WHL Western Hockey League

WHL 2005-06 season preview

September 21, 2005 - Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release


Calgary, AB -- The Western Hockey League's 40th anniversary season is upon us with eight games scheduled for opening night on Friday, September 23.

Many questions abound as we head into the 2005-06 regular season. For instance, who will follow in 2004-05 scoring champion Eric Fehr's footsteps and take home this season Bob Clarke Trophy? Who will shine amongst this season's crop of rookie talent? Will the Kootenay Ice be able to repeat as regular-season champs and take home a second Scotty Munro Trophy? Will Medicine Hat have what it takes to top the Eastern Conference for a third straight year? Will the Kelowna Rockets be able to repeat as WHL champs and make a fourth straight Memorial Cup appearance? And who will benefit from the newly introduced rule changes?

These and many other questions will be answered for us over the course of what promises to be another exciting and intense regular season as 20 teams battle for WHL supremacy.

The Following is a team-by-team preview for the 2005-06 season:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

East Division

Brandon Wheat Kings
2005 pre-season: (W/L/SOL) 1-3-0
General Manager: Kelly McCrimmon
Head Coach: Kelly McCrimmon
2004-05 Record: 45-21-5-1, 96 pts (1st in East Div., 2nd in Conf.) GF: 255 GA: 199
2005 Playoffs: Lost in five games to Kelowna in WHL Championship series.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Eric Fehr 71gp-59g-52a-111pts
Ryan Stone 70gp-33g-66a-99pts
Tim Konsorada 71gp-29g-58a-87pts

The 2005-06 Brandon Wheat Kings will certainly look different than the team that made it to the WHL final in the 2005 playoffs. Gone are veteran top scorers Eric Fehr, Ryan Stone, Tim Konsorada, Lance Monych and defenceman Steven Later. However, the opportunity is there for players like Derek LeBlanc, Codey Burki and Ryan Reaves to step in and fill the offensive void up front. The return of Mark Derlago and Tyler Dittmer to the fold will also bolster the Wheaties' offense. The Wheat Kings' defence, despite Later's departure, will be very deep with veterans Stephane Lenoski, Riley Day, Theran Yeo, Mike Cann and Daryl Boyle all eligible to return, and top defensive prospects like Keith Aulie and Chad Erb looking for a regular spot in the lineup. Goaltending will be another strength for the Wheat Kings as sophomore Tyler Plante returns looking to build upon a solid 2004-05 season that saw him named WHL Rookie of the Year. Veteran Mike Nichol and rookie Kurt Jory will battle for the back-up role.

Moose Jaw Warriors
2005 pre-season: 2-1-1
General Manager: Chad Lang
Head Coach: Steve Young
2004-05 Record: 14-47-10-1, 39 pts (4th in East Div., 9th in Conf.) GF: 182 GA: 282
2005 Playoffs: Lost in five games to Brandon in first round.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Kenndal McArdle 70gp-37g-37a-74pts
Dustin Boyd 66gp-26g-35a-61pts
Blair Jones 68gp-14g-36a-50pts

The Warriors look to rebound from what was a difficult 2004-05 season. Fortunately, the team has plenty of talent to help them climb the East Division standings. Up front, the Warriors boast some tremendous talent in Dustin Boyd, Blair Jones and Kenndal McArdle. After a terrific 2004-05 campaign, McArdle, a first-round pick of the Florida Panthers in the 2005 NHL draft, looks ready to dominate this season. Big things are also expected from Riley Holzapfel, who had a solid season as a 16-year-old rookie in 2004-05, potting 15 goals and 28 points, while veteran Troy Brouwer will be counted on for scoring and leadership. The Warriors defence will be young this year. Led by off-season acquisition Jesse Zetariuk, the Warriors should be able to improve on their goals-against this season. The team will also expect greater things from returnees Cole Butterfield and Cole Simpson while Slovakian import Martin Grundling will add grit and size on the Warriors' back end as well. Josh Lepp and Joey Perricone will be the Warriors' goaltending tandem this season, giving them veteran experience between the pipes.

