WHL MID-SEASON REVIEW
WHL MID-SEASON REVIEW
rCalgary, AB — The 2008-09 Western Hockey League season is at the midway point with teams having played roughly half of their regular season schedules, and it’s time to take a look at how the season has shaped up so far.
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rWHL EASTERN CONFERENCE
rThe Calgary Hitmen are currently running away with the Central Division and Eastern Conference leads at the season’s midway point, while the Saskatoon Blades have earned the title as the most improved team in the entire League and are gunning for their first East Division title since 1993-94.
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rHere’s a look at the WHL’s Eastern Conference teams through the 2008-09 season’s first half:
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rEast Division
rBrandon Wheat Kings
r2008-09 record: 35gp 20-13-1-1, 42pts (3rd in Div., 5th in Conf.) GF: 130 GA: 116
rTop Scorers:
r Scott Glennie 35gp-19g-24a-43pts
r Brayden Schenn 33gp-15g-24a-39pts
r Jay Fehr 31gp-12g-24a-36pts
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r The Wheat Kings have enjoyed a moderately successful first half of the 2008-09 season, given their lofty pre-season expectations, and find themselves in good position in the East Division and the Eastern Conference. A deep and balanced offense has helped the Wheaties scored the fifth-most goals of any team in the WHL. As expected, the sophomore trio of Brayden Schenn, Scott Glennie and Matt Calvert have generated solid numbers – all three are among four Wheat Kings currently averaging over a point per game. Plenty of secondary scoring has been produced by the likes of veterans Andrew Clark, Nathan Green, Jay Fehr, Matt Lowry and rookie Aaron Lewadniuk. Defensively, the Wheat Kings have been average and are in the middle of the pack in terms of goals against. Defensive stalwart Chad Erb leads the team’s blue liners with a +9 rating while Keith Aulie and Colby Robak have combined for eight of the 14 goals the team’s defense corps has produced. Andrew Hayes and James Priestner have backstopped the team to 19 of their 20 wins, but neither has a goals-against average under 3.00 or a save percentage better than .900. An improvement on their 15th-ranked penalty killing unit would help the Wheaties in their quest for a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference.
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rMoose Jaw Warriors
r2008-09 record: 34gp 10-23-0-1, 21pts (6th in Div., 12th in Conf.) GF: 99 GA: 158
rTop Scorers:
r Joel Broda 32gp-25g-10a-35pts
r Jason Bast 34pg-13g-19a-32pts
r Ian Duval 23gp-10g-12a-22pts
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r The Warriors find themselves 20 points behind in the race for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference after a difficult first half to the 08-09 campaign. The Warriors have struggled at both ends of the ice this season, having scored the second-fewest number of goals in the Eastern Conference while allowing the second-most goals of any WHL team. Joel Broda has been a bright spot among the forwards, having scored 25 of the team’s 99 goals. More will be needed from veterans Jason Bast, Ian Duval and Thomas Frazee to boost the team’s offensive production. 16-year-old rookie Quinton Howden has shown potential as a future star, and will look for a bit more consistency on the second half of the season. Defensively, only Connor Cox and Kevin Smith have posted positive +/- ratings among Warriors’ blue liners. Travis Hamonic has provided offense from the blue line, and will look to strengthen things on the defensive side during the second half. Goaltending has not been a stable position for the Warriors, with the team having used four different netminders this season. Jeff Bosch, acquired from Regina in early October, gives the Warriors a solid number one goaltender, but he needs more help from his defense corps.
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rPrince Albert Raiders
r2008-09 record: 39gp 15-22-2-0, 32pts (5th in Div., 11th in Conf.) GF: 117 GA: 135
rTop Scorers:
r Justin Bernhardt 39gp-19g-30a-49pts
r Ryan McDonald 39gp-18g-16a-34pts
r Dustin Cameron 39gp-17g-12a-29pts
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rThe Raiders currently find themselves nine points out of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with just over half of their 08-09 schedule in the books. After a decent 11-9 start through their first 20 games the Raiders have slumped to a 4-13-2 record since, including suffering through a nine-game losing skid. Up front, Justin Bernhardt and Ryan McDonald have provided much of the team’s offense. Bernhardt has had a hand in 49 of the team’s 117 goals this season, and is one of only three forward with a positive +/-. More will be expected from veteran Matt Robertson, who is currently on pace for his lowest goal total of his WHL career. Defensively, the Raiders rank 17th in the WHL in goals-against and have surrendered the third-most number of goals in the Eastern Conference. Collectively, the Raiders’ defense is -45 this season, and will need to shore up their five-on-five play over the season’s second half. Goaltending has been strong for the Raiders so far this season. While both Garrett Zemlak and Steven Stanford have goals-against averages above 3.00, they both boast .900 save percentages.
