JP Hurlbert has been named the WHL's Rookie of the Year for the 2025-26 season. The 18-year-old became the third Kamloops Blazers to win the award and first since Scottie Upshall in 2001. Hurlbert is eligible for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft and ranked 12th among North American Skaters on NHL Central Scouting's final list. Hurlbert had a season to remember in Kamloops. He recorded 97 points in 68 games, which ranked fourth in the WHL. Hurlbert led the Blazers in goals, assists and points while also wearing an "A" during his rookie campaign. At the time of writing, Hurlbert is committed to the University of Michigan [http://thn.com/ncaa] for next season. The only other WHLer projected to join the Wolverines in 2026-27 is Noah Kosick of the Seattle Thunderbirds. Hurlbert's rookie season concluded in the playoffs, as Kamloops was swept by the Kelowna Rockets in the first round. JP Hurlbert of the Kamloops Blazers (Photo Credit: Brian Johnson/Kamloops Blazers/WHL) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/d4a22316-8200-4aff-80b5-a09eb290c51f.jpeg] JP Hurlbert of the Kamloops Blazers (Photo Credit: Brian Johnson/Kamloops Blazers/WHL) 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]. 2026 WHL Playoffs Preview: 1) Everett Silvertips Versus 2) Penticton Vees [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/2026-whl-playoffs-preview-1-everett-silvertips-versus-2-penticton-vees] Daxon Rudolph Speaks On His Draft Season & What Makes The Prince Albert Raiders A Contender In The WHL [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/players/daxon-rudolph-speaks-on-his-draft-season-what-makes-the-prince-albert-raiders-a-contender-in-the-whl] Prince Albert Raiders Forward Braeden Cootes Named WHL's Most Sportsmanlike Player for 2025-26 [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/prince-albert-raiders-forward-braeden-cootes-named-whls-most-sportsmanlike-player-for-2025-26] Kelowna Rockets Forward Shane Smith Named WHL Humanitarian of the Year For 2025-26 [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/kelowna-rockets-forward-shane-smith-named-whl-humanitarian-of-the-year-for-2025-26] One Player to Watch From Each Team in the WHL Conference Finals [https://thehockeynews.com/whl/latest-news/one-player-to-watch-from-each-team-in-the-whl-conference-finals] 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/1ad7a295-2dd0-4784-9fc4-dcccac9d4909.jpeg] The Hockey News
