Major Changes for WHL Overagers as New NCAA Rules Take Effect

UPDATE: The NCAA’s recent rule changes are set to transform the landscape for the 2025-26 class of Western Hockey League (WHL) overagers, creating significant shifts in team rosters across the league. This development comes as the Brandon Wheat Kings prepare for their training camp, which kicks off Thursday evening at Assiniboine Credit Union Place.

The NCAA’s modifications, effective as of last November, are forcing many players born in 2005, including potential Wheat Kings stars Quinn Mantei and Matteo Michels, to opt for collegiate hockey instead of their overage seasons. This change is expected to significantly alter the composition of teams, making the upcoming season unique.

“It’s a different look,” said Wheat Kings head coach and general manager Marty Murray. “Probably a lot of teams across the league will have different qualities in their 20-year-olds due to these changes.”

As the Wheat Kings gear up for their camp, they currently have only three candidates for their overager spots. Notably, overage forward Nick Johnson, who has already committed to Bowling Green University for the 2026-27 season, will return for his third year in Brandon. He will be joined by newcomers Grayson Burzynski and Luke Mistelbacher, who were acquired from the Swift Current Broncos in a significant trade.

Brandon secured Burzynski and Mistelbacher in exchange for their own first-round pick, 15th overall, along with several other prospects, including Alex Letourneau, a second-round pick in 2025, and additional third and sixth-round picks in future drafts.

Burzynski, standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 211 pounds, contributed significantly last season with 11 goals and 36 assists. Meanwhile, Mistelbacher, a 6-foot forward with a right-handed shot, dominated with 42 goals and 51 assists last season, making him a formidable asset for the Wheat Kings.

“We have Mistelbacher, who would be the top returning point scorer in the league if you exclude Berkley Catton,” Murray noted. “That’s a great starting point for us. Burzynski is filling a vital role after losing Mantei. He’s a quality defenceman who has improved every year.”

The Wheat Kings also made headlines earlier this year when they traded their captain Nate Danielson to the Portland Winterhawks in exchange for Johnson and other key draft picks on January 10, 2024.

Johnson’s journey has been tumultuous; after scoring a hat trick in Brandon’s second game of last season, he faced a series of injuries, including a leg injury and dental damage from a puck incident. Nevertheless, he rebounded to achieve career highs last season with 16 goals, 27 assists, and 43 points.

Murray expressed optimism about the new acquisitions’ transition: “It’s uncommon to bring in two newcomers as overagers, but with today’s technology, everyone is aware of each other. They’ve played against our guys in the division and will fit in well.”

As the Wheat Kings look ahead, all eyes will be on how these changes will impact team dynamics and performance in this unprecedented season. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the new roster shapes up, especially with the camp starting tomorrow evening.

Stay tuned for more updates as the WHL season approaches!