WHL launches 39th season

Published on September 23, 2004 under Western Hockey League (WHL) News Release

CALGARY, AB – Ron Robison, Commissioner of the Western Hockey League today via press conference from Calgary, Alberta, officially opened the 2004-05 Western Hockey League season.

While the off-season may have seemed long for hockey fans, it was a busy one for many young WHL players. For instance, 44 Western Hockey League players were selected at the 2004 NHL Entry Draft in Raleigh, NC in June including eight in the first round and two in the top ten – Medicine Hat's Cam Barker (3rd overall, Chicago), and the Calgary Hitmen's Andrew Ladd (4th overall, Carolina).

The WHL's success at the NHL draft proves that the league is one the world's leading providers of talent for the NHL. Since 1992, 625 players have been drafted from the WHL, more than any other league in the world.

For other players, this summer simply meant more hockey. Six WHLers - goaltender Carey Price (Tri-City), defencemen Brendan Mikkelson (Portland) and Kris Russell (Medicine Hat), and forwards Gilbert Brule (Vancouver), Devin Setoguchi (Saskatoon), and Adam Hobson (Spokane) - were a part of Canada's team that won Gold at the U-18 Junior World Cup in August in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Meanwhile, 25 of the 46 players that were selected to attend Hockey Canada's national junior team development camp in Calgary in August play with WHL teams. On top of that, several players attended NHL rookie development camps over the course of the summer as well.

It was also a big year for many WHL alumni. Canada's World Cup-winning team featured 12 former Western Hockey League stars including defencemen Eric Brewer (Prince George), Robyn Regehr (Kamloops), Wade Redden (Brandon), Norris Trophy-winner Scott Niedermayer (Kamloops), Scott Hannan (Kelowna) and Jay Bouwmeester (Medicine Hat), and forwards Jarome Iginla and Shane Doan (both Kamloops), Patrick Marleau (Seattle), Brendan Morrow (Portland), Joe Sakic (Swift Current), and Ryan Smyth (Moose Jaw).

Not only was Canada's team stacked with former WHL players, 11 other former WHL stars played for their countries in the tournament including former Prince Albert Raider Mike Modano, who skated for the Americans, and former Prince George Cougar and Norris Trophy finalist Zdeno Chara, who played for Slovakia.

This season's opening night features several intriguing match-ups with the Medicine Hat Tigers beginning their quest to defend their 2004 WHL championship as they head to Lethbridge to face the Hurricanes. Other opening night action sees the Calgary Hitmen heading north to renew their rivalry with the Red Deer Rebels, the Brandon Wheat Kings hosting Regina, Kamloops welcoming Portland, Saskatoon taking on the Warriors in Moose Jaw, the Kootenay Ice hosting Tri-City, and Swift Current heading to Prince Albert. Meanwhile, the defending Memorial Cup champions Kelowna Rockets open their season Sept. 25th at home against Everett.

There is much to look forward to and plenty of great storylines to follow in the upcoming season. For instance, will the Tigers be able to defend their league title? Will the Rockets get the chance to repeat as Memorial Cup champs? Will Everett continue their stellar play in their sophomore year? Will Swift Current's Tyler Redenbach repeat as league scoring champ? Who will shine amongst this year's crop of rookies? We'll just have to wait and see.

The following is a preview for the 2004-05 season:

EASTERN CONFERENCE

East Division
Brandon Wheat Kings
General Manager: Kelly McCrimmon
Head Coach: Kelly McCrimmon
2003-04 Record: 28-32-9-3, 59pts (3rd in East Div., 8th in conf.) GF: 230 GA: 224
Playoffs: Lost in five games to Medicine Hat in second round.
Top Scorers: Eric Fehr 71gp - 50g - 34a – 84pts
Tyler Dyck 72pg – 37g – 35a – 72pts

With 17 players returning from last year's team, the Wheat Kings should be right in the mix in the East Division. Included on the list of returnees is last season's 50-goal man Eric Fehr. Fehr will lead a potent Wheat Kings attack along with veterans Ryan Stone and Tim Konsorada. Rookies Tyler Dittmer and Ryan Reaves, and Finnish import Sami Sandell could turn a few heads as well. The Wheat Kings will have three rookies on the blue line – Theran Yeo, Mike Cann, and Daryl Boyle. However, it's returning Wheaties like Stephane Lenoski and Johnathan Webb that will anchor the defence. In net, it's a toss-up between Mike Nichol and rookie Tyler Plante as to who gets the starting job. Nichol has WHL experience under his belt, but Plante, who led his Brandon AAA midget team to the Canadian championship last year, has impressed in training camp.


