J.P. Hurlbert (left) and Kelowna's Dawson Gerwing in action during game three of their first-round WHL playoff series. (Image Credit: Brian Johnson/Kamloops Blazers)

By Victor Kaisar

WHL Awards

Blazers’ forward Hurlbert nominated for WHL rookie of the year award

Apr 2, 2026 | 12:45 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Blazers forward J.P. Hurlbert has been nominated for the WHL’s rookie of the year award.

The 17-year-old is one of six nominees for the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy for the 2025-26 season.

Hurlbert led all rookies with 42 goals and 97 points this season, and he finished fourth in the overall WHL scoring race. He also became the first Blazer to reach the 40-goal mark in a season since Kamloopsian Logan Stankoven achieved the feat in the 2021-2022 season.

🙌 JP! 🙌 https://t.co/lR0uvUN7bz

— Kamloops Blazers (@blazerhockey) April 2, 2026

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A two-time WHL Rookie of the Month award winner, and the WHL’s Player of the Month for September/October, Hurlbert was also named to the WHL’s Western Conference First All-Star Team this week.

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.

Hurlbert will go up against Calgary Hitmen teammates Kale Dach and Ben MacBeath, defenceman Brock Cripps of the Prince Albert Raiders, Everett Silvertips defenceman Matias Vanhanen and Penticton Vees forward Jacob Kvasnicka, who were all nominated for the award.

Hurlbert is the first Blazer to be nominated for the WHL’s rookie of the year award since Stankoven in the 2019-20 season.

This season’s winners will be announced between April 21 and May 6. Should Hurlbert win, he’ll be the first Blazers to be named WHL rookie of the year since Scottie Upshall in 2000-01.