WHL Western Hockey League

2009-10 WHL Eastern Conference Team-by-Team Preview

Published on September 15, 2009 under Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release


Calgary, AB. -- The WHL opens its 44th regular season on Thursday, September 17th as the WHL Champion Kelowna Rockets begin defense of their title against B.C. Division rivals the Vancouver Giants at Prospera Place. The game will be broadcast LIVE across Western Canada on the SHAW television network starting with a preview show at 7:00pm PT.

As the 2009-10 season draws closer, fans can look forward to many exciting storylines: Will there be a 50 goal scorer this season? Who will shine among the rookies this year? Who will take this year's scoring title? And which team will prevail as Ed Chynoweth Cup - WHL Champions?

Please find below and attached a team-by-team WHL Eastern Conference preview for the 2009-10 WHL season.

The 2009-10 WHL Western Conference Preview will be available later today.

EASTERN CONFERENCE East Division

Brandon Wheat Kings

2009 pre-season: (W/L/OT) 3-1-0

General Manager / Head Coach: Kelly McCrimmon

2008-09 Record: 48-19-3-2, 101 pts (2nd in East Div., 3rd in Conf.) GF: 295 GA: 220

2009 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Calgary Hitmen in Eastern Conference Final.

2008-09 Top Scorers:

Brayden Schenn 70gp-32g-56a-88pts

Jay Fehr 68gp-32g-52a-84pts

Andrew Clark 72gp-40g-38a-78pts

Up Front: The Wheat Kings return four of their top six scorers from last season's offensively potent squad. Young stars Brayden Schenn and Scott Glennie highlight a forward group that also includes 30-goal man Jay Fehr and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Matt Calvert. In addition, the Wheat Kings expect big offensive contributions from 20-year-old sophomore Aaron Lewadniuk, 19-year-old Sanfred King and 17-year-old Mark Stone. Talented rookies such as Jordan DePape, Jesse Sinatynski and Klarc Wilson could add depth should they find themselves in the lineup for the regular season.

On The Blue Line: The Wheat Kings return up to six rearguards from last season's team. Florida Panthers' prospect Colby Robak put up 13 goals and 42 points with a solid +30 rating last season, and will be counted on to anchor the team's defense corps and provide a strong two-way presence. Veteran Brodie Melnychuk has the most WHL seasoning of all the Wheat Kings' returning blue liners aside from Robak, and will look to assume a much bigger role this season. The Wheaties' other four returnees on the blue line - Darren Bestland, Mark Schneider, Ryley Miller and Stephane Robidoux - only have a combined 196 games of WHL experience.

Goaltending: 19-year-old Andrew Hayes returns to take the reins after splitting netminding duties last season with James Priestner. Hayes has 79 regular-season and 12 post-season games under his belt in his WHL career and has shown he is capable of backstopping a team deep into the playoffs, having helped the Wheaties all the way to the Eastern Conference final last spring. 19-year-old veteran Dalyn Flette, and up-and-coming prospect Ty Rimmer will vie for the back-up role.

Player to Watch: Scott Glennie

Glennie has established himself as a star in the WHL after posting 54 goals and 128 points in 116 regular-season games over his first two seasons. A gifted scorer with a terrific shot, Glennie used his blazing speed and slick puck skills to put defenders on their heels. Drafted eighth overall by the Dallas Stars in 2009, Glennie will be a key cog for the Wheat Kings as the team sets out on their quest to win the MasterCard Memorial Cup in front of a home crowd.

