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The Spokane Chiefs 2025-2026 Roster Revealed: 15 Core Players Driving The WHL Championship Push

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The Spokane Chiefs are back on the ice for the 2025-2026 season, and the anticipation is electric following their deep playoff run last year. As of today, December 25, 2025, the team has solidified a powerful roster blending proven veteran leadership with an exciting wave of young talent, positioning them as a major contender in the competitive Western Hockey League (WHL) U.S. Division.

This season’s squad, based out of the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, is built around a core of returning stars and strategic acquisitions, all focused on capturing the WHL Championship. From the dynamic play of their captain to the strategic mind of their head coach, this is the definitive breakdown of the players and personnel currently driving the Spokane Chiefs’ pursuit of glory.

The Spokane Chiefs 2025-2026 Full Roster and Key Personnel

The Chiefs’ current roster is a blend of seasoned WHL veterans and highly-touted prospects, with the team earning a prominent spot in the CHL Top-10 Rankings early in the 2025-2026 season, reflecting the strength of their lineup. The team's depth chart is designed for a long playoff run, with talent spread across all positions.

Key Forwards and Offensive Leaders

  • Berkly Catton (C) – Captain: The undisputed leader and offensive engine of the team. Catton is a premier NHL prospect whose elite playmaking and scoring ability are central to the Chiefs' success. His return is a massive boost after their run to the WHL Championship Series last season.
  • Brody Gillespie (C): A reliable center who often anchors the top line, providing a strong two-way presence and consistent scoring. He is a crucial piece of the team's veteran core.
  • Logan Wormald (F): Acquired in a blockbuster trade, Wormald is a 20-year-old power forward whose experience and scoring touch add immediate depth and grit to the top six.
  • Mathis Preston (F): A verified young prospect whose offensive ceiling is incredibly high. Preston is one of the future stars of the franchise, already making an impact in the 2025-2026 regular season.
  • Dominik Petr (C/LW): An import player from Czechia who brings international experience and skill to the forward group, adding versatility to the Chiefs' attack.
  • Gavin Burcar (C): Another core center providing depth and reliability in the middle of the ice.
  • Cohen Harris (F): A steady forward contributing to the team's depth scoring and energy.

Defensive Core and Goaltenders

  • Owen Schoettler (D): A key defenseman who provides stability and strong defensive play, listed as a prominent member of the 2025-2026 roster.
  • Ethan Hughes (C): Though listed as a center, Hughes is a key player whose versatility helps the team maintain structure.
  • Chase Harrington (F/D): A highly-regarded prospect who was recently added to the West roster for the 2026 WHL Prospects Game, highlighting his potential as a future defensive or two-way star.
  • Kaslo Ferner (F): A solid forward who contributes to the team's overall depth and physical play.

Key Roster Personnel (Hockey Staff)

  • General Manager: Matt Bardsley.
  • Head Coach: Brad Lauer.
  • Associate Coach: Brian Pellerin.
  • Assistant Coach: Jake Toporowski.

The Strategic Vision: Brad Lauer and Matt Bardsley’s Rebuild

The success of the 2025-2026 Spokane Chiefs is rooted in the strategic vision of General Manager Matt Bardsley and Head Coach Brad Lauer. Lauer, a seasoned coach with a WHL title already under his belt, was named the new Head Coach to usher the team into a new era.

Lauer’s coaching philosophy emphasizes disciplined, high-tempo hockey, a style perfectly suited for the young, skilled roster he inherited. His goal is to build on the momentum of the previous season's deep playoff run, ensuring the Chiefs remain perennial contenders in the Western Conference. The early-season ranking of 3rd in the CHL Top-10 rankings is a testament to the effectiveness of this new leadership structure.

GM Matt Bardsley has been instrumental in shaping the roster through smart trades and signings, such as bringing in veteran Logan Wormald to bolster the forward group and navigating the import player rules to secure talent like Dominik Petr and Asanali Sarkenov. This commitment to acquiring both immediate impact players and high-potential prospects ensures the Chiefs’ competitive window remains wide open for years to come.

2025-2026 Season Performance and U.S. Division Rivalry

The 2025-2026 season has started strong for the Spokane Chiefs, who are currently holding a competitive position in the WHL’s U.S. Division. The U.S. Division is notoriously tough, featuring strong rivals like the Everett Silvertips and the Portland Winterhawks, who often dominate the Western Conference standings.

Despite the intense competition, the Chiefs’ combination of high-end talent and strategic depth has allowed them to keep pace with the division leaders. Their early success has been heavily reliant on the offensive output of captain Berkly Catton, who is driving the team’s power play and overall scoring. The ability to win key divisional games at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena will be critical as the season progresses.

The team’s performance against its biggest rivals will ultimately determine its playoff seeding. The trade for Logan Wormald was a clear signal that the Chiefs are committed to winning now, adding a proven scorer who can handle the physical demands of the Western Hockey League playoffs. Fans are eager to see if this roster can not only return to the WHL Championship Series but also secure the title that eluded them last year.

Future Stars: The Chiefs’ Top Prospects and LSI Entities

Building topical authority around the Spokane Chiefs requires recognizing the key entities and prospects who represent the team’s future. The organization has a strong track record of developing NHL-caliber talent, and the 2025-2026 roster features several players who are next in line for the draft.

Chase Harrington is a prime example, with his selection to the 2026 WHL Prospects Game marking him as one of the league’s top young talents. His development is a major focus for the coaching staff, as he represents the next generation of Chiefs stars.

Another area of focus is the team's performance in the Western Hockey League (WHL), which is one of the three major leagues comprising the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). The Chiefs’ strong performance in the U.S. Division is a major indicator of their overall strength. Key LSI entities and concepts that are critical to the team's identity include:

  • Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena: The iconic home ice where the Chiefs play their home games.
  • WHL Standings: The measure of the team's success against the league's best.
  • WHL Prospects Game: A showcase for the league's future stars, featuring Chiefs talent like Chase Harrington.
  • WHL Championship Series: The ultimate goal for the team, which they narrowly missed achieving last season.

The current roster, led by the dynamic play of Berkly Catton and the tactical guidance of Brad Lauer, is clearly built to contend. With a solid foundation in net, a physical defense, and a potent forward group, the 2025-2026 Spokane Chiefs are a must-watch team in the Western Hockey League.

The Spokane Chiefs 2025-2026 Roster Revealed: 15 Core Players Driving the WHL Championship Push
spokane chiefs hockey roster
spokane chiefs hockey roster

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