By Rich Campbell, Athletic Trainer & Strength and Conditioning Coach, Portland Winterhawks

Congratulations to the Medicine Hat Tigers on winning the 2025 WHL Championship, and 6^th Ed Chynoweth Cup in franchise history. 

The WHL added the Penticton Vees to the Western Conference expanding the WHL to 23 teams.  Welcome to Bob Pond, AT, and Josh Armstrong, EM, who are joining Major Jr hockey.  Best of luck and good fortune to those WHL training staff moving on as well as those moving up to professional hockey. 

The Brandon Wheat Kings have hired Jake McKercher, EM, replacing Scott Hlady, who is now with the Manitoba Moose.  Henry Augenstein, EM, is filling in for Mike Murphy, who is now with the Cleveland Monsters.  Taylor Cochrane, AT, has joined the Kamloops Blazers.  Regina’s Athletic Therapist, Andrew Kutnikoff, has joined the USask Huskies.  His replacement is Cole Stevens.  Welcome Cole.  Paul Ng, EM, has joined Burnie with the Vancouver Giants, with Cord Ivanco, Assistant EM, who is joining the Calgary Wranglers.  Last but not least, Larissa Germer, ATC, is the new Athletic Trainer for the Wenatchee Wild.

Let’s all have safe travels and hearty laughter throughout the 25-26 season.