Moose Jaw Warriors

2009 pre-season: 4-2-0

General Manager: Jeff Truitt

Head Coach: Dave Hunchak

2008-09 Record: 19-50-1-2, 41 pts (6th in East Div., 12th in Conf.) GF: 198 GA: 352

2009 Playoffs: Did not qualify.

2008-09 Top Scorers:

Jason Bast 72gp-26g-38a-64pts

Brendan Rowinski 62gp-17g-27a-44pts

Thomas Frazee 66gp-11g-30a-41pts

Up Front: The Warriors will look for more offensive output this season after finishing 18th in the WHL in goals scored last season. Veteran Jason Bast will pace the Warriors' attack. The 20-year-old led the team in scoring last season and has the ability to be among the WHL's scoring leaders this season. Also back are veterans Brendan Rowinski, Thomas Frazee and Dylan Hood, who will all be looking to increase their offensive production. Sophomore Quinton Howden is set to make a far bigger impact in his second season in the WHL. Improving upon their 21st-ranked power play will be at the top of the list for the Warriors as they look to rebound from a disappointing campaign last season.

On The Blue Line: The Warriors allowed the most goals of any team in the League last season. Improving their defensive play will be a key factor if the team wants to climb the standings in what will be a strong East Division. Travis Hamonic and Ryan Stanton return to lead the Warriors blue line brigade. Both have strong puck skills - Hamonic, perhaps, possesses more offensive ability - as well as size and strength. They'll look to improve upon a combined -71 rating last season. The Warriors will need to improve their penalty killing, ranked 20th in the WHL last season, if they want to lower their goals-against.

Goaltending: 19-year-old Jeff Bosch returns to take on the starting role for the Warriors. Acquired last season from Regina, Bosch gives the Warriors a steady presence in goal. 17-year-old rookie Brandon Glover takes over the backup role for the Warriors after beating out incumbent Deven Dubyk for the job. Bosch and Glover should fare better with an improved defense in front of them.

Player to Watch: Quinton Howden

The top pick in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, Howden managed a respectable 13 goals and 30 points as a 16-year-old rookie on the Warriors last season. The 6'2", 175-lb winger from Oak Bank, MB, has a combination of size, grit, skill, speed and heart that should allow him to become a dominant force in the WHL. A potential first-round NHL draft pick next summer, Howden will be a key factor in the Warriors' mission to get back in the WHL playoffs after a last-place finish last season.

Prince Albert Raiders

2009 pre-season: 3-2-0

General Manager / Head Coach: Bruno Campese

2008-09 Record: 31-36-4-1, 67 pts (4th in East Div., 9th in Conf.) GF: 233 GA: 270

2009 Playoffs: Did not qualify.

2008-09 Top Scorers:

Justin Bernhardt 72gp-35g-57a-92pts

Ryan McDonald 70gp-37g-26a-63pts

Dustin Cameron 64gp-33g-24a-57pts

Up Front: Although they lose their top two scorers from last year - Justin Bernhardt and Ryan McDonald - the Raiders still return a solid group of forwards. 20-year-old Dustin Cameron returns after a 33-goal season last year while 18-year-old Brandon Herrod, 17-year-old Ryan Harrison and 19-year-old Igor Revenko are all back and looking to increase their offensive contributions. The acquisition of 20-year-old Craig McCallum and 18-year-old Justin Maylan should also add some offensive depth. The Raiders hope their power play remains as effective as it was last season, when it ranked sixth in the WHL.

On The Blue Line: Considering only four teams allowed more goals than the Raiders did last year, team defense is something the Raiders will look to improve this season. The Raiders return six rearguards who played for the team last season, led by Boston Bruins prospect Ryan Button. The Edmonton, AB, product can provide strong puck movement, but will need more focus on his play in the defensive zone. Also back are veterans Nathan Deck and Jordan Rowley, who will help generate offense from the back end. Sophomore Ryan Aasman appears ready to play a larger role on the Raiders' blue line this season after getting into 41 games as a 16-year-old rookie last season.

Goaltending: The duo of Steven Stanford, 19, and Garrett Zemlak, 20, return to battle for the starting role in the Raiders' cage. The two split the starting role last season, with Stanford getting into 44 games and Zemlak appearing in 33 contests. Both put up nearly identical stats in terms of goals-against average and save percentage, though Zemlak had the better winning percentage. 17-year-old rookie Jacob Edwards will mount a strong challenge for the backup role

Player to Watch: Ryan Harrison

The Raiders' second-round pick in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, Harrison acquitted himself nicely as a 16-year-old rookie last season, scoring 14 goals and 35 points in 62 games while also racking up 116 penalty minutes. The 5'10", 185-lb center has good skill, strong work ethic, and is a fierce competitor. A solid prospect for the 2010 NHL draft, Harrison can provide offense while also playing a gritty, physical game.

