Hockey fans in British Columbia have started paying closer attention to Cole Bieksa, and the family name is a big reason why. As the son of longtime Vancouver Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa, Cole carries a recognizable last name onto the ice but he’s building a resume that stands on its own.
This article covers everything worth knowing about Cole Bieksa: his age, his junior hockey career, his path through the BCHL, and where he stands heading into NHL draft eligibility.
Who Is Cole Bieksa?
Cole Bieksa is a Vancouver-born forward who has spent the past two seasons working his way up through junior hockey in British Columbia. He’s the son of Kevin Bieksa, who played 10 seasons with the Vancouver Canucks before finishing his NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks and later moving into broadcasting with Hockey Night in Canada.
Growing up around the game gave Cole an early education in hockey, but he’s earned his own spot through solid high school and junior numbers rather than name recognition alone. Scouts who’ve watched him play describe a tenacious, offensively capable forward who’s also reliable in his own end.
Cole Bieksa Age: How Old Is He?
Cole Bieksa was born on October 24, 2007, in Vancouver, British Columbia. That birthdate matters more than it might seem, since NHL draft eligibility hinges on a strict cutoff date each year.
Because his birthday falls after the mid-September eligibility cutoff, Cole wasn’t eligible for the 2025 NHL draft even though he turned 18 that October. Instead, he’s set to be eligible for the 2026 NHL entry draft, which lines up with when most of his 2007-born peers will also be selected.
Cole Bieksa’s Hockey Career So Far
High School Standout at Fairmont Prep
Before jumping into junior hockey, Cole built a strong reputation at Fairmont Prep, where he played a key offensive role. In his final high school season, he posted an impressive stat line, finishing with 31 goals and 47 assists for 78 points across 52 games.
That kind of scoring touch at the prep level is exactly what got junior teams paying attention, and it didn’t take long for a BCHL club to lock him up.
Joining the Coquitlam Express
The Coquitlam Express signed Cole Bieksa for the 2025-26 season, adding the 2007-born forward to their roster after his standout year at Fairmont Prep. Express general manager Tali Campbell described him as a tenacious player capable of making plays and scoring in the offensive zone while also staying defensively sound.
At the time of signing, Cole was recognized publicly as the 18-year-old son of former Canucks defenceman Kevin Bieksa, a detail that added extra attention to his BCHL debut.
Trade to the Vernon Vipers
Partway through the season, Cole’s junior career took another turn. The Vernon Vipers acquired him from Coquitlam, adding him to their strong 2007 age-group class. Vipers general manager and head coach Matt Cooke praised Cole’s hockey IQ and competitiveness, noting his versatility to play up and down the lineup.
Cooke, a former NHL player himself, also pointed out that Cole had the benefit of being coached and mentored by his father throughout his development a connection that clearly carries weight in BCHL coaching circles.
Here’s a quick snapshot of his junior career path so far:
| Season | Team | League | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Fairmont Prep | High school | 31G, 47A, 78 points in 52 games |
| 2025-26 (start) | Coquitlam Express | BCHL | Signed as 2007-born forward |
| 2025-26 (mid-season) | Vernon Vipers | BCHL | Acquired via trade in January 2026 |
Cole Bieksa and the 2026 NHL Draft
Cole Bieksa is officially eligible for the 2026 NHL entry draft, and his name has started appearing on radar boards for scouts tracking BCHL prospects. While he isn’t currently projected as a top pick, his combination of hockey sense, competitiveness, and two-way play gives him a realistic shot at getting drafted or, at minimum, earning strong NCAA or major junior interest.
It’s worth noting that draft projections for players outside the CHL’s top leagues can shift quickly based on a strong second half or a good showing at league playoffs. BCHL scouts have pointed to his ability to play multiple forward positions as a trait that could help his stock as the draft gets closer.
How Scouts Compare Him to His Father
Kevin Bieksa made his name as a physical, aggressive two-way defenceman during his NHL career, eventually representing Canada internationally and serving as team captain at the 2014 World Championship. Cole plays a different position and a different style, but the family reputation for competitiveness and smart positional play seems to have carried over.
Comparisons between father and son are natural, but it’s worth remembering they’re different players in different eras of junior and professional hockey. Cole’s path through Fairmont Prep and the BCHL doesn’t mirror his father’s route through Ontario minor hockey and the OHL system, which makes his development story worth following on its own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Cole Bieksa? He was born on October 24, 2007, making him a 2007-birth-year prospect.
What position does Cole Bieksa play? He’s a forward, known for offensive creativity along with solid defensive awareness.
Is Cole Bieksa related to Kevin Bieksa? Yes, he’s the son of former Vancouver Canucks and Anaheim Ducks defenceman Kevin Bieksa.
Is Cole Bieksa NHL draft eligible? Yes. His October birthdate places him in the 2026 NHL entry draft class.
What team does Cole Bieksa play for now? He plays for the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL after being acquired from the Coquitlam Express partway through the 2025-26 season.
Final Thoughts
Cole Bieksa’s hockey journey is still in its early chapters, but the pieces are there: a strong high school scoring record, a competitive BCHL role, and a 2026 NHL draft eligibility window that scouts are already watching closely. Whether or not his name gets called on draft day, his development through Fairmont Prep, Coquitlam, and now Vernon shows a player earning his opportunities the hard way.
Keep an eye on BCHL standings and NHL draft rankings over the coming months if Cole Bieksa keeps building on his junior numbers, his name could climb draft boards before June 2026 rolls around.
