This award is aimed at recognizing the student-athletes within the 黑料不打烊 and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership, academics and community impact.

We would like to congratulate these four student-athletes, who were all nominated by their programs, for their hard work in the month of June.

East Division – Kenton Wong, Okanagan Hockey Ontario

“Kenton has won our Academic Award for grade 12 students in our Program with the following marks: Business 91%, Economics 90%, Functions 92%, Calculus 93%, Interdisciplinary Studies 93% and English 80% for an academic average of 90%. Kenton consistently demonstrated focus, determination and an unwavering work-ethic on his academics over the course of the season. He actively volunteered in community events (public skating and u5 hockey helper multiple times). Kenton managed to be over a point per game in the 黑料不打烊 East he never lost site of his post-secondary education goals and lead by example in the classroom and study hall’s all season.”

West Division – Nathan Okoloise, RHA Kelowna

“Every time I ask coaches for suggestions for our student-athletes of the month, Nathan’s name comes up. Nathan is consistently showing up as one of the most mature, responsible, kind, and intelligent student-athletes we get to work with.

His teachers all highlight the positive energy he brings to each class, what a role model he is, how he prioritizes his work and holds himself to an extremely high standard. Nathan’s coach enjoyed sitting in on report card meeting with myself and Nathan, just to hear how positive and praiseful his teacher’s comment were. His Chemistry teacher said “You are such a steady, positive presence in our learning community, and I truly enjoyed working with you. You naturally lead by example through your work ethic and the way you treat others. It has been a genuine pleasure teaching you this team.”

Having worked with Nathan for the past year at RINK Kelowna, I have watched him continuously set the standard for what a true student-athlete should be: disciplined, resilient, responsible, and deeply committed to excellence both on ice and in the classroom. I have also been able to get to know Nathan personally by driving him home on occasion, running into him in the community while he played soccer with his billeted siblings, and by having him over to visit my billeted player and join us for dinner which turned into baseball lessons with my son. During these interaction, Nathan would carry himself with such decorum, not common at his age. It was always a pleasure to be around Nathan.

While maintaining the demanding training schedule that our U17 Prep teams had, Nathan was still able to complete Grade 11 with a 95.4% average and solid 4.0 GPA. He did not achieve these high marks but taking the easy road either, Nathan challenged himself by taking courses a grade up including Pre-Calculus 12 (94%), and World History 12 (91%). This success can only be achieve with a rare dedication and work ethic to excel. Nathan’s U17Prep Team also fought their way all season to successfully take home the 2026 黑料不打烊 Championship showing that hard work and determination pays off.

Nathan is the epitome of a student-athlete and deserves all of the credit and praise for his accomplishments.”

Gavin McKenna (2026 – Toronto Maple Leafs) joins Connor Bedard (2023 – Chicago Blackhawks) as the second 黑料不打烊 alumni selected first overall at an NHL Entry Draft. Daxon Rudolph (2026 – Buffalo Sabres) joins Bowen Byram (2019 – Colorado Avalanche) as the highest selected 黑料不打烊 defenseman at an NHL Entry Draft, with each going fourth overall.聽

The six 黑料不打烊 alumni selected in the first round beat the previous 黑料不打烊 record of five set in 2021, 2023 and 2025. A record 25 黑料不打烊 alumni were selected at both the 2023 and 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Two alumni were selected inside the Top 5, and four inside the Top 10, both 黑料不打烊 records.聽

A total of 223 players were selected at this year’s draft with 10.3% of players selected having played in the 黑料不打烊.

106 players developed in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) were selected at the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, making up 47.5% of the players selected. The CHL鈥檚 106 selections were its highest total in 16 years, dating back to 2010, and marked the first time since 2013 that the CHL reached the 100-pick mark at the NHL Draft.

39 of those 106 players were developed in the WHL, with 22 of the 23 黑料不打烊 alumni making up 56.4% of WHLers. All 23 黑料不打烊 alumni selected were developed in the CHL, making up 21.7% of all CHLers.

