BRANDON WHEAT KINGS
Last season: 48-18-4-2, first in East Division, won WHLtitle.
General manager: Grant Armstrong (first season) replaces Kelly
McCrimmon, who took an NHLjob.
Head coach:David Anning (first season, fifth with team).
Assistant coaches: Don MacGillivray (first season, former P.A. head
coach), Aaron Rome (first season).
Key losses: Jayce Hawryluk (47g, 59a) and John Quenneville (31g, 42a)
are expected to play pro as overagers. Ivan Provorov will likely stay
in Philadelphia. Overagers Macoy Erkamps, Mitch Wheaton and Tim
McGauley move on.
The 20-year-olds: Three-year starter G Jordan Papirny (2.61 gaa, .910
save percentage) and forwards Reid Duke (33g, 29a), Tyler Coulter
(22g, 37a) and Duncan Campbell (10g, 12a) battle for three spots.
The imports: Czech D Daniel Bukac, 17, begins his rookie season.
Key returnees: F Nolan Patrick, 18, (41g, 61a) is projected to be the
top pick in the 2017 NHLdraft. He is returning from sports hernia
surgery in July ... Recent NHLpicks D Kale Clague, 18, (6g, 37a) and
Tanner Kaspick, 18, (13g, 18a) must take frontline roles ... 2014 first
overall bantam pick Stelio Mattheos (13g 17a) enters his NHLdraft
year. He played his best hockey late last season and in the playoffs.
New faces: Caiden Daley, 16, the team's first-rounder in 2015, played
five games and had three points last season ... Big forwards Tyler and
Baron Thompson were acquired from Victoria.
Watch for: The Wheat Kings are completely rebuilding a defensive unit
that brought just three players back from last season, Kale Clague,
James Shearer and Schael Higson. Jordan Wharrie was acquired from
Victoria. Bukac will help.
Noteworthy: Four 16-year-olds are competing for jobs in Brandon this
season, one on the back end and three up front.
Did you know: The last time a Wheat King wasn't selected in the NHL
draft was 2000, when it happened for a second year in a row. Prior to
that it was 1989.
The prognosis: The Wheat Kings expect to battle for the top spot in
the East but after two great seasons and a title, some dropoff is
likely.
Perry Bergson/Brandon Sun
MOOSE JAW WARRIORS
Last season: 36-27-7-2, third in East Division, eliminated in second
round of playoffs.
General manager: Alan Millar (seventh season)
Head coach:Tim Hunter (third season).
Assistant coaches: Mark O'Leary (fifth season), Scott King (first
season), Jamie Hodson (goaltending, sixth season).
Key losses: Captain Brayden Point (35G, 53A in 48 games) and WHL PoY
Dryden Hunt (58G, 58A). The team also graduated D Tanner Faith and D
Marc McNulty.
The 20-year-olds: D Josh Thrower, D Matt Sozanski and C Dakota Odgers.
The imports: 1998-born Russians D Dmitri Zaitsev and LW Nikita
Popugaev. Popugaev (16G, 31A) showed flashes of his talent as a
rookie. Zaitsev, a Washington pick, has been quarterbacking the power
play.
Key returnees: Popugaev, C Noah Gregor (28G, 45A), C Brett Howden
(24G, 40A), LW Tanner Jeannot (17G, 16A) and RW Jayden Halbgewachs
(15G, 26A) will need to try to fill the scoring void left by Point and
Hunt. The latter trio formed a potent playoff line and each finished
with 15 points in 10 games.... Zach Sawchenko and Brody Willms are one
of the best goalie tandems in the league... D Josh Brook made Canada's
U18 team for the Hlinka tournament after only playing 30 games last
season.
New faces: In addition to Zaitsev, much is expected from 16-year-old
former first round picks D Jett Woo and C Luka Burzan. D Brandon
Armstrong is 6-foot-5 and adds valuable size to the back end.
Watch for: The Warriors to be much-improved and deeper on defence.
With the addition of Zaitsev, Sozanski, Woo and Armstrong and a
healthy Brook, the Warriors defence could look radically different
this season.
Noteworthy: The Warriors only out-shot their opponents 15 times over
their 72-game season a year ago.
Did you know: Rookie C Chantz Petruic is the son of former Warrior
Jeff Petruic. If he cracks the roster it would be the second
father-son combination in team history following Mark and Matt MacKay.
The prognosis: The Warriors shouldn't be far off from last season's
point total, but appear to be a year away from contending in a strong
East Division.
Matthew Gourlie/Moose Jaw Times-Herald
PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS
Last season: 38-26-7-1
Head coach: Marc Habscheid
Assistant coaches: Dave Manson, Brandon Cote, Kelly Guard (goalie consultant)
Key losses: Graduated F Jordan Tkatch, Graduated D Jesse Lees,
graduated D Hunter Warner
The 20-year-olds: Tim Vanstone (Captain), Reid Gardiner (Leading
scorer), Rylan Parenteau (Starting goalie), Kolten Olynek, Austin
Glover
The imports: Vojtech Budik (Czech Repubic - Buffalo Sabres) Simon
Stransky (Czech Republic)
Key Returnees: G Ian Scott (Hlinka Memorial G w/ Team Canada), Reid
Gardiner (Free agent), Brendan Guhle (Buffalo Sabres), Vojtech Budik
(Buffalo Sabres), Luke Coleman, Rylan Parenteau, Parker Kelly
New faces: 2015 First rounders Carson Miller and Cole Fonstad. Second
rounder Spencer Moe
Watch for: Who will sign an NHL contract within the next week? The
core of the team are off to camps without a return ticket, could
change the face of the team.
In season: Will the Raiders be able to get back to the playoffs with a
strong veteran core, some think they overachieved last year, only time
will tell.
Noteworthy: Austin Glover (Dallas), Reid Gardiner (Pittsburgh), Simon
Stransky (Boston), Luke Coleman (Detroit), Brendan Guhle and Vojtech
Budik (Buffalo), Rylan Parenteau (Vancouver) - all at NHL camp.
Did you know: If Reid Gardiner plays in all 72 games this year he will
break the record for most games played by a Prince Albert Raider.
