45 HSL Athletes Selected in 2025 WHL Draft

In the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, a total of 227 players were selected by WHL member clubs. Of these, 75 players hailed from Alberta, accounting for approximately 33% of all selections.

Among those Alberta-born players, 44 were alumni of the Hockey Super League (HSL), representing 59% of all Alberta players chosen. This significant representation underscores the HSL’s pivotal role in developing top-tier hockey talent in the province and highlights the league’s growing influence on the WHL recruitment landscape.

The Hockey Super League proudly congratulates the 45 alumni from across its programs who were selected in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft—a testament to the continued rise of independent hockey development in Western Canada and beyond.

Leading the way was Thor Liffiton of the Calgary Crusaders, selected 4th overall by the Penticton Vees and will forever be known as the 1st ever draft pick by the Vees. His strong season and physical presence earned attention early and often from WHL scouts. Also selected in the first round were Ben Oliverio of the O2 Grizzlies (9th overall), Cruz Jim, Teagen Bouchard and Cohenn Rotar of the Rebels Hockey Academy (12th, 14th and 22nd overall, respectively), Roan Greschuk of Aces Hockey Academy (19th overall), and Brook Haile of Spartan Academy (21st overall)—a strong showing that reflects the elite talent being developed across the HSL.

Established programs such as Aces Hockey Academy (7 athletes), Spartan Academy (5 athletes), and Rebels Hockey Academy (5 athletes) continued to demonstrate their strength in producing top-tier prospects. Sauce Hockey and the Calgary Crusaders also had a standout year with 6 athletes drafted respectively, while Wave Hockey Academy—a now-retired but once-dominant 2010 program—saw 5 alumni selected, further cementing its legacy. 

Selections spanned all rounds of the draft, from early picks to late-round depth selections, showcasing both the high-end skill and the developmental depth of the HSL system. With players drafted from nine different HSL programs, the results reflect the league’s balanced competitive environment and its success in fostering excellence across all levels.

As the landscape of youth hockey continues to evolve, the Hockey Super League remains committed to providing elite development opportunities that empower athletes to grow, compete, and reach the next level—on their own terms.

Congratulations to all the athletes, families, coaches, and programs involved in this exciting milestone!

2025 WHL Draft - HSL Alumni Selections