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rRegina Pats
r2008-09 record: 38gp 18-15-1-4, 46pts (3rd in Div., 4th in Conf.) GF: 131 GA: 127
rTop Scorers:
r Jordan Eberle 33gp-23g-19a-42pts
r Jordan Weal 37gp-9g-32a-41pts
r Matt Strueby 37gp-17g-17a-34pts
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rThe Pats find themselves in the thick of the East Division race, despite some ups and downs through the season’s first half. The team’s offense has been one of the more potent among Eastern Conference clubs this season, currently sitting tied for second in the Conference in goals-for. However, the Pats have offset their offensive production with a defense that has allowed the Conference’s third-most goals. Jordan Eberle has again been the offensive focal point for the team while 16-year-old rookie Jordan Weal has shown no freshman jitters, having been one of the team’s most dynamic players through the first half. Matt Strueby, Brett Leffler and Matt Strueby have provided solid secondary scoring. Defensemen Victor Bartley, Colten Teubert and Matt Delahey have combined for 19 goals and a +26 rating from the blue line. Goaltender Linden Rowat has posted solid numbers – a 2.55 GAA and a .912 save percentage – while rookie back-up Damien Ketlo has enjoyed some strong outings in his first WHL season. If the Pats want to climb the Eastern Conference ladder in the second half, they will need improvement upon their 14th-ranked penalty killing and their 16th-ranked power play.
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rSaskatoon Blades
r2008-09 record: 37gp 25-10-2-0, 52pts (1st in Div., 2nd in Conf.) GF: 128 GA: 103
rTop Scorers:
r Derek Hulak 37gp-14g-22a-36pts
r Stefan Elliott 37gp-13g-21a-34pts
r Adam Chorneyko 32gp-12g-13a-25pts
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rThe Blades may have endured a 1-4 start to the season, but have since become one of the best and most consistent teams in the WHL. With a 24-6-2 mark since October 4th, the Blades find themselves comfortably in first place in the East Division and in excellent position to end their two-year playoff drought. While veteran Derek Hulak and sophomore rearguard Stefan Elliott have driven the offense, it’s been the Blades’ depth that has helped them score 128 times this season – 50 more goals than they had at the Christmas break last season. The Blades boast six players with 10 or more goals and nine players with 20 or more points. Team defense has been a strength for the Blades, who have allowed the third-fewest number of goals in the Eastern Conference. Led by veterans Colin Joe, Sam Klassen, Teigan Zahn and Ryan Funk, the Blades’s defense corps is a combined +39 and have helped the team to the WHL’s sixth-best penalty killing. Goaltender Braden Holtby has provided consistency and stability for the team, and currently ranks second among all WHL netminders with 20 wins this season. One big reason for Saskatoon’s drastic improvement this season is their play on the road. Last year, the Blades won only eight times away from home. This season, they are already an impressive 15-2 away from home.
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rSwift Current Broncos
r2008-09 record: 37gp 21-15-0-1, 43pts (2nd in Div., 4th in Conf.) GF: 116 GA: 110
rTop Scorers:
r Keegan Dansereau 34gp-19g-16a-35pts
r Justin Dowling 36gp-13g-19a-32pts
r Eric Doyle 36gp-7g-25a-32pts
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r The Broncos started strong, winning their first six games and eight of their first 10 contests to begin the 08-09 season, but have been a .500 team since. Despite their inconsistency, the Broncos find themselves in good position to battle for a playoff position in the Eastern Conference. Offensively, the Broncos have had to rely on the production of veteran forwards Keegan Dansereau, Matt Tassone and Justin Dowling, and offensive rearguard Eric Doyle. Those four players along with Geordie Wudrick and sophomore Cody Eakin have accounted for 79 of the team’s 116 goals this season. Eakin, who is eligible for the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, would certainly be at or near the 20-goal mark by now if it weren’t for a couple of lengthy stints on the injured list. More secondary scoring will be required for the team to battle for the East Division title. Defensively, the Broncos have been average. Doyle and defensive rearguard Derek Claffey are a combined +27, but they are the only two defensemen with a positive +/-. Goaltender Mark Guggenberger has been strong in 22 appearances for the Broncos, posting a very solid .918 save percentage. Veteran Travis Yonkman has been up and down this season, but also missed time due to injury.
