Kaeden Tate in action against the Lethbridge Hurricanes in his WHL debut on Nov. 15, 2025. (Image Credit: Brian Johnson/Kamloops Blazers)
By Victor Kaisar
Junior Hockey

Blazers’ Tate to compete at Hlinka Gretzky Cup; Lafreniere, Hurlbert at World Junior Summer Showcase

Jul 28, 2026 | 2:35 PM

KAMLOOPS — It might be the middle of summer, but a number of Kamloops Blazers have hockey on their minds.

Goaltender Kaeden Tate has been named to the United States roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton. The native of Huntington Beach, Calif. is one of three netminders on the U.S. team, which will be aiming to defend gold at this tournament, which is scheduled to run Aug. 3 to Aug. 8.

Tate, 16, won both WHL games he played in during the 2025-26 season, and stopped 57 of 62 shots giving him a 2.51 goals-against average and .919 save percentage. He also recorded an assist in his WHL debut against the Lethbridge Hurricanes in November.

Tate is expected to complete for the backup spot this season behind 19-year-old Logan Edmonstone, as Ivans Kuftenrins, who would have also been 19, has signed with the Sioux Falls Stampede in the United States Hockey League (USHL).

Elsewhere a pair of Blazers forwards who have committed to playing NCAA hockey next season are currently competing at the World Junior Summer Showcase in Windsor, Ontario.

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JP Hurlbert, who will play for the Michigan Wolverines this fall, is one of 22 forwards on Team USA, while Tommy Lafreniere, who is set to join the Western Michigan Broncos, is one of 18 forwards on Team Canada.

Hurlbert, a first-round pick of the Detroit Red Wings, led all Blazers in goals (42), assists (55) and points (97) last season, en route to being named the WHL rookie of the year. Lafreniere, a third-round pick of the Edmonton Oilers in 2025, was second in goals (41) and third in points (77) last season.

This summer showcase, which features practices and games between Canada, the U.S., Finland and Sweden, runs until Aug. 1, and its part of preparations for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship in Edmonton and Red Deer.

Blazers director of goaltending development Dan De Palma will be part of Canada’s coaching staff for the third World Juniors tournament in a row.

by Victor Kaisar

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