Spokane Chiefs

2008 pre-season: 4-3-0
General Manager Tim Speltz
Head Coach Hardy Sauter
2007-08 Record 50-15-1-6, 107 pts (2nd in U.S. Div., 3rd in Conf.) GF: 251 GA: 160
2008 Playoffs *Defeated Lethbridge in four games to win 2008 WHL Championship.
*Won 2008 MasterCard Memorial Cup
2007-08 Top Scorers
Drayson Bowman 66gp-42g-40a-82pts
Mitch Wahl 67gp-20g-53a-73pts
Chris Bruton 67gp-26g-37a-63pts

Up Front The Chiefs may have lost a few key forwards from last season’s WHL and Memorial Cup Championship team, but they still return an impressive roster of skilled and determined players who will help the Chiefs challenge for WHL supremacy again this season. Key among the returnees are veterans Drayson Bowman and Mitch Wahl, the team’s top two scorers from last year. Bowman, who has an outside chance to make the NHL with Carolina, is one of the WHL’s top snipers and will again challenge for the goal-scoring and overall scoring titles this season. Wahl, a Calgary Flames prospect, has developed into one of the top playmakers in the WHL. Also back are veterans Levko Koper, Ondrej Roman and Justin McCrae, who all played key roles on last season’s team, and sophomore Tyler Johnson who was named MVP of the 2008 WHL Championship series. Mix in promising rookies like David Conrad, Blake Gal and Steve Kuhn and the Chiefs should again boast a deep and potent attack this season.

On The Blue Line The Chiefs return up to seven defensemen from last season’s squad that allowed only 160 goals. Veterans Trevor Glass and Justin Falk are back, providing strong two-way play and excellent leadership. Sophomore standout Jared Cowen has the potential to be a dominant force in the WHL, while veteran Jared Spurgeon could establish himself as one of the top offensive threats in the League. Returnees Stefan Ulmer, Brett Bartman and Mike Reddington give the Chiefs great defensive depth, while promising rookies Brenden Kichton and Cory Baldwin have plenty of potential to contribute as well.

Goaltending MasterCard Memorial Cup MVP Dustin Tokarski returns as the main man in the Chiefs’ cage. Tokarski posted outstanding numbers during the Chiefs’ most successful regular season in franchise history, and was even better during the post-season and Memorial Cup tournament. 18-year-old rookies Alex Wright and James Reid will battle for the back-up role.

Player to Watch Jared Cowen
Cowen was outstanding as a 16-year-old rookie last season, often playing with the poise and patience of a seasoned veteran. A top prospect for the 2009 NHL entry Draft, Cowen is an imposing defender with great size, reach and toughness. Yet, the Allan, SK, product also has untapped offensive abilities that should begin to surface more regularly this season. Cowen will be a key cog as the Chiefs set out to defend their WHL and Memorial Cup championships.

Everett Silvertips

2008 pre-season: 4-3-0
General Manager: Doug Soetaert
Head Coach: Jon Becanic
2007-08 Record: 39-30-0-3, 81 pts (4th in U.S. Div., 6th in Conf.) GF: 205 GA: 198
2008 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Spokane in first round.
2007-08 Top Scorers:
Dan Gendur 60gp-29g-55a-84pts
Zach Hamill 67gp-26g-49a-75pts
Kyle Beach 60gp-27g-33a-60pts

Up Front: With only six WHL-experienced forwards on the roster, the Silvertips will be a vastly different and much younger group up front this season compared to last year’s veteran-laden lineup. Gone are top offensive veterans Zach Hamill, Dan Gendur and Clayton Bauer, as well as Vitaly Karamnov and Lukas Vartovnik, leaving big holes in the team’s attack. 18-year-old Kyle Beach, the team’s top returning scorer, will lead the way this season, should he not stick with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks. Shane Harper potted 17 goals and 43 points last season and will be needed to improve on those totals this season. The acquisition of 20-year-old Czech Daniel Bartek adds much-needed experience and offense to the forward ranks. Rookies Paul Van de Velde and Kellan Tochkin will also be counted on to produce in their first season in the WHL.

