File photo (Image credit: CFJC Today).

By Aaron Schulze

Blazers to Broncos

Blazers forward Lafreniere commits to play NCAA hockey for Western Michigan University

Dec 9, 2025 | 7:14 AM

KAMLOOPS — One of the Kamloops Blazers’ leading scorers has committed to play collegiate hockey in the United States. 

In a post to social media Monday (Dec. 9) night, Blazers forward Tommy Lafreniere announced he has committed to play National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I hockey with the Western Michigan University Broncos. The Broncos are coming off their first national championship after winning the 2025 NCAA Frozen Four. 

Lafreniere currently sits third in scoring for the Blazers during the 2025-26 Western Hockey League (WHL) season with 19 goals and 35 points in 28 games played. The 18-year-old was selected 83rd overall by the Edmonton Oilers in the third round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.

Following the 2025-26 campaign, Lafreniere will have up to two more seasons of eligibility in the WHL. He doesn’t mention when he’ll make the move south of the border. 

In 2024, the NCAA announced changes to eligibility allowing hockey players who have played in major junior leagues in Canada, such as the WHL, to retain eligibility to play Division 1 hockey. Previously, after completing a WHL career, players could only go professional or play at the U Sports level in Canada. 

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Along with Lafreniere, the Blazers have four other players on their active roster who have publicly committed to playing NCAA hockey while having additional seasons of WHL eligibility. During the offseason, forward Nathan Behm committed to play for Arizona State University for the 2026-27 season while forwards J.P. Hurlbert (University Michigan for 2026-27) and Cooper Moore (Augustana) and defenceman Carson Olsen (University of Massachusetts Lowell for 2026-27) had committed prior to arriving in Kamloops. 

The Blazers are in Prince George this weekend for a pair of games against the Cougars on Friday (Dec. 12) and Saturday (Dec. 13). Their next home game is Wednesday, Dec. 17 against the Tri-City Americans for a 7:00 p.m. start at Sandman Centre.