Opening night in the WHL featured multiple hat tricks and plenty of overtime.
The WHL kicked off their 2024-25 season in style Friday night as 16 teams hit the ice for the first time. Opening night featured plenty of intriguing, including half of the games needing overtime to find a winner. Here is a look at four of the standout performances from opening night in the WHL.
Roger McQueen- Brandon Wheat Kings
Roger McQueen put on a show in his first game of the season. The 2025 NHL Draft prospect scored four goals and had six shots on net in a 5-2 win over the Moose Jaw Warriors. On pace for a casual 272 goals this year, expect plenty of standout performances from the 17-year-old throughout the season.
Kelton Pyne- Regina Pats
Kelton Pyne was arguably the best goaltender on night one, stopping 37 of the 39 shots he faced in a 3-2 overtime win over the Prince Albert Raiders. Now in his fourth season with the Regina Pats, Pyne looks ready to build off the 10-17-3-1 record he put together last season.
Kyle Chyzowski- Portland Winterhawks
Kyle Chyzowski kicked off his 2024-25 season in style with a hat trick versus the Kamloops Blazers. All three of Chyzowski's goals came in the third as the Portland Winterhawks battled back from a 2-0 deficit to win 5-2. Now, with 52 goals in his WHL career, the 20-year-old forward looks ready to step up in a big way this year for Portland.
Keaton Verhoeff- Victoria Royals
Keaton Verhoeff put the league on notice with his superb performance against the Tri-City Americans. The 16-year-old defender scored two goals, including the overtime winner, while also recording seven shots on net. Not draft-eligible until 2026, Verhoeff has the potential to become a star in the WHL.
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