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rCentral Division
rCalgary Hitmen
r2008-09 record: 38gp 31-5-1-1, 64pts (1st in Div., 1st in Conf.) GF: 160 GA: 84
rTop Scorers:
r Brandon Kozun 38gp-26g-30a-56pts
r Brett Sonne 34gp-23g-32a-55pts
r Kyle Bortis 38gp-17g-32a-49pts
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rIn what was supposed to be a year of “rebuilding”, the Hitmen have instead established themselves as the top team in the Eastern Conference, if not the WHL through the first half of the 08-09 campaign. A dominant offensive team with the League’s top power play, the Hitmen have scored 160 times this season while scoring six or more goals in a game on 14 occasions. The trio of Brett Sonne, Brandon Kozun and Kyle Bortis have been the most dangerous and productive line in the WHL this season, combining for a whopping 66 goals and 160 points already. Yet, the Hitmen have also benefitted from plenty of secondary scoring from forwards Carson McMillan, Ian Schultz, Brendan Rowinski and Bostjan Golicic while also receiving plenty of offense from the blue line. Defensively, the Hitmen have been very solid in allowing the third-fewest number of goals in the WHL while owning the League’s second-best penalty killing unit. Rearguards Paul Postma, Michael Stone, Alex Plante and Keith Seabrook – all NHL prospects – have combined for 26 goals, 108 points, and a +69 rating this season. Goaltender Martin Jones currently leads the WHL with 21 wins and ranks among the League’s top five goaltenders in GAA and save percentage.
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rEdmonton Oil Kings
r2008-09 record: 39gp 15-19-2-3, 35pts (5th in Div., 9th in Conf.) GF: 113 GA: 149
rTop Scorers:
r Jeff Lee 39gp-14g-26a-40pts
r Brett Breitkreuz 39gp-15g-20a-35pts
r Brenden Dowd 39gp-13g-20a-33pts
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rDespite a couple of rough patches, the Oil Kings have managed to hang around in the race for a top eight spot in the Eastern Conference, and currently sit just six points back of Regina and Kootenay for a share of seventh place. Up front, the Oil Kings have received strong contributions from Jeff Lee, Brett Breitkreuz and Brenden Dowd while forwards Brent Raedeke, Craig McCallum and Tomas Vincour have also chipped in scoring on a fairly consistent basis. However, the team hasn’t gotten much production outside of their top six forwards. The biggest drawback for the Oil Kings this season has been their defensive play as only Moose Jaw and Prince George have allowed more goals against. Brandon Lockerby and Adrian Van de Mosselaer have contributed some offense, but are a combined -23. A bright spot for the Oil Kings has been the solid play of 16-year-old blueliner Mark Pysyk, who leads the defense corps with a +1 rating while chipping in three goals and 14 points. Goaltending was a concern at the start of the season. However, the acquisition of former Kelowna Rocket Torrie Jung has given some stability in Edmonton’s net. At 9-10-1-1, the Oil Kings need to greatly improve their home-ice record in the second half if they are to make a serious playoff push.
