At just 18, J.P. Hurlbert of Allen, Texas, is already being projected as a first‑round selection in the upcoming 2026 NHL Draft. The young forward has spent nearly every waking hour since age four honing his craft at the Children’s Health StarsCenter in Valley Ranch, a facility that has become the crucible of his development.
His statistical trajectory reads like a meteoric rise. In his WHL debut with the Kamloops Blazers, Hurlbert posted 42 goals and 55 assists over 68 games, earning rookie‑of‑the‑year honors and cementing his reputation as one of the league’s most potent scorers. Analysts now expect him to land somewhere in the middle of the first round, a placement that would make him the first native Texan drafted in the opening round since Seth Jones in 2013.
A Texas‑Born Prospect Redefines the Draft Landscape
Hurlbert’s ascent is as much a family story as it is a hockey narrative. His parents, Jeff and Sarah Hurlbert, chose Texas because of Sarah’s position at Coca‑Cola, a decision that anchored the family in the Lone Star State while exposing young J.P. to the excitement of Detroit Red Wings playoff runs that sparked his love for the sport.
Beyond the rink, Hurlbert will begin his collegiate career at the University of Michigan this fall, where he hopes to blend academic pursuits with his professional ambitions. He sees his journey as a beacon for aspiring Texas players, a role model who can demonstrate that elite talent can emerge from non‑traditional hockey hotbeds.
The ripple effects of his potential draft day extend beyond personal achievement. The Dallas Stars, the WHL’s Kamloops Blazers, and the broader U.S. National Development Team Program have all been part of his pathway, illustrating a network that stretches from Texas to British Columbia and beyond. As the sport’s footprint expands, sponsors such as Coca‑Cola continue to recognize the marketing power of a story that blends regional pride with global aspiration.