Prince Albert Raiders
2005 pre-season: 2-3-0
General Manager: Donn Clark
Head Coach: Peter Anholt
2004-05 Record: 31-32-5-4, 71 pts (3rd in East Div., 7th in Conf.) GF: 185 GA: 191
2005 Playoffs: Lost in seven games to Brandon in Eastern Conference final.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Aki Seitsonen 67gp-24g-28a-52pts
Caine Pearpoint 72gp-20g-28a-48pts
Jeremy Colliton 41gp-16g-30a-46pts

The Prince Albert Raiders look to build upon a strong second half of the 2004-05 season and a great post-season run that saw them take Brandon to seven games in the Eastern Conference final. Up front, the Raiders will feel the loss of key players like team captain Jeremy Colliton and veteran Caine Pearpoint. However, the return of Finnish forward Aki Seitsonen - the team's leading scorer last season - and a healthy Kyle Chipchura should soften the blow. More will be expected from returnees like Brad Erickson, Brett Novak, and sophomore Ryan DePape. Defence shouldn't be a problem for the Raiders as the team returns five players from last year's squad including 2005 NHL draft picks Mike Gauthier and Jeff May. The addition of highly-touted Minnesota Wild prospect A.J. Thelen will also bolster an already deep Raiders blueline. Alex Archibald looks to be the number one netminder for the Raiders with the departure of Rejean Beauchemin, while Brant Hilton and 16-year-old rookie Karsten Felske duel for the back-up role.


Regina Pats
2005 pre-season: 4-1-0
General Manager: Brent Parker
Head Coach: Curtis Hunt
2004-05 Record: 12-50-4-6, 34 pts (5th in East Div., 10th in Conf.) GF: 154 GA: 285
2005 Playoffs: Did not qualify
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Brent Hill 70gp-21g-36a-57pts
Rick Rypien 63gp-22g-29a-51pts
Kyle Ross 72gp-10g-30a-40pts

The Regina Pats will try and turn things around after a tough 2004-05 campaign - and they will look to their youth to accomplish the task. With the graduation of the team's top two scorers from last year - Brent Hill and team captain Rick Rypien - the job of offensive production will fall to players like Jordan McGillivray, Kyle Ross, and off-season pick-ups Matt Robinson and Garrett Festerling. Sophomore forwards Justin Bernhardt and Ryan McDonald will also be counted on to play a larger role up front while 18-year-old Czech forward Petr Kalus will also add more punch to the offense. The Pats defence will be led by veterans Kyle Deck and Derek Reinhart, but also boasts some impressive young talent who should help the team pare down their goals-against. Sophomore rearguard Logan Pyett, fresh off a Gold medal with Canada's Under-18 team at the Junior World Cup, could be a dominating force on the blueline for the Pats and will also be an asset on the power-play. David Reekie looks to be the most likely candidate for the starting job, depending on the pro status of newly acquired veteran Mike Wall, while Linden Rowatt is also in the mix for a spot in the Pats' goaltending tandem.

Saskatoon Blades
2005 pre-season: 0-4-1
General Manager: Lorne Molleken
Head Coach: Lorne Molleken
2004-05 Record: 37-23-6-6, 86 pts (2nd in East Div., 4th in Conf.) GF: 234 GA: 215
2005 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Prince Albert in first round.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Ryan Keller 67gp-40g-33a-73pts
Wacey Rabbit 70gp-22g-45a-67pts
Mike Green 67gp-14g-52a-66pts

