The Western Hockey League (WHL) is a major junior ice hockey league in Canada and the United States. It is one of three leagues that make up the Canadian Hockey League (CHL), which serves as a developmental league for young players aspiring to reach the professional level. The WHL features teams from Western Canada and the Northwestern United States, providing a competitive environment for players aged 16 to 20. Founded in 1966, the WHL has produced many notable players who have gone on to successful careers in the National Hockey League (NHL). The league operates under a regular season format followed by playoffs, culminating in the WHL Championship, where teams compete for the chance to represent the league in the Memorial Cup.