Drumheller, AB: The Drumheller Dragons are proud to announce that rookie defenceman Will McLaughlin has signed with the Portland Winterhawks of the Western Hockey League (WHL) for the 2025-2026 season!
The 2008 born defenceman has had a great rookie season in the AJHL with the Dragons, having produced 6 points in 15 games played. Despite being a rookie, McLaughlin has spent time on the Dragons powerplay and has shown great offensive upside through his play. Playing as a 16-year-old defenceman in the AJHL is quite rare but Will has made the progression look easy. The Dragons are excited to continue developing Will and look forward to having him contribute in the second half of the season. McLaughlin is committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Colorado College.
This signing aligns under the newly announced Western Canadian Development Model (WCDM) which is a partnership between the WHL, the western Canadian Jr. A leagues, and the provincial hockey branches under Hockey Canada. With the announcement that CHL players are now eligible to play NCAA hockey, the pathway for young players becomes much more aligned through this model. The Dragons are excited to continue developing players for the WHL and NCAA, as we now have over 40 players in program history that have gone on to play NCAA Division I hockey!