The Saskatoon Blades had a tremendous turn-around last season, improving their point total by 59 points from the 2003-04 season. This season, they should, again, be a force in the East Division. Despite losing 40-goal man Ryan Keller to graduation, the Blades still boast an explosive, dynamic offense featuring the likes of 2005 NHL draft picks Devin Setoguchi, Wacey Rabbit, and Joe Barnes. Both Barnes and Setoguchi broke the 30-goal plateau last season and are expected to be even more productive this season. Add returnees Zdenek Bahensky, Dan Waschuk, and Aaron Bader to the mix as well as promising sophomore Justin McCrae and you have an offense to be reckoned with. Saskatoon's defence will miss the presence of Mike Green, who led all WHL defencemen in scoring last year. However, the return of veterans like Dalyn Flatt and Evan Haw should keep the team solid in the defensive zone. Rookie Ryan Funk put up solid offensive numbers from the blueline last year with his Midget AAA club and could add an offensive element to the Blades' defence. Minnesota Wild prospect Anton Khudobin will be the starter in the Blades net. Khudobin got a taste of the WHL last December as the starting goaltender for the Russian Selects in the 2004 ADT Canada-Russia Challenge.

Central Division

Calgary Hitmen
2005 pre-season: 3-2-0
General Manager: Kelly Kisio
Head Coach: Kelly Kisio
2004-05 Record: 34-23-9-6, 83 pts (3rd in Central Div., 5th in Conf.) GF: 200 GA: 183
2005 Playoffs: Lost in seven games to Brandon in second round.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Ryan Getzlaf 51gp-29g-25a-54pts
Konstantin Pushkarev 69gp-22g-30a-52pts
Andrew Ladd 65gp-19g-26a-45pts

The Calgary Hitmen will be a different type of team in 2005-06 than the team that finished third in the Central Division in 2004-05 - especially up front. The Hitmen will have offensive holes to fill with the departure of top forwards Ryan Getzlaf and Andrew Ladd, as well as the graduation of key contributors Shaun Landolt, Tyrell Lucas, and Brett O'Malley. However, the door is open for sophomores like Ryan White, Keegan Dansereau and New York Rangers draft pick Brodie Dupont to lead the attack while 16-year-old rookie Brett Sonne also appears ready to contribute up front. The Hitmen blueline will be strong this season with Jeff Schultz, Brett Carson and Dustin Kohn leading the way. Expect steady sophomore rearguard Karl Alzner to shoulder more of the workload this season, while rookies Alex Plante and Justin Falk will also add some depth on the blueline. Goaltending will be strong for the Hitmen as 19-year-old Justin Pogge returns as the number one netminder with 17-year-old sophomore Daniel Spence as Pogge's back-up.

Lethbridge Hurricanes
2005 pre-season: 2-2-2
General Manager: Darren Stocker
Head Coach: Lindsay Hofford
2004-05 Record: 39-20-12-1, 91 pts (2nd in Central Div., 3rd in Conf.) GF: 222 GA: 162
2005 Playoffs: Lost in five games to Calgary in first round.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Colton Yellow Horn 70gp-35g-51a-86pts
Jonathan Filewich 68gp-42g-38a-80pts
Tyler Redenbach 65gp-19g-44a-63pts

The Hurricanes will have many new faces in their line-up this year. However, they should still be competitive in what promises to be a tight Central Division. The team will feel the loss of key offensive contributors like Jonathan Filewich, Kris Versteeg, John Lammers and Tyler Redenbach, but still returns last year's top scorer, Colton Yellow Horn. The "Brocket Rocket" was a revelation last year for the 'Canes and will be heavily relied upon for scoring this year. More will be expected from players like Kyle Pess, Rob Klinkhammer, and newcomer Kris Hogg to fill the offensive roles this year while promising youngsters Dwight King and Zach Boychuk add depth up front. The 'Canes will also feel the loss of All-Star defenceman and team captain Brent Seabrook as well as Michal Gulasi on the blueline. It will be up to veteran returnees like Mark Ashton, Shawn Mezei and Chase Henituik to step in and keep the 'Canes' blueline solid. The departure of both Aaron Sorochan and Scott Bolland, last season's goaltending tandem, leaves the netminding job wide open this year. Pre-season acquisition Kevin Opsahl is a likely candidate as he has veteran experience, while Justin Mulholland is also in the mix for a roster spot.