Regina Pats

2009 pre-season: 1-4-2

General Manager: Brent Parker

Head Coach: Curtis Hunt

2008-09 Record: 27-39-1-5, 60 pts (5st in East Div., 10th in Conf.) GF: 228 GA: 265

2009 Playoffs: Did not qualify.

2008-09 Top Scorers:

Jordan Eberle 61gp-35g-39a-74pts

Jordan Weal 65gp-16g-54a-70pts

Brett Leffler 64gp-33g-24a-57pts

Up Front: The Pats return four of their top five scoring forwards from last season. Expect 19-year-old veteran Jordan Eberle and 17-year-old sophomore Jordan Weal to be the key cogs in the offense again this season. Eberle has 105 goals over three WHL seasons while Weal led all 16-year-old rookies in assists (54) and points (70) last season. Both could end up among the WHL's scoring leaders this season. Also back are power forward Brett Leffler and skilled pivot Matt Strueby, who will both be counted on for more offense after enjoying productive seasons last year. Sparkplug Garrett Mitchell will look to add more offense this season to go with his hard-nosed, competitive game while 17-year-olds Dominick Favreau and Graham Hood could add secondary scoring.

On The Blue Line: The Pats will look to cut down on the 265 goals they allowed last year, and will have to do it with a much different, younger defense corps. The team returns seven rearguards who saw game action last season, but only three with more than 100 regular-season games of experience. Veteran Colten Teubert will lead the Pats' rearguards, providing he returns from the L.A. Kings. 20-year-old veteran Matt Delahey will also play a prominent role. Aside from those two, only 18-year-old Alex Pym has more than one season of WHL experience. 16-year-old Myles Bell will also step into the Pats' lineup to provide some depth.

Goaltending: If there is one area of depth on the Pats, it's in goal, where it appears 18-year-old Damien Ketlo has emerged as the new starter, having beaten out longtime incumbent Linden Rowat. Ketlo appeared in 20 games last season as Rowat's backup. 17-year-old rookie Dawson Guhle will slot into the backup role, but will push Ketlo for playing time.

Player to Watch: Jordan Weal

The Pats' fourth-round pick at the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, Weal was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the team last year. The small, shifty center boasts excellent puck control and terrific vision, making him one of the most promising playmakers in the League. As a rookie last season, Weal managed 16 goals and 54 assists to lead all 16-year-old players with 70 points. Playing with high-end sniper Jordan Eberle, Weal should be able to rack up points again this season.

Saskatoon Blades

2009 pre-season: 2-2-1

General Manager / Head Coach: Lorne Molleken

2008-09 Record: 49-18-3-2, 103 pts (1st in East Div., 2nd in Conf.) GF: 283 GA: 195

2009 Playoffs: Lost in seven games to Lethbridge Hurricanes in first round.

2008-09 Top Scorers:

Derek Hulak 72gp-30g-46a-76pts

Milan Kytnar 65gp-27g-37a-64pts

Walker Wintoneak 72gp-31g-28a-59pts

Up Front: With seven of their eight top-scoring forwards returning this season, the Blades will ice what promises to be one of the deepest and most potent attacks in the WHL. Derek Hulak, Milan Kytnar, Walker Wintoneak, Burke Gallimore, Gaelan Patterson and Curtis Hamilton all topped the 20-goal mark last season and should deliver similar, if not better production this season. Add in talented forwards like Travis Toomey, Darian Dzyurzynski, Charles Inglis and Josh Nicholls, as well as offensive rearguards Jyri Niemi and Stefan Elliott and the Blades should have little trouble equaling or topping the 283 goals they scored last season. The big question up front is what to do with the four high-quality 20-year-olds Kytnar, Wintoneak, Hulak and Chris Langkow, since the team can only keep three.