Prognosis: If veteran core returns, this team is primed for a playoff
run. Blue line will be held down by Sabres prospects Budik and Guhle,
Parenteau will handle the load in net.
Dustin Saracini/Prince Albert Daily Herald
REGINA PATS
Last season: 36-28-3-5, fourth in East Division. Lost to Red Deer in
second round.
Head coach-GM: John Paddock (third season).
Assistant coach-assistant GM: Dave Struch (11th WHL season, third with Pats).
Assistant coaches: Brad Herauf (second season), Rob Muntain (goalies,
sixth season).
Key losses: D Colby Williams, RW Cole Sanford (both graduated).
The 20-year-olds: C Adam Brooks, D Chase Harrison, LW Dawson Leedahl.
The imports: Veteran D Sergey Zborovskiy, 19, and rookie LW Filip Ahl, 19.
Key returnees: Brooks, who won the WHL scoring title last season, is
the team's best player and undisputed leader. Assuming he's returned
by the Toronto Maple Leafs, Brooks and NHL first-rounder Sam Steel
provide an enviable one-two punch at centre ... With Williams gone,
Connor Hobbs must accept the mantle as Regina's top defenceman ...
Austin Wagner -- perhaps the league's fastest skater -- is a force on
the penalty kill and an emerging offensive weapon on the Pats' top
line with Brooks and Lane Zablocki ... Veteran G Tyler Brown gives
Regina the luxury of a proven starter in front of highly touted backup
Jordan Hollett.
New faces: Leedahl (trade, Everett); RW Nick Henry (trade, Everett)
and Ahl (first round, 2016 CHL import draft).
Watch for: More roster cuts as Regina's six NHL draft picks begin to
trickle back from pro camps: Ahl (Ottawa), Brooks (Toronto), Hobbs
(Washington), Steel (Anaheim), Wagner (Los Angeles) and Zborovskiy
(New York Rangers).
Noteworthy: Regina spent most of the summer trying to recruit Henry,
the top rookie in the Manitoba junior A league last season. He
ultimately turned down an NCAA scholarship from Western Michigan
University to join the Pats.
Did you know?: Regina is bidding to host the 2018 Memorial Cup, which
lands on the tournament's 100th anniversary. The Pats will celebrate
their 100th year as a franchise in 2017-18.
Prognosis: It's time to shed the underdog label after back-to-back
winning seasons under Paddock, who has assembled a deep and talented
roster. With their lineup coming of age, the Pats should be
disappointed with anything less than an East Division title and a
lengthy playoff run.
Greg Harder/Regina Leader-Post
SASKATOON BLADES
Last season: 26-42-4-0, fifth in East Division, missed the playoffs.
Head coach/GM: Dean Brockman (first season).
Assistants: Jerome Engle (coaching on and off since 1989), Tim
Cheveldae (fourth year), Bryce Thoma (first year) and Ryan Keller
(first year).
Key losses: F's Connor Gay (25-47--72) and Nick Zajac (20-32--52), who
were two of the team's top three scorers.
The 20-year-olds: F Ryan Graham, who attended the Ottawa Senators
rookie camp, and D Bryton Sayers are holdovers from last season. They
are joined by newcomer F Jesse Shynkaruk, a former Moose Jaw Warrior
and Kamloops Blazer.
The imports: D Libor Hajek, a second-round draft pick of the Tampa Bay
Lighning, and D Mark Rubinchik, who played for Russia in the U-18 Ivan
Helinka Memorial Tournament this past summer.
Key returnees: C Cameron Hebig (26-43--69 in 59 games) is the Blades
top returning offensive weapon but he will miss the start of the
regular season with an upper-body injury. Graham and Hajek, other
go-to guys for the Blades, are also expected to miss the opening
weekend. F Wyatt Sloboshan, F Mason McCarty and D Nolan Reid are also
expected to contribute offensively.
New faces: Up front, 16-year-olds Chase Wouters and Michael Farren, an
undrafted pleasant surprise, are expected to stick. D Jackson Caller,
17, has been acquired from the Portland Winterhawks. G Logan Flodell
was picked up from the Seattle Thunderbirds in exchange for D Anthony
Bishop.
Noteworthy: The Blades carried seven rookies last season, including
Hajek, Bishop, D Jake Kustra, F Logan Christiansen and former
linemates Josh Paterson, Lukas MacKenzie and Cameron Hausinger.
SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS
Last season: 24-38-7-3, fifth in East Division, missed the playoffs.
Director of hockey operations: Jamie Porter (first season).
Head coach/director of player personnel:Manny Viveiros (first season).
Associate coach: Ryan Smith (second season). Assistant coach: Jamie
Heward (fourth season).
Key losses: RW Jon Martin (41G, 32A), C Scott Feser (12G, 16A) and RW
Jamal Watson (19G, 14A) all graduated.
The 20-year-old: RW Calvin Spencer is the lone overager. The Broncos
are content to start the season with only one 20, but didn't rule out
adding more if the right move came their way.
The imports: Russian D Atyom Minulin and Finnish rookie C Aleksi Heponiemi.
Key returnees: C Glenn Gawdin (19G, 34A in 53GP) leads the offence. G
Taz Burman (3.39 GAA, .903 vs%) and C Lane Pederson (34 pts. in 37
games with SC) were important deadline pickups last year. D Max Lajoie
anchors a solid defensive corps with Minulin, Colby Sissons, Kade
Jensen and Sahvan Khaira.
New faces: Heponiemi scored 15 pts in 6 pre-season games, showing
quickness, skill and a great release. Big D Dom Schmiemann, a former
12th overall pick, has improved throughout the pre-season. C Riley
Stotts, a 10th overall pick in 2015, has also made a strong case to
stick with the Broncos.
Watch for: Their big defence and goaltending to keep them in games.
The Broncos won't be an easy team to play in the tight confines of the
Credit Union iPlex. Last season they had a losing record at home for
the first time since 2010-11 when they had the second-worst record in
the WHL.
Noteworthy: The Broncos are loaded with 19-year-olds. They open the
season with 11 on their roster, including seven 97-born forwards.
Did you know: The Broncos are celebrating the 50th anniversary of
their first season in the WHL in 1967.