Medicine Hat Tigers
2005 pre-season: 5-1-2
General Manager: Mike Moore
Head Coach: Will Desjardins
2004-05 Record: 45-21-4-2, 96 pts (1st in Central Div., 1st in Conf.) GF: 234 GA: 143
2005 Playoffs: Lost in six games to Prince Albert in second round.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Stefan Meyer 69gp-34g-43a-77pts
Clarke MacArthur 58gp-30g-44a-74pts
Kris Russell 72gp-26g-35a-61pts

The Tigers lost many key players that helped them to the best record in the Eastern Conference last season. Yet, with plenty of young talent waiting in the wings, the Tigers are again poised to be a strong force in the Central Division. The departure of their top two scorers - Stefan Meyer and Clarke MacArthur - opens the door for veterans such as Brett Robertson, Darren Helm, and Derek Dorsett to become key offensive producers. Czech winger Roman Psurny will also be counted on to score, as will his twin brother, Michal, whom the Tigers picked in the 2005 CHL import draft. Plus, the Tigers have talented rookies like Jordie Deagle and Tyler Ennis who could turn some heads as well. The Tigers defence will miss the toughness and leadership of departed veterans Cody Blanshan and Steve Marr, however they will welcome back the defensively solid Gord Baldwin, as well as David Schlemko and Kris Russell. Russell, who had an outstanding 2004-05 season, may well be the best offensive defenceman in the league and will shoulder much more of the workload if Cam Barker turns pro. Goaltending will be solid for the Tigers as Matt Keetley assumes the starting role. Keetley, who was drafted by the Calgary Flames at the 2005 NHL entry draft, is coming off an excellent 2004-05 campaign where he posted a miniscule 1.66 goals-against average in 32 appearances.

Red Deer Rebels
2005 pre-season: 3-2-0
General Manager: Brent Sutter
Head Coach: Brent Sutter
2004-05 Record: 36-26-6-4, 82 pts (4th in Central Div., 6th in Conf.)
2005 Playoffs: Lost in seven games to Medicine Hat in first round
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Ty Morris 66gp-28g-44a-72pts
Roman Wick 66gp-32g-38a-70pts
Colin Fraser 63gp-24g-43a-67pts

The Rebels are another team that will have a much different look this season. The team only returns seven forwards from last season, and only five who were on the roster at the start of the 2004-05 season. Included on the list of returning forwards is last season's top sniper Roman Wick, and 19-goal man Ashton Rome. Both will be key in leading the Rebels' offense. Brandon Sutter, the son of Head Coach Brent Sutter, should be ready to produce after impressing during the 2005 playoffs, while fellow rookies Matthew Cline, Tyler Halliday and Josh Gionfriddo could also provide some scoring as well, having impressed during training camp. Red Deer's defence will look much different without the presence of All-Star Dion Phaneuf or rugged Finnish rearguard Mikko Kuukka. However, the addition of veteran Matt Hansen and towering Slovakian rearguard Vladimir Mihalik should leave the Rebels' blueline in good shape. Andrew Leslie looks like he'll get the nod as the starting goaltender for the Rebels after stealing the starting role midway through last season after coming over from Swift Current. Rookie James Reimer will most likely fill the back-up role.

Swift Current Broncos
2005 pre-season: 3-3-0
General Manager: Dean Chynoweth
Head Coach: Dean Chynoweth
2004-05 Record: 22-41-6-3, 53 pts (5th in Central Div., 8th in Conf.) GF: 135 GA: 218
2005 Playoffs: Did not qualify.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Luke Hunter 72gp-24g-21a-45pts
Marc Desloges 69pg-12g-23a-35pts
Josh Aspenlind 67gp-14g-16a-30pts

The Broncos missed the playoffs for the first time in 32 years last season, and are determined to turn their fortunes around this season. The problem for the Broncos last season was their inability to score. Luckily, the Broncos return all three top scorers from last year - Luke Hunter, Marc Desloges, and Josh Aspenlind, and have added Los Angeles Kings prospect Ned Lukacevic from Spokane to the mix as well. Hunter was the only Bronco to crack the 20-goal plateau last season, and will be expected to improve his production this season. Promising rookie Kyle Bortis led the Saskatoon Contacts to the national midget championship last year and could be another offensive asset for the Broncos this season. The Broncos are solid on defense with seven players with WHL experience eligible to return. 2005 NHL draft pick Myles Rumsey heads up the Broncos' defence corps, which also returns veteran Donny Lloyd and sophomore Michael Hengen. Kyle Moir will be the number one man in goal for the Broncos with rookie Travis Yonkman as Moir's back-up. Yonkman was also on the Saskatoon Contacts team that won the Telus Cup.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

