JP Hurlbert celebrates against the Prince George Cougars on Jan. 16, 2026. (Image Credit: Brian Johnson/Kamloops Blazers)

By Victor Kaisar

WHL Rookie of the Month

Blazers forward Hurlbert wins second WHL Rookie of the Month award

Feb 3, 2026 | 3:01 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Blazers forward JP Hurlbert is a two-time WHL Rookie of the Month award winner.

The 17-year-old Hurlbert had seven goals and 16 points in 12 games in January, as the Blazers went 7-2-3-0. He had five multi-point nights in January, including a four-point effort (three goals, one assist) in a 7-6 overtime loss to the Prince George Cougars on Jan. 16.

The ‘Texas Tornado’ also had a goal and two assists in a 7-2 win over the Wild Wenatchee on Jan. 23, and a goal and two assists in a 4-3 overtime loss to Prince George on Jan. 31.

This is the third monthly award won by Hurlbert, who was named WHL Player of the Month for September/October and WHL Rookie of the Month for November. He’s also a two-time winner of the WHL Player of the Week award and a two-time winner of the WHL Rookie of the Week award.

New year, same J.P.

For the second time this season, 2026 #NHLDraft Top Prospect and @blazerhockey forward J.P. Hurlbert has been named the @SandmanHotels‘ #WHLRookieoftheMonth.

📝 | https://t.co/xAU2n6hiIi pic.twitter.com/jDuOUmGU7l

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) February 3, 2026

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Ranked 10th among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings, Hurlbert is projected to be a first-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft. He leads all WHL skaters with 76 points from 48 games, and is two points back of Val-d’Or’s Philippe Veilleux (78 points from 47 games) for the overall CHL lead.

Hurlbert’s 32 goals rank fourth among all WHL skaters, while his 44 assists are good enough to sit tied for fourth.

Hurlbert and the Blazers (23-15-6-4) are in fifth in the WHL’s Western Conference with 20 games left to play.

They’re aiming to build on their recent positive momentum as they begin a stretch of five away games in a row, starting Tuesday and Wednesday (Feb. 3 and 4) against the Victoria Royals.