Alumni Make Waves in 2025 WHL Drafts

The Western Hockey League (WHL) completed two significant events on May 8, 2025—the WHL Prospects Draft and the WHL U.S. Priority Draft—giving young hockey talent across North America an opportunity to advance to the next level. These drafts are key pathways for 2010-born players aspiring to play major junior hockey in one of the CHL’s premier leagues.

Among the players selected were 35 CCM 68 alumni of 200×85 programs, representing a broad and impressive cross-section of the next generation of elite hockey talent.

Understanding the WHL Draft System

The WHL holds two distinct drafts each spring:

WHL Prospects Draft

This is the league’s main entry draft, open to players born in 2010 who reside in WHL Canadian provinces and U.S. states that fall within WHL territory (such as Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, and others). Players selected here are typically from provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. 

WHL U.S. Priority Draft

Held before the Prospects Draft, this draft gives WHL teams first access to top U.S.-based talent. To be eligible, players must have lived in the United States for the past two consecutive seasons. If they are not selected in the U.S. Priority Draft, they remain eligible for selection starting in the second round of the WHL Prospects Draft.

This two-draft system allows WHL teams to prioritize American development while maintaining strong representation from Canadian provinces.

First-Round Firepower in the WHL Prospects Draft

The WHL Prospects Draft, held on May 8, 2025, saw 227 players selected across 14 rounds. Among them were 19 former 200×85 athletes, including five first-round picks, demonstrating the caliber of talent fostered through 200×85’s premier development platform.

• Holden Wouters (Defense) was the highest-drafted alum, going 2nd overall to the Edmonton Oil Kings.
  
• Thor Liffiton and Louis Oscar Holowaychuk followed closely, selected 4th and 6th overall by the Regina Pats and Vancouver Giants, respectively.
  
• Kalen Miles and Cruz Jim rounded out the first-round class, selected 10th by the Wenatchee Wild and 12th by the Brandon Wheat Kings. 

Depth and Talent Beyond the First Round

Beyond the opening round, 200×85 alumni continued to draw attention from WHL clubs:

U.S. Priority Draft: A Showcase of American Excellence

Held on the same day, the 2025 WHL U.S. Priority Draft featured 14 additional CCM 68 alumni, further highlighting the strength of the U.S.-based cohort.

200×85’s Ongoing Legacy of Player Development

Whether through the Canadian-based Prospects Draft or the U.S. Priority Draft, 200×85’s alumni are proving they belong among the elite. These selections are not just a milestone for the individual players—they’re a testament to the development, exposure, and high-level competition offered by 200×85 programs, including CCM 68.

As the hockey world watches these young stars grow, 200×85 continues to stand at the forefront of elite player identification and development.