Development for future NHLers is essential for the growth of the game with many of today’s young players putting their talent on display in front of NHL scouts from all pro teams.
Locally the Vancouver Giants as well as other Junior clubs across Canada are focused on the overall development of future stars putting them on display at the Prospects game.
The Western Hockey League are working with the Vancouver Giants and are hosting the inaugural WHL Prospects Game at the Langley Events Center which is presented by Showpass.
Mark the date on your calendars for Wednesday, February 18, the 2026 WHL Prospects Game which puts on display up and coming NHL Draft-eligible prospects from the WHL’s Eastern Conference who will face the WHL’s Western Conference in a one-game winner take all for the bragging rights for the WHL supremacy.
“We are excited to introduce the 2026 WHL Prospects Game and thrilled to host this brand-new event alongside the Vancouver Giants at the Langley Events Centre,” commented WHL Commissioner Dan Near. “The WHL remains the premier development league for hockey players in Western Canada and the Pacific Northwest, and we’re looking forward to showcasing the league’s elite NHL Draft-eligible talent in February.”
Team West will feature hometown product and Vancouver Giants defenceman Ryan Lin, along with Spokane Chiefs forward Mathis Preston, a native of Penticton, B.C.
Team East will be led by Prince Albert Raiders defenceman Daxon Rudolph, of Lacombe, Alta., along with Medicine Hat Tigers forward Liam Ruck, the pride of Osoyoos, B.C.
“The Vancouver Giants are thrilled to host the inaugural WHL Prospects Game this coming February, a milestone event that will spotlight the league’s emerging stars, including our very own Ryan Lin,” Giants VP, Operations and Assistant General Manager Peter Toigo said. “This is a tremendous opportunity for fans to see the next wave of WHL stars. We’re proud to work with the WHL to bring this new showcase to the Lower Mainland.”
Additional members of both Team West and Team East will be unveiled in the lead up to the 2026 WHL Prospects Game in Vancouver.
The two rosters will feature the best and brightest WHL talent eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, as identified by NHL Central Scouting and NHL Clubs, along with other stars from across the WHL.
Tickets for the 2026 WHL Prospects Game presented by Showpass are available beginning today at 1 p.m. PT. Please visit vancouvergiants.com/tickets for details.
The 2026 WHL Prospects Game will serve as the first all-WHL event of its kind since January 19, 2000, when Kelowna hosted the 2000 WHL All-Star Game, in which the Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference by a score of 10-8 in front of 5,420 fans at Prospera Place.
Since the WHL was established in 1966-67, there have been 26 previous WHL all-star or top prospects-style events.
Vancouver last hosted a WHL All-Star Game on January 19, 1972, when the East Division defeated the West Division by a 4-2 margin.
For more information on the 2026 WHL Prospects Game, please visit WHL.ca.
The Giants next home game is their Teddy Bear Toss on Saturday, December 13 at 7 PM against the Victoria Royals, followed by the annual Toy Drive on Sunday, December 14 at 4 PM against Spokane! Grab your seats at VancouverGiants.com/tickets.
ABOUT THE VANCOUVER GIANTS
The Vancouver Giants are proud members of the Western Hockey League and were inaugurated in 2001. They have since won one Memorial Cup (2007), one Ed Chynoweth Cup (2006), and three conference championships (2005-06, 2006-07 & 2018-19).
The Giants have produced six first round NHL Draft selections.
The club plays out of the 5,276-seat Langley Events Centre. For the latest information on the Giants, visit vancouvergiants.com and follow the team on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.
Thanks to the Vancouver Giants for the press release!!
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