Evans soaking up knowledge, experience in first WHL season

By Lethbridge Herald on January 31, 2026.

Nathan Reiter
Lethbridge Herald

It was no guarantee that Jake Evans would make the Lethbridge Hurricanes out of training camp.

Evans was one of several 16-year-old hopefuls vying for a roster spot back in September when Lethbridge opened up training camp. After making the team, the 16-year-old Saskatoon product has been soaking it all in at the WHL level so far this season.

In 37 games, Evans has posted one goal and four assists along with a minus-15 rating. He has also not registered a single penalty minute for the Hurricanes.

In an interview with the Herald, Evans says he’s enjoyed the chance to be a full-time WHL player.

“It’s an honor. I couldn’t be more grateful and it’s been super fun like I don’t take it for granted at all. It’s been great.”

Evans was the fifth player to have his name called by Lethbridge during the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft when the Hurricanes selected him with the 84th overall pick, near the end of the fourth round. The pick Lethbridge used to select Evans was acquired from the Red Deer Rebels in a draft day trade that sent forward Trae Wilke back the other way.

Hurricane assistant coach Ryan Aasman says Evans has shown an appetite to improve from day one.

“It’s obviously not easy to play in the league as a 16-year-old, especially as a fourth-round pick, but it’s a great nod for Jake. He’s got a lot of character and he’s a hard-working kid. Tons of ups and downs for him this year. I think when you look at the bigger picture, he’s played a decent amount of minutes. He’s trying to be a penalty killer. He’s played center a lot this year, which is very impressive for a 16-year-old. The effort’s always there, and he’s willing to learn. He’s always asking to do extra video (work). He puts the time in. He follows the right guys in the dressing room. Obviously, a 16-year-old a year, the expectations aren’t crazy high for him. He can have that type of year. But I’ve really respected the way Jake’s worked and been a pro and his eagerness to get better. Hopefully that sets him up to have a really good year next year.”

As a 15-year-old last season, Evans had a strong campaign with the Saskatoon Contacts in the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League (SMAAAHL). In 44 games, Evans tallied 13 goals and 27 assists for a Contacts team that failed to qualify for the playoffs.

The Contacts program has produced several players that have gone on to become impact players at the WHL level. Some notable alumni of the program include Brayden Yager, Berkly Catton and Connor Zary. Former Hurricane captains Ty Prefontaine and Noah Chadwick are also former Contacts.

Evans says the experience he got with the Contacts last year helped prepare him for the WHL level.

“I think the Saskatchewan league is a great league. It’s a battle every day, just like it is up here. Obviously not as intense, but I think it sets you up for the right path, and it’s a great team to play for.”

Evans was one of four 16-year-olds to make the Hurricanes on a full-time basis this season alongside fellow forwards Tyden Lafournaise andEnzo DiDomenicantonio. Goaltender Leif Oaten rounds out the complement of 2009-born players for Lethbridge this season.

With Lethbridge having several older players also getting their feet wet at the WHL level, Evans says it creates strong competition within the dressing room as well.

“I think we can grow off each other and it starts in practice just battling every day. I think I can get my compete up from that and just build off the guys around me and make me a better player.”

The Hurricanes return to action on Saturday night when they travel to Medicine Hat for a matchup with the Tigers at Co-op Place. Puck drop is set for 7 p.m.