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rKootenay Ice
r2008-09 record: 37gp 18-14-2-3, 41pts (4th in Div., 7th in Conf.) GF: 116 GA: 118
rTop Scorers:
r Dustin Sylvester 33gp-19g-20a-39pts
r Andrew Bailey 37gp-15g-17a-32pts
r Tylan Stephens 37gp-11g-16a-27pts
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rThe Kootenay Ice may be in a transition phase, relying on a lot more younger players than in the past few years, but they’ve managed to remain a competitive team in the tough Eastern Conference. Dustin Sylvester has been the offensive catalyst for the team, leading the Ice in most offensive categories, including a WHL-leading six shorthanded goals, while boasting a solid +16 rating. Veterans Andrew Bailey, Kevin King and Tylan Stephens have also chipped in scoring. Youngsters such as Drew Czerwonka, Jesse Ismond and Max Reinhart have also contributed in their first WHL campaigns. Defensively, the Ice have allowed the second-most goals of any team currently in a playoff position. Veterans John Negrin and Ian Barteaux have logged plenty of time and chipped in offensively, while sophomore Brayden McNabb has shown strong puck skills while providing a physical element as well. Goaltending is one area the Ice will look for improvement. Sophomore Thomas Heemskerk, who is no longer with the team, and rookie Nathan Lieuwen have had troubles with consistency. The Ice acquired Todd Mathews from Lethbridge to fill the hole vacated by Heemskerk.
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rLethbridge Hurricanes
r2008-09 record: 36gp 20-14-0-2, 48pts (3rd in Div., 6th in Conf.) GF: 115 GA: 99
rTop Scorers:
r Colton Sceviour 33gp-18g-27a-45pts
r Dwight King 34gp-14g-20a-34pts
r Carter Ashton 36gp-20g-12a-32pts
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rThe Hurricanes find themselves a bit off the pace they’d like to be at the 08-09 season’s midway mark, yet they are still firmly in the mix for playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The ‘Canes’ offensive production has been average, but has potential for great improvement. Colton Sceviour has been the most consistent point producer this season and is on pace for career highs in goals, assists and points, while sophomore Carter Ashton has already hit the 20-goal mark. Zach Boychuk has started to find his groove after missing the team’s first 15 games. The ‘Canes will look for more secondary scoring from Carter Bancks, Cam Braes and Craig Orfino over the second half. Team defense has been a strength for the Hurricanes, who have allowed the second-fewest number of goals in the Easter Conference and boast a combined +39 among the defense corps. Veterans Ben Wright and Mitch Versteeg have been very strong in their own end while adding some offense, and Eric Mestery has shown great two-way abilities. Finnish netminder Juha Metsola has posted solid numbers while playing in 30 of the ‘Canes’ 36 games this season. The Hurricanes posted an 11-4 record over their last 15 games, indicating they’re rounding into form.
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rMedicine Hat Tigers
r2008-09 record: 38gp 21-11-3-3, 48pts (2nd in Div., 3rd in Conf.) GF: 131 GA: 109
rTop Scorers:
r Tyler Ennis 31gp-15g-21a-36pts
r Linden Vey 37gp-12g-21a-33pts
r Zdenek Okal 36gp-12g-20a-32pts
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rThe Tigers have enjoyed a strong first half of the 2008-09 season and currently find themselves comfortably in second place in the Central Division and third in the Eastern Conference. Although well back of the Hitmen in the race for the Central Division crowns, the Tigers have put themselves in good position to battle for a top-four spot in the Conference. Up front, the Tigers have shown good depth in offensive production with six forwards having topped the 10-goal mark already. Tyler Ennis may have taken some time to heat up, but the Buffalo Sabres prospect finds himself again leading the team in scoring. Sophomore Linden Vey is enjoying a breakout season playing alongside Czech rookie Zdenek Okal. The Tigers have also been strong in the defensive end and currently rank seventh in the WHL in goals-against while maintaining the League’s fifth-best penalty killing unit. Mark Isherwood currently ranks second among WHL defensemen with 13 goals this season, including seven on the power play, while veteran Matt McCue and sophomore Jace Coyle have also supplied offense. Of the Tigers’ eight regular defensemen, only one has a negative +/- figure. Veteran Ryan Holfeld currently ranks among the WHL’s leaders in wins, GAA and save percentage. Once again, the Tigers have been dominant at home with a 12-2-1-1 record.
