WHL Season Rewind: Central Division
As the Western Hockey League’s 22 member clubs prepare for the 2018-19 WHL Regular Season, there’s renewed hopes of hoisting the Ed Chynoweth Cup at the conclusion of the 2019 WHL Playoffs. Before the season gets underway, it’s time to take a look back at the individual and team performances that made the 2017-18 season one to remember. Today, the WHL is taking a look back at the Central Division, which saw a back-to-back division champion, three selections at the 2018 NHL Draft, and the rookie seasons of players high on the radar for the 2019 NHL Draft. This is the WHL Season Rewind.
Medicine Hat Tigers – 36-28-8-0 – 1st in Central
The Medicine Hat Tigers finished first in the Central Division for the second straight season. The Tigers started the season on a good pace, winning eight of their first 12 games. During that time, they provided a thrashing to the Kootenay ICE, defeating them 11-1 in what was the league-wide second biggest win during the season and tying for the most goals scored in a single game.
The Tigers continued their rampant pace, improving to a 15-7-0-0 record in mid-November before facing some tough opponents who gave them some trouble. Even with the difficulties faced through December, the Tigers continued their winning ways heading into the WHL Trade Deadline with a 22-16-3-0 record. The day started off with a sweet deal for the Tigers that saw them bring in a former first round selection in Elijah Brown. Brown had played a shortened season, and at the time of the trade, he had only suited up for 13 games. Once he joined the Tigers he put up 18 points (7G-11A) in 30 games. His production helped ease the loss of Max Gerlach who was later sent to the Saskatoon Blades in a three-way trade that saw the Tigers acquire Bryan Lockner and a pair of high WHL Bantam draft selections.
The Tigers would finish off the season with a post-trade deadline record of 14-12-5-0, including a 13-game stretch with a 9-3-1-0 record. Throughout the season the Tigers were led by a 50-goal scorer in Mark Rassell, who put up 80 points (50G-30A) in 70 games. Tying him for team lead was defenceman and New York Islanders prospect David Quenneville, who also put up 80 points (26G-54A) in 70 games from the blue line. Following close behind was center James Hamblin who scored 64 points (21G-43A) in 70 games.
Claiming top spot in the Central, the Tigers played host to the Brandon Wheat Kings in Round One of the 2018 WHL Playoffs. With a similar season record, the Wheat Kings were a formidable matchup for the Central Division Champs. The first round was a high scoring affair, which saw the Tigers score 24 goals in six games, but also saw them allow 24 goals in six games. After winning the first two games of the series, the division champions found themselves in trouble as they lost both games in Manitoba followed by a tight loss at home in game five and an overtime defeat in game six.
The season did not end without some excellent news for one of the top performers on the Tigers as Quenneville was signed to an entry level contract upon the completion of the Tigers playoff run. In addition to some impressive performances by the team’s leaders, the Tigers also had some impressive rookies’ step into the spotlight. Leading the way was Josh Williams, who scored 20 points (11G-9A) in 47 games. Williams was also present at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup where he scored five goals and added an assist for six points in five games, winning gold with Team Canada. Next season, Williams will look to take on a bigger role, as the Tigers will look for the third division title in as many years.
ICYMI: D-Man David Quenneville recorded his 197th career point as a Medicine Hat Tiger setting a new franchise record for points by a defenceman, passing Kris Russell's previous mark of 196.
Congrats Q!#Medhat #LiveBreatheOrange #GoTigers #GetemQ pic.twitter.com/Vp8LBtliLI
— Medicine Hat Tigers (@tigershockey) February 10, 2018
Lethbridge Hurricanes – 33-33-6-0 – 2nd in Central
The Lethbridge Hurricanes captured second place in the Central Division for the second consecutive season. Their season featured some perseverance as they started with only seven wins in their first 20 games. They found their rhythm though, winning seven of their next eight to improve to 14-13-1-0. Heading into the WHL Trade Deadline the Hurricanes were just shy of a .500 win percentage, which in most circumstances would indicate the team’s playoff chances were in jeopardy. But this was no ordinary season as the Hurricanes, even with a losing record, still found themselves in playoff contention. With the powerhouse teams in the East Division jockeying for position, the Hurricanes decided to make moves that would build their team for the present and future.
