The 2026–27 international women’s ice hockey season kicked off with high drama, intense competition, and a glimpse into a shifting European landscape as the Women’s Euro Hockey Tour (WEHT) descended on the SWISS Arena in Kloten, Switzerland.
With the World Championship looming on the horizon, the opening tournament in Kloten offered a fascinating testing ground.Featuring new coaching philosophies across multiple benches and a fierce battle for supremacy, it ultimately concluded with Sweden hoisting the tournament trophy after a stellar weekend.
Sweden beats Finland to win the first stage of WEHT.
Tournament Standings & Highlights
1st Place: Sweden
2nd/3rd/4th: host Switzerland, Finland, and Czechia, (in a tightly contested battle where all four teams secured at least one victory).
A Bold New Era for Host Switzerland Under Shannon Miller
For the host nation, the tournament marked the beginning of an exciting chapter under newly appointed head coach Shannon Miller. The Swiss squad showed remarkable grit, capturing hearts in Kloten with an energetic start.
The Openers: Switzerland opened their campaign in style with a convincing 4-2 victory over Sweden, followed by a thrilling 4-3 overtime win against Finland.Down late in regulation against the Finns, captain Lara Stalder delivered the clutch equalizer with just under two minutes remaining before setting up Alina Müller for the overtime winner.
The Finale & Injury Scare: The dream of a clean sweep on home ice was halted in the final match against Czechia, where the Swiss fell 1-2.Compounding the loss was an injury scare to Stalder—who led the team with three goals and two assists—following a collision late in the second period.Though precautionary, her absence stymied a late-game Swiss comeback that saw Leonie Balzer pull one back.
Despite the closing defeat, securing two tournament victories signaled a massive step forward for Swiss women’s hockey under Miller’s leadership.
Sweden Grabs the Crown
Sweden navigated the four-nation gauntlet with tactical discipline and resilience. After an initial stumble against the host Swiss, the Tre Kronor bounced back in commanding fashion.A textbook 2-0 shutout victory over Finland late in the weekend cemented Sweden’s defensive resolve and propelled them to the top of the Kloten standings, proving they will be a formidable force heading deeper into the Euro Hockey Tour season.
Czechia and Finland Show Elite Depth
Czechia experienced a roller-coaster week, opening with a tight loss to Finland but finishing strong.Their disciplined 2-1 victory over Switzerland in the finale showcased their ability to grind out low-scoring, high-stakes games.
Finland showcased their trademark speed and offensive flair early on, with veteran leadership anchoring special teams and pacing the tournament’s scoring charts before dropping a couple of tight decisions down the stretch.
Looking Ahead
With all four teams capturing at least one win, the Kloten tournament underscored how narrow the margins have become between Europe’s top four hockey nations. As teams adapt to new systems and integrate rising talent, the 2026–27 WEHT season promises to be the most competitive yet on the road to global competition.
The inaugural IIHF Women’s European Cup of Nations kicked off its opening round from August 20–22, 2026, serving as a structured international competition designed to maximize meaningful games during international breaks.
The tournament featured two main groups: Group A held in Füssen, Germany, and Group B in Bardejov, Slovakia.Both host nations successfully defended their home ice to capture first place in their respective groups.
Germany stands tall after opening weekend of Women’s European Cup of Nations
Group A (Füssen, Germany)
Host: Germany
Participating Nations:Germany, France, Hungary, Norway
Champion:Germany (Undefeated, 3–0)
Tournament Summary:
Germanyclaimed top spot with a narrow 1–0 victory over Hungary in their final game, courtesy of a late Lilli Welcke goal with just two minutes remaining.Head coach Jeff MacLeod utilized the tournament to test various line combinations and rotate three different goaltenders (with Lisa Hemmerle earning the shutout in the finale and Chiara Schultes winning the opener).
Francefinished second (2–1), securing a crucial 2–1 win over Hungary on Day 2 behind goals from Manon le Scodan and Clara Rozier, followed by a 5–1 victory against Norway.
Hungarytook third place (1–2), highlighted by a dominant 8–0 rout of Norway to open the tournament, anchored by an Aniko Nemeth shutout and a four-point performance (1G, 3A) from returning forward Taylor Baker.