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rRed Deer Rebels
r2008-09 record: 37gp 14-18-0-5, 33pts (6th in Div., 10th in Conf.) GF: 98 GA: 121
rTop Scorers:
r Landon Ferraro 36gp-20g-14a-34pts
r Cass Mappin 37gp-15g-15a-30pts
r Carter Smith 35gp-10g-11a-21pts
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rThe Rebels were expected to have their struggles this season as one of the younger, less experienced clubs in the WHL. While they do currently find themselves out of the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference, the Rebels have shown signs of a team on the rise. Offensively, the development of Landon Ferraro into a go-to player has made the graduation of Brandon Sutter that much more bearable. Ferraro has already topped the 20-goal plateau, and has shown flashes of becoming an offensive star. The play of rookies Cass Mappin and Willie Coetzee has also been a bonus for the Rebels as both have topped the 10-goal mark already. Defensively, the Rebels have had their struggles at times this season. Veteran Brennan Wray, a converted forward, has been solid in his own end while adding some offense to the mix. Rookie Alex Petrovic is the only Rebels’ blue liner with a positive +/- this season while fellow rookie Tommi Kivisto shares the team lead with 16 assists. Rookie goaltender Darcy Kuemper appears to have taken over the team’s starting job from veteran Morgan Clark after several very impressive performances, especially in the week leading up to the Christmas break. The Rebels will need to improve on their 4-11-0-4 road record if they are to climb the Eastern Conference standings over the season’s second half.
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rWHL WESTERN CONFERENCE
rThe defending WHL and Memorial Cup Champion Spokane Chiefs and the defending Scotty Munro Trophy-winning Tri-City Americans are again waging war for U.S. Division supremacy. But, both teams have been looking up at the Vancouver Giants, who are in the midst of yet another outstanding season.
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rHere’s a look at the WHL’s Western Conference teams through the 2008-09 season’s first half:
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rWHL B.C. Division
rChilliwack Bruins
r2008-09 record: 36gp 10-22-2-2, 24pts (5th in Div., 9th in Conf.) GF: 76 GA: 127
rTop Scorers:
r Jadon Potter 26gp-7g-15a-22pts
r Kevin Sundher 36gp-11g-9a-20pts
r Andy Smith 39gp-11g-9a-20pts
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rDespite a 5-4-0-1 start to the 08-09 season, the Bruins have struggled greatly through the first half of the campaign. Yet, the team still sits only five points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference, meaning playoff hopes are still alive in Chilliwack. Offensively, the Bruins have had a difficult time replacing the scoring of stars Mark Santorelli and Oscar Moller, who both graduated to the professional ranks. The loss of top returning scorer Jadon Potter to injury further dampened the Bruins’ offense. While the acquisition of veteran Andy Smith from Prince Albert has helped, it’s been the team’s youngsters like rookie Kevin Sundher and sophomore Ryan Howse who have provided most of the offense. Howse already has 13 goals even after missing an extended period of time due to injury. A power play ranked 21st among 22 teams hasn’t helped the Bruins’ offensive woes. Defensively, the Bruins have surrendered 127 goals this season to put them 16th in the WHL in goals-against. 18-year-old rookie Brandon Manning has shown some offensive instincts while 17-year-old sophomore Scott Ramsay has the size and physicality to be a strong presence in his own end. With a combined -77 rating, the Bruins’ defense corps needs significant improvement if they are to push their way into a playoff spot. Goaltenders Mark Friesen and Lucas Gore have performed valiantly at times for the Bruins. Friesen may have a GAA of 3.31, but his save percentage is a very respectable .908, given that he faces such a high number of shots per game.
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rKamloops Blazers
r2008-09 record: 37gp 14-19-1-3, 32pts (3rd in Div., 6th in Conf.) GF: 123 GA: 145
rTop Scorers:
r C.J. Stretch 37gp-11g-30a-41pts
r Kenton Dulle 32gp-15g-18a-33pts
r Tyler Shattock 33gp-15g-18a-33pts
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rThe Kamloops Blazers have endured an inconsistent first half of the season, but find themselves eight points clear for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. Offense hasn’t been a problem for the Blazers, who currently happen to own the WHL’s fifth-best power play and have scored the third-most goals of any Western Conference squad. Veterans C.J. Stretch, Kenton Dulle, Tyler Shattock and Shayne Wiebe have all set personal bests for points in a season with only half of the schedule played, while sophomore Jimmy Bubnick and rookie Brendan Ranford are showing they’ll be the next line of offensive stars in Kamloops. Defensively, the team has surrendered the fourth-most goals of any team in the League, and their penalty killing is currently ranked 19th in the WHL. Former Moose Jaw Warriors forward Giffen Nyren has made a smooth transition to defense with the Blazers and, along with veteran Nick Ross, has helped provide solid puck moving and offense from the blue line. 18-year-old Kurt Torbhorm leads all Blazers’ rearguards with a +7 rating, while the rest of the defense corps is a collective -18. Goaltender Justin Leclerc has enjoyed brilliant performances, but has also struggled with his consistency this season. The Blazers will look to improve their 4-11-0-2 road record over the season’s second half.
