For over 40 years, the Western Hockey League has been recognized internationally as a world leader in producing young hockey talent. For most of our fans this is best illustrated by the number of top WHL prospects selected in the annual NHL Draft. Each year, the WHL, together with our partners in the Quebec and Ontario Hockey Leagues, produce more NHL Draft picks than any other League or country in the world.
The WHL is also a leading source of talent for our national and regional teams that compete internationally for Canada. Each season, WHL players form the nucleus of Canada’s team which has dominated the World Junior Championship recently winning four straight gold medals. Many of the fans throughout the WHL may not be aware that we are leading suppliers in another very important category. Each year, over 230 graduates receive WHL Scholarships to attend Universities, Colleges or other post-secondary institutions. Many of our graduates move on to play in the Canada West University Hockey League and continue their careers by playing an outstanding calibre of hockey. The WHL Scholarship program has resulted in our Member Clubs becoming the leading supporter of University Hockey in Western Canada.
During the 2008/09 season, the WHL will continue its tradition of being a leading supplier of talent to the NHL, Canada’s National Team, and University hockey in Western Canada as we showcase some of the finest young prospects in the history of our League. Our fans are in for a real treat this season as we watch a highly talented crop of young prospects battle for a WHL Championship and a top ranking in the 2009 NHL Draft.
Many thanks to our loyal fans, local media and sponsors throughout Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest for your ongoing support. We hope you enjoy another exciting season of WHL hockey. |