On The Blue Line: The Blades return four veteran rearguards from last season, and also boast some stellar up-and-coming blue line talent. Jyri Niemi and Stefan Elliott both possess offensive prowess and strong skating ability while veteran Teigan Zahn has developed into a very reliable shutdown defenseman. 18-year-old Brendon Wall will look for a bigger role with the team this season after putting up seven points in 32 games last year. 16-year-old rookie Duncan Siemens has already drawn rave reviews for his strong play, and should be able to make an impact this season.

Goaltending: The graduation of veteran standout Braden Holtby leaves the door open for 18-year-old Adam Morrison to take over the starting job in the Blades' net. Morrison posted a 9-1-1 record as a rookie last season, and impressed enough for the Philadelphia Flyers to select him in the third round of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. 18-year-old Matthew Krahn, who got into one game for the Blades last season, will battle 17-year-old Chris Sharkey for the backup role.

Player to Watch: Curtis Hamilton

Hamilton is coming off a strong sophomore campaign last year, scoring 20 goals and 48 points with a +28 rating in 58 games. A big-bodied power forward with good skill and hockey sense, Hamilton enters his NHL draft year as one of the higher-rated prospects available. The son of Kelowna Rockets' general manager Bruce Hamilton, Curtis has the skill and hockey sense to be an offensive force, and the size, strength and competitiveness to be one of the harder players to play against in the WHL.

Swift Current Broncos

2009 pre-season: 1-4-1

General Manager / Head Coach: Mark Lamb

2008-09 Record: 42-28-1-1, 86 pts (3rd in East Div., 4th in Conf.) GF: 258 GA: 220

2009 Playoffs: Lost in seven games to Medicine Hat in second round.

2008-09 Top Scorers:

Keegan Dansereau 69gp-37g-44a-81pts

Justin Dowling 71gp-22g-44a-66pts

Geordie Wudrick 69gp-35g-22a-57pts

Up Front: The Broncos may have lost their top scorer, Keegan Dansereau, to graduation, but they still return a handful of forwards who can put the puck in the net. Los Angeles Kings prospect Geordie Wudrick notched 35 goals last season and will be a key cog in the Broncos' offense again this season. Also back are Justin Dowling, Michael Stickland and Cody Eakin, who all topped the 20-goal mark last season. Eakin, a Washington Capitals prospect, is primed for a impact season provided he can stay healthy. 18-year-old Taylor Vause is also due for a big jump in offensive production. 20-year-old Matt Tassone scored 36 goals last season, but is expected to miss the first couple months of the season after off-season shoulder surgery. 19-year-old Mike Brown could also contribute offensively while playing his brand of tough, physical game.

On The Blue Line: The Broncos could see up to five rearguards from last year's team return, including their top two defensemen Derek Claffey and Eric Doyle. Claffey has developed into one of the most dependable defensemen in his own zone while Doyle has consistently been among the top power play quarterbacks in the WHL. 18-year-old Joel Rogers and 17-year-old Jordan Evans should see an increased workload this season while highly-regarded prospects Taylor Ernst and Reece Scarlett could be in the mix for a spot on the Broncos' blue line. A strong defense will be needed for the Broncos to effectively deal with the powerhouse offenses of divisional rivals Brandon and Saskatoon.

Goaltending: With the graduation of Travis Yonkman, the Broncos' netminding duties likely will fall to 19-year-old Vancouver Canucks prospect Morgan Clark. Acquired from Red Deer at the January trade deadline, Clark has just shy of 100 games of WHL experience and has shown he can be a solid starter in the League. 18-year-old Alexander Sirard got into one game for the team last season, and will battle fellow 18-year-old Chad Ketting for the backup job.

Player to Watch: Taylor Vause

One of three sixth-round picks by the Broncos in 2006, Vause put up 10 goals and 30 points in 66 games last season, then added another four goals and five points in the team's first-round playoff loss to Medicine Hat. With great speed, agility and tremendous puck skills, Vause has the potential to provide plenty of offense. Although he may not be the biggest player on the ice, Vause has the skill, desire and competitiveness to overcome any size obstacles.