Norwayfinished fourth (0–3), though they put up a fight in a tightly contested 4–2 loss to Germany where Mathea Fischer and Emilie Kruse found the back of the net.
Slovakiadominated their group on home ice, outscoring opponents 18–3 behind a balanced attack where a dozen different players scored over the weekend.Elle Hartje led the charge offensively with 2 goals and 4 assists, while Barbora Sibertova netted 3 goals overall.
Austriasecured second place despite bringing a relatively young/secondary roster.They bounced back from an opening loss to Slovakia by blanking the Netherlands 2–0 (shutout by Anja Adamitsch) and defeating Italy 3–1 (two goals from Lena Daubock).
Italyfinished third, showcasing an inexperienced squad that managed a strong 3–1 opening-day win over the Netherlands, led by Aurora Abatangel (2 goals, 1 assist).
The Netherlandsrounded out the group in fourth, gaining valuable developmental minutes at the international level.
2026 Amerigol LATAM Cup Celebrates Growth, Competition and Diversity in Men’s and Women’s Hockey
The recently completed 2026 Amerigol LATAM Cup once again demonstrated the growing reach of ice hockey across Latin America, the Caribbean and the international hockey community. The tournament brought together teams representing countries, territories, heritage communities and emerging hockey programs, creating an exciting environment where competition, culture and the development of the sport came together.
Among the highlights of this year’s tournament were the four senior divisions: Men’s Division I, Men’s Division II, Women’s Division I and Women’s Division II. Each division produced its own champion while providing players and programs with an opportunity to compete at a high level and gain valuable international tournament experience.
The 2026 Amerigol LATAM Cup has proven once more that hockey transcends borders
Men’s Division I – Cuba Takes the Championship
Cuba captured the Men’s Division I championship, marking an important achievement for the Cuban hockey program.
The Division I competition brought together a strong group of teams and provided some of the tournament’s most competitive hockey. Cuba’s championship reflects the continued development of programs from countries where ice hockey is still an emerging sport.
For Cuba, the LATAM Cup represents an important opportunity to bring players together, build a stronger hockey identity and compete against international opposition. Winning the top men’s division is a significant milestone and gives the program valuable momentum heading into future competitions.
Men’s Division II – Italy Heritage Claims Gold
In Men’s Division II, Italy Heritage emerged as the tournament champion.
The championship highlighted the important role that heritage teams play within the LATAM Cup. These teams bring together players who share cultural and family connections to countries around the world while continuing to develop their hockey skills in North America.
Italy Heritage’s success demonstrates the competitive depth of Division II and the quality of hockey being played throughout the tournament. Their championship run was a fitting reward for a team that competed strongly throughout the event.
Women’s Division I – Caribbean Wins the Championship
The Caribbean captured the Women’s Division I championship, adding another major achievement to the region’s growing presence at the LATAM Cup.
The Caribbean women’s program has become an important part of the tournament’s development story. The team represents the continued growth of women’s hockey and provides players from Caribbean communities with an opportunity to compete, develop and represent their heritage on an international stage.
Winning Women’s Division I is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates the progress being made by women’s programs within the Caribbean hockey community.
The success is particularly meaningful because the LATAM Cup has consistently provided opportunities for women’s hockey programs from non-traditional hockey markets to establish themselves and gain valuable tournament experience.
Women’s Division II – First Nations Earns Gold
One of the most meaningful stories of the tournament came in Women’s Division II, where First Nations won the championship.
The First Nations women’s program represents Indigenous hockey communities and brings together players from across North America. Beyond the competition itself, the team provides an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous identity, culture, community and the role hockey can play in connecting generations.
The championship represents an important milestone for the program. It demonstrates that the team has developed not only as a community initiative but also as a highly competitive hockey program.
The First Nations team’s journey is particularly significant because the LATAM Cup provides a platform where hockey can be used to create connections and visibility for communities that may not always have opportunities to compete on an international stage.
Four Champions, One Common Goal
The four senior division champions — Cuba, Italy Heritage, Caribbean and First Nations — represent four very different hockey stories.