Moose Jaw Warriors
General Manager: Rick Dorman
Head Coach: Parry Shockey
2003-04 Record: 41-22-8-1, 91pts (1st in East Div., 2nd in conf.) GF: 209 GA: 172
Playoffs: Lost in six games to Red Deer in second round.
Top Scorers: Kyle Brodziak 70gp – 39g – 54a – 93pts
Tomas Fleischmann 60gp – 33g – 42a – 75pts

The Moose Jaw Warriors will welcome a lot of new faces to their line-up this year. However, that doesn't mean you can count them out. With Kyle Brodziak and Tomas Fleischmann moving on, the Warriors are without their two top scorers from last year. But that just opens up more ice time for the likes of Calgary Flames draft pick Dustin Boyd to show what he can do. Boyd, along with fellow returnees such as Troy Brouwer and Ashton Rome, will be charged with the task of providing the offensive punch for the Warriors – a task this group should be able to accomplish quite effectively. The Warriors blue line is very young and boasts only two players who were regulars in the WHL last year – Jordan Henry and Dan Mercer. However, there is no lack of size and ability in the younger crop with the likes of 6-foot-4, 210-pound Cole Butterfield and 6-foot-4, 205-pound Dylan Chapman on the back end. The battle for the starting job in goal is between Joey Perricone, 17, who played for the Warriors last year, and 20-year-old Kevin Dziaduck, who played for the Yorkton Terriers in Saskatchewan last season.



Prince Albert Raiders
General Manager: Donn Clark
Head Coach: Peter Anholt
2003-04 Record: 38-23-6-5, 87pts (2nd in East Div., 3rd in conf.) GF: 215 GA: 186
Playoffs: Lost in six games to Brandon in first round
Top Scorers: Seth Leonard 72pg – 50g – 40a – 90pts
Mark Ardelan 72gp – 19g – 54a – 73pts

The Prince Albert Raiders are in a fine position to have another great year. Even though the team lost their top-scoring forward, Seth Leonard, to graduation, the Raiders still have firepower with players like Jeremy Colliton, Kyle Chipchura, and Aki Seitsonen all returning from last year's squad. The Raiders' blue line should be defensively sound with six rearguards coming back form last year. However, with the loss of defenceman Mark Ardelan – who quarterbacked the Raiders' lethal power-play last year – it will be up to sophomore blue-liners like Mike Gauthier and Jeff May to step up their offensive production. Where the Raiders' strength really lies is in goaltender Rejean Beauchemin. Coming off a superb year last season and a summer invite to the Canadian junior team development camp, Beauchemin has the talent and the confidence to backstop the Raiders to great things.


Regina Pats
General Manager: Brent Parker
Head Coach: Curtis Hunt
2003-04 Record: 24-37-7-4, 59pts (4th in East Div., 9th in conf.) GF: 155 GA: 232
Playoffs: Lost in four games to Moose Jaw in first round
Top Scorers: Daniel Waschuk 69pg – 25g – 21a – 46pts
Rick Rypien 65gp – 19g – 26a – 45pts

The Pats will be an improved team this year under new head coach Curtis Hunt. The team will have both of its top scorers last year – Rick Rypien and Dan Waschuk – back in the line-up this season. However, the team will need more offense out of players like Jon Bubnick, Brent Hill, Jordan McGillivray to improve upon last year's 155 goals-for. The Pats' defence won't be an issue as the team boasts plenty of solid rearguards – many who are capable of providing offense, too. The defence corps will be led by veterans Paul Albers and Kyle Deck and, along with Czech Jan Zapletal, should definitely help bring the goals against down. Dustin Slade will be the man between the posts for Regina. The veteran Slade had 19 wins in 41 games last season with Kamloops, Brandon, and Regina and posted a very respectable 2.29 GAA. Rookie Ryan Nieszner will be Slade's back-up.