The prognosis: If they can find some goals, the Broncos should push
for a wild card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They will be
hard-pressed to improve their standing in the division or win their
second playoff series in the past 14 seasons.
Matthew Gourlie/Moose Jaw Times-Herald
CALGARY HITMEN
Last season: 42-26-2-2, third in Central Division, lost in first round
to the Red Deer Rebels in five games.
GM: Mike Moore (4th season).
Head coach: Mark French (third season). Assistants: Joel Otto (10th
season), Trent Cassan (first season) Jason LaBarbera (first season).
Key losses: Top two scorers C Radel Fazleev (71 points) and D Travis
Sanheim (68). Overager Jackson Houck was superb in the playoffs.
Import C Pavel Karnaukhov decided to play in the KHL.
The 20-year-olds: D Micheal Zipp, D Scott Allan, LW Taylor Sanheim, RW
Tyler Mrkonjic.
The imports: D Vladislav Yeryomenko, LW Andrei Grishakov.
Key returnees: First-round NHL draft pick Jake Bean (Carolina
Hurricanes) is coming off a franchise-record (for blueliners) 23-goal
season. Jakob Stukel led the team with 36 goals in 2015-16.
New faces: C Tristen Nielsen, RW Matt Dorsey, RW Murphy Stratton, RW
Lucas Cullen, D Jaydan Gordon, LW Justyn Gurney, D Drea Esposito C
Brayden Brown.
Watch for: D Vladislav Yeryomenko to pick up some of the offensive
slack on the blueline left by Travis Sanheim.
Just notes: The Hitmen unveiled new jerseys for the 2016-17 season,
utilizing both of their main logos ... New assistant coach Trent Cassan
won a Royal Bank Cup as bench boss of the SJHL's Yorkton Terriers.
Did you know?: The Hitmen have qualified for the post-season 18 of the
last 19 seasons.
Prognosis: The Hitmen, who had five players selected in June's NHL
Draft, might not have anyone competing for the scoring title but
they'll put plenty of pucks in the net by committee and should compete
for home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Scott Fisher/Postmedia
EDMONTON OIL KINGS
Last season: 29-36-6-1, finished fifth in Central Division, tied for
eighth in Eastern Conference; won one game tie-breaker then lost in
first round of playoffs.
General manager: Randy Hansch (fourth season).
Head coach: Steve Hamilton (third season).
Assistant coaches: Ryan Marsh, Fernando Pisani (development), Kurtis
Mucha (goaltenders).
Key losses: LW Brett Pollock (turned pro), D Dysin Mayo (turned pro),
C Brandon Baddock, D Ben Carroll, RW Luke Bertolucci, G Payton Lee
(traded).
The 20-year-olds: LW Tyler Robertson, C Lane Bauer, D Aaron Irving, G
Alec Dillon.
The imports: D Anatolii Elizarov of St. Petersburg, Russia, RW Artyom
Baltruk from Belarus.
Key returnees: C Lane Bauer, second in team scoring in 2015-2016 with
29 goals and 65 points; Tyler Robertson was fifth in team scoring in
2015-2016 with 14 goals and 27 assists; D Aaron Irving was
second-highest scoring defenceman with nine goals 40 points. RW Colton
Kehler had 17 goals and 24 points in his rookie season. G Patrick Dea
played 46 games with a 18-19-3 record, a 3.01 goals against average
and .895 save percentage.
New faces: D Ethan Cap had three goals and 17 points in 32 games with
the midget AAA Vancouver NW Giants. Cap was selected by the Oil Kings
11th overall in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft. D Jayden Platz was selected
32nd overall in the 2015 draft. He had 2 goals and 16 assists in 33
games with the Northern Alberta Elite 15s last season. RW Artyom
Baltruk was selected 13th overall in the 2016 import draft.
Watch for: The Oil Kings could start the season with two 16-year-old
defenceman on their blue line in Ethan Cap and Jayden Platz. The Oil
Kings are big on both defencemen and have room on the back end for
them currently going through a rebuild after winning the Memorial Cup
in 2014.
Noteworthy: Oil Kings likely captain, Aaron Irving, was invited to the
Edmonton Oilers rookie camp and will be trying to earn a pro contract.
Irving is expected to be the Oil Kings top defenceman this season.
Did you know: Last year's win in the tiebreaker game against the
Medicine Hat Tigers was the second time the Oil Kings have won a extra
game to get in the playoffs. There have only been six tiebreaker games
in WHL history.
The prognosis: The Oil Kings lost the bulk of their offence from last
season and could have difficulty scoring goals this year. They are
still rebuilding after winning it all in 2014. With a young defence,
it could be a trying season for the Oil Kings who will be icing a
young lineup and could go through a number of growing pains.
Derek Van Diest/Postmedia
KOOTENAY ICE
Last season: 12-53-6-1, sixth in Central Division, last in the league.
GM: Jeff Chynoweth (16th season).
Head coach: Luke Pierce (second season). Assistants: Gordon Burnett
(second season), Roman Vopat (first season).
Key losses: Overagers G Wyatt Hoflin, RW Jaedon Descheneau and D
Tanner Lischynsky graduate. Jesse Zaharichuk was traded to Lethbridge.
F River Beattie, 19, chose to retire and go to school.
The 20-year-olds: F Matt Alfaro (22g, 26a), Zak Zborosky (32g, 36a)
and G Payton Lee, who came over in a trade from Edmonton, fill the
three spots.
The imports: Smooth-skating rookie D Nikita Radzivilyuk, 17, has been
good early.
Key returnees: D Cale Fleury, (8g, 17a) younger brother of former Red
Deer D Haydn, finally enters his draft year in his third season in the
league and is being watched closely by NHLscouts ... Big F Max
Patterson (7g, 3a) was good despite being the WHL's youngest player
last season ... Vince Loschiavo (4g, 6a) could be poised to break out
offensively.
New faces: Kootenay's class of 2000 has arrived, with Michael King,
Keenan and Kaeden Taphorn, Bobby Russell and Loeden Schaufler battling
for jobs. The team added size up front with Barrett Sheen, 18, (4g,
8a), who came over from Lethbridge in the Zaharichuk deal, and Sam
Huston, 17, on defence.