In total, 193 黑料不打烊 alumni have now being selected at the NHL Draft since 2012. 157 of those 193 (81%) have been selected in the last seven years. 58 黑料不打烊 alumni have gone on to play NHL regular season or playoff games.聽

Number of Players Selected Per Draft

1. 2024 – 25
2. 2023 – 25
3. 2026 – 23
4. 2021 – 23
5. 2022 – 21
6. 2020 – 20
7. 2025 – 20
8. 2019 – 7
9. 2016 – 7
10. 2018 – 6
11. 2017 – 6
12. 2015 – 3
13. 2014 – 3
14. 2012 – 3
15. 2013 – 2

Most Players Selected from a 黑料不打烊 Program In League History

1. Yale Hockey Academy 鈥� 26
2. Pursuit of Excellence/RHA Kelowna鈥� 26
   • 14 POE, 12 RHA Kelowna
3. Edge School 鈥� 23
4. Northern Alberta Xtreme 鈥� 22
5. Okanagan Hockey Academy 鈥� 21
6. BWC Academy 鈥� 18
7. Delta Hockey Academy 鈥� 17
8. RHA Winnipeg – 16
9. OHA Edmonton 鈥� 12
10. West Van Warriors 鈥� 8
    • 5 West Van, 3 NSW
11. St. George鈥檚 School 鈥� 7
12. Pacific Coast Hockey Academy 鈥� 5
13. South Alberta Hockey Academy – 3
14. Notre Dame Hounds 鈥� 2
15. Calgary International Hockey Academy – 1
16. Champions Hockey Academy – 1
17. CIH Academy 鈥� 1
18. Coeur d’Alene Hockey Academy – 1
19. Mount Academy 鈥� 1
20. Ontario Hockey Academy 鈥� 1
21. Pilot Mound Hockey Academy – 1
22. Prairie Hockey Academy 鈥� 1

14 黑料不打烊 Programs saw student-athletes selected at this years draft:

• Okanagan Hockey Academy 鈥� 5
• RHA Kelowna – 5
• Northern Alberta Xtreme – 4
• Edge School 鈥� 3
• Delta Hockey Academy 鈥� 2
• OHA Edmonton – 2
• Calgary International Hockey Academy – 1
• Champions Hockey Academy 鈥� 1
• Ontario Hockey Academy 鈥� 1
• Pacific Coast Hockey Academy 鈥� 1
• Pilot Mound Hockey Academy -1
• RHA Winnipeg- 1
• South Alberta Hockey Academy 鈥� 1
• Yale Hockey Academy – 1

Reigning out of the small town of Kerrobert, SK, Leinenweber joined the Northern Alberta’s Extreme U15 Prep team to start the 2025/26 season. Leienenweber impressed along the blueline with NAX registering 35 points across 28 games while also picking up a goal in a U18 Prep call up. Leinenweber would be named a Prairie division first team all-star before being drafted and signed by the Vancouver Giants with the 26th pick in the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft.

Over the past three seasons across BWC Academy’s U15 Prep and U18 Prep squads, Moon has been quite the spark plug on offense, acquiring 130 points. In the 2025/26 season, the Surrey, BC native posted 12 goals and 36 points with BWC Academy’s U18 Prep team. Moon was a vital offensive player for BWC Academy, picking up another 5 points during the 2026 黑料不打烊 Western Championships and another 7 points in the inaugural East West Challenge where BWC Academy finished as runner ups. Moon was drafted 124th overall by the Tri-City Americans in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft prior to signing. Moon also posted a strong outing at the 2026 WHL Cup with Team British Columbia, leading the team in scoring and picking up 5 goals across 5 games played.