B.C. Division

Kamloops Blazers
2005 pre-season: 2-4-1
General Manager: Dean Clark
Head Coach: Mark Ferner
2004-05 Record: 26-37-7-2, 61 pts (4th in B.C. Div., 8th in Conf.) GF: 161 GA: 211
2005 Playoffs: Lost in six games to Kootenay in first round.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Ray Macias 69gp-12g-35a-47pts
Aaron Richards 63gp-20g-23a-43pts
Kris Hogg 68gp-18g-22a-40pts

The Blazers will look to rebound from a somewhat disappointing 2004-05 campaign. Up front, the Blazers' challenge will be to generate more offense. The job of scoring goals will fall largely on the shoulders of Reid Jorgensen, who was one of only two Blazers to crack the 20-goal mark last season. Newly acquired veteran winger Kris Versteeg will add much creativity to the attack, while the team will also need more production out of sophomores Bryan Kauk and Terrance Delaronde. Swiss import Janick Steinmann may be able to provide scoring, while rookie C.J. Stretch will also add depth to the attack after putting up great numbers at the Midget level. The Blazers defence is young, but deep with talent. Led by Raymond Macias, last year's leading scorer, the Blazers blueline also boasts Keaton Ellerby, who helped Canada to the Gold medal at the 2005 U-18 Junior World Cup, and veteran Roman Tesliuk, who will also be counted on for offense from the point. The addition of Brennan Chapman will add experience to the defence corps, while sophomore Victor Bartley will also be expected to step up his game. Goaltending will be strong for the Blazers with Devan Dubnyk sure to garner loads of work after appearing in a league-high 65 games last season.

Kelowna Rockets
2005 pre-season: 0-4-0
General Manager: Bruce Hamilton
Head Coach: Jeff Truitt
2004-05 Record: 45-13-12-2, 104 pts (2nd in B.C. Div., 2nd in Conf.) GF: 215 GA: 139
2005 Playoffs: Beat Brandon in five games to win WHL Championship.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Tyler Spurgeon 72gp-21g-41a-62pts
Justin Keller 72gp-31g-22a-53pts
Tyler Mosienko 72gp-15g-36a-51pts

After winning their second WHL title in three years and making their third straight Memorial Cup appearance last season, the Rockets are once again poised to have a strong team this season. Up front, the Rockets return the core of their offense including last season's top two scorers Tyler Spurgeon and Justin Keller. Also returning are fellow 24-goal men Blake Comeau and Troy Bodie, and key contributors Chris Ray and Brent Howarth. Troy Ofukany had a solid rookie season last year and will be expected to play a larger role in the attack this season. The biggest change to the Rockets will be on the blueline where the team only returns four rearguards from last season. The team will definitely miss the physical and offensive presence of All-Star Shea Weber and the leadership of departed captain Brett Palin. Therefore, it will be up to returning veterans Mike Card and Kyle Cumiskey to pick up the slack offensively, while beefy rookie Tysen Dowzak, Swedish import Alexander Edler, and returnee Kevin Reinholt will need to fill the physical roles on the blueline. Goaltending will be very strong for the Rockets as the team has two bona fide starters to choose from in veteran Derek Yeomans and sophomore Kristofer Westblom.

