Braeden Cootes Returns To The Seattle Thunderbirds For The 2025-26 Season

Key Takeaways:

• Braeden Cootes returns to the WHL for 2025-26.
• He continues as captain of the Seattle Thunderbirds.
• Vancouver Canucks formally reassigned him on Tuesday.
• His first 2025-26 WHL appearance is anticipated on October 17th.
• The Thunderbirds will face the Prince George Cougars at the accesso ShoWare Center.

The Team’s Returning Leader

Braeden Cootes is heading back to the Western Hockey League (WHL), reaffirming his position as a key player for the Seattle Thunderbirds. The announcement arrived this Tuesday when the Vancouver Canucks reassigned him, making it clear that the Thunderbirds will have their captain back on the ice.

A Move from Vancouver

The Canucks’ decision to send Cootes back offers the Thunderbirds a chance to maintain strong leadership on their roster. His return is poised to boost the team’s competitiveness, as they look forward to a new season in front of their home crowd.

Next Stop: Prince George Cougars

Fans will not have to wait long to see Cootes in action. He is slated to make his season debut on October 17th, when the Thunderbirds welcome the Prince George Cougars to the accesso ShoWare Center. This game marks the official kick-off of Cootes’s 2025-26 campaign and a much-anticipated showdown for sports enthusiasts.

Looking Ahead to 2025-26

With a familiar face leading them, Seattle has reason for optimism. Cootes’s presence could fortify the Thunderbirds both on the ice and in the locker room, ensuring that the team’s new season gets off to a confident start. Only time will tell how his return shapes the broader WHL landscape, but for now, Thunderbirds fans can expect an electric start to the season at the accesso ShoWare Center.