FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Canmore, Alberta —November 26,2025
Canmore Eagles’ Cohen Daoust Signs WHL Standard Player Agreement With Calgary Hitmen.
The Canmore Eagles are proud to announce that forward Cohen Daoust has signed a Standard Player Agreement with the Calgary Hitmen of the Western Hockey League (WHL). Daoust’s rise through the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) is a testament to both his personal development and the AJHL’s commitment to fostering advancement opportunities for its athletes.
Over 135 games with the Eagles, Daoust demonstrated consistent growth, maturity, and readiness for the next level. His progression underscores how exceptional performance in Junior A hockey can translate into Major Junior opportunities—an outcome strengthened through the Western Canadian Development Model (WCDM).
The WCDM, a collaborative initiative between Hockey Canada, the Alberta Junior Hockey League, and the Western Hockey League, provides a more seamless, flexible pathway for player advancement. By recognizing individualized development timelines and emphasizing strong relationships between Junior A and WHL programs, the model allows players to progress when they are truly ready.
Daoust’s journey—having not been selected in the WHL draft and choosing the AJHL as his development route—reflects the evolving landscape of Western Canadian hockey. His signing with the Calgary Hitmen as a free agent highlights how thoughtful development, performance, and pathway-driven opportunities can lead to Major Junior success.
This achievement is a proud moment for Cohen Daoust, the Canmore Eagles, the AJHL, and the Western Canadian Development Model, all of which share a commitment to player advancement and competitive growth.
For more information please contact Andrew directly.
Andrew Milne
General Manager,
Canmore Eagles
Office: 403-678-1855
Cell: 403-688-2545
Email: andrewmilne@canmoreeagles.com