Central Division

Calgary Hitmen

2009 pre-season: 3-0-2

General Manager: Kelly Kisio

Head Coach: Mike Williamson

2008-09 Record: 59-9-3-1, 122 pts (1st in Central Div., 1st in Conf.) GF: 330 GA: 159

2009 Playoffs: Lost in six games to Kelowna in WHL Championship series.

2008-09 Top Scorers:

Brandon Kozun 72gp-40g-68a-108pts

Brett Sonne 62gp-48g-52a-100pts

Joel Broda 67gp-53g-34a-87pts

Up Front: Considering the Hitmen lose seven of their top 10 offensive producers from last year, don't expect a repeat of last season's 330-goal offensive juggernaut. However, with top scorer Brandon Kozun returning along with Minnesota Wild prospect Kris Foucault and hulking power forward Ian Schultz, the Hitmen have some firepower to work with. The possible return of 50-goal man Joel Broda would also greatly bolster the Hitmen's attack. The acquisition of Russian Mikhail Fisenko from Vancouver adds some size and offensive depth to the Hitmen's forward ranks. With so many departures among the forwards, the Hitmen will need to see much bigger contributions from the likes of Chase Schaber, Tyler Fiddler, Cody Sylvester and MacKenzie Royer if they are to repeat as Central Division and Eastern Conference champs for a third straight season.

On The Blue Line: The graduation of veterans Paul Postma, Alex Plante and Keith Seabrook leaves a large hole on the Hitmen's blue line, not only on the defensive side but offensively as well. Luckily, the Hitmen return Michael Stone, who is coming off a 19-goal, 61-point campaign, and NHL draft-eligible Matt MacKenzie, who missed a large portion of last season due to injury. The acquisition of 20-year-old journeyman Ryan Kerr adds much-needed experience to what will be a rather green group of rearguards. Sophomores Erik Bonsor and Austin Madaisky are poised for greater responsibility this season after solid rookie campaigns last year.

Goaltending: 19-year-old Martin Jones returns, looking to build upon a terrific season last year when he won 45 of 55 games he played. The Los Angeles Kings prospect will need to be even sharper this season without the All-Star defense he had in front of him last year. 18-year-old Michael Snider backed up Jones last season, but will face some stiff competition from up-and-coming 17-year-old prospect Chase Komistek for the job this season.

Player to Watch: Ian Schultz

The brother of former Hitmen and current Washington Capital Jeff Schultz, Ian Schultz has put up a respectable 30 goals and 71 points over the last two seasons in, largely, a third-line role for the Hitmen. Now, with the graduation of several top forwards, expect Schultz to play a much more prominent role up front for the Hitmen. The 6'2", 200-lb St. Louis Blues prospect has the skill to score goals and make plays, but also plays a punishing physical game. One of the toughest players in the WHL, Schultz could be a dominant force for the Hitmen this season.

Edmonton Oil Kings

2009 pre-season: 3-2-1

General Manager: Bob Green

Head Coach: Steve Pleau

2008-09 Record: 29-34-4-5, 67 pts (5th in Central Div., 8th in Conf.) GF: 191 GA: 252

2009 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Calgary in first round.

2008-09 Top Scorers:

Brenden Dowd 72gp-29g-33a-62pts

Jeff Lee 72gp-22g-40a-62pts

Brent Raedeke 70gp-19g-36a-55pts

Up Front: Despite losing four of their top seven scorers from last season, the Oil Kings boast some top-end young talent waiting to make an impact. 20-year-old Brett Breitkreuz and 19-year-old Brent Raedeke return to lead the offense. Each put up 19 goals and 55 points last season, and both should easily be able to better those totals this season. Czech winger Tomas Vincour is also poised for a breakout year after missing significant time due to injury last season. While the veterans may lead the way, promising rookies such as 17-year-old Dylan Wruck and 16-year-old Michael St. Croix could also make a difference in helping the Oil Kings improve upon what was the second-lowest offensive output of any Eastern Conference team last season.

