Western Hockey League

The Western Hockey League (WHL) is a major junior ice hockey league in Canada and the United States, part of the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). It features teams primarily from Western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Players, typically aged 16 to 20, compete at a high level, with many aspiring to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). The WHL season runs from September to March, followed by playoff tournaments leading to the championship. The league is known for developing young talent and has been a key pipeline for professional hockey.