When the Final Buzzer Sounds: A WHL Journey into Agriculture and Nutrien

We're proud to return as the Official Presenting Partner of the 2026 WHL Playoffs and WHL Championship Series

Like countless Canadian kids, Nolan Waker grew up dreaming of playing in the National Hockey League. He’d worry about “after” later. 

Busy molding his identity in high-level hockey – eventually reaching the Western Hockey League – what Nolan didn’t realize until later, hockey was also quietly shaping him for something else: a long, fulfilling career in agriculture.

Raised on a farm north of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Nolan learned early what it meant to show up every day. Farming didn’t stop for bad weather, fatigue, or tough seasons – and neither did hockey. 

“Growing up on a farm taught me work ethic,” says Nolan, Nutrien Ag Solutions’ branch manager at Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. “Watching my mom and dad get up every day and do whatever needed to be done, no matter what. That had a big part in how I got to where I am.” 

Playoff Runs That Reinforced the Power of Team

One of his earliest lessons came with the Kelowna Rockets, a first‑class organization that went on to win junior hockey’s Memorial Cup in 2004. As a young player still finding his footing, Nolan wasn’t logging heavy minutes — but he was immersed in a winning culture built on preparation, accountability, and putting the team first.

Kelowna’s approach left a lasting impression. Every role mattered, whether it showed up on the scoresheet or not. Nolan still has his championship ring from that run — it’s proudly displayed at his parents.

“I didn’t play a ton, but it was eye‑opening. It showed me what a winning culture really looks like.”

That lesson came into sharper focus the following season with Prince Albert. During a memorable playoff run, the Raiders upset Saskatoon and Medicine Hat, before falling to Brandon in game 7 of the Eastern Conference final. Their improbable success was built on depth, trust, and relentless team play.

Nolan remembers a group that rolled four lines, relied on role players, and never worried about individual recognition.

“It didn’t matter who got the credit,” he says. “We were just a team that played for each other — and that’s why we were successful.”

Why Hockey Skills Translate to Agriculture

Nolan sees those same dynamics play out in agriculture. One person may score the goal, but it takes a full lineup working together to make it happen. A successful sale relies on people behind the scenes ensuring product availability, accurate invoicing, safe handling, and timely delivery.

The skills he developed in hockey — communication, preparation, resilience, and trust — are the same skills that keep operations running smoothly during peak seasons, when pressure is high and margins are tight.

Hockey also taught him how to handle adversity. Injuries, trades, lost games, and uncertainty are part of every athlete’s journey. Agriculture brings its own version of that reality – weather you can’t control, supply challenges, and variables that change overnight. 

“You learn in hockey that things aren’t going to be perfect,” says Nolan. “That’s life, too.”

He admits he didn’t think much about life after hockey while he was still playing. As he got married, and now with three young children – including his oldest, six-year-old Boone, who “would play hockey all day, every day”, priorities shifted. Being close to family, working with people he trusts, and building something long‑term became more important than chasing the next stop.

Finding Purpose After the Final Buzzer

That perspective eventually led him to agriculture – and to Nutrien – where the team‑based nature of the work mirrors what many athletes miss when their playing days end. Whether supporting growers, coordinating operations, or leading his branch, Nolan sees the same dynamics he experienced during playoff runs: people relying on one another, stepping into different roles, and pulling together under pressure.

As the WHL playoffs highlight the next generation of elite competitors, Nolan’s story is a reminder that the skills built in hockey don’t disappear when the season ends – and that those skills have a place at Nutrien.

At Nutrien, there’s room for people who know how to work hard, play their role, and put the team first.

That same belief in teamwork and development is why Nutrien proudly presents the WHL playoffs — investing in athletes today and the careers they’ll build tomorrow.

Proud to Present the 2026 WHL Playoffs and Championship Series

This partnership reflects a shared belief in teamwork, excellence and community values that matter on the ice and in agriculture. With our global headquarters in Saskatoon, SK and deep roots across Western Canada, Nutrien is committed to supporting the communities where our employees live and work.

As we celebrate the next generation of WHL athletes, we’re also proud to highlight the careers they can build beyond the game. Nutrien has career opportunities across agriculture, skilled trades, manufacturing, engineering and business, all grounded in safety and integrity, and strengthened by teamwork.

Explore open opportunities here: www.nutrien.com/hockey