Kamloops Blazers forward Tommy Lafrenière’s journey to the Western Hockey League (WHL) has been anything but conventional. Though originally from Montreal, Quebec, Lafrenière spent much of his childhood in Whistler before making his way back east to Montreal and eventually returning to B.C. for his WHL draft year. Now, he’s turning heads with his strong play and making a case for himself in his NHL draft year.
“I actually grew up in Whistler,” Lafrenière explained. “My family moved there when I was nine months old, so I basically learned everything about Vancouver and played a lot of hockey there. I moved back to Montreal for a few years but then came back for my Bantam draft year, and that’s how I ended up in the WHL.”
Lafrenière played his minor hockey for Yale Hockey Academy where he was named the U18 Prep Co-MVP after tallying 27 goals and 58 points in 30 games last year. Lafrenière saw nine games of action with Kamloops during the 2023-24 campaign, picking up four points.
Now in the WHL full-time, he’s continuing to produce at a high level, but he remains under the radar when it comes to NHL draft rankings. Despite his lower draft ranking, Lafrenière is playing at a near point-per-game pace this season, drawing praise from those within the hockey world.
One NHL scout told me “There is something there, I’m very intrigued.”
“It’s been a really awesome season, and we’re hoping to make a push for the playoffs,” Lafrenière said.
“In the offseason, I focused a lot on my skating—trying to get faster and stronger. I think that’s really helped me take a step forward. Getting called up last year also helped, just getting those extra games in and adjusting to the league.”
This season, Lafrenière has tallied 19 goals and 24 assists for 43 points in 48 games and sits fourth on the club in scoring.
A former WHL GM told me “He’s got a knack for being in the right spot at the right time and his IQ is elite.”
When it comes to players he looks up to, Lafrenière finds inspiration in some of the league’s most skilled forwards.
“I love watching Nathan MacKinnon, though I wouldn’t say I model my game after him,” he said. “I think I play more like Nick Suzuki or Brayden Point — guys with strong hockey IQ and playmaking ability.”
With the NHL Draft on the horizon, many young players feel the pressure to perform. For Lafrenière, though, it’s not something he dwells on.
“It’s definitely in the back of my mind,” he admitted. “Obviously, it’s cool to be considered for the draft, but I’m really focused on the season. I want to help the Blazers make the playoffs, so that’s my main priority right now.”
Lafrenière has also been able to lean on veteran teammates like captain Emmitt Finnie and Harrison Brunicke for guidance during this pivotal season.
“I shadow Finnie quite a bit—he’s an exceptional player. He works hard, he’s fast, and he’s definitely someone I look up to.”
While his offensive numbers speak for themselves, Lafrenière believes his hockey IQ is one of his most underrated attributes.
“I think I have a good sense of the game and can make plays quickly,” he said.
He also admits to being quite superstitious when it comes to game-day routines but didn’t want to give up all his secrets.
“I have the same routine every time — eat the same thing in the morning, check the clock before heading into the locker room, and I always tape my stick between periods.”
As the Blazers continue to push towards the WHL postseason, Lafrenière credits the team’s strong chemistry as a key factor in their success.
“We have a great group of guys who work hard together,” he said. “We’re pushing for more success, but the team dynamic is strong.”
Lafrenière is proving with his play that he belongs among the WHL’s best right now. While the NHL Draft creeps up, his primary focus is clear—helping the Blazers succeed and continuing to develop his game at the highest level.
Submitted by Colton Davies