Watch for: Both 20-year-olds are playing for pro contracts and looking
for the sort of season that former Ice forward Jon Martin had in Swift
Current last year. Also, Alfaro, Zborosky and Fleury are the only
returning players who had more than 25 points last season ... Jakob
Walter, 17, and Declan Hobbs, 18, are battling for the backup
goaltender's spot.
Did you know? Last year was the first year that the Ice have missed
the playoffs in Cranbrook after a 17-year run. They have been .500 or
better in all but two years, winning league titles in 1999-00, 2001-02
and 2010-11.
Prognosis: The Ice honestly have nowhere to go but up as they continue
to rebuild. The playoffs may be a big ask but expect improvement.
Perry Bergson/The Brandon Sun
LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES
Last season: 46-24-1-1, first in Central Division, lost in first round
to the Regina Pats in five games.
GM: Peter Anholt (2nd full season). Hurricanes fans are waiting for
Anholt to be assumed body and soul into hockey heaven after he
extinguished the dumpster fire that was the Hurricanes. Head coach:
Brent Kisio (second season). Assistants: Darcy Wakaluk (first season),
Mike Craig (third season), Josh McNevin (second season).
Key losses: Overagers C Justin Gutierrez, D Arvin Atwal, F Cory
Millette and D Andrew Nielsen, headed to the AHL.
The 20-year-olds: The 20-year-olds: Captain Tyler Wong, F Ryley
Lindgren and D Kord Pankewicz. Pankewicz was a workhorse, Wong is the
team's heart and Lindgren does everything pretty well.
The imports: F Egor Babenko and D Igor Merezhko. Babenko hit the wall
last season, compounded by the loss of Gutierrez to injury. Merezhko
looked like a project last year and looks like a player so far this
year.
Key returnees: C Giorgio Estephan, F Brayden Burke and F Tyler Wong.
Oh and some kid named Stuart Skinner, who'll carry the load in goal
after a breakout season in 2015-16.
New faces: Rookie and second overall pick D Calen Addison has a mentor
in newly acquired 53-point man Brennan Menell, who demanded out of
Vancouver. Menell will replace Nielsen's power-play magic, with fewer
PIMs.
Watch for: C Jordy Bellerive. Former second overall pick caught up to
the league late last season and showed up to training camp shredded
and ready to play. You could also watch G Skinner, who went 27-10-1
with a .920 save percentage last season.
Just notes: Kisio isn't kidding around. After a preseason loss to the
Swift Current Broncos, the second-year head coach told his team to
"Wake the f--- up."
Did you know?: On Jan. 20, 34-12. That's when Gutierrez was hurt.
Estephan was hurt four games later and the team finished 12-12-1-1
from Jan 20 on.
Prognosis: The truth is, the team was probably better than its .500
record over the last two months of the season but not as good as its
75 per cent winning clip before that. They'll be a tough out with
Skinner a year older and Bellerive established but they can't expect
Wong and Lindgren to repeat their career years.
Dylan Purcell/Lethbridge Herald
MEDICINE HAT TIGERS
Last season: 30-37-3-2, fifth in Central Division, lost in Eastern
Conference wild card tiebreaker game to Edmonton Oil Kings.
GM: Shaun Clouston (fifth season).
Head coach: Shaun Clouston (seventh season). Assistants: Joe Frazer
(seventh season) Bobby Fox (first season).
Key losses: Overage captain D Ty Stanton, G Mack Shields.
The 20-year-olds: D Clayton Kirichenko, C Steven Owre, RW Chad Butcher.
The imports: D Kristians Rubins (2016 CHL import draft, first round,
16th overall), RW John Dahlstrom (2016 CHL import draft, second round;
Chicago Blackhawks seventh round, 2015).
Key returnees: C Steven Owre will look to put up career numbers after
dealing with injuries in each of the past two seasons, while RW Max
Gerlach will aim to improve on his 30-goal rookie season. G Nick
Schneider should be a stalwart between the posts.
New faces: D Dalton Gally, D Cameron MacPhee, D Cole Clayton, D
Kristians Rubins, LW Ryan Chyzowski, C Gary Haden, G Duncan McGovern,
RW John Dahlstrom.
Watch for: C James Hamblin. The young forward has been on fire through
pre-season with six points in four games after posting just three
points last year. Watch for him to have a breakout season with the
Tigers.
Just notes: Signed Calgary Flames prospect Nick Schneider will look to
cement himself as one of the conference's top goaltenders as Medicine
Hat's go-to starter this season.
Did you know?: The Tigers had a 13-year playoff streak snapped after
being ousted by the Oil Kings in Game 73 last season. It was their
first year calling the new Canalta Centre home.
Prognosis: The Tigers are returning a great deal of talent from last
year's squad and have filled any gaps left behind by overagers with
competent imported talent. Look for the Tabbies to climb back into the
playoff picture this season, if not challenge for the top of the
Central Division.
Ryan McCracken/Medicine Hat News
RED DEER REBELS
Last season: 45-24-1-2, second in Central Division, lost in Eastern
Conference Final to the Brandon Wheat Kings in five games. Finished
third at the Memorial Cup.
GM: Brent Sutter (14th season).
Head Coach: Brent Sutter (14th season). Assistants: Jeff Truitt
(fourth season) and Pierre-Paul Lamoureux (first season).
Key losses: Overagers D Kale Doetzel, C Luke Philp and LW Adam Helewka
as well as D Haydn Fleury, D Nelson Nogier, RW Jake DeBrusk and C
Conner Bleackley will likely play in the AHL and LW Ivan Nikolishin
has gone back to Europe.
The 20-year-olds: LW Evan Polei, D Colton Bobyk and one of G Rylan
Toth or G Trevor Martin. There is a goalie competition for starting
spot and last remaining overage spot.
The imports: LW Michael Spacek (2015 CHL import draft, first round;
Winnipeg Jets, fourth round) and D Alexander Alexeyev (2016 CHL import
draft, first round).
Key returnees: D Josh Mahura (3rd round selection by the Anaheim
Ducks), will be the top defenceman on a uint that lost half of its
starters from a year ago. LW Grayson Pawlenchuk and C Adam Musil will
have to step into offensive leadership roles.