On The Blue Line: The ‘Tips return five defensemen from last season’s squad. Veterans Taylor Ellington, Graham Potuer and newly-acquired Shayne Brown provide solid defense in their own end, and will be counted on for leadership and consistency. Sophomore Chris de la Lande has shown offensive abilities, and could be an option to replace Jonathan Harty on the power play. Returnees Mike Alexander and Jeff Regier add some defensive depth, while Brenden Stephen, who played a handful of games for the ‘Tips last season, adds plenty of size and toughness on the blue line. Rookies Paul Sohor and Drew McDermott round out the ‘Tips’ defense corps.

Goaltending: The departure of All-Star netminder Leland Irving leaves a big hole for the ‘Tips to fill. 19-year-old Shayne Barrie got into 21 games last season as Irving’s back-up, posting 12 wins and a 2.99 goals-against average. He’ll be given the chance to take on the starting role this season. 16-year-old Kent Simpson, a first-round Bantam pick in 2007, will take on the back-up role.

Player to Watch: Kyle Beach
Beach has carved out a reputation as one of the hardest players to play against in the WHL. The Chicago Blackhawks’ first-rounder can score goals, make plays, play a physical game and get under the skin of the opposition. If he doesn’t stick in the NHL with the Blackhawks this season, expect Beach to be a force in every facet of the game for the Silvertips.

Portland Winter Hawks

2008 pre-season: 2-6-0
General Manager: Ken Hodge
Head Coach: Rich Kromm
2007-08 Record: 11-58-2-1, 25 pts (5th in U.S. Div., 10th in Conf.) GF: 132 GA: 318
2008 Playoffs: Did not qualify.
2007-08 Top Scorers:
Travis Ehrhardt 72gp-10g-31a-41pts
Tyler Swystun 72gp-12g-22a-34pts
Keith Voytechek 52gp-8g-18a-26pts

Up Front: The Hawks return eight WHL-experienced forwards, and will again be a young team up front for the 2008-09 season. Of their returning forwards, only Chris Francis topped the 10-goal mark last season while only Francis, Matt Schmermund, Radim Valchar and Luke Walker topped the 20-point barrier. Those four, along with rookie Killian Hutt and sophomore Colin Reddin, will be heavily relied-upon to provide scoring and improve upon last season’s League-low 132 goals. Hutt, acquired from Medicine Hat last season, has been impressive during the pre-season and could become a key performer for the Hawks this season. 16-year-old rookies Brad Ross and Taylor Peters have shown great offensive talent at the Midget AAA level, and will be given the opportunity to contribute at the WHL level this season.

On The Blue Line: The Hawks return seven defensemen from last season’s team including veteran Travis Ehrhardt who led the Hawks in scoring last season and was the only defenseman to lead his team in scoring. Ehrhardt will get some offensive help from Travis Bobbee, who has shown good offensive instincts from the point. Also, smooth-skating Brock Cornish is back after missing all of last season due to injury. 20-year-old veteran Scott Gabriel and 19-year-old vet Ryan Kerr will need to anchor the team in the defensive zone to help cut back on the 318 goals the team allowed last season. Sophomore Brett Ponich, 17, has potential to become a key component of the Hawks’ defense corps. The acquisition of 18-year-old Stefan Schneider from Vancouver adds more depth to the Hawks’ blue line.

Goaltending: 19-year-old Kurtis Mucha appeared in 49 games last season and, for the second season running, faced the most shots of any WHL goaltender. The Sherwood Park, AB, should see less rubber this season with a more experienced defense in front of him. 20-year-old Jordan White backed up Mucha last season, having also faced plenty of rubber, but will be challenged for the back-up role by 16-year-old rookie hopeful Keith Hamilton.