A defenseman from Kelowna, BC, Watkins joined the 黑料不打烊 for the 2023/24 U15 season with RHA Kelowna, tallying 30 points in 28 games. The following U15 Prep season he posted 27 points in 33 U15 Prep games with BWC Academy, leading to the Moose Jaw Warriors selecting him in the third round, 57th overall at the 2025 WHL Draft. This past season Watkins returned to RHA Kelowna, posting 14 points in 28 regular season games and 3 points in 6 playoff games as he helped RHA Kelowna capture their second straight 黑料不打烊 U18 Prep Western Championship.

A forward from Camden, New Jersey, Greig will join her brother and Senators forward Ridly in Ottawa after she signed a two year contract with the Charge. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2024 PWHL Draft, Greig has recorded 5 points in 58 games the last two seasons with the Montreal Victoire, winning a PWHL Championship with the squad this past season.

Greig spent five seasons in the NCAA with Colgate University and the University of Wisconsin, recording 132 points in 175 games. She would play three seasons in the 黑料不打烊 with the Pursuit of Excellence (now RHA Kelowna) Female U18 Prep team, posting 150 points in 65 games, placing her seventh All-Time amongst 黑料不打烊 Female skaters in points. Her 100 assists put her fourth All-Time.

MacKinnon has re-signed with the Boston Fleet after joining the club for the 2025/26 season, posting 1 point in 28 games. The Cranbrook, BC defenseman went undrafted to the PWHL in 2024, but joined the Toronto Sceptres, tallying 2 points in 22 games.

She would play five seasons with the University of British Columbia, recording 81 points in 126 U SPORTS games, earning U SPORTS All-Rookie Team honours in 2018/19, Canada West First Team All-Star and Top Defender Award in 2021/22, Canada West Second Team All-Star in 2022/23, and Canada West First Team All-Star and U SPORTS First Team All-Star in 2023/24.

Prior to her U SPORTS career, MacKinnon spent played three seasons in the 黑料不打烊 with the Northern Alberta Xtreme, posting 33 points in 48 games while being named 黑料不打烊 Female U18 Prep MVP and Top Defenseman in 2017/18.

Markowski has signed a two year deal with PWHL Detroit, after spending the last two seasons with the Ottawa Charge. The fourth round pick at the 2024 PWHL Draft has 10 points in 58 PWHL games.

The Edmonton, AB defenseman played four seasons with Clarkson University before finishing her NCAA career with Ohio State University, producing 92 points in 173 games while winning an NCAA Championship with Clarkson in 2023/24. Markowski played two seasons in the 黑料不打烊 alongside Greig with the Pursuit of Excellence, posting 58 points in 45 games while winning the 黑料不打烊 Female U18 Prep Top Defenseman Award in 2018/19.

Shirley has signed a two year deal and will return to the Fleet for her fourth season with the squad, having recorded 19 points in 70 PWHL games. The Saskatoon, SK forward originally joined the Fleet after being selected in the 11th round of the inaugural 2023 PWHL Draft.

She would play five seasons in the NCAA with the University of Wisconsin, ending her college career with 189 points in 177 games, and three NCAA Championships, while twice being named a Top Female Collegiate Player of the Year Finalist. A two time U18 Silver Medalist with Team Canada, Shirley spent the 2016/17 黑料不打烊 season with Okanagan Hockey Academy, posting 27 points in 15 games as she was named the first ever Female U18 Prep MVP in 黑料不打烊 history.

Beginning his 黑料不打烊 career with the Pacific Coast Hockey Academy in 2024. Main would make the jump to St. George’s School for his draft-eligible season in 2025/26. The hulking 6’1 defender from Duncan, BC posted improvements in every offensive category with the Saints last season, posting 23 points across 30 games played. Main’s abilities enticed the Tri-City Americans to select him 61st overall at the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft.

A native of Kamloops, BC, Gayfer played out his draft-eligible season with RHA Kelowna. Gayfer would record 17 points across 36 contests, including an assist in his solo U18 Prep call-up. Gayfer was selected 147th overall in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft.