Saskatoon Blades
General Manager: Lorne Molleken
Head Coach: Lorne Molleken
2003-04 Record: 7-52-11-2, 27pts (5th in East Div., 10th in conf.) GF: 140 GA: 279
Playoffs: Did not qualify
Top Scorers: Ryan Keller 72gp – 24g – 20a – 44pts
Mike Green 59gp – 14g – 25a – 39pts

Saskatoon will be a much better team this season judging by their impressive pre-season showing. There will be a few new faces on the team, but the Blades will have back the team's top scorer Ryan Keller. Meantime, sophomore Devon Setoguchi will be looked upon to provide more offense after a solid rookie season. 19-year-old Aaron Bader, who was acquired from Kootenay, will bring some experience and depth to Saskatoon's forward ranks. Saskatoon's young defence will be led by Mike Green. Green, who was a bright spot on the team last year scoring 14 goals, was drafted in the first round (29th overall) this summer by the Washington Capitals and will be a force on the Blades' power-play this year. Three netminders are battling for the starting role in the Blades' net; Adam Ward, Ryan Cyr, and Russel Monette – although, look for Cyr to be the starter on opening night. Both Ward and Cyr are WHL veterans while Monette is trying to crack the line-up as a rookie.

Central Division

Calgary Hitmen
General Manager: Kelly Kisio
Head Coach: Kelly Kisio
2003-04 Record: 34-24-8-6, 82pts (3rd in Central Div., 5th in conf.) GF: 220 GA: 187
Playoffs: Lost in seven games to Red Deer in first round
Top Scorers: Andrew Ladd 71pg – 30g – 45a – 75pts
Ryan Getzlaf 49gp – 28g – 47a – 75pts

The Calgary Hitmen may be the team to beat this year having been ranked #3 in the Hockey News' Canadian major junior rankings – # 1 in the WHL. One thing for sure is the Hitmen will be an entertaining team to watch. They have plenty of offensive potential up front with the likes of veteran Ryan Getzlaf and last year's rookie sensation Andrew Ladd both set to have big years. With a supporting cast featuring Lee Zalasky – a 20-goal man last year – and slick Slovakian newcomer Roman Tomanek, the Hitmen should score plenty of goals. The Hitmen have five defencemen returning from last year including Andy Roger and Jeff Schultz who were both invited to Canada's national junior development camp this past summer so there shouldn't be too many worries on the blue line. In net, Calgary will put their faith in Scott Bowles with rookie Daniel Spence as his back-up. Bowles, entering his sophomore year, played 20 games for the Hitmen last year posting a 4-12-1 mark and a 3.13 GAA.


Lethbridge Hurricanes
General Manager: Darren Stocker
Head Coach: Lindsay Hofford
2003-04 Record: 27-28-10-7, 71pts (5th in Central Div., 7th in conf.) GF: 196 GA: 203
Playoffs: Did not qualify
Top Scorers: Nick Tarnasky 71gp – 26g – 23a – 49pts
Kris Versteeg 68pg – 16g – 33a – 49pts

Although the Hurricanes missed the playoffs last year, it wasn't because they had a particularly bad season – they just happened to be in the most competitive division in the league. Kris Versteeg, last year's top point-producer, will be counted on heavily this year to lead the offense while other, younger players such as Colton Yellowhorn and John Lammers will be expected to step it up this year. Newly-Acquired winger Jonathan Filewich will also add much depth up front. Brent Seabrook will lead a solid defence corps along with the likes of Shawn Mezei and sophomore R.J. LaRochelle. Newly-acquired goaltender Aaron Sorochan will be the number one in net for the Hurricanes with 18-year-old Scott Bolland in the back-up role.


Medicine Hat Tigers
General Manager: Mike Moore
Head Coach: Will Desjardins
2003-04 Record: 40-20-9-3, 92pts (1st in Central Div., 1st in conf.) GF: 277 GA: 216
Playoffs: Beat Everett in four games to capture WHL championship
Top Scorers: Chris St. Jacques 64gp – 33g – 59a – 92pts
Darren Reid 67gp – 33g – 48a – 81pts

Last year's WHL champions, the Tigers look like they will again be a force to contend with in the Eastern Conference. Although the Tigers will be without last year's top scorers Chris St. Jaques and Darren Reid, the door is open for players such as Clarke MacArthur and Stefan Meyer to step in and fill the void. Rookie winger Bryan Kauk has had a strong pre-season and could be a real offensive asset this year. The Tigers will have a big and strong defence this year with Cam Barker leading the way. Sophomore Kris Russell could be another scoring threat from the point while 6-foot-3, 215-pound Riley Day is always a physical presence. Kevin Nastiuk will be between the pipes for the Tigers having backstopped the team to a championship season last year.



