2025 WHL Playoffs Kick Off with Exciting New Streaming Partnership
The Western Hockey League (WHL) gears up to commence its 2025 playoffs this Friday, presenting an exciting season finale for hockey enthusiasts globally. Fans will have access to live streams of all WHL games thanks to a new partnership with the streaming service Win+.
Live Coverage of the Playoffs
The WHL’s collaboration with Win+ marks a significant advancement in its efforts to reach a broader audience. This partnership ensures that fans can enjoy games without local restrictions or concerns about power outages. “I think you’re making good business decisions,” said WHL Commissioner Dan Near regarding the deal. “The excitement from fans wanting to access games is the most satisfying part.”
About the WHL
The WHL comprises 22 junior hockey teams located throughout western Canada and the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It is a pivotal league in the Canadian Hockey League, alongside the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
Notable Players to Watch
This season, the WHL is home to several rising stars. Gavin McKenna, an 17-year-old player for the Medicine Hat Tigers, is capturing attention after an impressive regular season wherein he finished with 129 points over 56 games. This achievement saw him rank second in league scoring, just three points behind Washington Capitals prospect Andrew Crystal.
- Gavin McKenna: String of 40 games, scored 26 points in the final six games of the season.
- Andrew Crystal: A standout prospect on track for a promising career.
- Berklee Catton: Selected as the 8th overall pick in 2024, generating interest among Seattle Kraken fans.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead to the 2025 draft, notable prospects include:
- Roger McQueen (Brandon Wheat Kings)
- Linden Lakovic (Moose Jaw Warriors)
- Ben Kindel (Calgary)
- Brayden Kootes (Seattle Thunderbirds)
Additionally, Landon DuPont, a 15-year-old defenseman from Everett Silver Tips, is noteworthy as he becomes the second player in WHL history to receive exceptional status, following Connor Bedard’s precedent.
A New Era in Sports Broadcasting
The WHL’s partnership with Win+ is part of a broader trend in sports media, enhancing fan engagement while adapting to the evolving landscape. Last season, the platform ventured into sports streaming alongside the NHL’s Dallas Stars, and has since expanded its offerings to include other teams such as the Anaheim Ducks and the Texas Rangers.
Impact on Recruitment and Fan Experience
This new streaming service could also serve as a potential recruitment tool, especially as NCAA regulations evolve. WHL’s reach may help educate prospective players and their families about the junior hockey experience. “We’re going to educate more families, players, and fans in the US about the products that’s going on here,” Near stated, highlighting how this partnership aligns with changing perceptions around junior hockey.
Accessing the Games
As the WHL playoffs get underway, all 16 competing teams will take the ice on Friday night, starting with the Eastern Conference series at 7 p.m. MT (9 p.m. ET), followed by the Western Conference at 8 p.m. MT (10 p.m. ET). The Win+ service is compatible with various platforms including Samsung and Vizio Smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android, and web browsers.
With these exciting developments, the WHL playoffs are poised to engage more fans than ever. A new era for junior hockey has truly begun!