WHL announces new free-to-watch streaming platform, to make switch for playoffs

By JAMES TUBB on March 21, 2025.

jtubb@medicinehatnews.com@ReporterTubb

Western Hockey League fans will have a new way to view their favourite teams online.

The WHL announced Thursday a comprehensive streaming deal with Victory+, an agreement that will see the WHL regular season and playoff games streamed for free on the platform, starting with this year’s layoffs.

This will be the first time in the WHL’s history games will be available to stream for free to fans around the world. They will also offer classic games from the WHL archives and unique on-demand content.

“The WHL envisions a massive opportunity to bring fans closer to the game with unlimited access through Victory+,” said WHL commissioner Dan Near in a release. “WHL players and clubs are deeply connected to our communities, and we represent the No. 1 passion point for hockey fans in the majority of markets in which we operate. This alliance with Victory+ will vastly extend the reach of the WHL product and give hockey fans around the world visibility to our great players competing at the very highest level of junior hockey.”

The WHL playoffs will be available to stream live and on demand starting March 28 and continuing until the beginning of the WHL championship series. Fans will be able to watch the complete 2025-26 WHL season beginning in September.

Medicine Hat Tigers head coach and general manager Willie Desjardins says the announcement is a positive one for the players in the league.

“The more exposure they can get is better for them,” Desjardins said. “It’s a great thing to have and it’ll just showcase our guys because we have some pretty special talents so it’;s great for lots of people to see them.”

Victory+ offers a free, ad-supported streaming service that operates without geo-restrictions. WHL fans will be able to watch games on all devices including Samsung and Vizio smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android and web browser.

Hitmen’s Hauser sets all-time win record

Calgary Hitmen goaltender Daniel Hauser set a WHL record for wins with a 5-1 victory over the Red Deer Rebels on Wednesday.

Hauser made 21 saves for his 123rd career win, surpassing the league record set by Saskatoon Blades net minder Nolan Maier in April 2022.

The 21-year-old Hauser from Chestermere has a 123-36-9 record with a 2.59 goals-against average, a .910 save percentage and 17 shutouts in 175 WHL starts.

The 2019 sixth-round pick earned his first victory with the former Winnipeg Ice on March 15, 2021. He played parts of five seasons with the organization, which became the Wenatchee Wild in 2023-24, before being traded to the Hitmen in January.

Since joining the Central division team, Hauser has put up a 20-4-0 record with a 1.94 goals-against average, a .924 save percentage and five shutouts.

Tigers’ defenceman Jonas Woo played three seasons with Hauser between Winnipeg and Wenatchee.

“It’s really cool watching him today, he’s a great guy and great goaltender,” Woo said about his former net minder.” I’m pretty good friends with him and I love seeing that for my friend and for my old teammates.”

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