Upshall joined the Kamloops Blazers of the WHL in 2000–01. Upshall had a memorable rookie season, scoring 42 goals and 87 points in 70 games, helping Kamloops to the playoffs. In four playoff games, Upshall had two assists. After the season, he was named to the WHL All-Rookie Team, the CHL All-Rookie Team, and won the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as Rookie of the Year in the WHL, as well as the CHL Rookie of the Year.
