Geekie earlier this year.
Key Draft Times and Events
The first round begins at 5 p.m. CST on Victory+. The action continues Thursday with the U.S. Priority Draft and rounds two through fifteen of the WHL Draft.
Maddox Schultz Headlines Draft Class
Regina’s own Maddox Schultz is ranked as the top prospect by Elite Prospects. The 15-year-old forward had an outstanding year and solidified his position during April’s Telus Cup.
At the national tournament, he led all categories: nine goals, 11 assists, and 20 points. He tallied two hat-tricks and netted the overtime winner in the final, helping the Regina Pat Canadians secure their first national U18 AAA title since 1999. He was named the tournament MVP.
Dominant Regular Season and Playoff Run
Schultz also topped the SMAAAHL during the regular season with 93 points in 44 games. In the playoffs, he added another 22 points in 10 matches. His performance continued in the regional tournament, where he played a crucial role in the Pat Canadians’ unbeaten run to qualify for the Telus Cup.
Although Schultz didn’t apply for exceptional status, he will be allowed to play up to 34 WHL games next season under new league rules.
If chosen first by the Pats, Schultz would be the sixth Saskatchewan-born player to go first overall since 2000. Others include Berkly Catton (2021), Alex Forsberg (2010), and Derrick Pouliot (2009).
More Saskatchewan Stars on the Radar
Three more Saskatchewan players are ranked in the top 20, each expected to go in the first round.
Regina defenseman Ryker Doka is ranked ninth. He had 34 points in 21 games for Delta Academy in the CSSHL U15 Prep division. In the previous season, he tallied 30 points in 20 games with the Notre Dame Hounds.
Milestone’s Riley Brown is ranked 16th. The talented forward scored 53 points in 33 games for the Northern Alberta Extreme. Like Doka, Brown also played for Notre Dame in 2023-24, posting 30 points in 24 games.
Lanigan’s Kash Elke, the top player from the SAAHL U15 league, is ranked 18th. He had 66 points in 29 games with the Humboldt Broncos. Elke also added four points in six games with the SMAAAHL’s Tisdale Trojans.
Future Stars Ready to Shine
With so much local talent poised to be selected, Saskatchewan WHL teams are primed for a big night. The 2025 draft could mark the start of a new era for the province’s hockey programs.
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