🥇 Men’s Division I: Cuba
🥇 Men’s Division II: Italy Heritage
🥇 Women’s Division I: Caribbean
🥇 Women’s Division II: First Nations
What connects these teams is more than their success on the ice. Each represents a community using hockey to build connections, develop players and create opportunities.
That is ultimately what makes the Amerigol LATAM Cup unique. The tournament is not limited to traditional hockey powers. It provides a platform for emerging nations, heritage teams and communities to compete and grow. Previous editions have included teams from countries and regions where hockey infrastructure is limited, illustrating the tournament’s broader role in expanding the sport.
Growing the Game
The LATAM Cup continues to play an important role in the development of hockey outside its traditional markets. For many participating teams, the tournament provides an opportunity to gain international experience that would otherwise be difficult to obtain.
The value of the event goes beyond wins and losses. Players build friendships, coaches exchange ideas, organizations establish relationships and communities gain greater visibility through the sport.
For women’s hockey in particular, the continued presence and success of teams such as Caribbean and First Nations demonstrates how opportunities for women are expanding within emerging hockey communities.
At the same time, the success of Cuba and Italy Heritage in the men’s divisions shows the depth and diversity of the men’s competition.
Looking Ahead
The conclusion of the 2026 Amerigol LATAM Cup is not simply the end of another tournament. It represents another step in the continued development of hockey throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and among international heritage and Indigenous communities.
The championships won by Cuba, Italy Heritage, Caribbean and First Nations will be remembered as important achievements for their respective programs. More importantly, the tournament continues to provide a pathway for players and teams to develop, compete and represent their communities with pride.
As the LATAM Cup continues to grow, its greatest success may ultimately be measured not only by the number of teams or championships, but by the number of new players, new programs and new hockey communities inspired to become part of the game.
The 2026 Amerigol LATAM Cup has once again shown that hockey has no borders — and that when opportunity is created, the game can grow in places where few ever imagined it possible.
The 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase took place from July 26 to August 1 at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ontario, serving as the first major evaluation camp ahead of the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship. The week featured many of the top under-20 prospects from Canada, the United States, Sweden, and Finland, giving NHL organizations and national team staff an early look at players competing for roster spots.
Sweden put on a masterclass in team defense
Tournament Recap
Sweden (3-2, 9 Points)
Sweden recovered from an 0-2 start against the split U.S. squads to finish the showcase as arguably the tournament’s most complete team. Led by a structured defensive game, the Swedes rattled off three consecutive victories, including a convincing 5-2 win over Finland in their finale. During that three-game run, Sweden surrendered just seven goals while receiving strong performances throughout its lineup.
United States (3-2, 9 Points)
The United States showcased arguably the deepest collection of offensive talent at the event, with American players dominating the scoring leaders. Although the primary U.S. squad suffered setbacks against Finland and Sweden, the Americans closed the showcase in dominant fashion with a 7-2 victory over host Canada, finishing the week on a high note.
Finland (2-3, 6 Points)
Finland battled offensive inconsistency throughout the week, averaging a tournament-low 2.6 goals per game, but remained competitive thanks to disciplined defensive play and outstanding goaltending. The highlight came in a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the United States, with their netminder stealing the spotlight.
Canada (1-2, 3 Points)
It was a difficult showcase for Canada on home ice. Aside from a 5-3 win over Finland, the Canadians struggled defensively, allowing an average of five goals per game. The tournament concluded with a disappointing 7-2 loss to the United States, leaving plenty of questions heading into the next phase of World Junior evaluations.
Top Performers
Ethan Wyttenbach (F, USA | Quinnipiac | Calgary Flames Prospect)
Wyttenbach emerged as one of the showcase’s most dangerous offensive players. Skating for multiple U.S. lineups, he produced at an elite level, piling up points with his exceptional vision, creativity, and finishing ability. His offensive instincts consistently put opposing defenses under pressure.