On January 9th, the team sent captain Giorgio Estephan, who had put up 58 points (18G-40A) in 39 games, forward Tanner Nagel, who scored eight points (3G-5A) in 35 games, and 19-year-old goaltender Stuart Skinner, a prospect of the Edmonton Oilers to the Swift Current Broncos. The return was massive and included Logan Barlage, the fourth overall selection in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft, overage goaltender Logan Flodell, 2000-born forward Owen Blocker, 19-year-old defenceman Matthew Stanle2y, and a pair of draft picks.
This trade clearly altered the Hurricanes roster, but it was a move that would pay dividends by the conclusion of the season. Flodell continued his strong play after joining the Hurricanes, finishing the season as the runner up for the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy as WHL Goaltender of the Year. Additionally, Barlage provided excellent depth to an already deep roster and formed a dynamic team with fellow rookie Dylan Cozens. Prior to pulling the trigger on this massive deal, the Hurricanes made a one-for-one trade that would also better their roster, sending overage defenceman Brennan Riddle to Vancouver for overage forward Brad Morrison in what was one piece of their extremely busy trade deadline.
.@WHLHurricanes forward @jordybellerive signs with @penguins.
DETAILS 📰 | https://t.co/hgITYguYeD pic.twitter.com/vjpsscOg7C
— The WHL (@TheWHL) September 16, 2017
The busiest team at the trade deadline got much younger and sent most of their veterans away for draft selections, yet their remaining players and incoming players proved they were not giving up on the season.
After Flodell arrived, he compiled a 14-10-1-0 record. The team in front of him was led by Jordy Bellerive, who posted 92 points (46G-46A) in 71 games, while Morrison recorded 40 points (16G-24A) in 32 games after joining the Hurricanes. Defenceman Calen Addison proved his worth, recording 65 points (11G-54A) in 68 games in his first year of eligibility for the NHL Draft.
The Hurricanes also had some help from rookie phenom Dylan Cozens took home Jim Piggot Memorial Trophy as WHL Rookie of the Year after posting 53 points (22G-31A) in 57 games.
The winner of the 2017-18 Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy as the WHL Rookie of the Year is @Dylan_Cozens of the @WHLHurricanes! #WHLAwards pic.twitter.com/a0dZREpt66
— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 2, 2018
The Hurricanes showed their resiliency come playoff time, as they entered only winning one of their previous nine games. When the puck dropped in the first game however, the Hurricanes looked like a completely different squad. They owned the ice, blanking the Red Deer Rebels in a 6-0 win. The second game went just as well, ending 8-3 and giving Lethbridge the 2-0 series advantage. They continued to roll and defeated the Rebels in five games, securing their spot in the Round Two.
For the second time this season, @WHLHurricanes forward @Dylan_Cozens has been named the WHL Rookie of the Month!
DETAILS 📰 | https://t.co/0LtMFKBrad pic.twitter.com/nFpJS0SVY7
— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 1, 2018
The second round went just as well for the Hurricanes, who rolled through the Brandon Wheat Kings in five games to earn a berth into the Eastern Conference Championship. The series featured some familiar faces as the Hurricanes faced off against their former captain and starting goaltender with the Broncos. The Hurricanes lost the first two in Swift Current before winning both games in Lethbridge. Taking it to six games, they lost to the eventual Ed Chynoweth Cup Champions. While the Hurricanes lost out after 16 games, Morrison was acknowledged for scoring 37 points (16G-21A) to lead all WHL players throughout the 2018 WHL Playoffs.
The impressive performances by members of the Hurricanes did not go unnoticed. Morrison signed a entry-level contract with the Los Angeles Kings after his monster post season. Prior to the start of the season, Bellerive signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Brennan Mennell signed with Minnesota Wild.
One of the highly-touted prospects coming from the WHL in the 2018 NHL Draft, Addison was selected in the second round, 53rd overall, by the Penguins.
Congratulations to @WHLHurricanes defenceman @calenaddison, selected 53rd overall by the @penguins! #NHLDraft #LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/58Jn8vS8N6
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
New @penguins prospect @calenaddison finished the 2017-18 season with 65 points (11G-54A). He was also tied for second in scoring among WHL defencemen in the #WHLPlayoffs with 19 points (7G-12A). #NHLDraft #LetsGoPens pic.twitter.com/5688JEvPLi
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
Red Deer Rebels – 27-32-10-3 – 3rd in Central
The Red Deer Rebels finished third in the Central Division thanks to an impressive second half that saw them battle their way into a playoff spot. The season started well, with the Rebels earning wins in each of their first three games. Some struggles saw them drop in the standings, but shortly after the trade deadline, they began to gel.
