A look at three players who have had strong starts to the 2026 WHL pre-season.
The 2026 WHL pre-season is only a week old, but has already produced some standout performances. From rookie goaltenders standing on their heads to some of the best in the league lighting the lamp, players look ready to shine during the 2026-27 campaign. Here is a look at three standouts from the first week of the 2026 pre-season.
Cameron Schmidt- Victoria Royals
It didn't take long for Cameron Schmidt to make an impression with his new team. The Victoria Royals winger had a game to remember against the London Knights on September 4 as he recorded a hat trick, an assist and 13 shots. Schmidt led the league with 51 goals last season and will be a favourite to finish at the top of the list again this year.
Logan German- Kelowna Rockets
The Kelowna Rockets may have their goaltender of the future in Logan German. The 16-year-old was almost unbeatable on September 4 against the Kamloops Blazers, as he stopped 36 of the 37 shots he faced. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, German is one of four goaltenders listed on Kelowna's pre-season roster.
Liam Ruck- Medicine Hat Tigers
Fresh off a 104-point season, Liam Ruck already has his first hat trick of the year. The Medicine Hat Tigers winger scored three times on September 1 against the Lethbridge Hurricanes while playing on a line with his brothers Markus and Landon. With the Rucks leading the way, Medicine Hat could be in for yet another long playoff run.
Liam Ruck of the Medicine Hat Tigers (Photo Credit: Mark Peterson/Prince Albert Raiders/WHL)Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News.
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