Kootenay Ice
2005 pre-season: 2-2-0
General Manager: Jeff Chynoweth
Head Coach: Cory Clouston
2004-05 Record: 47-15-7-3, 104 pts (1st in B.C. Div., 1st in Conf.) GF: 218 GA: 137
2005 Playoffs: Lost in six games to Kelowna in Western Conference final.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Nigel Dawes 63gp-50g-26a-76pts
Dale Mahovsky 71gp-24g-47a-71pts
Martin Sagat 72gp-17g-46a-63pts

This season, the Kootenay Ice lineup will have a different look than the one that captured the franchise's first-ever Scotty Munro trophy last season. However, the Ice will still be a very competitive team in a tough B.C. Division. Up front, the team will be led offensively by returning veterans Dale Mahovsky, Ryan Russell, Casey Lee and Adam Cracknell, while talented sophomores Ben Maxwell and Steven DaSilva, and rookie Dustin Sylvester will also be expected to chip in offensively - especially after the departure of 50-goal man Nigel Dawes. Although the Ice defence lost Roman Polak and James Cherewyk, the team still returns five rearguards from last season including top-scoring defenceman Mike Busto. Other returnees like Josh Fauth and Brad Cole will have added responsibility while rookie John Negrin appears ready to step in and contribute as well. The departure of Jeff Glass, last season's WHL/CHL Goaltender of the Year, leaves the starting job to Taylor Dakers, who was drafted by San Jose in the 2005 NHL entry draft. Rookie Kris Lazaruk will serve as Dakers' back-up.

Prince George Cougars
2005 pre-season: 5-0-0
General Manager: Dallas Thompson
Head Coach: Mike Vandekamp
2004-05 Record: 26-41-3-2, 57 pts (5th in B.C. Div., 10th in Conf.) GF: 158 GA: 223
2005 Playoffs: Did not qualify.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Dustin Byfuglien 64gp-22g-36a-58pts
Nicholas Drazenovic 72gp-18g-38a-56pts
Colin Patterson 72gp-27g-23a-50pts

With another year under their belts and a new head coach in Mike Vandekamp, the Cougars appear ready to end their two-year playoff drought. Up front, the Cougars will need to score more goals than they did last season when they managed just 158. The offensive responsibilities will fall on the shoulders of returning top goal scorer Colin Patterson and slick playmaker Nick Drazenovic. The Cougars also need Eric Hunter and Brett Parker to step up their offensive games and hope that Swedish import Fred Wikner and rookie Dana Tyrell can also add to the attack. Led by veterans Andy Rogers and Curtis Cooper, the Cougars should be defensively sound. Sophomore Ty Wishart helped Canada win Gold at the U-18 Junior World Cup this summer and should be a dominant force on the Cougars' blueline, while rookie Ryan Kerr will also add to the Cougars' defensive depth. The Cougars have two solid goaltenders in returnees Scott Bowles and Real Cyr, with either one capable of taking the starting job.

Vancouver Giants
2005 pre-season: 8-0-0
General Manager: Scott Bonner
Head Coach: Don Hay
2004-05 Record: 34-30-4-4, 76 pts (3rd in B.C. Div., 6th in Conf.) GF: 212 GA: 205
2005 Playoffs: Lost in six games to Kelowna in first round.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Gilbert Brule 70gp-39g-48a-87pts
Adam Courchaine 71gp-28g-50a-78pts
Mitch Bartley 70gp-30g-23a-53pts

The Giants will see some changes to their lineup this season. However, they will still ice a roster full of talent and capable of scoring goals. At forward, the team will rely on scoring from offensive dynamo Gilbert Brule, provided he doesn't stick with the Columbus Blue Jackets, as well as 30-goal man Mitch Bartley. The Giants can also count on offense from veteran Tim Kraus, while highly talented Czech import Michal Repik and Slovakian import Mario Bliznak will also provide scoring. Cam Cunning will also add to the Giants offence if he returns from the AHL. Vancouver also boasts great depth on defence. Including veterans Paul Albers, Brett Festerling and Mark Fistric, the Giants have seven returning defencemen to choose from, plus talented rookie rearguard Scott Gabriel vying for a roster spot. In net, the Giants have a trio of goaltenders capable of the starting job. Veteran Dustin Slade, acquired in the off-season, will likely be the main man in net with either Tommy Tartaglione or Tyson Sexsmith filling the back-up role. Tartaglione has been very good in pre-season action and may be the early favorite for the back-up job with Sexsmith currently injured.