Player to Watch: Killian Hutt
Hutt was acquired last season from the Medicine Hat Tigers in exchange for Tristan King, and is considered a top offensive prospect for the Winter Hawks. The 17-year-old from Edmonton, AB, was a scoring star at the Midget AAA level, and has shown the ability to put up points during pre-season. With great vision, hockey sense, competitiveness and energy, Hutt is a player who loves to score and create plays. Look for Hutt to be an offensive leader for the Hawks in his rookie season.

Seattle Thunderbirds

2008 pre-season: 4-3-0
General Manager: Russ Farwell
Head Coach: Rob Sumner
2007-08 Record: 42-23-5-2, 91 pts (3rd in U.S. Div., 4th in Conf.) GF: 241 GA: 179
2008 Playoffs: Lost in five games to Tri-Cities in second round.
2007-08 Top Scorers:
Bud Holloway 70gp-43g-40a-83pts
Greg Scott 72gp-38g-37a-75pts
Prab Rai 72gp-20g-45a-65pts

Up Front: Although the Thunderbirds lose their top two scorers from last season – Bud Holloway and Greg Scott – they still return an impressive line-up of forwards who can provide scoring. Prab Rai, Jim O’Brien and David Richard all topped the 20-goal, 50-point mark last year, and will all be counted on to improve their production this season. Veterans Lindsay Nielsen and Devon LeBlanc can both provide secondary scoring and solid defense, while 18-year-old Jeremy Boyer could be set for a breakout campaign, offensively. Sophomores Brenden Sylvester and Charles Wells should be able to make a bigger impact in their second WHL campaign. The addition of 20-year-old veteran Ashton Hewson will bring more experience, leadership and depth to what should be a strong group of T-Birds forwards this season.

On The Blue Line: The Thunderbirds could return up to five defensemen from last year’s team that allowed the sixth fewest number of goals in the WHL. All-Star defenseman Thomas Hickey may end up in the NHL with the Los Angeles Kings, but will likely return for a fourth season with the T-Birds. Hickey not only provides plenty of offense, but is very solid defensively and provides strong leadership as well. Veterans Sena Acolatse and Jeremy Schappert are also back, adding more experience and leadership to the defense corps. Acolatse, who is eligible for the 2009 NHL draft, has potential to be a dominant force for the Thunderbirds both offensively and in his own end. Sophomores Brenden Dillon and Steve Chaffin will take on more responsibility, while rookies Stefan Warg, Erik Fleming and Brad Haber will add depth to what should be a solid T-Birds’ defense corps.

Goaltending: Jacob DeSerres takes over the No. 1 job after the departure of Finnish netminder Riku Helenius. DeSerres, a Philadelphia Flyers prospect, recorded an impressive .922 save percentage in 34 games for the T-Birds last season, and has the ability to establish himself as one of the WHL’s best netminders this season. 16-year-old Calvin Pickard, the younger brother of Tri-Cities’ Chet Pickard, and Kyle Jahraus, 18, will battle for the job back-up.

Player to Watch: Jim O’Brien
O’Brien potted a respectable 21 goals and 55 points as a rookie for the T-Birds last season, and showed great improvement as the season progressed. The 18-year-old Ottawa Senators first-rounder has great speed, size and strength, and the makings of a solid power forward. O’Brien is also very strong defensively, and is an adept penalty killer. With a year of WHL experience under his belt, look for O’Brien to become a key contributor for the T-Birds in all areas on the ice.

Tri-City Americans

2008 pre-season: 4-4-0
General Manager: Bob Tory
Head Coach: Don Nachbaur
2007-08 Record: 52-16-2-2, 108 pts (1st in U.S. Div., 1st in Conf.) GF: 262 GA: 176
2008 Playoffs: Lost in seven games to Spokane in Western Conference Final.
2007-08 Top Scorers:
Colton Yellow Horn 67gp-48g-49a-97pts
Jason Reese 69gp-24g-58a-82pts
Kruise Reddick 72gp-23g-51a-74pts

Up Front: The Americans may have lost a couple of key components to their offense, namely Colton Yellow Horn and Shaun Vey, but they still return a several forwards who can produce offensively. 20-year-old Taylor Procyshen has scored over 30 goals in each of the last two seasons. He’ll be counted on to help ease the loss of 48-goal man Yellow Horn. Veteran playmaker Jason Reese is also back, as is Kruise Reddick, who is fresh off a breakout campaign in 2007-08. Sophomores Adam Hughesman and Johnny Lazo should be able to build off very solid rookie seasons last year while Czech sophomore Petr Stoklasa will also be counted on to contribute more offense this season. Jason Gardiner, another sophomore 17-year-old, will also look for a bigger role this season. 16-year-old rookies Brooks Macek, Justin Feser and Jordan Messier were very solid in Midget AAA last year, and could add some offensive depth.