Cole Reschny (C, Canada | Calgary Flames)
One of Canada’s brightest performers, Reschny continued his transition to center with an impressive all-around game. He consistently drove possession through the middle of the ice, handled pressure with confidence, and won battles in traffic while creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Filip Ekberg (RW, Sweden | Carolina Hurricanes)
Ekberg was a driving force behind Sweden’s offensive success, recording three goals and five points while forming a dangerous partnership with Viktor Klingsell. His speed, puck skills, and effectiveness on the power play made him a constant scoring threat.
Patrik Kerkola (G, Finland)
Kerkola delivered one of the showcase’s best individual performances, stopping 34 of 36 shots in Finland’s upset victory over the United States. His calm presence, positioning, and timely saves strengthened his case to become Finland’s starting goaltender for the 2027 World Juniors.
William Håkansson (D, Sweden | Carolina Hurricanes)
Håkansson anchored Sweden’s blue line with a mature, shutdown style of play. At 6-foot-4, he combined size, positioning, and poise under pressure, playing a key role in Sweden’s three-game winning streak while limiting opponents’ scoring chances.
Mikey Berchild (F, USA | USNTDP)
Berchild was one of the Americans’ most dynamic forwards, using elite speed and high-end playmaking ability to consistently create offense. Alongside Wyttenbach, he helped fuel one of the tournament’s most productive attacks and established himself as one of the event’s standout performers.
When hockey fans think of the sport’s biggest stages, cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Boston often come to mind. But for nine days this summer, the spotlight shifts to South Florida, where one of the world’s most unique international hockey tournaments takes center stage.
The 2026 Amerigol LATAM Cup officially returns to the Florida Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs from August 1–9, bringing together players from around the globe for the tournament’s eighth edition. What began as a celebration of Latin American hockey has evolved into one of the premier international showcases for players from emerging and non-traditional hockey nations.
LATAM Cup Kicks Off in Coral Springs
Record-Breaking Growth
This year’s tournament is the largest in Amerigol LATAM Cup history, featuring approximately 1,500 players competing on 68 teams throughout the week.
While countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and several Caribbean nations remain the foundation of the tournament, the event’s reach now extends far beyond Latin America. Teams representing Algeria, Armenia, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Pakistan, the Philippines, and First Nations communities will also compete, highlighting hockey’s expanding global footprint.
“Welcoming 68 teams and approximately 1,500 players from around the world demonstrates how much the tournament and the game of hockey continue to grow within non-traditional hockey communities,” said Juan Carlos Otero, Founder and President of the Amerigol International Hockey Association.
Two Tournament Phases
With record participation, organizers have divided the competition into two action-packed segments.
Tier One (August 1–4) features the Men’s Senior (35+) Division, Women’s Division II, and youth divisions including U16 Select, U14 Select, and U12 Select.
Tier Two (August 5–9) showcases the Men’s Division I and II championships, Women’s Division I, and the U12 Legacy Division.
The expanded schedule also introduces several exciting additions for 2026, including a Skills Competition, a sled hockey showcase, and the inaugural LATAM Cup International All-Star Games, set for Wednesday, August 5.
Growing the Game Together
The Amerigol LATAM Cup continues to thrive thanks to strong support from the Florida Panthers, the National Hockey League (NHL), and the National Hockey League Players’ Association (NHLPA) through the Industry Growth Fund. This year, the Florida Panthers Foundation also contributed $20,000 to help expand community outreach and promote greater accessibility and inclusion throughout the event.
“For the eighth consecutive year, we’re proud to host the Amerigol LATAM Cup at Panthers IceDen,” said John Colombo, Vice President of the Florida Panthers Foundation & Community Relations. “This tournament is a true celebration of culture and the continued growth of hockey across Latin America, Caribbean communities, and beyond.”
Fans Welcome
All tournament games are free and open to the public at both the Florida Panthers IceDen in Coral Springs and Palm Beach Skate Zone, giving local fans the opportunity to experience international competition up close.
For supporters unable to attend in person, every game will be streamed live, allowing fans across Latin America, the Caribbean, and participating nations around the world to follow their teams throughout the tournament.
As the puck drops on another historic edition of the Amerigol LATAM Cup, one thing is clear: hockey’s future is becoming increasingly global. From South Florida to countries where the sport continues to grow, the tournament serves as a powerful reminder that passion for hockey knows no borders.