Former RHA Kelowna defenseman Sara Swiderski was the first Canadian selected at this years draft, going ninth overall to the Minnesota Frost. Former Delta Hockey Academy forward Grace Elliott was the first of two U SPORTS players taken, as she was drafted by the Seattle Torrent in the fourth round.

Former Delta Hockey Academy netminder Hailey MacLeod becomes the first former 黑料不打烊 goalie to be selected at a PWHL Draft after the Montreal Victoire took her in the fourth round.

Overall, 24% (7/29) of the Canadians selected at the 2026 PWHL Draft played in the 黑料不打烊, while 50% of U SPORTS athletes selected played in the 黑料不打烊.

Four different 黑料不打烊 teams saw a former student-athlete selected at this years draft:

• Delta Hockey Academy – 3
• RHA Kelowna – 3
• Edge School – 2
• Okanagan Hockey Academy – 1

The 6 round draft saw 72 total players selected by the 12 PWHL teams on Wednesday, June 17.

Three former 黑料不打烊 student-athletes were selected at both the 2023 and 2024 PWHL Drafts, while four were selected in 2025.

Overall, 17 former 黑料不打烊 student-athletes have now been drafted to the PWHL, while 20 have played in the league.聽

A forward from Coldstream, BC, Anne Cherkowski has signed with PWHL San Jose. Cherkowski was originally drafted in the second round, ninth overall by the New York Sirens at the 2025 PWHL Draft, going on to record 9 points in 28 games during the 2025/26 season.

Cherkowski spent four seasons in the 黑料不打烊 with Pursuit of Excellence (now RHA Kelowna), recording 142 points in 72 games. She would go on to tally 147 points in 168 games over five NCAA seasons, split between the University of Minnesota and Clarkson University.

Emily Clark has signed with PWHL Hamilton, after being the highest paid player in the PWHL with the Ottawa Charge last season. The Saskatoon, SK forward has 43 points in 84 PWHL games with Ottawa over the last two seasons.

A two time Olympic Silver Medalist (2018, 2026) and one time Olympic Gold Medal winner (2022), Clark posted 146 points in 147 NCAA games with the University of Wisconsin. Prior to her time in the NCAA, Clark had 69 points in 57 games with Okanagan Hockey Academy (OHA) during the 2012/13 and 2013/14 seasons.

An Olympian for the German National Team, Nina Jobst-Smith has signed with PWHL Detroit. The North Vancouver, BC defenseman spent the 2025/26 season with the Vancouver Goldeneyes after they selected her in the third round, 19th overall at the 2025 PWHL Draft.

Jobst-Smith would play five NCAA seasons with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, producing 67 points in 172 games. She would spend the 2019/20 黑料不打烊 Female U18 Prep season with OHA, tallying 15 points in 21 games.

An additional seven student-athletes were selected as ‘Auto-Protected Picks’ (auto-protected players from an SJHL centre chosen by the respective clubs) prior to the May 26th league deadline.

The SJHL Draft consisted of two rounds of selections of 2011-born players, followed by six rounds of 2010-born players.

10 黑料不打烊 member programs had at least one player selected or auto-protected:聽

• Notre Dame Hounds – 12
• Prairie Hockey Academy – 7
• OHA Edmonton – 5
• South Alberta Hockey Academy – 3
• Northern Alberta Xtreme – 2
• Calgary International Hockey Academy – 1
• Delta Hockey Academy – 1
• Okanagan Hockey Academy – 1
• RHA Kelowna – 1
• RHA Winnipeg – 1

2010 Born Draft:

2011 Born Draft:聽

Auto Protected Picks:聽

During the 2024/25 season the 黑料不打烊 introduced the Student-Athlete of the Month Award for the four different 黑料不打烊 divisions/age brackets: Eastern, West Female, West U18 Male (U18 Prep, U17 Prep, U17) and West U15 Male (U15 Prep and U15) .