On The Blue Line: The Ams return seven rearguards from last year’s strong defensive team. However, the loss of All-Star T.J. Fast will leave a big hole to fill. Washington Capitals prospect Eric Merstery and veteran Mitch McColm provide plenty of size and strength on the blue line, while Tyler Schmidt could develop into a strong two-way presence for the Ams. Also back are veterans Jarrett Toll and Brett Plouffe, and sophomore Lane Werbowski, who all contributed to last season’s Scotty Munro Trophy-winning team. 17-year-old rookie Scott Macauley, the younger brother of Ams forward Blair Macauley, showed strong offensive abilities at the Midget AAA level last season, and could add some offensive ability for the Ams this season.

Goaltending: Reigning WHL Goaltender of the Year Chet Pickard returns, giving the Ams elite level goaltending. Pickard, a first round pick of the Nashville Predators in June, posted excellent numbers during the regular season, and was outstanding in the playoffs. He may be in the running for a spot on Canada’s national junior team this December as well. 18-year-old Kyle Birch, last season’s back-up, will be pushed by 17-year-old rookie hopefuls Brent Martyniuk and Drew Owsley.

Player to Watch: Adam Hughesman
Hughesman put up an impressive 17 goals and 41 points as a 16-year-old rookie on a deep offensive Ams team last year. The Winnipeg, MB, product has great skill and excellent hockey sense and offensive awareness, and even managed a four-goal game last season for the Ams. Eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Hughesman should be strong offensive contributor for the Americans this season.

WHL B.C. Division

Chilliwack Bruins

2008 pre-season: 3-4-0
General Manager: Darrell May
Head Coach: Jim Hiller
2007-08 Record: 28-35-4-5, 65 pts (3rd in B.C. Div., 7th in Conf.)
2008 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Vancouver in first round.
2007-08 Top Scorers:
Mark Santorelli 72gp-27g-74a-101pts
Oscar Moller 63gp-39g-43a-81pts
Brandon Campos 69gp-26g-48a-74pts

Up Front: The Bruins will certainly miss the tremendous playmaking abilities of reigning WHL scoring champ Mark Santorelli, who will turn pro in the Nashville Predators system this season. However, the team returns Swedish sniper Oscar Moller and drafted fellow Swede Alexander Wiklund to help fill the offensive hole left by Santorelli and graduate Brandon Campos. Moller scored 38 times last year, but will be challenged more without Santorelli there as the table-setter. Wiklund has shown offensive skill during pre-season, and will be counted on to slot into a top-six forward role. Outside of Moller, the only returning forwards to have topped the 10-goal mark are Jadon Potter and Ryan Howse. Howse, who is eligible for the 2009 NHL draft, has plenty of offensive potential, and could emerge as a solid scorer for the team this season. Also back are veteran Matt Meropoulis and sophomore David Robinson, who are both capable of making a difference in the offensive zone.

On The Blue Line: The Bruins return five WHL-seasoned defensemen, and only two over the age of 18. Off-season acquisition Jesse Craige, 19, provides the team with a strong puck-moving, offensive-minded defenseman to help fill the void left by graduate Nick Holden. Returnees Chris Vanduynhoven, Matt Strong and Scott Ramsay all stand 6’3” or taller, providing plenty of size and strength. Jeff Einhorn, the team’s Rookie of the Year last season, will be expected to take on a larger role in his second season in the League. 16-year-old Carter Berg and 18-year-old Brandon Manning will vie for a spot on the blue line as well.