On The Blue Line: The Oil Kings return seven rearguards who played at least 25 games for the team last season. Veterans Drew Nichol and Adrian Van de Mosselaer join newly-acquired Garrett Thiessen as the most experienced returnees on the Oil Kings' blue line. Sophomore Mark Pysyk, a top prospect for the 2010 NHL draft, should be ready for a much bigger role this season, both offensively and defensively. Other returnees like Henrik Tervonen, Jesse Pearson and Tyler Hlookoff will see heavy competition from newcomers like Keegan Lowe and Braeden Laroque.

Goaltending: With 20-year-old Torrie Jung returning, the Oil Kings have one of the better netminders in the WHL manning their cage. Jung posted a very respectable 20-20-3-5 record with a .912 save percentage last season, and was even better in the Oil Kings' first-round loss to the powerful Calgary Hitmen. 17-year-old Cam Lanigan, who backed up Jung last year, is also back while 16-year-old prospect Laurent Brossoit could also be in the mix for the backup role.

Player to Watch: Mark Pysyk

The Oil Kings' first-ever Bantam Draft selection, Pysyk has 'Franchise Defenseman" written all over him. An excellent skater with great vision, hockey sense and puck skills, Pysyk logged a ton of ice time as a 16-year-old rookie, notching five goals and 20 points in 61 games. Already a steady and strong presence in the defensive zone, Pysyk will be expected to provide more offense and jump into the rush more often this season. The Sherwood Park, AB, product will also garner plenty of attention from NHL scouts as one of the top-rated prospects for the 2010 NHL Draft.

Kootenay Ice

2009 pre-season: 2-2-0

General Manager: Jeff Chynoweth

Head Coach: Mark Holick

2008-09 Record: 35-29-2-6, 78 pts (4th in Central. Div., 6th in Conf.) GF: 220 GA: 224

2009 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Brandon in first round.

2008-09 Top Scorers:

Andrew Bailey 70gp-28g-33a-61pts

Tylan Stephens 72gp-27g-30a-57pts

Kevin King 70gp-21g-32a-53pts

Up Front: The Tce return only two players - Dustin Sylvester and Kevin King - who topped the 20-goal mark last year. Sylvester managed 21 goals and 41 points in only 34 games before a leg injury sidelined him for the rest of the season. If healthy, Sylvester could be a 40-goal scorer or better this season. 19-year-old King, who attended NHL training camp with the Minnesota Wild this fall, will look to build upon a 53-point campaign this season. The Ice also return sophomores Jesse Ismond, Max Reinhart, Drew Czerwonka and Dominik Pacovsky, who will all need to up their offensive contributions to replace the scoring of graduates Andrew Bailey and Tylan Stephens. Steele Boomer will also look to rebound after a difficult, injury-plagued season last year.

On The Blue Line: The Ice return six rearguards who saw time with the club last season, but only one - Brayden McNabb - with more than one season of WHL experience. McNabb, a Buffalo Sabres prospect, has offensive ability, as seen with his 10-goal, 36-point output last season, and is tough as nails in the defensive zone. Sophomore Hayden Rintoul also boasts strong offensive ability and should help bolster the power play. The acquisition of 20-year-old Ryan Molle gives the Ice experience and a very strong defensive presence on the blue line.

Goaltending: 18-year-old Nathan Lieuwen and 19-year-old Todd Mathews are back to battle for the starting job in the Ice net. Lieuwen, a highly-regarded prospect last year, appeared in 35 games before an injury sidelined him. He'll need to bounce back from a tough season if he wants to take back the starting job from the veteran Mathews, who performed well after coming over from Moose Jaw. Lethbridge, AB, product Dylan Tait, 18, will challenge Mathews and Lieuwen for a spot on the roster.