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rKelowna Rockets
r2008-09 record: 34gp 20-14-0-0, 40pts (2nd in Div., 4th in Conf.) GF: 124 GA: 93
rTop Scorers:
r Colin Long 32gp-17g-29a-46pts
r Jamie Benn 27gp-24g-21a-45pts
r Tyson Barrie 31gp-7g-24a-31pts
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rThe Rockets may not be right where they wanted to be at the season’s halfway point, but they are still comfortably in second place in the B.C. Division. As expected, the duo of Colin Long and Jamie Benn has provided the bulk of the scoring for the Rockets, combining for 41 goals and 91 points. Cody Almond has contributed secondary scoring as well, and is the only other Rocket with more than 10 goals. The return of Kyle St. Denis to the lineup will add more offensive depth to what has been a pretty strong group of forwards. Defensively, the Rockets have been solid, giving up fifth-fewest number of goals in the WHL despite a penalty killing unit that ranks only ninth in the League. Sophomore Tyson Barrie has been an offensive boon for the Rockets, netting 31 points in as many games, while towering Tyler Myers has been a very strong two-way presence and significantly improves his physical play. The return of veteran defensive stalwart Tysen Dowzak further bolstered the Rockets’ defense corps. Veteran goaltender Kris Lazaruk struggled after coming over from Kootenay in September, but has had strong performances of late. Rookie netminder Adam Brown has shown the potential as the Rockets’ goalie of the future.
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rPrince George Cougars
r2008-09 record: 36gp 14-21-0-1, 29pts (4th in Div., 8th in Conf.) GF: 109 GA: 162
rTop Scorers:
r Dana Tyrell 30gp-19g-21a-40pts
r Brett Connolly 34gp-16g-18a-34pts
r Cameron Cepek 33gp-7g-20a-27pts
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rThe Cougars have endured a rough first half to the season, but still currently find themselves in the playoff picture in the Western Conference. Up front, the Cougars have benefitted from their sixth-ranked power play which has accounted for 36 of the team’s 109 goals this season. Dana Tyrell leads the Cougars in scoring with 40 points in 30 games, but will likely miss significant time, if not the rest of the season, due to an injury suffered with Canada’s World Junior team. 16-year-old rookie Brett Connolly has been one of the top first-year players in the WHL this season, and is producing at a point-per-game clip, while 20-year-old rookie Brian Matte and veteran Parker Stanfield have also contributed scoring. Defensively, the Cougars have had a tough time so far, surrendering the most goals of any team in the WHL. Aside from defenseman Colin Scherger, not a single player on the team’s active roster has a positive +/-. In addition, the Cougars’ penalty killing unit ranks 21st of 22 teams, and has allowed 50 goals. Cameron Cepek and Dallas Jackson have, however, contributed offensively. Goaltenders Kevin Armstrong and Joe Caligiuri both have GAAs above 4.00 and save percentages well under .900, further indicating the team’s defensive struggles.
