1986-87 WHL season

The 1986–87 WHL season was the 21st season of the Western Hockey League. Fourteen teams completed a 72 game season. The Medicine Hat Tigers won the President's Cup before going on to also capture the Memorial Cup.

League notes

 * The Lethbridge Broncos returned to Swift Current, Saskatchewan to become the Swift Current Broncos.
 * On December 30, 1986, a bus crash involving the Swift Current Broncos caused the deaths of four players: Trent Kresse, Scott Kruger, Chris Mantyka and Brent Ruff. The WHL would later rename its Most Valuable Player award the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy in their honor.
 * On March 1, 1987, Regina Pats player Brad Hornung was paralyzed during a game by a check. The WHL would later rename its Most Sportsmanlike Player award the Brad Hornung Trophy in his honor.

Scoring leaders
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalties in minutes

First round

 * Medicine Hat earned a bye
 * Saskatoon earned a bye
 * Prince Albert defeated Swift Current 3 games to 1
 * Moose Jaw defeated Regina 3 games to 0

Division semi-finals

 * Medicine Hat defeated Moose Jaw 4 games to 2
 * Saskatoon defeated Prince Albert 4 games to 0


 * Kamloops defeated Victoria 5 games to 0
 * Portland defeated Spokane 5 games to 0

Division finals

 * Medicine Hat defeated Saskatoon 4 games to 3
 * Portland defeated Kamloops 5 games to 3

WHL Championship

 * Medicine Hat defeated Portland 4 games to 3

All-Star Game
On January 20, the East Division defeated the West Division 4–3 at Regina, Saskatchewan with a crowd of 3,652.

WHL awards

 * Note: For the 1986–87 season, the WHL handed out separate awards for the East and West Divisions.