Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

Reflecting back on his 1st career goal

Jake Henderson’s breakthrough: A growing role in the WHL

Mar 4, 2025 | 6:00 AM

Being a rookie defenseman in the Western Hockey League is no easy feat. 

Aside from the goalie, every move—and mistake—is visible to the fans who are watching you compete against players who might be four years older and more experienced than you. 

At just 16, the opposition’s forwards are bigger, stronger, faster, and more seasoned. For many rookies, if you’re not careful, your confidence can take a hit during your first season. 

Jake Henderson has had to stay afloat since the team traded star defender Caden Price to the Lethbridge Hurricanes. Henderson frequently played alongside Price, a Seattle Kraken draft pick, which helped him ease into the WHL experience and take small steps. 

“Caden Price is a pro, both on and off the ice,” Henderson said of his former teammate, whom he’ll face tomorrow when the Rockets meet the Lethbridge Hurricanes. “I learned a lot from him as a younger guy. I really enjoyed playing with him and being around him.” 

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With Price’s departure, Henderson was thrust into the deep end, where it’s sink or swim. He’s been logging substantial ice time and playing more games than any other 16-year-old on the roster. For the third-round pick in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, it’s often been a baptism by fire. 

“I started off a bit rough,” Henderson admitted about the beginning of his major junior career. “That’s typical for a 16-year-old. I was just trying my best to play well and stay in the lineup as much as possible.” 

Once Price was traded and fellow defenseman Marek Rocak was sent to Swift Current, Henderson’s responsibilities grew, both with and without the puck. It can be exhausting, physically and mentally. 

“I didn’t expect to play this many games,” Henderson said, reflecting on the 52 games he’s played this season, which puts him on par with Prince George’s Carson Carels, who was picked in the first round of the same draft class. Other notable players from that draft include Keaton Verhoeff of Victoria, Ryan Lin of Vancouver, and Brek Liske of Everett. 

“I think I’ve done a pretty good job staying in the lineup,” he added. “I give it my all every time I’m out there. My body feels good though.” 

In comparison, former WHL stars like Madison Bowey played 57 regular-season games as a 16-year-old, while Tyler Myers logged 59 games. Damon Severson and Tyson Barrie each played 64 games as rookies. With eight games remaining, Henderson has the potential to play 60 games in 2024-2025. 

On a team struggling to score, Henderson wants to contribute offensively. Despite numerous close calls in his first 49 games, it finally came together in his 50th game when he scored his first career goal. 

“I kind of blacked out and let my body take over,” Henderson said when recalling his goal, which came in a 5-2 road loss to Prince George. 

“We were playing four-on-four, and I received a pass from ‘Poppy’ [Hayden Paupanekis] as the third guy high. I skated by the defender, took the shot, and got it over his glove.” 

Henderson managed to beat Cougars netminder Joshua Ravensbergen, a highly-touted prospect for the 2025 NHL Draft. 

“That was one of the first things I thought about after scoring,” Henderson said, knowing that Ravensbergen is likely bound for the NHL. “That’s a really good goalie, so it felt great.” 

In a season marked by team struggles, Henderson couldn’t contain his excitement when he finally found the back of the net, celebrating with enthusiasm. 

“It was a big goal in the game,” he said, acknowledging the significance of scoring at this level. “It made it a one-goal game, and goals don’t come often. But I want to do everything I can to help my team win.” 

Looking back, maybe the long wait made the goal even more meaningful? 

“As soon as I scored, ‘Crobs’ [Nate Corbet] was the first guy to come over to me. He was pretty excited,” Henderson said with a grin. 

“He was looking for the puck, but the ref knew it was my first one. So, despite the long wait, it couldn’t have gone better if it had been planned.”