As the anticipation builds for the Western Hockey League (WHL) playoffs set to kick off on March 28, 2025, fans can look forward to an exciting new era of accessibility, thanks to a historic streaming deal. WHL playoff games will now stream for free on the newly launched Victory+ platform, allowing fans around the world to catch all the action without a paywall.
This multi-year partnership between the WHL and Victory+, a Calgary-based service owned by A Parent Media Co., marks a significant shift in how fans engage with the sport. In a unique twist reminiscent of traditional television broadcast models, Victory+ will offer over 700 regular season and playoff games globally, including on-demand content and classic matches.
Neil Gruninger, President and CEO of A Parent Media Co., expressed his enthusiasm in bringing live WHL hockey to a broader audience. "This is a major step in our mission to make sports content more accessible to fans everywhere," he said. Having cheered for his local WHL team as a child, the deal represents a personal milestone for Gruninger.
Adding a layer of celebration, the Victoria Royals recently clinched the BC Division title after a strong season, officially securing their playoff position back in mid-February. The Royals faced off against the Prince George Cougars on March 22nd and took home a vital victory, establishing home ice advantage for their first two playoff games on March 28 and March 29.
As the playoffs shape up, the Cougars will meet the Portland Winterhawks in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2024 WHL Western Conference Championship. Last season, the Cougars battled fiercely but fell short in a thrilling six-game series against the Winterhawks, who then succumbed to the Moose Jaw Warriors for the championship title.
The Cougars, finishing second in the B.C. Division and fourth in the Western Conference standings with a 40-20-4-2 record, are counting on their key players to shine. Minnesota Wild prospect Riley Heidt has emerged as a standout, scoring 31 goals and assisting on 51 others throughout the regular season, bringing his total to 89 points.
Meanwhile, the Winterhawks enter the playoffs with a 36-26-3-1 record and a perfect 4-0-0-0 against Prince George this season, showcasing the competitive nature of the league. Portland's Kyle Chyzowski has also achieved remarkable success, surpassing 100 points for the first time and sitting proudly in the fourth position in the WHL scoring race with 41 goals and 64 assists.
The focus will be on how the Cougars, who have been gaining momentum with an 8-2-0-0 record in their last ten games, can capitalize on their home ice advantage and respond to their previous encounters with Portland amidst a playoff atmosphere.
The excitement isn't limited to just these matchups; the Lethbridge Hurricanes are also making headlines after a dismal concluding game against the Medicine Hat Tigers, where they suffered a staggering 10-1 defeat. The Hurricanes ended their regular season with a 42-21-3-2 record, positioning them in the fourth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Their upcoming journey in the playoffs kicks off next weekend, with a first-round matchup awaiting them.
The Hurricanes faced their regular-season finale without several key players, and the game’s unfortunate outcome reflected the challenges throughout the season. In stark contrast, the Medicine Hat Tigers surged with strong performances, showcasing multiple players with standout contributions throughout the game.
The WHL is poised for an electrifying playoff season as it embraces new technology with the Victory+ streaming deal while the teams prepare for the thrilling battles ahead. Fans from Canada to global audiences will now enjoy near perfect visibility, as WHL commissioner Dan Near expressed, "WHL players and clubs are deeply connected to our communities." This ethos is complemented by the viewership expansion that Victory+ promises.
As fans prepare to turn on their devices for the free streams starting March 28, they can expect high-spirited games that not only celebrate sporting talent but also reflect the close-knit nature of the WHL's vibrant communities.
Mark your calendars as the first playoff game will take place at the CN Centre on March 28 at 7:00 p.m. PST, followed by Game 2 on March 29 at the same venue. The road series will then shift to Portland for Games 3 and 4 on April 1 and 2, and potentially more games thereafter depending on the series outcomes.
With these exciting developments, it’s clear the 2025 WHL playoffs promise to be a fantastic showcase of hockey talent, community pride, and fan engagement like never before.