The Rebels made three trades leading up to the deadline. All three saw 18 or 19-year-old players exit the organization in exchange for WHL Bantam Draft selections. The first saw defenceman Brandon Schuldhaus sent to the Moose Jaw Warriors for Colin Paradis and a couple of picks. The Rebels then sent forward Austin Pratt to the Regina Pats for a third-round selection. Lastly, they sent Lukus MacKenzie to Portland for a sixth-round pick.
The movement of older players opened gaps in the lineup for younger players to take on an increased role. This worked for the Rebels as they found themselves on a winning pace, going 17-10-3-0 after the trade deadline, including a run where they went 17-6-3-0. This impressive back half was filled with many great story lines.
The month of February saw Rebels goaltender Riley Lamb named as the Vaughn WHL Goaltender of the Month after going 8-0-0-0 in his eight starts and posting a 1.75 GAA. The Rebels were also led by some exceptional talent up front, starting with Mason McCarty, who tallied 74 points (38G-36A) in 69 games. Brandon Hagel also scored at more than a point per game pace, recording 59 points (18G-41A) in 56 games. To round out the top three, Kristian Reichel scored 57 points (34G-23A) in 63 games. Following close behind were captain Grayson Pawlenchuk and fellow forward Reese Johnson, who scored 52 points (18G-34A) and 39 points (23G-16A) respectively. The defensive core was led by 2018 NHL Draft prospect Alexander Alexeyev, who posted 37 points (7G-30A) in 45 games.
As the playoffs approached, the Rebels made one last push, passing the Kootenay ICE by enough points to secure themselves a berth into the 2018 WHL Playoffs. The playoffs opened against the Hurricanes, who took the Rebels by storm, winning the first three games of the series before the Rebels struck back in game four, which they won 5-2. Game five ultimately would decide their fate and as the high scoring affair came to an end, the Rebels took a 6-4 loss to the Hurricanes, spelling an end to their season.
The 2018 NHL Draft was also a boon to the Rebels’ season as Alexeyev was selected 31st overall by the Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals. Pick 168 also saw a Rebels player selected as fellow defenceman Dawson Barteaux was selected by the Dallas Stars in the sixth round.
Congratulations to @Rebelshockey defenceman @Alexeyev04, selected 31st overall by the @Capitals! #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/CRVOuz81JT
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
WATCH: During the 2017-18 season, @Capitals defensive prospect @Alexeyev04 had 37 points (7G-30A) in 45 games! #NHLDraft #ALLCAPS pic.twitter.com/nuwJgjwko9
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
Congratulations to @Rebelshockey defenceman @24Barteaux, selected 168th overall by the @DallasStars! #NHLDraft #GoStars pic.twitter.com/TyRvWdQZ9m
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
Kootenay ICE – 27-38-5-2 – 4th in Central
The Kootenay ICE look for a reinvigorated start as they ushered in a new ICE age for the 2017-18 season. After missing the playoffs in the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, the ICE had something to prove. They started well and by Christmas had managed a record of 18-17-2-0. This season, the ICE did show glimpses of potential as they had several solid stretches of play.
Some of these stretches include a five-game winning streak from December 16, 2017 to December 30, 2017. Another stretch in January saw them winning five of six games from January 14, 2018 to January 27, 2018. The season ended on a high note as well as they won their last two games against the Rebels, outscoring them 11-2 over the two combined games.
Throughout the season their team was led by their 20-year-olds, including Alec Baer, who recorded 61 points (30G-31A), Colton Kroeker also had 61 points (15G-46A), and Colton Veloso tallied 47 points (25G-22A). The ICE also had an outstanding performances by forward and Dallas Stars prospect Brett Davis, who tallied 58 points (25G-33A).
One of the season’s many new bright spots came in the full-time debut of Peyton Krebs. The first overall selection in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft had a six-game audition in the 2016-17 season, but entered the WHL on a mission this past season. His 54 points (17G-37A) led all rookies in scoring. He had 13-multi-point games throughout the course of the season, including a career-high four-point game early on in the season.
