Western Hockey League

The Western Hockey League (WHL) is a Major Junior Hockey League based out of Canada (although some teams reside in the United States). The WHL is one of three Major Junior Hockey Leagues which comprise the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). The other two leagues are the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).

22 teams comprise the WHL which is broken down into two conferences and four divisions. The league champion of the WHL participates in the Memorial Cup which is made up of the three CHL champions and the host team.

The WHL has produced hundreds of current and former National Hockey League (NHL) players. 6 players were drafted in the 1st Round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

The WHL Bantam is held every year to draft some of the best 14 and 15 year old hockey players in Canada and the United States (some from overseas). These players are among the best youth hockey prospects in the world and many have high-end professional potential. Players drafted in the WHL are not considered amateurs by the NCAA therefore forfeiting their college eligibility.