Red Deer Rebels
General Manager: Brent Sutter
Head Coach: Brent Sutter
2003-04 Record: 35-22-10-5, 85pts (2nd in Central Div., 4th in conf.) GF:167 GA: 169
Playoffs: Lost in six games to Medicine Hat in Eastern Conference championship
Top Scorers: Colin Fraser 70gp – 24g – 29a – 53pts
Dion Phaneuf 62gp – 19g – 24a – 43pts

The Rebels will, once again, be a force to contend with in the Central Division, especially if their rock-solid defence corps – with the likes of Dion Phaneuf, Mikko Kuukka, and Stuart Kerr - remains intact. With the departure of Cam Ward, last year's CHL goaltender of the year, the task of keeping pucks out of the net falls on veteran Gerry Festa, who came over from Spokane, and Trevor Peeters, who backed up Ward last year. Both are very capable and their jobs will be easier on a Rebels team that's notoriously stingy defensively. While keeping pucks out of the net hasn't been a problem for the Rebels, offensive production – only 167 goals scored last year - is an area the team will look to improve upon this year. The task of putting pucks in the net will fall largely on the shoulders of guys like Colin Fraser, Chris Nieszner, and Swiss newcomer Roman Wick. Wick has already been touted as one of the best players to come out of Switzerland.


Swift Current Broncos
General Manager: Dean Chynoweth
Head Coach: Dean Chynoweth
2003-04 Record: 36-29-7-0, 79pts (4th in Central Div., 6th in conf.) GF: 234 GA: 209
Playoffs: Lost in five games to Medicine Hat in first round
Top Scorers: Tyler Redenbach 71gp – 31g – 74a – 105pts
Jeremy Williams 68gp – 52g – 49a – 101pts

There will be several new faces on the Swift Current Broncos this year – especially up front where at least three spots are open. The Broncos will need to fill a big hole in their offense after losing 52-goal man Jeremy William to graduation. Yet, the team can take solace knowing they still have last year's WHL top scorer Tyler Redenbach in the line-up. Expect players like Alex Leavitt, who had a great rookie season last year, and Colin Stone to step in and add to the attack. Czech rookie Marek Knebl, who scored 40 goals in 50 games in the Czech junior league, could also be an offensive weapon if he adjusts well to the WHL style. The Broncos defence brings a bit more WHL experience led by 6-foot-5, 220-pound Czech native Matej Trojovsky and 6-foot-3, 205-pound David Schulz. In goal, the Broncos will rely on Kyle Moir as their number one goaltender. Moir had 22 wins for Swift Current last year and was a fifth-round pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2004 draft.


WESTERN CONFERENCE


B.C. Division

Kamloops Blazers
General Manager: Dean Clark (Dir. of hockey operations)
Head Coach: Dean Clark
2003-04 Record: 34-28-8-2, 78pts (3rd in B.C Div., 4th in conf.) GF: 192 GA: 182
Playoffs: Lost in 5 games to Vancouver in first round
Top Scorers: Grant Jacobsen 71gp – 18g – 34a – 52pts
Jarret Lukin 68gp – 19g – 28a – 47pts

The Kamloops Blazers will once again have a solid line-up for the upcoming season and should be right in the hunt come playoff time. Up front, the Blazers will rely on Kris Hogg to improve upon last year's 24-goal campaign. Blazers veterans Jarret Lukin, Rick Kozak and Cam Cunning will also be looked at to provide offense. The Blazers have defencemen returning from last year including Max Gordichuk who's 6-foot-5, 214-pound frame will be needed to clear traffic in front of the net. Sophomore Ray Macias and freshman Victor Bartley are both capable of providing offense from the blue line while recently-acquired Tyrell Moulton will be a definite asset in his own end. The always-reliable Devan Dubnyk will be the go-to guy in net for the Blazers as he was one of the best netminders in the league last year.