As his game grows in the WHL, Hockey Canada has asked the Okotoks, Alta. product to represent them at two major international competitions. Last November, Krebs captained Canada Red to a silver medal at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. Earlier this month, Krebs joined forces with other WHL players to help Canada win gold at the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton.
As the season rolled on, the hopes of making playoffs were still alive at the trade deadline. The acquisition of Matt Berlin helped to aid the team in net while the acquisition of Duncan McGovern also gave the rookie netminder more time to develop his game in net to the point that he was ranked by NHL Central Scouting. Ultimately, the ICE were not able to propel themselves into a playoff spot and fell just shy, finishing fourth in the Central Division.
Calgary Hitmen – 24-37-9-2 – 5th in Central
With a new General Manager and Head Coach at the helm of the Hitmen, a new generation of sorts began for the two-time WHL Champions in the 2017-18 season.
After making playoffs for six consecutive seasons and making it to the Eastern Conference Championship twice during that span, General Manager Jeff Chynoweth started the process of making the team his own with head coach Dallas Ferguson stepping in to guide the team on the bench.
This process began two months in with a massive blockbuster, when the Hitmen sent captain Matteo Gennaro along with Washington Capitals prospect Beck Malenstyn to the Swift Current Broncos for 20-year-old Connor Chaulk, former first round draft selections Riley Stotts and Dom Schmiemann, prospects Josh Prokop and Ethan Hein, and a second-round selection in the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft.
This massive deal was struck at the end of November and started a chain of moves that altered the Hitmen’s future. The WHL Trade Deadline was another period of change for the Hitmen, who sent Carolina Hurricanes prospect Jake Bean to the Tri-City Americans for forward Carson Focht, defenceman Dakota Krebs, and three WHL Bantam Draft selections.
The Hitmen received a lot of talent from these trades, to help their team currently and in the future. Some key performers after the trade saw Stotts recorded 41 points (19G-25A) in 47 games and Focht score 17 points (7G-10A) in 32 games. Chaulk finished off the immediate impact players by recording 20 points (10G-10A) in 35 games.
What a goal! Vladislav Yeryomenko sends the teddy 🐻 flying for the @WHLHitmen today in Calgary! pic.twitter.com/XKGswYzJLL
— The WHL (@TheWHL) December 11, 2017
Throughout the season the Hitmen were led by Jakob Stukel, who recorded 64 points (37G-27A), Jake Kryski recorded 56 points (16G-40A), and Mark Kastelic who tallied 45 points (23G-22A). Following close behind were Stotts and defenceman Vladislav Yeryomenko, who posted 41 points (13G-28A).
While the 2017-18 season never saw the Hitmen as a contender, it did have some good story lines. The Hitmen performed well against many division rivals. Their season series against the Rebels was won with a 4-1-1-1 record. They also beat the Hurricanes in four of six games, for a season series of 4-2-0-0.
Two of the top performers on the Hitmen were rewarded at the NHL Draft, that saw them selected in the third and fifth rounds. Stotts, who was acquired by the Hitmen in November, was selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs with the 83rd selection. Yeryomenko, the import defenceman from Belarus, was selected with the 151st pick by the Nashville Predators.
As they move into next season, the young core will look for increased leadership roles and the new class of rookies will be invited to challenge for roster spots. The Hitmen will be looking to use their retooled roster to return to the post season for the 15th time in 17 years.
Congratulations to @WHLHitmen forward @rileystotts8, selected 83rd overall by the @MapleLeafs! #NHLDraft #TMLTalk pic.twitter.com/tmZ0IQCKIK
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
Congratulations to @WHLHitmen defenceman Vladislav Yeryomenko on being selected 151st overall by the @PredsNHL! #NHLDraft #Preds pic.twitter.com/lsLhkzE5dk
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
Edmonton Oil Kings – 22-42-6-2 – 6th in Central
The re-tooling of the Edmonton Oil Kings continued in the 2017-18 season as the team looked to usher in a new group of top picks to their franchise with hopes of soon replicating their run of three straight Central Division titles from the early 2010s.
Last season, the Oil Kings were led by forward Trey Fix-Wolansky who tallied 89 points (32G-57A) in 71 games. Joining Fix-Wolansky on the leaderboard was forward Tomas Soustal, an early season acquisition from the Kelowna Rockets, who recorded 62 points (22G-40A). Captain Colton Kehler was also an offensive force with 51 points (32G-19A).
