This marks the second time the 17-year-old from Allen, Texas, has earned the league’s top rookie honour, having first received the award on September 22 following a standout opening weekend. Hurlbert is also a two-time Tempo WHL Player of the Week recipient (September 29 and November 24), continuing a breakout campaign that has quickly made him one of the league’s top young stars.

A Strong Week After CHL Prospects Duty

Hurlbert recorded four points (2G–2A) in two Blazers victories this past week. Fresh off representing Team CHL at the 2025 CHL USA Prospects Challenge—where he notched one goal in two games—he returned to Kamloops and immediately made an impact.

On Friday, November 28, Hurlbert delivered a three-point performance (2G–1A) to lead the Blazers to a 5–4 win over the Spokane Chiefs. He assisted on a first-period goal from Edmonton Oilers prospect Tommy Lafreniere before scoring twice—once early in the second period to tie the game and again late in the frame to become the first WHL player to reach 20 goals this season. His second goal held up as the game-winner, earning him first star honours.

The next night, Hurlbert extended his point streak to eight games, adding an assist in a 7–5 victory over the Penticton Vees. His helper contributed to another Lafreniere power-play marker late in the second period.

League-Leading Production

With 48 points (20G–28A) through 27 games, Hurlbert now leads the entire WHL in scoring, holding a seven-point edge over teammate and Chicago Blackhawks prospect Nathan Behm. He has been held off the scoresheet only six times this season and has collected 14 points (7G–7A) during his active eight-game run. He also boasts 15 multi-point games on the year.

Eligible for the 2026 NHL Draft, Hurlbert earned an ‘A’ rating on NHL Central Scouting’s Preliminary Players to Watch List released October 20. Originally drafted 20th overall in the 2023 WHL U.S. Priority Draft, he signed with the Blazers on August 26, 2025.

Blazers Continue Push in B.C. Division

Following the weekend, Kamloops (13-10-2-2) sits second in the WHL’s B.C. Division and fourth in the Western Conference.

Hurlbert and the Blazers will next host the Penticton Vees (11-8-3-3) on Friday, December 5, at Sandman Centre.

Sandman WHL Rookie of the Week Winners – 2025-26 Season

• September 22, 2025: JP Hurlbert, Kamloops Blazers

• September 29, 2025: Chase Surkan, Brandon Wheat Kings

• October 6, 2025: Jacob Kvasnicka, Penticton Vees

• October 14, 2025: Carter Casey, Medicine Hat Tigers

• October 20, 2025: Andrei Molgachev, Calgary Hitmen

• October 27, 2025: Chase Surkan, Brandon Wheat Kings

• November 3, 2025: Dylan Dean, Edmonton Oil Kings

• November 10, 2025: Kale Dach, Calgary Hitmen

• November 17, 2024: Brock England, Seattle Thunderbirds (date as listed)

• November 24, 2025: Colt Carter, Moose Jaw Warriors