New faces: D Carson Sass, D Ethan Sakowich, D Jacob Herauf, D Zach
Wytinck, RW Brandon Cutler, LW Quinn Martin, LW Akash Bains, C Austin
Schellenberg, C D-Jay Jerome, C Ben Hiltz, RW Brayden Labant, G Dawson
Weatherill and G Riley Lamb.
Watch for: C Brandon Hagel, relegated to mostly checking duties a year
ago he managed 47 points (13 g, 34 a). He'll be expected to make an
impact.
Just notes: LW Quinn Martin chose the Rebels after seeing his USHL
team, Youngstown Phantoms, go through three coaches in three seasons.
Did you know?: In interviews last season, C Adam Musil (fluent in
Czech) would translate for LW Michael Spacek as the Czech learned
English.
Prognosis: Despite a lot of turnover and a lot to be settled, the
Rebels should field a competitive team. A playoff berth wouldn't be
unreasonable.
Murray Crawford/Red Deer Advocate
KAMLOOPS BLAZERS
Last season: 38-25-9, third in B.C. Division. Lost to Kelowna in first round.
GM: Stu MacGregor (1st full season).
Head coach: Don Hay (third season with Blazers). Assistants: Mike
Needham (3rd season), Terry Bangen (3rd season), Chris Murray (3rd
season), Dan De Palma (goaltenders, 8th season).
Key losses: F Matt Needham, F Gage Quinney, D Ryan Rehill used up
eligibility. F Jake Kryski was dealt to Kelowna for the Gatenby
brothers, Joe and Danny, both defencemen.
The 20-year-olds: Matt Revel, an under-rated forward; F Collin Shirley
led in goals (37), assists (42) and points; D Dallas Valentine, a
thumper.
The imports: Czech D Ondrej Vala starts his second season. Latvian F
Rudolfs Balcers is a freshman with good hands. The San Jose Sharks
selected Balcers in the fifth round of the NHL's 2015 draft.
Key returnees: G Connor Ingram played his way on to Hockey Canada's
radar. F Deven Sideroff had 59 points in 63 games but was slowed early
by mono. F Garrett Pilon had 47 points as a freshman. D Dawson
Davidson drew 33 assists in 59 games.
New faces: The Gatenbys. The Blazers are hoping Joe, 19, eats up some
of the minutes created by Rehill's departure. D Luke Zazula, 16, has
an offensive flair.
Watch for: Ingram to continue to grow as a goaltender. He wants it. .
. . Fan-favourite F Jermaine Loewen's game to continue to grow. . . .
Sophomore D Nolan Kneen to draw attention from NHL scouts.
Just notes: Head coach Don Hay has 675 regular-season victories, 67
behind the all-time record held by Ken Hodge (Edmonton/Portland) that
once was believed to be unassailable.
Did you know?: Davidson's family owns The Red Barn, a popular
restaurant just off the Trans-Canada Highway at Moosomin, Sask.
Prognosis: Ingram's presence gives the Blazers all kinds of
confidence. A young defence could cause issues early but won't be a
problem come March. The Blazers should be a top three team in a tough
B.C. Division.
Gregg Drinnan/Taking Note (gdrinnan.blogspot.ca)
KELOWNA ROCKETS
Last season: 48-20-4-0, 2nd in B.C. Division, 2nd in Western
Conference. Fourth straight 100-point season and reached the third
round of playoffs, eliminating Kamloops and Victoria in seven games
before getting swept by Seattle.
Head coach: Jason Smith (1st season, new to Kelowna).
Assistant coaches: Kris Mallette (3rd season), Travis Crickard (3rd
season) and Adam Brown (1st season).
Key losses: Leading scorer Tyson Baillie (43 g, 95 pts) graduated,
while top-six centres Rourke Chartier (San Jose Sharks) and Justin
Kirkland (Nashville Predators) are projected to turn pro this fall. G
Jackson Whistle and C Cole Linaker also graduated.
The 20-year-olds: G Michael Herringer, F Rodney Southam, who captained
last season's team, and F Riley Stadel. Kirkland could potentially
come back as well.
The imports: F Tomas Soustal, of Unicov, Czech Republic, returns for a
third season. LW Calvin Thurkauf, of Zug, Switzerland, will be a
sophomore.
Key returnees: RW Nick Merkley, 19, and C Dillon Dube, 18, will be
expected to pick up the offensive slack, along with the imports.
Rockets returning as many as 19 players from their playoff roster,
including six defencemen and both goaltenders. D Lucas Johansen is now
the highest-drafted player on Kelowna's roster, selected 28th by
Washington in June. Merkley was also a first-round pick in 2015, 30th
by Arizona.
New faces: C Jake Kryski, 18, acquired from Kamloops, went undrafted
but has been Kelowna's leading scorer in the preseason; F Nolan Foote,
who doesn't turn 16 until the end of November, is recovering from mono
but was Kelowna's top pick in the 2015 bantam draft, a second-rounder
with first-round talent; F Jack Cowell, 17, came to camp as a listed
player but made the cut as a surprising late-bloomer.
Watch for: D Cal Foote's draft year, a likely first-rounder and
potential top-10 pick. The elder son of former NHL defenceman Adam
Foote is on Canada's radar for the world juniors as an under-ager. D
Jonathan Smart, who represented Canada at the Ivan Hlinka tournament
this summer, and F Kole Lind are also draft-eligibles sure to get
plenty of scouting attention. Kryski, as a re-entry, could be in for a
breakout season, and Cowell could work his way into the rankings too.
Noteworthy: Merkley will be a late addition to Kelowna's lineup, still
rehabbing in Arizona from knee (ACL) surgery in February. Herringer
will be the starting goalie after taking over midseason for Whistle,
who underwent hip surgery and never played in 2016. Whistle is now
playing pro in Ireland with the Belfast Giants, while Baillie and
Linaker have committed to the University of Alberta Golden Bears
(CIS).
Did you know?: Smith captained the Edmonton Oilers to the 2006 Stanley
Cup Final and played more than 1,000 career NHL games as a shutdown
defenceman. He spent the past four seasons transitioning into coaching
in the Ottawa Senators' organization, two in player development and
then two as an assistant on the NHL staff. Johansen is the brother of
Nashville centre Ryan Johansen, while backup G Brodan Salmond is the
son of Hockey Canada executive Scott Salmond.
