The top 2008-born WHL prospect hit the ice in Red Deer for this year's WHL Cup

The 2023 WHL Cup is a great opportunity for WHL fans to get a sense of the league's next wave of stars. Scheduled for October 18-22 in Red Deer, all 22 first-rounders from the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft will attempt to show the rest of Western Canada why their province is the best. Here is a look at one player from each team fans should pay attention to. 

Team BC: Defenceman Ryan Lin

Starting off with Team BC, we have defenceman Ryan Lin, who was drafted by the Vancouver Giants sixth overall. The dynamic defenceman has been a standout for the Delta Hockey Academy and already has his first career hat trick at the U18 level. One of seven first-rounders on this team, he should be near the top of league scoring once the tournament is done. 

Team Alberta: Defenceman Daxon Rudolph

Daxon Rudolph was selected first overall in this year's WHL prospect draft by the Prince Albert Raiders — and for good reason. Last year's CSSHL U15 top defenceman recorded 50 points for Northern Alberta Xtreme U15 Prep while also tying for first with four goals at the 2023 Alberta Cup. A great skater who can make teams pay when they give him space, expect him to lead the way offensively for Team Alberta. 

Team Saskatchewan: Center Dayne Beuker

Dayne Beuker is a force in the offensive zone. Drafted 14th overall by the Lethbridge Hurricanes, he finished last season with 103 points in just 30 games for the Humboldt Broncos U15 AA and followed that up with a 28-point performance in just nine playoff games. The highest-drafted player on Team Saskatchewan, there is no doubt he has a bright future ahead of him. 

Team Manitoba: Left Winger Jaxon Jacobson

Few players in the 2008 class had a more impressive season than Jaxon Jacobson. He spent the entire year at the U18 level despite only turning 14 in December, putting up 60 points in 44 games for the Brandon Wheat Kings U18 AAA. Selected fifth overall by the Brandon Wheat Kings, he is going to be the motor for Team Manitoba as they look to take home the historic trophy.