Fresh off capturing the Pacific Cup Championship with a dominant 34–4–6 record, the Whalers turn their attention to 2026–27. With a younger group stepping into the fold, the immediate focus shifts to instilling the championship culture and standard of excellence set last year.
Maintaining their elite special teams execution – which finished at 30.4% on the power play (2nd) and 86.4% on the penalty kill (1st) – will be the ultimate test as the new wave steps right into the fire.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Josh Dubreuil (G): A 2006-born returning anchor who arrived at last year’s trade deadline, grabbed the starting job, and backstopped the title run. His steady presence and veteran dressing room leadership provide the bedrock for a younger lineup.
Graeme Sarte (F): A 2007-born returning forward who played an important depth role during last year’s championship run. He now serves as a vital bridge leader, stepping into a much larger offensive role and carrying the team’s cultural identity forward.
Rhys Dupuis (D): An incoming 2009-born left-shot blueliner from South Delta Minor Hockey (provincial silver medalists) who gets thrown straight into high-leverage minutes after serving as an AP and black ace last season. A mobile defender with offensive instincts and a crisp first pass.
Mike Taylor (F): An incoming 2010-born power forward joining from St. George’s Academy after practicing as a black ace during last year’s playoffs. Big-bodied and mature beyond his years, he is expected to inject physicality and scoring into the forward group.
HOME OPENER: Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. Cloverdale Hockey Club
WHALERS BY THE NUMBERS (2025-26)
Team record: 34-4-6 (74 points)
Home: 18-1-3 (39 points)
Away: 16-3-3 (35 points)
Harold Brittain Conference ranking: 1st
2025 PJHL Playoffs: won Pacific Cup Championship 4-1
Goals for: 226 (1st)
Goals against: 102 (1st)
Power play: 30.4% (2nd – Brittain)
Penalty kill: 86.4 (1st – Brittain)