The 2026 Challenger Series once again demonstrated that international ice hockey is thriving well beyond the sport’s traditional powerhouses. Held over two tournament weekends—May 7–10 in Chicago, Illinois, and July 9–12 in Montreal, Quebec—the series brought together heritage and developing national teams in an exciting showcase of skill, pride, and international competition. The men’s competition featured Greece Heritage Team, Jamaica, Lebanon, and Puerto Rico, while the women’s division expanded with the addition of the Greek Heritage Team, joining Lebanon, Puerto Rico, APNA, and host team Chicago.
Unlike a single-elimination tournament, the Challenger Series rewarded consistency across both events. Teams accumulated points throughout the series before concluding their campaigns in Montreal, where every game carried championship implications.
The 2026 Challenger Series showcased that the love for hockey truly transcends boundaries.
Chicago Sets the Stage
The opening weekend at Fifth Third Arena delivered everything expected from an international tournament: fast-paced action, physical play, and several high-scoring contests. The men’s division featured a full round-robin schedule among the four participating nations, while the women’s division expanded from previous years, reflecting the rapid growth of women’s international heritage hockey.
The quality of play immediately demonstrated how much these programs have developed. Many athletes brought experience from professional, collegiate, junior, and European leagues, creating a level of competition that exceeded expectations and highlighted the growing depth of talent representing emerging hockey nations.
Montreal Crowns the Champions
The series concluded in Montreal, one of hockey’s most historic cities, providing a fitting stage for the championship weekend. With points carrying over from Chicago, every matchup had a direct impact on the final standings.
After two outstanding tournaments, the Greek Heritage Team emerged as champions in both the men’s and women’s divisions, showcasing balanced offensive production, disciplined defensive play, and remarkable consistency throughout the series.
Men’s Division
The men’s tournament featured four competitive national programs battling through six games each over the course of the series.
The Greek Heritage Team finished atop the standings with a 5-1 record, collecting 15 points while leading the tournament with 45 goals scored. Their balanced attack and timely defensive performances earned them the Challenger Series championship.
Jamaica produced another strong international showing, finishing second with 9 points after an even 3-3 record. The final match featured the two leading teams, with The Greek Heritage Team emerging victorious over Jamaica with a score of 10-6, thereby securing the championship title.
Final Men’s Standings
Teams
W
L
OTW
OTL
GF
GA
PTS
Greek Heritage Team
5
1
0
0
45
32
15
Jamaica
3
3
0
0
30
30
9
Puerto Rico
2
3
0
1
25
31
7
Lebanon
1
4
1
0
31
38
5
Women’s Division
The women’s competition continued its impressive growth, welcoming additional teams and providing more opportunities for athletes to compete internationally.
The Greek Heritage Team mirrored the men’s success by finishing first with a 5-1 record and 15 points. Greece combined a dynamic offense with outstanding defensive play, allowing only 18 goals while scoring 32.
Lebanon finished second after collecting 9 points and securing a place in the final. The championship game showcased the top two teams, and The Greek Heritage Team came out on top, defeating Lebanon with a score of 9-3 to claim the title.
Final Women’s Standings
Teams
W
L
OTW
OTL
GF
GA
PTS
Greek HT
5
1
0
0
32
18
15
Lebanon
2
2
1
1
20
25
9
Chicago
2
0
0
1
13
5
7
APNA
1
1
1
0
13
13
5
Puerto Rico
0
6
0
0
15
24
0
The Challenger Series has quickly become much more than a hockey tournament. It provides meaningful international competition for players representing their heritage, strengthens relationships between developing hockey nations, and creates opportunities for athletes who may not otherwise have the chance to compete on the international stage.
With every season, the event continues to grow in both participation and quality. The expansion of the women’s division, the increasing competitiveness of every game, and the continued commitment of participating federations demonstrate that heritage hockey has become an important part of the international hockey landscape.
Looking Ahead
As another successful Challenger Series comes to a close, anticipation is already building for next season. New teams are expected to join the competition and the level of play continues to rise each year.