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rVancouver Giants
r2008-09 record: 33gp 28-2-0-3, 59pts (1st in Div., 1st in Conf.) GF: 163 GA: 64
rTop Scorers:
r Casey Pierro-Zabotel 33gp-15g-39a-54pts
r Evander Kane 28gp-22g-26a-48pts
r Jonathon Blum 28gp-14g-30a-44pts
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rThe Giants find themselves in the familiar spot of first place in the B.C. Division after an outstanding start to the 2008-09 season. To say the Giants have been dominant would be an understatement. Through 33 games, the Giants have scored more goals than any WHL team while allowing the fewest of any team. In addition, the Giants own the League’s second-best power play and the WHL’s top penalty killing unit. Offensively, the Giants boast nine players, including three defensemen, with over 20 points this season. Casey Pierro-Zabotel and Evander Kane have been one of the WHL’s most dynamic and dangerous duos this season. Secondary scoring has been plentiful from the likes of James Wright, Craig Cunningham, Garry Nunn, Andrej Kudrna and Mike Piluso, among others. Defensively, the Giants have been their usual stingy selves. In Jon Blum, the Giants have perhaps the best Junior-aged defenseman in the world. Blum not only leads all WHL rearguards in scoring, but boasts an amazing +41 rating after only 28 games. Blum, Brent Regner, Craig Schira and Neil Manning have combined for 33 goals and 117 points this season, and are a combined +134. Tyson Sexsmith has posted an 18-2-0-2 record in 22 games this season, and also set the WHL all-time record for career shutouts earlier this season.
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rWHL U.S. Division
rEverett Silvertips
r2008-09 record: 33gp 15-13-5-0, 35pts (3rd in Div., 5th in Conf.) GF: 104 GA: 111
rTop Scorers:
r Kellan Tochkin 33gp-10g-26a-36pts
r Daniel Bartek 33gp-15g-15a-30pts
r Shane Harper 33gp-13g-17a-30pts
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rThe Silvertips have endured their ups and downs in what has been a rebuilding phase during the 2008-09 season, but still find themselves firmly in a playoff position. With many of the team’s former scorers gone, it’s been up to the ‘Tips’ youngsters to chip in offense. 17-year-old rookie Kellan Tochkin leads the team in scoring, averaging better than a point per game, and has partnered with fellow rookies Byron Froese and Tyler Maxwell to form a strong scoring unit. Daniel Bartek, acquired from Brandon at the start of the season, and veteran Shane Harper have also contributed offense. Top returning forward Kyle Beach, a 1st round NHL draft pick, has shown some inconsistency but has the ability to be a dominant force in the season’s second half. Generally a strong defensive team, the ‘Tips find themselves in the middle of the pack in goals-against this season. Veteran Graham Potuer leads the defense corps with five goals, 15 points and a +9 rating. Yet, Potuer is the only ‘Tips defenseman with a positive +/- figure. Goaltenders Shayne Barrie and Kent Simpson have been impressive, for the most part. Barrie has enjoyed some strong outings while 16-year-old rookie Simpson has displayed the talent to become the ‘Tips’ goalie of the future.
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rPortland Winter Hawks
r2008-09 record: 33gp 8-24-1-0, 17pts (5th in Div., 10th in Conf.) GF: 68 GA: 137
rTop Scorers:
r Radim Valchar 33gp-10g-11a-21pts
r Killian Hutt 33gp-8g-10a-18pts
r Chris Francis 27gp-5g-13a-18pts
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rThe Winter Hawks have suffered through two miserable, tumultuous seasons in 2006-07 and 07-08. Although they haven’t seen much improvement over the first half of the 2008-09 season, the team’s stable of young talent should have fans optimistic about the future. A major change in the team’s ownership and a coaching change instilled a bit more life in the Winter Hawks in late October. Offensively, the Winter Hawks have scored the fewest goals in the WHL and own the League’s 20th-ranked power play. Czech sophomore Radim Valchar leads the team in scoring and is the only player with 10 goals. Veterans Chris Francis and Luke Walker have chipped in some offense while rookies Killian Hutt and Brad Ross have shown plenty of skill and should be dominant players in the future. Defensively, the Hawks have improved from last season. One key improvement is that the team isn’t conceding as many shots as they did last season. However, their penalty killing unit currently ranks last in the WHL. Veteran Kurtis Mucha and 16-year-old rookie Keith Hamilton have done what they can in the Hawks’ net. Mucha needs four more wins to hit the 50-win mark for his career. Hamilton recorded his first career victory in a memorable overtime triumph in Saskatoon.