Goaltending: With the departure of veteran Matt Esposito, sophomore Mark Friesen will take on the starting job for the Bruins. Friesen posted 10 wins and a .901 save percentage in 31 contests last season, earning the starting role in the process, and was very good in the Bruins’ first-round series loss to Vancouver. 18-year-old rookie Lucas Gore will slot into the back-up role this season.

Player to Watch: Ryan Howse
Howse potted 10 goals as a 16-year-old rookie last season, but Bruins fans can count on seeing his goal production jump sharply in the future. A pure goal-scorer who is eligible for the 2009 NHL draft, Howse has very good puck skills, great speed and an outstanding touch around the net. With the departure of several key offensive players from last year, expect Howse to take on a big chunk of the workload in the offensive end.

Kamloops Blazers

2008 pre-season: 5-1-0-0
General Manager: Craig Bonner
Head Coach: Barry Smith
2007-08 Record: 27-41-2-2 58 pts (4th in B.C. Div., 8th in Conf.) GF: 197 GA: 253
2008 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Tri-Cities in first round.
2007-08 Top Scorers:
Juuso Puustinen 60gp-27g-26a-53pts
Ivan Rohac 58gp-17g-34a-51pts
Nick Ross 72gp-8g-39a-47pts

Up Front: The Blazers lose their top two scorers from last season with both Juuso Puustinen and Ivan Rohac moving on. However, the door is open for some of the team’s younger talents to take on a more prominent role in the offense. Sophomore Jimmy Bubnick tallied nine goals and 27 points as a 16-year-old last season. The talented pivot will certainly take on a much bigger role in the offense this year. 19-year-old Alex Rodgers and 20-year-old Kenton Dulle, the team’s lone returning 20-goal scorer, will both be counted on to increase their production and provide leadership for the younger Blazers’ forwards. Tyler Shattock and C.J. Stretch will also be looking to improve their contributions this season, as will 20-year-old Scott Wasden. Rookies Brendan Ranford and Dalibor Bortnak both have offensive upside and could contribute this season.

On The Blue Line: With only four defenseman returning from last season’s team – and only two with more than 50 games of WHL seasoning – the Blazers’ blue line could be short on experience this season. Nick Ross, a Phoenix Coyotes draft pick, was the team’s third-leading scorer last season and will be relied on to not only lead the defense corps, but provide plenty of offense this season. Jordan Rowley has shown good two-way abilities, and adds another offensive dimension to the Blazers’ defense corps. Promising sophomores Kurt Torbohm and Mark Schneider will take on much larger roles this season. Rookies Michal Siska, Linden Saip and 16-year-olds Daniel Medland-Marchen and Brandon Underwood will get the opportunity to contribute as well.

Goaltending: Justin Leclerc returns to man the Blazers’ cage for a second season. The 19-year-old had some ups and downs last season, but also turned in his share of brilliant performances. If he can find consistency, Leclerc has the ability to be one of the WHL’s best goaltenders. James Priestner, last season’s back-up, and rookie hopeful Jon Groenhyde will battle for this year’s back-up role.

Player to Watch: Jimmy Bubnick
Bubnick’s two older brothers, Michael and Jon, both played in the WHL. However, the youngest of the three will likely be the one that makes his name in the NHL. Eligible for the 2009 NHL Draft, Bubnick was dominant on Team West at the World U-17 Challenge last winter, and also was a force in helping Canada win Gold at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in August. With a big, strong frame and high-end offensive skills, Bubnick should emerge as a top-line player for the Blazers this season.

