The WHL’s Lethbridge Hurricanes have announced the signing of forward Jake Stuart.

Stuart was acquired by the Hurricanes from the Brandon Wheat Kings in May in a three-team trade. He was originally selected second overall by the Wheat Kings in the 2022 WHL U.S. Priority Draft and is committed to NCAA Division I Denver.

“A couple of years ago, I didn’t think it would have been possible to play in the WHL, but with the (NCAA) rule changes, I thought the opportunity was really good for me and I’m super excited for next year,” said Stuart. “Last year, honestly, I didn’t have the year I wanted to have and I think I need one more year of junior. I’m super excited for training camp, and I just can’t wait to get started and I’m excited to join the Hurricanes. It’s going to be a very exciting season.

“I think next year, I want to be a really consistent player who can be reliable. I’m a really good two-way forward, I take pride on the defensive side of the ice, but I can also contribute offensively. I’m not the biggest guy, but I like to be really physical and do what I can in that aspect.”

The Manhattan Beach product split the 2025-26 season in the USHL with the Muskegon Lumberjacks and Sioux Falls Stampede where he collected 16 points (six goals, 10 assists) along with 31 penalty minutes in 51 regular-season games. He has also tallied one assist in 10 postseason games helping the Stampede capture the USHL Clark Cup championship.

“Jake is a player we’re excited to welcome to our organization. He’s a talented player with a strong two-way game, excellent character, and significant upside,” said Hurricanes interim general manager Barclay Parneta. “He also brings valuable experience from a championship program in Sioux Falls, where he learned what it takes to compete and win a championship. We’re pleased that Jake has chosen to continue his development with the Hurricanes, and the opportunity to see him play alongside his brother Logan makes this an especially exciting addition for our organization.”

Stuart previously spent two seasons with USA Hockey’s NTDP where he appeared in a combined 132 regular-season games, collecting 42 points (24 goals, 18 assists) along with 46 penalty minutes with the NTDP Under-17 and Under-18 teams. In 2024-25, Stuart amassed 31 points (17 goals, 14 assists) along with 36 penalty minutes in 67 regular-season games at the 18U level while also recording four penalty minutes with the NTDP team in the inaugural CHL-USA Prospects Challenge where he appeared in two games.

Before his time with the NTDP, he spent three seasons in the Los Angeles Jr. Kings program. In his WHL draft year, Stuart collected an impressive 90 points (50 goals, 40 assosts) along with 36 penalty minutes in 71 regular-season games with the Jr. Kings’ 14U AAA team.

“I’m really excited to be able to go play with my brother (Logan) and (Dayne) Beuker,” said Stuart. “It’s going to be pretty cool. The last time that we played a full season together, I was 12. Joining my brother, not a lot of people get to do, and I think this is the best option for me and it was a no brainer (to sign). My parents, especially my mom, are really excited to be able to come see us in the same spot, and it’s really cool to be able to play in the same league as my dad did.”

Jake is the older brother of Hurricanes forward and Washington Capitals draft pick Logan Stuart, who signed with the club in June. He is also the son of former WHL and NHL defenseman Brad Stuart, who also spent parts of four seasons in the WHL with the Regina Pats and Calgary Hitmen before spending 18 seasons in the NHL with the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Calgary Flames, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche.

Photo/Adam Thury

— WHL Staff

(July 7, 2026)