Regina Pats’ forward Braxton Whitehead has become the first major junior hockey player to verbally commit to playing in the Division 1 NCAA ranks after his Western Hockey League career ends.
“Somebody like me who grew up in the USA, I was always very involved going to watch the University of Alaska or the Nanooks play in Fairbanks. It was always a dream of mine to play in the NCAA,” Whitehead told media on Monday. “Growing up in Alaska, I was always playing tournaments in Vancouver in youth so I also had the dream to play here in the WHL. So trying to make both of those dreams come true.”
Whitehead announced on X last week that he has received verbal commitment from Arizona State beginning in the 2025-26 season.
Currently any player who suits up in the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Maritimes Junior …