While the Oil Kings missed the 2018 WHL Playoffs, there was plenty to celebrate individually. The Oil Kings had some impressive performances by some of their rookies as the team looked to the next generation of stars. Forward David Kope recorded 25 points (14G-11A) and rookie defenceman Matthew Robertson tallied 24 points (7G-17A). Robertson, a product of Sherwood Park, Alta., also participated in the 2018 Hlinka Gretzky Cup where he added four points (2G-2A) in five games, winning Gold with Team Canada on home ice in Edmonton.
Brett Kemp, a mid-season acquisition from the Everett Silvertips in the 2016-17 season, enjoyed a productive campaign in his first full season wearing an Oil Kings jersey. With 14 even-strength goals, Kemp placed fourth among the rest of his teammates in that category.
Conner McDonald and Kobe Mohr also had career-best seasons as the pair of 1999-born teammates took a step forward, figuring to be part of the team’s guiding force in the next two seasons as they do their part to help usher in the team’s next generation of stars.
The Oil Kings strung together some winning streaks, highlighted by a period from February 10, 2018 to February 17, 2018 where they won four of five games. The Oil Kings also ended their season on a high note, winning three of their last four games. Nights like their annual Teddy Bear Toss and the WHL Suits Up with Don Cherry to Promote Organ Donation presented by RE/MAX were also special occasions marked with victories.
The @EdmOilKings were looking sharp for their #WHLSuitsUp with @CoachsCornerDC to Promote Organ Donation – Presented by @remaxwesterncan game last night. 🍇🍒👍
📸 Andy Devlin pic.twitter.com/ZsqUyq8Nfz
— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 3, 2018
Brett Kemp: Hey Wyatt, did you hear the one about the defender in the corner?
Wyatt McLeod: No I didn't Brett.
Brett: He was 'tied' up. Get it? #WHLSuitsUp pic.twitter.com/nBTCBgTUr3— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 3, 2018
The silver lining of missing the playoffs came just days after the final regular season game when the WHL Bantam Draft Lottery resulted in the Oil Kings earning the first overall selection in the 2018 WHL Bantam Draft. On May 3 in Red Deer, Alta., they used this selection to pick a hometown kid by the name of Dylan Guenther, a hometown product who posted 103 points (56G-47A) in 30 games with the Northern Alberta Xtreme Bantam Prep of the Canadian Sport School Bantam Hockey League.
Reliving Saturday's #TeddyBearToss magic courtesy of @DKoch17🐻. pic.twitter.com/7N2WFSOFOC
— Edmonton Oil Kings (@EdmOilKings) December 4, 2017
#OilKings announce a new #TeddyBearToss record of 14, 122 bears collected!!🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/WSkIRWaKjo
— Edmonton Oil Kings (@EdmOilKings) December 3, 2017
Fix-Wolansky was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in round seven, 204th overall, of the 2018 NHL Draft. Next season should see more success for the Oil Kings at the 2019 NHL Draft as Robertson is listed as a top prospect heading into the new season, and others on the Oil Kings will look to prove their worth.
Another new addition came to the club early in the off-season as the team named Kirt Hill as the team’s new President of Hockey Operations and General Manager. The former Manager of Player Development and Recruitment as well as the Director of Hockey Operations for the WHL. Hill, a WHL Alumni himself having played for the Kelowna Rockets and Regina Pats, subsequently hired Brad Lauer as the team’s new head coach.
From a business perspective, the Oil Kings had a lot to be proud of this season. Having delivered another exciting season of new marketing initiatives and achievements in 2017-18, the Edmonton Oil Kings were named the the Eastern Conference Finalist for the WHL Marketing/Business Award. They would go on to win the award as their initiatives contributed to the Oil Kings’ standing as the WHL leader in nightly attendance for the second consecutive season.
Congratulations to @EdmOilKings forward @Wally9191, selected 204th overall by the @BlueJacketsNHL! #NHLDraft #CBJ pic.twitter.com/kpt5putvaL
— The WHL (@TheWHL) June 23, 2018
The winner of the 2017-18 WHL Business Award is the @EdmOilKings! #WHLAwards pic.twitter.com/2M6cAmvVPn
— The WHL (@TheWHL) May 2, 2018
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