Kelowna Rockets
General Manager: Bruce Hamilton
Head Coach: Jeff Truitt
2003-04 Record: 47-21-4-0, 98pts (1st in B.C Div., 1st in conf.) GF: 185 GA: 125
Playoffs: Lost in seven games to Everett in Western Conference championship.
*Won Memorial Cup as host team.
Top Scorers: Randall Gelech 71gp – 30g – 19a – 49pts
Justin Keller 72gp – 25g – 21a – 46pts

The Kelowna Rockets were the best team in the WHL during last year's regular season. Although they were bounced in the western conference final by upstart Everett, the Rockets more than made up for it by winning the 2004 MasterCard Memorial Cup as the host team. The keys to Kelowna's success last year were balanced scoring up front and incredibly solid defence and goaltending. Offense shouldn't be a problem for the Rockets this year with Justin Keller set for a breakout year, and others like Blake Comeau and rookie Troy Ofukany capable of providing scoring. However, the team will have difficulty matching last season's record-setting 125 goals against with the departure of netminder Kelly Guard. Yet, the Rockets will remain strong on defence with veterans like Shea Weber and up-and-comers like Kyle Cumiskey and Kevin Reinholt. Derek Yeomans will be the man to replace Guard in net. Yeomans backed up Guard last year appearing in 12 games and posting a 2.01 GAA. Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan native Kristofer Westbloom will be Yeomans' back-up.


Kootenay Ice
General Manager: Jeff Chynoweth
Head Coach: Cory Clouston
2003-04 Record: 32-30-7-3, 74pts (4th in B.C Div., 8th in conf.) GF: 183 GA: 200
Playoffs: Lost in four games to Kelowna in first round
Top Scorers: Nigel Dawes 56gp – 47g – 23a – 70pts
Adam Cracknell 72gp – 26g – 35a – 61pts

The Kootenay Ice are looking to regain their championship form this season. Fortunately, the Ice have the weapons that could carry them up the ranks. Kootenay's biggest weapon is left-winger Nigel Dawes. A 47-goal man last year, Dawes is a game-breaker and lethal on the power-play. He'll lead the Ice's attack this year along with 18-year-old right-winger Adam Cracknell, Czech winger Martin Sagat, and center Dale Mahovsky. The Ice have some younger players who can also put the puck in the net such as rookie winger Steven DaSilva who tallied 36 goals in 35 games with his SMHL club last year. The Ice's blue line has five returnees from last year's team led by veterans such as James Cherewyk and Derek Price. The recent addition of former Swift Current Bronco Michael Busto adds even more experience and offensive potential to the back end. Jeff Glass, a third-round draft pick of the Ottawa Senators this summer, will be the main man in net for Kootenay. Last season, Glass played 57 games for the Ice and posted a 2.35 GAA while picking up 26 wins.


Prince George Cougars
General Manager: Dallas Thompson
Head Coach: Lane Lambert
2003-04 Record: 30-34-7-1, 68pts (5th in B.C Div., 9th in conf.) GF: 214 GA: 236
Playoffs: Did not qualify
Top Scorers: Chris Falloon 68gp – 22g – 34a – 56pts
Jonathan Filewich 72gp – 30g – 25a – 55pts

The Prince George Cougars, under returning head coach Lane Lambert, will be a different team this year. Having lost a few big names like all-time points and goals leader Chris Falloon as well as defencemen Brett Dickie and Clay Plume, the Cougars will look to the younger set to fill the holes. Newly-appointed captain Myles Zimmer will lead the team and should improve his 21-goal total last year. 19-year-old Colin Patterson will be a key to the Cougars attack as well. Centers Eric Hunter, Nick Drazenovic, and Danny LaPointe will also be counted on for scoring. The Cougars only have four returning defencemen, but, one of them happens to be Dustin Byfuglien. The 6-foot-3, 264-pound blue-liner, with his booming shot, will be a dominating force this year and will be key to the Cougars back end. Czech rookie Adam Lukacovic should also provide offensive options from the defence corps. Justin Pogge has the main puck-stopping job and, with a younger, less experienced defence, he will be heavily relied on. Rookie netminder Real Cyr looks good to be Pogge's back-up


Vancouver Giants
General Manager: Scott Bonner
Head Coach: Don Hay
2003-04 Record: 33-24-9-6, 81pts (2nd in B.C Div., 2nd in conf.) GF: 215 GA: 196
Playoffs: Lost in six games to Everett in second round
Top Scorers: Adam Courchaine 70gp – 39g – 43a – 82pts
Gilbert Brule 67gp – 25g – 35a – 60pts

