The Grande Prairie Storm are set to face the Whitecourt Wolverines in the North Division Final of the Alberta Junior Hockey League playoffs, with the series opening in Whitecourt on April 3, 2026. This highly anticipated matchup follows successful quarterfinal rounds for both teams, as the community prepares for another intense series between the division’s top rivals.
The Wolverines secured home-ice advantage for the start of the series by finishing first in the division with 81 points, just three points ahead of the second-place Storm. The teams are slated to play Game 1 on April 3 and Game 2 on April 4, both starting at 7:00 p.m. at JDA Place. Tickets for these games are available through the Wolverines official website.
Both squads arrive at the semifinals with significant momentum after strong performances in the first round. The Storm swept the Lloydminster Bobcats 4-0, bolstered by the performance of goaltender Leland Gill, who finished the series with a .923 save percentage and a 2.06 goals-against average. The Wolverines advanced by defeating the Fort McMurray Oil Barons 4-1. This series also serves as a high-stakes rematch from last year, when the Storm swept the Wolverines 4-0 in the semifinals.
The Wolverines feature a lineup that earned multiple league honours this season, including team captain Jalen Bianchet, who was named the league’s Most Valuable Player, Top Forward, and scoring champion. Head coach Shawn Martin, who has led his team to top division finishes for three consecutive years, noted that his players are focused on redemption following their exit from last year’s playoffs. Meanwhile, the Storm enter the series with their own individual recognition, as forward Zachary Wilson was awarded the Don McNabb Memorial Trophy as the league’s Most Dedicated Player.
The Storm continue to enjoy strong backing from local supporters, having led the entire league in attendance for the third year in a row. Following the opening games in Whitecourt, the series will shift to Grande Prairie for the team’s home-ice debut in the second round on April 7, 2026.