The 2026 Challenger Series proved once again that the passion for hockey knows no borders. From Chicago to Montreal, players proudly represented their countries and heritage, creating memorable moments and further advancing the growth of international ice hockey.
Swiss Ice Hockey is ushering in a new chapter for its national programs, as longtime goaltender Reto Berra has retired from international competition while the women’s national team welcomes a new head coach.
A new chapter for Swiss hockey: Celebrating Reto Berra’s legendary 15-year career while welcoming Shannon Miller as the new head coach of the women’s national team.
Berra Calls Time on International Career
After more than a decade representing Switzerland on the international stage, veteran netminder Reto Berra has announced his retirement from the national team following the 2026 IIHF World Championship.
The 39-year-old described the tournament as the “perfect ending” to his international career, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable run that included three Olympic Winter Games and 12 IIHF World Championships.
The 39-year-old described the tournament as the “perfect ending” to his international career, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable run that included three Olympic Winter Games and 12 IIHF World Championships.
Since making his debut during the 2010-11 season, Berra appeared in 15 major international tournaments and played a key role in helping Switzerland earn four World Championship silver medals. He said the decision was motivated by the physical demands of the game and his desire to create opportunities for the next generation of Swiss goaltenders.
Miller to Lead Swiss Women’s Program
Meanwhile, Swiss Ice Hockey has named Canadian coach Shannon Miller as the new head coach of the women’s national team.
Miller has signed a contract through the summer of 2029 and will officially begin her tenure on August 1. One of the most accomplished coaches in women’s hockey, she is best known for leading the University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs from 1999 to 2015, building one of the sport’s premier collegiate programs.
Melanie Häfliger, Head of Women’s Hockey at Swiss Ice Hockey, praised Miller’s appointment, highlighting her international experience, championship pedigree, and proven ability to develop successful teams over the long term.
With one respected veteran stepping away and an accomplished coach taking over behind the bench, Swiss hockey begins a new chapter focused on building for the future.
The opening round of the 2026 NHL Draft offered plenty of surprises, bold trades, and franchise-defining decisions as teams looked to reshape their futures. While every organization entered the draft with a plan, some emerged with significantly stronger prospect pools than others.
One of the biggest stories of the night belonged to the San Jose Sharks. Already possessing one of hockey’s brightest collections of young talent, the Sharks continued to invest heavily in their rebuild by selecting highly skilled forwards and adding another elite defensive prospect. Their aggressive approach, including moving up the draft board to secure additional talent, demonstrated a clear commitment to building a championship contender through youth.
Toronto also generated excitement after selecting consensus top prospect Gavin McKenna with the first overall pick. The dynamic forward has been viewed as a potential franchise player thanks to his offensive creativity, skating ability, and hockey IQ. Pairing McKenna with Toronto’s existing core gives the organization another cornerstone for the future and immediately strengthens one of the NHL’s most promising prospect systems.
Gavin McKenna 2026 #1 Pick
Several other clubs quietly enjoyed productive evenings. The Seattle Kraken continued adding depth throughout their lineup with selections aimed at strengthening both their defense and forward group. Winnipeg focused on skill and speed, while the St. Louis Blues addressed organizational needs by targeting players with high offensive ceilings and long-term development potential.
Not every franchise left the draft with positive reviews. The Chicago Blackhawks drew attention after choosing to trade away a premium first-round selection rather than adding another elite young prospect. By acquiring an established NHL defenseman instead, Chicago prioritized immediate roster improvement over long-term prospect development. While the move could pay dividends in the short term, it also carries the risk of passing on a player who could become a future star.
Nationality breakdown of the 32 first-round selections:
Canada: 17 players
United States: 7 players
Sweden: 4 players
Finland: 2 players
Czechia: 1 player
Slovakia: 1 player
Regional breakdown:
Canadians: 17 (53.1%)
Americans: 7 (21.9%)
Europeans: 8 (25.0%)
The numbers illustrate Canada’s continued dominance in developing elite NHL prospects, accounting for more than half of the first-round selections. Meanwhile, Europe remained an increasingly important source of high-end talent, particularly from Sweden and Finland, whose development systems continue to produce NHL-ready players. The United States also maintained its strong presence, reflecting the continued growth of collegiate and junior hockey programs south of the border.
