American hockey product JP Hurlbert signing his agreement to become part of the Kamloops Blazers organization for 2025/26 season/via Kamloops Blazers
The Kamloops Blazers have added their most highly touted American born player in club history.
17 year-old Allen, Texas native JP Hurlbert has signed with the WHL club after leaving the U.S. National Development Program a year early.
The skilled forward is a top prospect for next summer’s 2026 NHL Entry Draft.
The Blazers originally drafted Hurlbert in the 1st round of the 2023 WHL U.S. Priority Draft as a bit of a longshot to ever see play in Kamloops.
“The messaging was always if anything changed we have a spot here for you. We knew he was interested in the NCAA and then went to the National Development Program. Things changed, and here he is,” beamed Blazers Head Coach/General Manager Shaun Clouston to Radio NL Sports.
“The NCAA landscape changed. That was a big factor. We will see some players come here maybe we wouldn’t have seen under the old eligibility rules,” added Clouston.
Hurlbert is listed at 5-11 and 180 pounds.
He put up gawdy numbers in Texas with the Dallas Stars Elite minor hockey program before verbally committing to the University of Michigan for the 2026-27 season.
“I think the opportunity (here) is great. The Blazers are such a historic organization. They’re ready to win, the fans care. For me it’s the team. That group of guys is in there is a great group. They’re very driven and hungry. We’re ready,” said Hurlbert who officially signed with the Blazers Tuesday morning.
Clouston suggesting the 17-year-old is already starting to fit in well with the group.
“He’s got real good energy. He has a smile on his face, loves the game and loves competing. He’s a shooter, he has a good skill and is very tenacious,” noted Clouston.
JP Hurlbert celebrates a goal while playing with the Team USA at the Youth Olympics in South Korea/via Youth Olympics
Hurlbert led the US National team in scoring against USHL opponents as a 16 year-old this past season.
He put up 16 goals and 15 assists for 31 points in 35 games against much older competition.
Radio NL Sports asked Hurlbert to describe his game for the fans in Kamloops.
“I feel I’m an offensive threat. I love playing 5-on-5 and on the powerplay I think that’s where I shine the brightest. I want to create scoring chances and shoot the puck a lot,” smiled the 17-year-old Texan.
“I’m looking to be a team first player who’s coming here looking to win,” he added.
Hurlbert and his dad Jeff made the 35 hour trek by car from Texas to Kamloops ahead of training camp that opens Thursday with orientation.
“It was totally worth it. It was very scenic,” said Hurlbert about the trek north.
“At one point we didn’t see another car for an hour as we weaved through the mountains (around Princeton). There was one border crossing that closed at 5PM we were unaware of… we added a couple hours for sure,” lamented Hurlbert.
Hurlbert is expected to have a prominent role on the team and play in all situations.
“We’re thrilled to have him. I think he’ll add in lots of different ways. He’ll create some excitement, be a good teammate and add some great energy to our lineup,” added Clouston.
The Blazers are expected to release a training camp schedule some Wednesday.
All on-ice sessions will be open to the public at the Sandman Centre.
Practice and scrimmages open Friday morning and run for four days through the Labour Day holiday Monday.
