WHL unveils sweeping changes for 2026‑27 season
The Western Hockey League has revealed a package of reforms that will shape the 2026‑27 campaign, ranging from a novel overtime rule to a more player‑friendly schedule and a tentative foray into air travel for out‑of‑conference matchups.
Starting this year the regular season will stretch an extra week, giving teams additional rest between games and allowing coaches to fine‑tune strategies without the pressure of a compressed calendar.
Perhaps the most eye‑catching amendment is the introduction of a ‘no return’ overtime rule. If a game remains tied after the first overtime period, teams will move directly to a shootout, eliminating the traditional second overtime frame and reducing fatigue for players.
Clubs will also be permitted to travel by air for one set of out‑of‑conference road games, a privilege previously reserved for rare circumstances. This change aims to shorten travel times and improve overall logistics for teams competing outside their traditional divisions.
The playoff structure receives a modest but significant tweak: the opening round will now be contested as best‑of‑five series. This format is intended to increase competitiveness while giving lower‑seeded teams a realistic chance to advance.
Spokane Chiefs strike gold in the import draft
The Spokane Chiefs capitalized on the new draft rules by selecting three European prospects. In the first round they chose forward Matěj Tománek from Czechia, followed by defenseman Jonas Schwarz from Germany in the second round, and finally forward Jan Brabenec, also from Czechia, in the third round.
Tománek arrives with a strong résumé, having posted 70 points in the Czech U20 league and representing his nation at the 2025 Hlinka‑Gretzky Cup. His playmaking ability is expected to add depth to the Chiefs’ forward lines.
Schwarz, who recorded 47 points in 38 games for his club and wore the German jersey at the same Hlinka‑Gretzky Cup, brings a blend of offensive skill and defensive reliability that could prove valuable on the power play.
Brabenec, another Czech talent, tallied 47 points in 44 appearances in the U20 league and is viewed as a versatile forward capable of contributing both offensively and defensively.
These additions underscore the WHL’s expanding global reach, as the league continues to scout talent across Europe and beyond, while also reinforcing the Chiefs’ commitment to building a competitive roster for the upcoming season.