Blazers’ forward Hurlbert named WHL rookie of the year

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J.P.'S WORLD.@blazerhockey forward J.P. Hurlbert is the recipient of the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy, awarded annually to the WHL Rookie of the Year. #WHLAwards

📝 | https://t.co/92Q98Ssfsi pic.twitter.com/5u63AldZM5

— Western Hockey League (@TheWHL) April 23, 2026

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Hurlbert led all WHL rookies with 42 goals and 97 points this season, and was fourth in the overall WHL scoring race. He also tied for first among all Canadian Hockey League rookies with OHL rookie of the year, Nikita Klepov of the Saginaw Spirit (37 goals and 60 assists). 

Hurlbert also became the first Blazer to reach the 40-goal plateau in a season since Stankoven achieved the feat in the 2021-2022. Only three Blazers rookies have achieved that feat – Hurlbert, Latvian forward Rudolfs Balcers (40 in 2016-17), and Upshall (42 in 2000-01). 

However, Hurlbert’s 97 points surpassed Upshall’s mark of 87 points set 25 years ago.

Ranked 12th overall among North American skaters heading into the 2026 NHL draft, Hurlbert is projected to be a first-round pick this June.

Also nominated for the WHL player of the year award, Hurlbert is committed to play NCAA hockey at the University of Michigan in 2026-27, and it remains to be seen if he elects to delay his university career to return to Kamloops.