U.S. Division


Everett Silvertips
2005 pre-season: 2-3-0
General Manager: Kevin Constantine (Dir. Of Hockey Operations)
Head Coach: Kevin Constantine
2004-05 Record: 33-28-9-2, 77 pts (3rd in U.S. Div., 5th in Conf.) GF: 167 GA: 149
2005 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Kootenay in second round.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Alex Leavitt 64gp-16g-46a-62pts
Torrie Wheat 71gp-25g-32a-57pts
Shaun Heshka 72gp-12g-26a-38pts

The Silvertips will have a young team this season, but will still be a force to be reckoned with in the U.S. division. With talent like Torrie Wheat, Zach Hamill and Brady Calla returning, and the additions of former Lethbridge sniper John Lammers and highly-touted American forward Peter Mueller, the ‘Tips should be able to generate much more offense this season. Czech import Karel Hromas put up solid numbers as a rookie last season and should be able to better his production this year. Like their crop of forwards, Everett's defence is young, but boasts plenty of talent. Shaun Heshka, the elder statesman among Everett's rearguards, had a very productive season last year and will be expected not only to provide offence, but leadership as well after the departures of captain Mitch Love and Slovakian workhorse Ivan Baranka. The addition of veteran blueliner Jason Fransoo will add more experience to Everett's defence, while sophomores Taylor Ellington and Jonathan Harty are ready for increased responsibilities. The Silvertips can count on getting strong goaltending on a nightly basis as Leland Irving is set to take over the starting job. Irving put up a stingy 1.81 goals-against average in 23 games as a rookie, and, along with Silvertips teammates Hamill and Calla, helped Canada's U-18 team win Gold at this summer's Junior World Cup. Expect rookie Matt Esposito to fill the back-up role.

Portland Winter Hawks
2005 pre-season: 3-2-0
General Manager: Ken Hodge
Head Coach: Mike Williamson
2004-05 Record: 35-27-5-5, 80 pts (2nd in U.S. Div., 4th in Conf.) GF: 204 GA: 198
2005 Playoffs: Lost in seven games to Everett in first round.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Dan DaSilva 71gp-31g-42a-73pts
Cody McLeod 70gp-31g-29a-60pts
Brandon Dubinsky 68gp-23g-36a-59pts

The Portland Winter Hawks will have a strong team this season and should be able to improve on last year's 35-win, 80-point campaign and challenge for a U.S. division title. Up front, the Hawks return two of their top three scorers from last season in Dan DaSilva and Brandon Dubinsky, and also have 24-goal man Brian Woolger returning to the fold. The Hawks can also expect offense from the addition of former Regina Pats sniper Jon Bubnick, while promising rookies Kelly Friesen and Colton Sceviour also have the ability to provide scoring. The Hawks' blueline will miss the talent and leadership of Braydon Coburn. However, with the likes of fellow 2005 NHL draft picks Brendan Mikkelson and Michael Sauer, and 2004 NHL draftee Michael Funk anchoring the blueline, the Hawks should be very strong in the defensive zone. Rookie rearguard Justin Mazurek looks ready to jump into the Hawks line-up and contribute. Goaltending will be solid for the Hawks with Dustin Butler likely taking the starting job for the Hawks with rookies Kurtis Mucha and Luke Shier competing for the back-up job.

Seattle Thunderbirds
2005 pre-season: 2-3-0
General Manager: Russ Farwell
Head Coach: Rob Sumner
2004-05 Record: 43-24-2-3, 91 pts (1st in U.S. Div., 3rd in Conf.) GF: 204 GA: 144
2005 Playoffs: Lost in seven games to Kelowna in second round.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Aaron Gagnon 72gp-31g-34a-65pts
Chris Durand 66gp-19g-34a-53pts
Tyler Metcalfe 61gp-20g-26a-46pts