The prognosis: Scoring might be more of a challenge this season, but
defence should be a strength. If the goaltending is good, the Rockets
could top the B.C. Division and go on another lengthy playoff run.
That division will likely be the league's best, with Victoria,
Kamloops and Prince George considered contenders and Vancouver
expected to improve as well.
Larry Fisher/The Daily Courier
PRINCE GEORGE COUGARS
Last season: 35-31-3-2, fourth in B.C. Division, swept in first-round
series by Seattle.
General manager: Todd Harkins (third season as GM, hired as director
of player personnel in spring 2013).
Head coach: Richard Matvichuk (first season).
Assistant coaches: Steve O'Rourke (assistant in Red Deer past three
seasons), Shawn Chambers (first year), Sean Murray (goalies, first
season).
Key losses: F Chase Witala (40-39-79, led team in scoring, all-time
goals and points leader), D Joseph Carvalho (2-29-31, second-leading
scoring d-man), F Luke Harrison. All three were overagers.
The 20-year-olds: G Ty Edmonds (45 GP, 2.75 GAA, .913 SV%), D Sam
Ruopp (if he returns from Columbus, NHL), F Colby McAuley (13-17-30),
F Jordan Ross, D Shaun Dosanjh.
The imports: Dutch F Bartek Bison (returning Cougar, 6-9-15), Russian
F Yan Khomenko (5-3-8 in 46 games with Everett).
Key returnees: Edmonds is a workhorse capable of taking this team far.
On defence, Ruopp is as solid as they come, Tate Olson can light it up
and bruiser Josh Anderson is bad to the bone and recovered from a
broken back. Jesse Gabriel (40-35-75) could score 50 this year, Brad
Morrison (28-34-62) has magic hands and feet, and Jansen Harkins
(24-33-57) is looking to bounce back after an off-season.
New faces: Shoulder surgery limited D Max Martin to just 10 games.
He's captain material down the road. Ryan Schoettler and Peter Kope
could crack the defence. Jackson Leppard the most likely forward to
make it as a rookie.
Watch for: Forwards Brogan O'Brien (18-38-56) and Jared Bethune
(6-21-37) to continue to impress NHL scouts. Both are bstrong skaters
who can ignite the offence.
Noteworthy: The Cougars have never won a banner (regular season or
playoffs) in all their years in the WHL since the franchise moved
north from Victoria in 1994.
Did you know: As head coach and director of hockey ops, Matvichuk led
the Missouri Mavericks to the regular season title and was named top
coach and top executive in the ECHL. The former Blades defenceman won
the Stanley Cup with Dallas in 1999. Chambers won two Cups as a d-man
with New Jersey in 1995 and the Stars in '99
The prognosis: The Cougars are loaded with nine 19-year-olds and have
the talent and experience to go beyond the second round of playoffs
for the first time since 1997. The new coaches have raised the fun
factor considerably, an element former coach Mark Holick had
difficulty maintaining. If they get the goaltending from Edmonds and
Nick McBride and can stay out of the penalty box (they led the league
in sinbin minutes the past two years), they will challenge Victoria
and Kamloops for top spot in the division.
Ted Clarke/Prince George Citizen
VANCOUVER GIANTS
Last season: 23-40-5-4, last in B.C., last in Western Conference.
Missed playoffs for third time in four years.
GM: Glen Hanlon (first season).
Head coach: Jason McKee (first season). Assistant: Tyler Kuntz (second season).
Key losses: Overagers C Carter Popoff, LW Taylor Crunk, RW Trevor Cox.
D Brennan Menell was traded to Lethbridge. LW Dakota Odgers was traded
to Moose Jaw.
The 20-year-olds: D Dmitry Osipov, C Thomas Foster. Hanlon says he
won't make a move for a third over-age until he's certain C Chase Lang
isn't coming back. Lang, Vancouver's leading scorer last season, is a
signed Minnesota Wild draft pick who played 11 games with their AHL
Iowa affiliate last spring. He has been skating with the Giants this
preseason, though.
The imports: Osipov, RW Radovan Bondra. Since Osipov is in his
over-age year, Vancouver was permitted to use their pick in CHL Import
Draft and nabbed LW Filip Zadina. He's projected as an early choice in
the 2018 NHL Draft and is currently playing in the Czech Elite League.
The Giants remain intrigued and may opt to trade either Osipov or
Bondra to keep his rights, even if he doesn't come over this season.
Key returnees: LW Tyler Benson, RW Ty Ronning, D Matt Barberis, D
Ryely McKinstry, G Ryan Kubic.
New faces: D Darian Skeoch. The Giants landed the rugged, stay-at-home
type from Lethbridge in a trade that sent disgruntled power-play
quarterback Menell east.
Watch for: Benson to be an elite player again after last year's
injury-filled campaign.
Did you know?: Benson (No. 1), Barberis (No. 20) and McKinstry (No.
23) were all early picks in the 2013 bantam draft. They played just 90
games combined last season due to injuries. That certainly didn't help
Vancouver's cause.
Just notes: Kubic, who wore No. 31 last season, has switched to No.
20, his longtime favoured number. Vancouver didn't have that jersey in
a goalie size last season.
Prognosis: It's another building year, with a new GM, coach and rink
in the Langley Events Centre. Making the playoffs would be an
achievement.
Steve Ewen, Vancouver Province/Sun
VICTORIA ROYALS
Last season: 50-16-6, first overall in the WHL, lost in Western
Conference semifinal to Kelowna Rockets in seven games.
GM: Cam Hope (fifth season).
Head coach: Dave Lowry (fifth season). Assistants: Dan Price (first
season); Doug Bodger (first season).
Key losses: Overagers F Logan Fisher, F Alex Forsberg and G Coleman
Vollrath, all gone to the CIS. Also, breakout 2015-16 F and Maple
Leafs draft-pick Vladimir Bobylev (19) signed with Moscow Spartak of
the KHL in his native Russia; and two-time Canadian world junior
player D Joe Hicketts (20) is expected to stick in the Red Wings
system.
