WHL Commissioner Dan Near Champions League Evolution Amid NCAA Shifts
Western Hockey League Commissioner Dan Near is actively promoting his league's forward-thinking approach in response to recent seismic shifts in the hockey development landscape. During a media event at the Langley Events Centre on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Near emphasized that intentional evolution is essential for the WHL's continued success.
NCAA Changes Reshape Junior Hockey Landscape
The hockey development pathway experienced a dramatic transformation last fall when the NCAA announced it would open scholarship opportunities to Major Junior Leagues, including the WHL, for the first time. This policy shift resulted in the WHL losing several marquee players with remaining junior eligibility to the American college system. Most notably, Gavin McKenna and Keaton Verhoeff, both potential top selections in the upcoming NHL Draft, departed for NCAA programs.
Near acknowledged this challenge but highlighted a corresponding influx of talent. He cited Texas native JP Hurlbert, who leads the Kamloops Blazers with 36 goals and 83 points in 52 games, as a player who joined the WHL specifically because of the NCAA rule changes. "While there were some players who departed early for the NCAA, the influx on the other side has been substantial," Near stated.
Top Prospects Game and Celebrity Involvement
The commissioner was at the Langley Events Centre to promote the inaugural WHL Top Prospects Game, scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026. This new event will showcase the top 44 draft-eligible players from the league, aiming to elevate the WHL's profile. Vancouver Giants co-owners Michael Bublé and Drew Scott will serve as celebrity guest coaches for the event, joining WHL bench bosses to lead the two teams.
Near used the platform to underscore the WHL's development track record, noting that eight current NHL team captains are WHL graduates. He also highlighted the success of 18-year-old Coquitlam native Ben Kindel, who credited his time with the Calgary Hitmen for helping him secure a spot with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
A Philosophy of Proactive Adaptation
Near, who took over as commissioner in November 2023 after a career with Adidas, has consistently advocated for innovation. "Hockey has changed more in six months than it has in the last 60 years. We’d be crazy not to react to that," he asserted. He warned against complacency, suggesting that assuming the market would stabilize on its own could be detrimental.
Under his leadership, the league has initiated comprehensive audits of all 23 member clubs, evaluating facilities, education programs, billet arrangements, transportation, nutrition, and mental health support. "We’ve gone to every club and said 'these are the areas we think you can get better at,'" Near explained. The process also identified unforeseen improvement opportunities, focusing on modern player development needs.
Expansion and Financial Considerations
The WHL recently welcomed the Penticton Vees as an expansion team, with reports indicating an expansion fee around $15 million. Another expansion team planned for Chilliwack has been postponed from the 2026-27 season to 2027-28 to ensure proper execution. Near confirmed that negotiations with an ownership group are ongoing and that the project remains on schedule.
"Finding the right profile that’s going to be right for the community was an important part of this," Near said regarding the Chilliwack expansion. The city is investing nearly $4 million in renovations to the arena, and all parties are working to structure a mutually beneficial agreement. "If these deals were easy to do, someone involved would be losing badly," he noted, acknowledging the complexities of modern franchise economics.
Looking Ahead: Performance and Perception
The WHL's ability to develop NHL talent remains a key metric. The league had 33 players selected in the most recent NHL Draft, following selections of 34, 33, and 28 in the three preceding years. The outcome of the upcoming draft will serve as a significant indicator of the league's current standing and developmental efficacy.
Near concluded with a reaffirmation of the league's commitment to evolution: "We’re deeply invested in an overall operating model we think is the best. So, rather than putting it at risk, let’s look at the areas we can continue to get better." He stressed that daily evaluation and adaptation are fundamental responsibilities for the league's leadership in this rapidly changing hockey environment.