The Seattle Thunderbirds, last season's U.S. Division champions, are poised to, once again, contend for the Division and Western Conference titles. Up front, the T-Birds return their two top scorers in Aaron Gagnon and Chris Durand, plus talented Slovakian pivot Ladislav Scurko, and impressive 17-year-olds Mitch Fadden and George "Bud" Holloway. With the additions of Slovakian forward Roman Tomanek, acquired from Calgary, and former Red Deer Rebel Tyler Johnson, the T-Birds should be able to score goals. Seattle's blueline will return five players from 2004-05, including Clayton Barthel and fellow 2005 NHL draftees Scott Jackson and Bretton Stamler. However, the team will miss the blueline presence of the tough-as-nails Zack Fitzgerald and the veteran experience of Matt Hansen. As it was in 2004-05, goaltending will be strong for the Thunderbirds with starter Bryan Bridges and back-up Gavin McHale both returning. Bridges tied a WHL record by posting 13 shutouts in 2004-05.

Spokane Chiefs
2005 pre-season: 3-3-0
General Manager: Tim Speltz
Head Coach: Bill Peters
2004-05 Record: 24-38-8-2, 58 pts (5th in U.S. Div., 9th in Conf.) GF: 192 GA: 230
2005 Playoffs: Did not qualify.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Chad Klassen 69gp-27g-37a-64pts
Jeff Lynch 72gp-23g-26a-49pts
Ned Lukacevic 71gp-18g-28a-46pts

After being edged out of the playoff picture on the last day of the 2004-05 regular season, the Chiefs will look to climb back into post-season contention this year in what will be an extremely competitive U.S. division. Up front, the Chiefs return four of their five top scoring forwards from last season including Chad Klassen and Jeff Lynch. Sophomore Derek Ryan was runner-up for WHL Rookie of the Year last season and is primed for a big 2005-06 campaign. Kyle Howarth and Adam Hobson will also be expected to step up and contribute more. The Chiefs return as many as six rearguards from last season including offensive threat Joe Logan and steady defensive presences in Jason Lynch, Matt McCue and Sean Zimmerman. Both Zimmerman and Lynch were drafted in the 2005 NHL entry draft, which should give them a confidence boost heading into the 2005-06 season. The Addition of David Schulz from Swift Current adds a proven top-four rearguard to the Chiefs blueline. Between the pipes, the Chiefs will go with veteran Jim Watt as the number one netminder while rookie Thomas Stehr will fill the back-up role.

Tri-City Americans
2005 pre-season: 2-3-1
General Manager: Bob Tory
Head Coach: Don Nachbaur
2004-05 Record: 26-35-8-3, 63 pts (4th in U.S. Div., 7th in Conf.) GF: 172 GA: 196
2005 Playoffs: Lost in five games to Seattle in first round.
2004-05 Top Scorers:
Dylan Stanley 71-gp-18g-33a-51pts
Clayton Stoner 60gp-12g-34a-46pts
Shawn Belle 62gp-13g-32a-45pts

The Ams hope to improve upon a relatively disappointing 2004-05 campaign which saw them claw their way into the playoffs on the last day of the regular season. However, it will be easier said than done in what promises to be a tough U.S. division. Up front, the Americans return many forwards from last year's team, however, not one that scored more than 20 goals last season. The Ams will rely on contributions from throughout the forward ranks for offense, particularly veterans like Ian McDonald and Matt Schneider, and talented sophomore Shaun Vey. Slovakian import Juraj Gracik looks to better his production after an injury-plagued 2004-05 season, while the Ams also have several promising rookies like Taylor Procyshen, Donnie Glennie or Jarrid Dowhay who may be able to create offense. The Americans only return four rearguards that played significant time with the team last season. Solid veteran Logan Stephenson will be the key guy on Tri-City's blueline while players like Phil Magistrale and Matt Swaby will also need to step up and play more important roles. Goaltending is the strongest position for the Ams with Carey Price returning as the number one in net. Price, selected fifth overall by Montreal at the 2005 NHL draft, was a workhorse for the Ams last season, often being the key reason the team remained in the playoff hunt. Veteran Nick Olynyk and rookie Chet Pickard will battle for the back-up role.

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