The 20-year-olds: D Ryan Gagnon, F Jack Walker and recently-acquired F
Carter Folk from Lethbridge.
The import: D Marsel Ibragimov from Russia.
Key returnees: Five are in NHL camps, F Jack Walker with the Maple
Leafs, F Tyler Soy with the Ducks, F and 2015-16 WHL rookie of the
year Matthew Phillips with the Flames, D Chaz Reddekopp with the Kings
and D Ralph Jarratt with the Devils. Undersized but darting third-year
F Dante Hannoun will again make an impact on offence and fifth-year D
Ryan Gagnon's presence will again be understated but vital.
New faces: The 2015 first-round bantam pick, F Eric Florchuk, fits
directly into Victoria's fast-paced pressure game and will stick as a
16-year-old.
Watch for: Sophomores, D Scott Walford and G Griffen Outhhouse, should
continue to make major strides.
Did you know?: The 2015-16 Royals became the third Victoria team to
win the Scotty Munro Trophy as WHL regular-season champions, joining
the 1980-81 Grant Fuhr Cougars and 1974-75 Mel Bridgman Cougars.
Prognosis: Nobody gets the most out of mid-level and lower-end roster
players like coach Dave Lowry, making the Royals deep and tough to
play against. With much of the roster returning from last season's
surprise run to the Scotty Munro Trophy, the Royals are strong
contenders to repeat as WHL regular-season champions.
Cleve Dheensaw/Victoria Times Colonist
EVERETT SILVERTIPS
Last season: 38-26-5-3, fifth in Western Conference, second in U.S.
Division, lost to Seattle in five games in conference semifinals.
GM: Garry Davidson (5th season).
Head coach: Kevin Constantine (fourth season). Assistants: Mitch Love
(6th season), Brennan Sonne (3rd season).
Key losses: Overagers C Remi Laurencelle, LW Carson Stadnyk, D Cole
MacDonald, 1996-born D Brycen Martin (pros), 1996-born RW Dawson
Leedahl (traded to Regina), 1996-born D Tristen Pfeifer (retired due
to concussions).
The 20-year-olds: D Lucas Skrumeda, F Graham Millar.
The imports: 18-year-old Finnish RW Eetu Tuulola (first round 2016 CHL
import draft, sixth round 2016 NHL draft-Calgary Flames), 18-year-old
Slovakian RW Mario Mucka (second round 2016 CHL import draft).
Key returnees: D Noah Juulsen (first round 2015 NHL draft-Montreal), G
Carter Hart (second round 2016 NHL draft-Philadelphia), D Kevin Davis,
RW Patrick Bajkov, C Matt Fonteyne.
New faces: RW Dawson Butt, LW Orrin Centazzo, RW Bryce Kindopp, C
Brett Kemp, D Ian Walker, D Montana Onyebuchi, D Wyatte Wylie, D
Gianni Fairbrother.
Watch for: C Connor Dewar scored 11 goals with seven assists while
playing in all 72 games en route to being named Everett's Rookie of
the Year as a 16-year-old.
Did you know? The Silvertips have qualified for the playoffs in all 13
seasons of franchise history. However, they have never won a
postseason series without Constantine behind the bench.
Prognosis: The Silvertips will once again be solid in net with Hart,
but must develop some defensive depth to complement Juulsen, Davis and
Skrumeda. The offense? Let's just say get ready for a lot of 3-2, 2-1
and 1-0 games.
Jesse Geleynse/The Daily Herald (Everett)
PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS
Last season: 34-31-6-1, third in U.S. Division, lost first round of playoffs.
Head coach/general manager: Mike Johnston (seventh season, first since 2013-14)
Assistant coaches: Kyle Gustafson (12th season), Oliver David (first season)
Key losses: F Dominic Turgeon, F Paul Bittner and D Jack Dougherty
will play pro hockey as 20-year-olds. G Adin Hill may move on to the
AHL. F Rihards Bukarts, F Alex Schoenborn and D Blake Heinrich
graduated.
The 20-year-olds: F Keegan Iverson is the only sure bet to be back.
Hill could be returned by Arizona. Latvian F Rodrigo Abols is in camp
but could move to the AHL or another WHL team.
The imports: The Hawks drafted Finnish D Henri Jokiharju and Danish F
Joachim Blichfeld. If Abols is in the picture, someone has to go.
Key returnees: D Caleb Jones is the leading returning scorer (55
pts.). Sophomore F Cody Glass will be expected to take a big step
forward, along with F Skyler McKenzie, F Ryan Hughes, F Evan Weinger,
D Keoni Texeira and D Brendan De Jong. Michael Bullion looks to be the
new starting goaltender in Hill doesn't return.
New faces: Rookie forwards include 16-year-olds Ty Kolle and Brad
Ginnell. Jackson Caller, Jake Hobson and Matthew Quigley are potential
contributors on the blue line. Veteran goalie Cole Kehler came over in
trade with Kamloops.
Watch for: How quickly the Hawks readjust to the up-tempo style of
Mike Johnston, who's back for his second stint as head coach/GM.
Noteworthy: Of the 228 goals scored by Portland last year, only 85
came from players likely to be on this year's roster.
Did you know: 25 former Winterhawks suited up in the NHL last season,
including 16 who played for Johnston during his first stint with the
team.
The prognosis: The Hawks are likely set to take a step backward as
Johnston attempts to get the franchise back on track with a young
roster. Expectations are low this year, but Johnston should make
Portland fun to watch even if losses are frequent.
Scott Sepich/Portland-based freelance writer
SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS
Last season: 45-23-4-0, won U.S. Division, lost in WHL Finals
Head coach:Steve Konowalchuk (6th season as coach).
Assistant coaches: Matt O'Dette (4th season), Tyler Alos (4th season),
Ian Gordon (goaltending, 4th season).
Key losses: Graduated D Jerret Smith, D Jared Hauf, G Landon Bow. LW
Ryan Gropp to New York Rangers org.
The 20-year-olds: Seattle has C Scott Eansor, F Cavin Leth and G Rylan
Toth, who they picked up from Red Deer.
The imports: C Alexander True (Denmark) 3rd season and F Sami Moilanen
(Finland) 1st season.