Kelowna Rockets

2008 pre-season: 2-1-1
General Manager: Bruce Hamilton
Head Coach: Ryan Huska
2007-08 Record: 38-26-2-6, 84 pts (2nd in B.C. Div., 5th in Conf.) GF: 248 GA: 215
2008 Playoffs: Lost in seven games to Seattle in first round.
2007-08 Top Scorers:
Colin Long 72gp-31g-69a-100pts
Brady Leavold 69gp-27g-42a-69pts
Jamie Benn 51gp-33g-32a-65pts

Up Front: The Rockets will boast an impressive offense this season with six of their seven top scorers from last year set to return. Colin Long and Jamie Benn put up a combined 64 goals and 165 points last season, and will certainly be among the WHL’s most dangerous duos again this season. Long finished second in WHL scoring last season, topping the 100-point mark, and will again challenge for a scoring crown, while Benn is a threat to top the 50-goal mark with a full season to work with. Also returning are 20-goal men Cody Almond and Lucas Bloodoff, and 40-point scorers Kyle St. Denis and Brandon McMillan, giving the Rockets plenty of secondary scoring. Rookie Stepan Novotny might well slot into a top-line role, having shown plenty of skill in pre-season.

On The Blue Line: The Rockets’ defense corps will be the envy of WHL teams this season. With up to six rearguards returning from last year, and a couple promising rookies, the team should have plenty of depth on the back end. Luke Schenn will be the top gun if he doesn’t stick in the NHL with Toronto. The fifth overall pick at the 2008 NHL draft, Schenn is a big, imposing defender who intimidates and can put up points. Fellow top-10 NHL pick Tyler Myers is also back, and will use his giant 6’7” frame to keep opposing forwards at bay. Sophomore Tyson Barrie put up nine goals and 43 points as a 16-year-old. He could be one of the League’s dominant offensive defensemen this season. Fellow sophomore Collin Bowman is also set for a big year in his NHL draft year. Tysen Dowzak and Riley McIntosh provide even more size and toughness on what should be a dominant Rockets’ blue line.

Goaltending: 19-year-old Torrie Jung takes over the starting role after backing up graduated Kris Westblom for the last two season. Jung, a Tampa Bay Lightning prospect, has shown he can provide solid netminding at the WHL level, and will have a very strong defense in front of him. 17-year-old rookie hopeful Adam Brown and Dylan Tait are in a tough battle for the back-up role, and both could push Jung for playing time.

Player to Watch: Jamie Benn
After joining the team in early October last season, Benn quickly established himself as a top sniper in the WHL, potting 33 goals in only 51 games. The 19-year-old from Victoria, B.C., boasts a tremendous release, very good puck-handling skill in close to the net, and has a knack for finding loose pucks. Playing alongside gifted playmaker Colin Long, the Dallas Stars prospect will likely challenge for the WHL goal-scoring crown this season.

Prince George Cougars

2008 pre-season: 2-4-0-0
General Manager: Dallas Thompson
Head Coach: Drew Schoneck
2007-08 Record: 20-48-1-3, 44 pts (5th in B.C. Div., 9th in Conf.) GF: 172 GA: 304
2008 Playoffs: Did not qualify.
2007-08 Top Scorers:
Dana Tyrell 68gp-25g-40a-65pts
Greg Gardner 72gp-24g-29a-53pts
Alex Poulter 72gp-16g-21a-37pts

Up Front: The Cougars return many of their young forwards from last season’s rebuilding team. 19-year-old Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Dana Tyrell, the club’s top scorer last season, is back and will again be the focal point of the Cougars’ attack. Tyrell scored a team-high 24 goals and 65 points, and had a hand in over a third of the team’s 172 goals last year. Aside from Tyrell, Alex Poulter and sophomore Parker Stanfield, no returning Cougars forward reached the 10-goal mark last year. 17-year-old Justin Maylan will be counted on to improve his offensive production in his second full season while newcomer Colby Kulhanek and 20-year-old rookie Brian Matte should add some offense to the mix. 18-year-old Dale Hunt will be looking to rebound from a tough, injury-ridden season last year, and could become a key contributor to the attack. 16-year-olds Brett Connolly, Greg Fraser and Nick Buonassisi, who all got a taste of the WHL last year, and Slovakian rookie Marek Viedensky will add more depth, energy and skill.