Player to Watch: Drew Czerwonka

The Ice's first-round pick at the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, Czerwonka is a hard-nosed winger who plays a physical, crash-and-bang, hard-working style and can also put the puck in the net. The Glenavon, SK, product enjoyed a strong rookie season as a 16-year-old last year, scoring 16 goals while racking up 83 penalty minutes in 55 games for a young Ice squad. With a year of experience under his belt, expect Czerwonka to be a leader on the ice for what will be another young and energetic Kootenay team.

Lethbridge Hurricanes

2009 pre-season: 0-4-2

General Manager / Head Coach: Rich Preston

2008-09 Record: 35-32-3-2, 75 pts (4th in Central Div., 7th in Conf.) GF: 227 GA: 228

2009 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Calgary in second round.

2008-09 Top Scorers:

Colten Sceviour 69gp-29g-51a-80pts

Kyle Beach 54gp-24g-39a-63pts

Dwight King 64gp-25g-35a-60pts

Up Front: The Hurricanes will lose a few key pieces to their offense, namely stars Zach Boychuk, Dwight King and Colton Sceviour. Yet, with impact players like 30-goal man Carter Ashton, Chicago Blackhawks prospect Kyle Beach and sparkplug Carter Bancks returning, the Hurricanes should be able to generate some offense. 18-year-old sophomore Austin Fyten will look to build upon a 12-goal, 25-point rookie season last year. Veteran Cam Braes has potential to see a more offensive role this season while continuing to play a physical, agitating style. Sophomore Brody Sutter could be in line for a breakout season after battling injuries during his rookie season last year.

On The Blue Line: The Hurricanes will be much younger on the blue line this season following the departure of veterans Ben Wright, Luca Sbisa and Mitch Versteeg. 19-year-old Washington Capitals prospect Eric Mestery and 18-year-old veteran Brennan Yadlowski have the most WHL experience among the returning rearguards while returnees Max Ross and Cody Castro have 81 games of WHL seasoning between them. 16-year-old rookie hopefuls Reid Jackson, Drew Graham and Brandyn Hulit, all 2008 Bantam Draft picks, will get the opportunity to show they can play at the WHL level.

Goaltending: The graduation of Finnish goaltender Juha Metsola leaves the door open for the number one job in the 'Canes' cage. 19-year-old Michael Tadjdeh got into 21 games as a rookie last season, posting a 10-10-0 record with two shutouts, and has the most WHL experience of any netminder in 'Canes' camp. 17-year-old Finn Ville Kolppanen, the team's CHL Import draft pick this June, and 17-year-old Brandon Anderson make it a three-way battle for a job in the Hurricanes' crease.

Player to Watch: Carter Bancks

A fan favorite in Lethbridge, 20-year-old Bancks is one of the most entertaining players to watch. A hard-working, feisty player who loves to get involved, Bancks also possesses good offensive skills, having put up 123 during his three seasons with the Hurricanes. As one of the older veterans on what will be a younger squad, Bancks will be expected to be a leader in the dressing room and on the ice this season.

Medicine Hat Tigers

2009 pre-season: 4-3-0

General Manager / Head Coach: Will Desjardins

2008-09 Record: 36-29-4-3, 93 pts (2nd in Central Div., 5th in Conf.) GF: 249 GA: 242

2008 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Brandon in second round.

2007-08 Top Scorers:

Tyler Ennis 61gp-43g-42a-85pts

Linden Vey 71gp-24g-48a-72pts

Sean Ringrose 72gp-28g-31a-59pts

Up Front: The Tigers lose four of their top five scorers from last year, including All-Star Tyler Ennis, meaning they have to replace over 100 goals worth of offense. A lot more will be expected from many returning players on what will be a veteran-laden forward group. 18-year-old Linden Vey, a Los Angeles Kings draft pick this past summer, is poised to build on his 72-point season last year while 19-year-old Czech forward Zdenek Okal should build on his strong post-season performance last season. Veterans Colton Grant, Bretton Cameron, Tristan King and Wacey Hamilton all have the ability to contribute more to the offense. 17-year-old rookie hopeful Emerson Etem has shown good offensive instincts in pre-season play and could be a solid addition to the lineup this season.