Key returnees: C Mathew Barzal (27G 61A) drafted 2015 by NY Islanders,
1st round. F Keegan Kolesar (30G 31A) drafted 2015 by Columbus in 3rd
round. D Ethan Bear (19G 46A) drafted 2015 by Edmonton in 5th round. C
Scott Eansor (12G 30A) played for U.S. in World Juniors last season. G
Logan Flodell (2.68 GAA, .904 SV)
New faces: C Elijah Brown, 16, Seattle's first round pick in 2015.
Import Moilanen is entering rookie year and appeared on NHL Central
Scouting preseason list. F Luke Ormsby is local product from Monroe,
WA.
Watch for: How will Flodell handle number one goalie duties and can
younger defense stand up?
Noteworthy: The Thunderbirds will be waiting to see if Barzal is
returned by the New York Islanders. The 2015 first round pick has a
shot of sticking in NHL this fall.
Did you know: Konowalchuk is 41 wins away from tying Don Nachbaur for
second in franchise history.
The prognosis: If Barzal is returned Seattle will be a contender to
repeat as Western Conference Champions, without him, team will be
competitive and could still win U.S. Division but rest of division
will have made up ground.
Andrew Eide/710 ESPN Seattle
SPOKANE CHIEFS
Last season: 33-30-5-4, eighth in Western Conference.
Head coach: Don Nachbaur (7th season).
Assistant coach: Scott Burt (4th season).
Key losses: Captain defenceman Jason Fram, forward Wyatt Johnson,
goalie Tyson Verhelst, goalie Lasse Petersen.
The 20-year-olds: F Dominic Zwerger (27 g, 28 a, 55 points); F Keanu
Yamamoto (22 g, 32a, 54 points); F Markson Bechtold (17 g, 31 a, 48
points); F Jacob Cardiff (9 g, 8 a, 16 points), Golie Jayden Sittler
(.903 saves percentage).
The imports: F Zwerger (27 g, 28 a, 55 points), Ondrej Najman (18 p,
26 a, 44 points), Pavel Kousal (20 g, 23 a., 43 points), both Najman
and Kousal played for the Czechs at the 2016 IIHF U18 World
Championship.
Key returnees: F Zwerger is the team's leading goal scorer; F Kailer
Yamamoto is the team's leading overall scorer (19 g, 52 a, 71 points);
F Keanu Yamamoto; F Hudson Elynuik (19 g, 25 a, 44 points), who was
drafted in the third round by the Carolina Panthers; D Tyson Helgensen
(3 g, 23 a, 26 points); D Evan Fiala (6 g, 12 a, 18 points). Both
Helgensen and Fiala are big bodies who can move.
New faces: G Jayden Sittler (3.24 GAA), the team traded for Sittler
after Verhelst quit the game and management traded backup Petersen; D
Ty Smith, the former No. 1 pick will get a chance to play with the
team full time.
Watch for: Spokane's offence should be solid with several scorers
split among several lines. Smith brings an offensive-awareness element
to the defense to replace what Fram provided. If Sittler can solidify
the net, this team should find consistency.
Did you know: The Chiefs are breaking in new general manager Scott
Walker. In 26 years, former GM Tim Speltz led the Chiefs to the
playoffs in 23 years, including two Memorial Cups.
The prognosis: Injuries and missing players forced the Chiefs to play
several younger players in key points in the season. Management hopes
that extra experience will help this team, which remains rather young,
avoid the effort swings. Depending on how the team manages overages,
the Chiefs will have some lethal scorers and big bodies on defense to
challenge anyone.
Thomas Clouse/The Spokesman-Review
TRI-CITY AMERICANS
Last season: 35-34-2-1, ninth in Western Conference.
Head coach: Mike Williamson (3rd season).
Assistant coach: Brian Pellerin (3rd season).
Key losses: Leading scorer Parker Bowles, captain Beau McCue and
rugged F/D Mackenze Stewart. D Brandon Carlo has another year of
eligibility, but has opted to join the Boston Bruins organization.
The 20-year-olds: F Tyler Sandhu (19g, 29a, 48 points), D Jeff Rayman
(3g, 2a, 5 points), D Dalton Yorke (2g, 11a, 13 points).
The imports: D Juuso Vlimki (7g, 25a, 32 points), who captained Team
Finland to a fourth-place finish at the 2015 Ivan Hlinka Tournament,
and a gold medal at the 2016 World U18 Championships in April; Russian
F Vladislav Lukin (21g, 27a, 48 points).
Key returnees: F Jordan Topping (33g, 34a, 67 points) is the team's
leading returning scorer; D Parker Wotherspoon (11g, 45a, 56 points),
the team's second-leading returning scorer and a solid shutdown
defenseman; F Michael Rasmussen (18g, 25a, 43 points) had an
outstanding rookie season, and helped team Canada to a fifth-place
finish at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Tournament (1g, 3a); D Juuso Vlimki;
F Tyler Sandhu; G Evan Sarthou (60 GP, 26-28-2-0, 3.46 GAA, .888 save
percentage), who will be in his second year as the stater. Was invited
to Team USA's World Junior camp.
New faces: F Carson Focht is a proven scorer and should help out right
away; F Keltie Jeri-Leone has shown promise in the preseason, as has C
Riley Sawchuk.
Watch for: Tri-City's defence should be solid with Wotherspoon,
Vlimki, Brendan O'Reilly and Dylan Coghlan returning, and the
addition of Yorke (from Prince Albert). Wotherspoon and Vlimki are
good with the puck and helping out with scoring.
Did you know: The Americans had their 13-year playoff streak stopped
when they fell two points shy last season ... Rasmussen and Vlimki
are mentioned on the NHL Central Scouting 2017 NHL Draft Futures list.
The prognosis: While scoring is a need, consistency in goal is a must
if Tri-City wants to get back to the top of the U.S. Division. Sarthou
was a step below his stellar season the year before when he stepped in
for the injured Eric Comrie. The Americans will be young once again,
but second-year forwards Lukin, Morgan Geekie, Parker AuCoin, Jordan
Roy and Nolan Yaremko got a ton of ice time as rookies and should be
ready for more responsibility this season.
Annie Fowler/Tri-City Herald