On The Blue Line: The Cougars return only four rearguards from last season’s team, none of whom have over 100 games of WHL experience. Acquiring 20-year-old veteran Cameron Cepek from the Edmonton Oil Kings adds much-needed experience and leadership. Cepek also adds some offense from the blue line, having scored seven goals and 25 points for the expansion Oil Kings last season. 19-year-old Cody Hobbs 85 games of WHL seasoning, and will also be relied on to provide some leadership and consistency for the Cougars. 17-year-old sophomores Art Bidlevskii and Matt Cumming and 18-year old Trevor Bauer will all look for bigger roles this season. Bidlevskii could bring a bit more offense to the Cougars’ defense corps.

Goaltending: Off-season acquisition Kevin Armstrong, 20, will be the man to replace former Cougars mainstay Real Cyr, who graduated following last season. Armstrong is a proven WHL starting netminder, and is coming off a WHL Championship and Memorial Cup title with Spokane last season. Ian Curtis, acquired from Swift Current midway through last season, will likely slot into the backup role again this season, but will have competition from rookie Joel Danyluk.

Player to Watch: Justin Maylan
Maylan, a first-round Bantam pick of the Moose Jaw Warriors in 2006, was acquired last season in the trade that sent all-star defenseman Ty Wishart to the Warriors. A highly skilled playmaker, Maylan has very good vision, hockey sense and passing skills. The Vancouver, B.C., product tallied six goals and 14 points in 31 games after coming to the Cougars last season, and will be counted on to provide plenty of scoring for the team this season. The 17-year-old pivot is eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.

Vancouver Giants

2008 pre-season: 3-2-1
General Manager: Scott Bonner
Head Coach: Don Hay
2007-08 Record: 49-15-2-6, 106 pts (1st in B.C. Div., 2nd in Conf.) GF: 250 GA: 155
2008 Playoffs: Lost in six games to Spokane in second round.
2007-08 Top Scorers:
Spencer Machacek 70gp-33g-45a-78pts
Jonathon Blum 64gp-18g-45a-63pts
Michal Repik 51gp-27g-34a-61pts

Up Front: The Giants lose some significant pieces of their offense from last year’s team with the departure of Michal Repik, Spencer Machacek and Mario Bliznak. However, they still return several talented forwards who should be able to pick up some of the slack. Evander Kane scored 24 goals as a 16-year-old last year, and will be a key contributor this season. Also returning is 18-year-old Garry Nunn, who put up eight goals and 29 points in 35 games after joining the team midway through last season. 18-year-olds James Wright, Craig Cunningham and Lance Bouma will all take on larger roles this season, while 17-year-old sophomore James Henry will also look for more responsibility. Russian rookie Mikhail Fisenko has shown strong offensive ability, and should be able to produce this season. 20-year-old Casey Pierro-Zabotel – a point-per-game player last season – could return if he doesn’t land a job in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ system.

On The Blue Line: With six rearguards from last year’s team returning, the Giants defense corps should again be a strength for the club. 19-year-old Jonathon Blum returns for his fourth season with the Giants. The Nashville Predators prospect and WHL All-Star should again be among the League’s top-scoring defensemen this season. Also back are veterans Brent Regner and Craig Schira, who can both provide offense and strong defense, and 20-year-old defensive stalwart Mike Berube. Promising sophomore Neil Manning and rookie hopefuls Bronson Maschmeyer Mitch Spooner and Simon Witt add depth to what will be a very solid Giants’ defense.

Goaltending: 19-year-old Tyson Sexsmith will return for his third season as the team’s starter. Sexsmith has proven himself as one of the WHL’s top goaltenders, having posted some outstanding numbers over the last two seasons, and could also be in the running for a spot on Canada’s national junior team in December. Kraymer Barnstable, last season’s back-up, and 17-year-old rookie Jamie Tucker will battle for this season’s understudy role.

Player to Watch: Evander Kane
Kane has proven himself to be a very promising sniper after potting 24 goals as a 16-year-old rookie with the Giants last season, then putting forth a strong performance for Canada’s gold medal-winning Under-18 team at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial tournament in August. Eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Kane will definitely be a go-to guy for the Giants this season.