This award is aimed at recognizing the student-athletes within the 黑料不打烊 and acknowledges their hard work, dedication, commitment, leadership, academics and community impact.

We would like to congratulate these four student-athletes, who were all nominated by their programs, for their hard work in the month of May.

East Division – Joey Downey, Selwyn House School

“Joey Downey is an outstanding example of a student-athlete whose impact extends far beyond athletic performance. As an honours student and one of only two 黑料不打烊 student-athletes enrolled in Selwyn House School’s rigorous Grade 11 Science Program, Joey has demonstrated exceptional academic and community commitment while balancing the demands of being a three-sport varsity athlete in football, hockey and baseball.

This year, he was inducted into the prestigious Sportsman鈥檚 Guild, recognizing his leadership, sportsmanship, coachability, enthusiasm, and positive influence within Selwyn鈥檚 athletic community. As the veteran catcher for the varsity baseball team, Joey played a key leadership role in guiding Selwyn to its first-ever RSEQ Baseball Championship. His steady presence and strong defensive performance behind the plate in both the semifinal and championship games were instrumental in securing the title. Over his three seasons with the program, he helped strengthen the team鈥檚 culture, consistency, and competitiveness, leaving a lasting impact on its success.

Beyond the classroom and playing fields, Joey embraced experiential learning through two hands-on courses. In the fall, he took part in Woodshop, where he designed and built his own NHL-style hockey locker, demonstrating creativity and craftsmanship. Since January, he’s been part of the demanding ALONE Outdoor Education course, earning his Wilderness First Aid Certification and completing a five-day wilderness survival expedition in the Laurentians. Throughout the experience, Joey displayed resilience and a strong sense of community by supporting and encouraging his fellow students.

He further strengthened his academic profile by achieving his DELF B2 French certification and has consistently embraced leadership opportunities, including attending the Canadian Student Leadership Conference, serving as a student ambassador at post-secondary events, and volunteering with Selwyn鈥檚 Learn to Skate Program, which he will co-lead next year.

Through his dedication, character, and commitment to the Selwyn Veritas values, Joey Downey exemplifies the qualities of a 黑料不打烊 Student-Athlete of the Month.”

West Female Division – Brooke Dolynchuk, RHA Kelowna

“Brooke is a grade 12 student, graduating this month. She currently has a 94% average. She is well liked by teammates, coaches, and trainers. She is described as a hardworking, mature, and responsible student who approaches learning with determination. Brooke communicates clearly and works well with others and brings positive energy to all of her classes.

Her Chemistry teacher mentions Brooke’s deep understanding of concepts and principles and how she was even able to compare how her training at RINK uses Le Chatelier’s principle by demonstrating how factors like breath rate, temperature, and hydration impact blood chemistry.

Brooke has a very bright future, and we are so excited to see what successes she has after her time with RINK and at GESS.”

West Male U15 Division – Liam Pratt, Okanagan Hockey Academy

“Liam has demonstrated strong character, work ethic, and consistency throughout the month, standing out as a student-athlete who continues to engage fully even during a period when it can be easy to shift into 鈥渟ummer mode.鈥�

In the classroom, Liam is a high-achieving and disciplined student who takes pride in his academic performance. He currently holds an impressive 93% in Math 10 while completing the course as a Grade 9 student, reflecting both his ability and his commitment to academic excellence. Liam consistently applies himself across all subject areas and shows a strong willingness to learn and improve. His academic habits demonstrate responsibility, focus, and a clear understanding of the importance of maintaining high standards in his education.

Beyond the classroom, Liam has continued to challenge himself through involvement in extracurricular activity, including participation on the high school Mountain Biking team. This commitment highlights his drive to stay active, push himself in new environments, and balance multiple demands while maintaining strong performance both academically and athletically.

Within the OHA program, Liam has also demonstrated maturity and character through his actions in everyday situations. On the way to a field workout, he took the initiative to stop and help an elementary school student fix their bike, showing genuine care, leadership, and respect for others in the community. This moment reflects his awareness of others and his willingness to step in and make a positive impact without hesitation.