As development camps begin and prospects prepare for the next stage of their careers, the true impact of the 2026 NHL Draft will take years to evaluate. However, early impressions suggest that organizations willing to invest aggressively in young talent—particularly San Jose and Toronto—may have positioned themselves for long-term success.
While draft-night grades often change over time, the 2026 first round will be remembered for bold decisions, unexpected trades, and several franchises taking significant steps toward shaping their future.
Pierre-Édouard Bellemare, the trailblazing French forward whose decade-long NHL career helped pave the way for future generations of French hockey players, has officially announced his retirement at age 41.
Over the course of 10 seasons in the NHL, Bellemare became a fixture of defensive consistency and versatility. He appeared in 700 regular-season games—the most by any French-born player in NHL history—registering 138 points (64 goals, 74 assists).Known for his relentless work ethic and value as a bottom-six forward, he played for five different franchises: the Philadelphia Flyers, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Seattle Kraken.
700 NHL games. A pioneer Pierre-Édouard Bellemare retires has a Kraken and French Icon.
Beyond his NHL contributions, Bellemare remained a fiercely loyal leader for the French national team.His international resume is distinguished by his longevity and commitment, having represented France in 12 IIHF World Championships.He capped off his storied career in early 2026 by serving as captain for Team France during his first and only appearance at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
Bellemare’s legacy extends far beyond the stat sheet. As a pioneer for French hockey, he proved that a player from a non-traditional hockey market could not only reach the highest level of the sport but thrive there for a decade. He concludes his playing days having left an indelible mark on both the North American professional landscape and the program of his home nation.
As the hockey world turns its attention toward Buffalo, New York, the stage is set for the2026 Upper Deck NHL Draft.Held at the KeyBank Center on June 26–27, 2026, this event marks a pivotal moment for teams looking to reshape their futures with a deep and talented prospect pool.
NHL Draft will be in Buffalo, New York
The Road to the Draft
Following the NHL Draft Lottery on May 5, 2026, the Toronto Maple Leafs secured the first overall pick. After a highly successful scouting combine in early June, all signs point to Toronto using that selection to bolster their top-six forward group. The draft will continue to utilize a decentralized format, with teams operating from their home markets, while top prospects gather in person in Buffalo to hear their names called.
Top Prospects to Watch
Scouting reports highlight a class rich in high-IQ playmakers and elite defensive talent. Here are the top 10 North American prospects according to the final rankings:
Rank
Player
Position
Previous Club (League)
1
Gavin McKenna
LW
Penn State (BIG10)
2
Chase Reid
D
Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)
3
Carson Carels
D
Prince George (WHL)
4
Keaton Verhoeff
D
North Dakota (NCHC)
5
Daxon Rudolph
D
Prince Albert (WHL)
6
Caleb Malhotra
C
Brantford (OHL)
7
Tynan Lawrence
C
Boston University (H-EAST)
8
Nikita Klepov
RW
Saginaw (OHL)
9
Ethan Belchetz
LW
Windsor (OHL)
10
Ilya Morozov
C
Miami (NCHC)
Draft Order: The Top 10
The first round is set to be a significant shake-up for the bottom of the league standings:
Toronto Maple Leafs
San Jose Sharks
Vancouver Canucks
Chicago Blackhawks
New York Rangers
Calgary Flames
Seattle Kraken
Winnipeg Jets
Florida Panthers
Nashville Predators
What to Expect
While Gavin McKenna is widely projected to go first overall to the Maple Leafs, the real intrigue begins at pick No. 2, where the San Jose Sharks are expected to focus on strengthening their blue line, potentially with standout defenseman Chase Reid.Further down the order, teams are weighing the merits of high-end Forwards like Caleb Malhotra, Tynan Lawrence and Ivar Stenberg all of whom impressed scouts with their competitive two-way games and intelligence.
As the draft begins on June 26, the focus will shift from projections to execution. For these young athletes, the weekend in Buffalo is the culmination of years of development—and for the 32 NHL franchises, it is a critical opportunity to build the foundation for their next championship window.