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rSeattle Thunderbirds
r2008-09 record: 34gp 14-17-1-2, 31pts (4th in Div., 7th in Conf.) GF: 99 GA: 117
rTop Scorers:
r Prab Rai 28gp-16g-14a-30pts
r Jim O’Brien 32gp-11g-19a-30pts
r Jeremy Boyer 33gp-7g-17a-24pts
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rThe Thunderbirds find themselves under the .500 mark and well back in the race for the U.S. Division lead at the 08-09 season’s midway point. However, considering the T-Birds have played 26 of their first 34 games on the road, they may well be able to climb the Western Conference ladder over the season’s second half when they move into their new home in Kent, WA. Offensively, the T-Birds have had their struggles and are one of only five WHL teams yet to hit the 100-goal mark. Prab Rai and Jim O’Brien share the team scoring lead, but Rai is the only player on the team averaging better than a point per game. Greg Scott has yet to find the form that saw him score 38 goals last season, while more production will be needed from veterans Lindsay Nielsen, David Richard and Devon LeBlanc for the T-Birds to find more success. Thomas Hickey has been one of the WHL’s best blueliners again this season, leading the team in scoring among defensemen while boasting a team-best +13 rating. Veteran goaltender Jacob DeSerres was one of the WHL’s best goaltenders last season, but has seen a drop-off in his play this season. However, 16-year-old Calvin Pickard, the younger brother of Tri-Cities’ Chet Pickard, has been a pleasant addition, having posted a 10-9-3 record with a decent .898 save percentage.
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rSpokane Chiefs
r2008-09 record: 34gp 20-11-0-3, 43pts (2nd in Div., 3rd in Conf.) GF: 103 GA: 70
rTop Scorers:
r Drayson Bowman 30gp-15g-18a-33pts
r Mitch Wahl 30gp-16g-15a-31pts
r Levko Koper 34gp-16g-15a-31pts
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rThe Chiefs may not have found the form they displayed last year during their remarkable run to the WHL Championship and the Memorial Cup. Losing their entire second line from last season’s team has hurt the Chiefs’ offensive production this season. Drayson Bowman and Mitch Wahl are averaging better than a point per game, yet are far behind where they were at this time last season. Levko Koper and Tyler Johnson have both stepped up to contribute secondary scoring. However, aside from Bowman, Wahl, Johnson and Koper, no other Chief has more than five goals. Defensively, the Chiefs have been their usual suffocating selves, having allowed the second-fewest number of goals in the WHL. Jared Spurgeon has provided strong offensive and puck-moving abilities, helping the Chiefs to the League’s third-best power play. 17-year-old star Jared Cowen has become one of the top shutdown defensemen in the WHL, and has shown more offensive upside as well. A major reason for the Chiefs’ strong defensive record has been the stellar play of Memorial Cup MVP goaltender Dustin Tokarski. The 19-year-old has posted a 1.97 GAA and an amazing .938 save percentage this season, and has been the most consistent netminder in the WHL this season.
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rTri-City Americans
r2008-09 record: 33gp 23-8-0-2, 48pts (1st in Div., 2nd in Conf.) GF: 118 GA: 86
rTop Scorers:
r Jason Reese 33gp-21g-22a-43pts
r Taylor Procyshen 33gp-15g-27a-42pts
r Kruise Reddick 33gp-12g-15a-27pts
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rThe Americans find themselves exactly where they finished up at the end of the regular season last year – leading the U.S. Division. Although they may be a shade younger than last season, and have lost a couple key players from last year’s Scotty Munro trophy-winning side, the Ams still have to be considered among the WHL’s elite teams based on their first-half performance. Though the team hasn’t scored at the same pace they did last year, the Ams still boast an exciting offensive team. Jason Reese and Taylor Procyshen have carried the bulk of the offensive load while Kruise Reddick, Johnny Lazo, Adam Hughesman and November acquisition Mitch Fadden have added plenty of secondary scoring. 16-year-old rookie Justin Feser has also impressed with his offensive ability. Improving their 11th-ranked power play would help the Ams get back to the offensive level they were at last season. Defensively, the Ams have been strong. The team has allowed the fourth-fewest number of goals and owns the League’s third-ranked penalty killing unit. Brett Plouffe and Jarrett Toll have enjoyed strong campaigns at both ends of the ice while Tyler Schmidt has been very strong as a shutdown defenseman. With reigning WHL Goalie of the Year Chet Pickard between the pipes, the Ams have one of the League’s best netminders. Although he has endured the odd rough outing, Pickard has been very solid and currently ranks among the leaders in all goaltending categories.
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