On The Blue Line: The Tigers return five rearguards from last year's squad that allowed the most goals the team has given up since the 2002-03 season. 20-year-old Mark Isherwood provides the team strong offense from the point, having scored 19 goals last year, including 13 on the power play. Also back are third-year veterans Jayce Coyle, Cody Carlson and Matt Konan, and sophomore Thomas Carr. Konan impressed enough with his abilities to earn a free agent invite to training camp with the Anaheim Ducks. Promising 16-year-old Dylan Busenius will look to fill one of the open spots on the Tigers' blue line.

Goaltending: Last season's goaltending tandem of Ryan Holfeld, 20, and Tyler Bunz, 17, returns while 19-year-old Kyle Birch is also in competition for a spot. Holfeld has 122 regular-season WHL games under his belt and has proven himself as a capable starting goalie in the League. Bunz, who got into 22 games last year, is a promising prospect and will push for more playing time this season. Birch has limited WHL experience with Tri-Cities and Moose Jaw.

Player to Watch: Linden Vey

The Los Angeles Kings' fourth-round pick at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Vey will assume the role as the go-to guy in the Tigers' lineup after the graduation of Tyler Ennis. A smart, creative and hard-working player, Vey's talent for making plays and his passing abilities make him a dangerous offensive threat. The Wakaw, SK, product also plays a strong defensive game and is a valuable asset on the penalty kill.

Red Deer Rebels

2009 pre-season: 5-0-1

V.P. of Hockey Operations / Head Coach: Jesse Wallin

2008-09 Record: 25-37-1-9, 60 pts (6th in Central Div., 11th in Conf.)

2009 Playoffs: Did not qualify.

2008-09 Top Scorers:

Landon Ferraro 68gp-37g-18a-55pts

Willie Coetzee 72gp-18g-24a-42pts

Cass Mappin 56gp-17g-22a-39pts

Up Front: With a strong cast of young forwards returning to the fold, the Rebels look to take a step forward, offensively, this season. Top scorer Landon Ferraro is coming off a 37-goals sophomore season, and is a safe bet to top the 40-goal plateau this season. Also back are Cass Mappin and Willie Coetzee, who combined for 35 goals and 81 points last season, and offensive-minded sophomore Brett Ferguson. The acquisition of 20-year-old Nathan Green from Brandon gives the Rebels a strong veteran presence and a proven offensive producer. 16-year-old phenom Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has high-end offensive skills and could be a go-to guy for the Rebels even as a rookie.

On The Blue Line: The Rebels return just four regular blue liners from last year's team. Veterans Colin Archer, 19, and Cullen Morin, 20, will anchor a defense corps that will be short on WHL experience but have plenty of talent. 17-year-old highly-regarded prospect Alex Petrovic is set for a much-increased workload this season, as will Phoenix Coyotes prospect Justin Weller. 19-year-old rookie Nick Bell showed impressive two-way and offensive ability in Junior A last year, and could help the Rebels improve their power play, which ranked 20th last season. The Rebels will also need to focus on improving their penalty killing, which ranked second-last in the WHL last season.

Goaltending: Minnesota Wild prospect Darcy Kuemper is back as the Rebels' starting netminder. Kuemper played well for the Rebels last season, and has shown the ability to steal a game on his own, from time to time. The battle for the backup role rages between incumbent Cam Gorchynski and former Vancouver Giant Kraymer Barnstable.

Player to Watch: Alex Petrovic

Red Deer's second-round pick in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft, Petrovic is on his way to becoming a dominant defenseman in the WHL. With size, toughness and plenty of grit, Petrovic makes opposing forwards pay a price for venturing in front of the Rebels' net. The Saskatoon, SK, product also boasts strong skating skills, good hockey sense and can move the puck well. A top prospect for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, expect Petrovic to be a big presence on the Rebels' blue line this year.

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Western Hockey League Stories from September 15, 2009


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