The WHL now knows which 16 teams will be competing for the 2026 Ed Chynoweth Cup. On Saturday, the final four teams secured their spots, which means the first-round matchups have been determined. Here is a look at how the first round will look. EASTERN CONFERENCE: 1. Prince Albert Raiders vs 8. Red Deer Rebels 2. Medicine Hat Tigers vs 7. Regina Pats 3. Edmonton Oil Kings vs. 6. Saskatoon Blades 4. Calgary Hitmen vs. 5. Brandon Wheat Kings WESTERN CONFERENCE: 1. Everett Silvertips vs. 8. Portland Winterhawks 2. Penticton Vees vs. 7. Seattle Thunderbirds 3. Prince George Cougars vs. 6. Spokane Chiefs 4. Kelowna Rockets vs. 5. Kamloops Blazers Coaster Dunn of the Seattle Thunderbirds (Photo Credit: Evan Morud/Everett Silvertips/WHL) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/329bb0a3-c641-4d85-a0c6-74b5f419879e.jpeg] Coaster Dunn of the Seattle Thunderbirds (Photo Credit: Evan Morud/Everett Silvertips/WHL) The 2026 WHL Playoffs begin on Friday, March 27, 2026. All 16 teams are battling for a spot in the 2026 Memorial Cup, which will be held in Kelowna. Since the Rockets are hosting, they will automatically qualify for the tournament. Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site and add us to your favourites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more. This article originally appeared on The Hockey News [https://thehockeynews.com/whl]. Brandon Wheat Kings To Host 2027 WHL Prospects Game [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/brandon-wheat-kings-to-host-2027-whl-prospects-game] WHL Goal-Scoring Title Will Be Crowned On Saturday [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/whl-goal-scoring-title-will-be-crowned-on-saturday] WHL Teams Who Can Still Clinch 2026 Playoff Spots [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/whl-teams-who-can-still-clinch-playoffs] Battle For Most Wins In The WHL Heating Up Heading Into Final Weekend [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/battle-for-most-wins-in-the-whl-heating-up-heading-into-final-weekend] Everett, Prince Albert, Medicine Hat & Penticton Named To 2025-26 CHL Top-10 Week 25 Rankings [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/everett-prince-albert-medicine-hat-penticton-named-to-2025-26-chl-top-10-week-25-rankings] For action-packed issues, access to the entire magazine archive and a free issue, subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free [https://thehockeynews.store/products/print-subscription?_gl=1*11e3hua*_ga*MTk0NDM0Mzk0OS4xNzQ2MjQ0ODA2*_ga_ZET34ZFCGX*czE3NjYzMzYxOTQkbzkwOSRnMSR0MTc2NjMzNzA3NyRqNTYkbDAkaDA.]. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here [http://eepurl.com/i7OC4I]. And share your thoughts by commenting below the article on THN.com or creating your own post in our community forum. The Hockey News [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/cb2bb601-06a4-4c9c-b93a-8ebc3cf7b051.jpeg] The Hockey News