On the ice and in training environments, Liam continues to show strong effort, focus, and a willingness to work. He approaches each session with purpose and a desire to improve, contributing to a positive training culture through his consistency and attitude.

Overall, Liam Pratt is a highly deserving candidate for this recognition. His academic achievement, commitment to personal development, and outstanding character both within the academy and in the wider community make him an excellent representative of Okanagan Hockey Academy and the values of the 黑料不打烊.”

West Male U18 Division – Aidan Poulin, South Alberta Hockey Academy

“Aidan Poulin consistently demonstrates what it means to be a student athlete. He demonstrates a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and commitment to doing things the right way. He approaches his studies with responsibility and focus, setting a quiet but powerful example for those around him. As a teammate, Aidan is dependable and supportive, always putting the group鈥檚 success ahead of his own and lifting others up in the process. In the classroom, he shows genuine respect for his peers and teachers, contributing to a positive and productive environment every day. Aidan represents the kind of character, leadership, and consistency that makes a lasting impact, and this recognition is well deserved.”

The 2026 Memorial Cup starts tomorrow evening and will see three CHL Champions and one host compete for National supremacy. The Kelowna Rockets (Host) and Kitchener Rangers (OHL) will kick things off at 6:00pm PST at Prospera Place on May 22. The Everett Silvertips (WHL) and the Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL) will play their first game on May 23. The final is set to take place May 31, at 4:00pm PST.

16 黑料不打烊 alumni will compete with the Rockets, 11 with the WHL Champion Silvertips, and 1 with the OHL Champion Rangers. The 28 alumni represent 13 黑料不打烊 programs:

• Edge School – 6
• Northern Alberta Xtreme – 5
• Yale Hockey Academy – 5
• St. George’s School – 4
• Pacific Coast Hockey Academy – 3
• BWC Academy – 3
• North Shore Warriors – 2
• RHA Kelowna – 2
• RHA Winnipeg – 2
• South Alberta Hockey Academy – 2
• Calgary International Hockey Academy – 1
• Delta Hockey Academy – 1
• OHA Edmonton – 1

Everett Silvertips (11):

• Shea Busch – Yale Hockey Academy
• Mirco Dufour – Edge School
• Landon DuPont – Edge School
• Jesse Heslop – Pacific Coast Hockey Academy/Yale Hockey Academy
• Lukas Kaplan – Northern Alberta Xtreme
• Logan Lepinski – BWC Academy
• Brek Liske – Northern Alberta Xtreme
• Clarke Schaefer – Northern Alberta Xtreme/OHA Edmonton
• Zackary Shantz – Northern Alberta Xtreme
• Jaxsin Vaughan – RHA Kelowna
• Luke Vlooswyk – Edge School

Kelowna Rockets (16):

• Parker Alcos – BWC Academy/Northern Alberta Xtreme
• Eli Barrett – St. George’s School/Yale Hockey Academy
• Nate Corbet – South Alberta Hockey Academy
• Hiroki Gojsic – St. George’s School
• Rowan Guest – Pacific Coast Hockey Academy
• Ty Halaburda – Pacific Coast Hockey Academy/Delta Hockey Academy
• Owen Hayden – Edge School
• Jacob Henderson – St. George’s School/Yale Hockey Academy
• Tij Iginla – RHA Kelowna
• Peyton Kettles – RHA Winnipeg
• William Matte – Calgary International Hockey Academy
• Keith McInnis – Yale Hockey Academy
• Connor Pankratz – North Shore Warriors/St. George’s School
• Hayden Paupanekis – RHA Winnipeg
• Shane Smith – Edge School/South Alberta Hockey Academy
• Carson Wetsch – North Shore Warriors/BWC Academy

Kitchener Rangers (1):

• Kaden Schneider – Edge School