Vancouver had a solid season last year and should be even better this season and possibly challenge for the Division and Conference title. If there's one thing Giants fans can expect, it's offensive flair. Gilbert Brule, last year's WHL Rookie of the Year, is poised for a stellar sophomore season, and Adam Courchaine, the Giants' leading scorer last year, definitely has the ability to fill the net. Don't be surprised if 17-year-old rookie centre Shaun Vey turns some heads this year. 6-foot-3, 220-pound blue-liner Mark Fistric will anchor what should be a tough group of defencemen. Fistric is solid, hard-hitting, and good enough to have earned an invite to Hockey Canada's national junior development camp. Slovakian defenceman Andrej Meszaros could provide an offensive touch that was lacking on the Giants blue line last year. Czech netminder Marek Schwarz will be Vancouver's man between the pipes with Jordan Kaczmar backing him up.


U.S. Division


Everett Silvertips
General Manager: Doug Soetaert
Head Coach: Kevin Constantine
2003-04 Record: 35-27-8-2, 80pts (1st in U.S Div., 3rd in conf.) GF: 157 GA: 153
Playoffs: Lost in four games to Medicine Hat in WHL championship
Top Scorers: John Dahl 64gp – 25g – 19a – 44pts
Riley Armstrong 69gp – 18g – 26a – 44pts

Everett had the best inaugural season in WHL history, winning the U.S. Division and making it all the way to the Western Hockey League final. Head coach Kevin Constantine took a group of cast-offs from other WHL teams - a group that was supposed to struggle in their first year - and turned them into a gritty, hard-working, and, most importantly, a winning team. With a year under their belts, this year's edition of the team should again be a force to contend with in the U.S. Division and the Western Conference. Although the Silvertips have lost John Dahl, their top goal scorer from last year, to graduation, and Riley Armstrong who turned pro, they still have the talents of Marc Desloges. The ‘Tips also have a few younger guys like centre Zach Hamill and Czech winger Karel Hromas that are capable of providing scoring. Everett's defence was remarkably stingy last year allowing the fewest goals in the U.S. division. Mitch Love will be a key to Everett maintaining a strong defence along with Ivan Baranka and younger blue-liners like Cory Thoring. Mike Wall will likely get the starting role in net for the Silvertips. Last year, Wall, who split netminding duties with Jeff Harvey, played in 36 games posting a very respectable 2.27 goals-against average.


Portland Winter Hawks
General Manager: Ken Hodge
Head Coach: Mike Williamson
2003-04 Record: 34-29-6-3, 77pts (2nd in U.S Div., 5th in conf.) GF: 199 GA: 206
Playoffs: Lost in five games to Tri-City in first round
Top Scorers: Brandon Dubinsky 71gp – 30g – 48a – 78pts
Dan DaSilva 65gp – 36g – 20a – 56pts

The Portland Winter Hawks will have many faces from last year's team back for this season. Up front, the Hawks will welcome back both of the team's top point-producers – Brandon Dubinsky and Dan Da Silva. As well, the Hawks will have back 20-year-old Darryl May and 19-year-old Brian Woolger, both of whom will be looked to for scoring. Slovakian center Ivan Dornic will also be expected to step up his offensive game this year. 6-foot-5, 210-pound Braydon Coburn will be the cornerstone of the Hawks defence. Coburn, the Atlanta Thrashers' first pick in 2003, has the size and offensive talent to be a major force in the league. 6-foot-4, 188-pound veteran Michael Funk will also be a key rearguard for Portland. In addition to the veteran presence of Coburn and Funk, the Hawks have sophomore Brendan Mikkelson, fresh off a U-18 World Cup championship with Canada, and impressive rookies like 6-foot-4, 210-pound Kevin Tipper who add depth on the blue line. Look for Dustin Butler to take the starting role in net with Kevin Opsahl backing him up.


Seattle Thunderbirds
General Manager: Russ Farwell
Head Coach: Rob Sumner
2003-04 Record: 24-31-8-9, 65pts (5th in U.S Div., 10th in conf) GF: 192 GA: 198
Playoffs: Did not qualify
Top Scorers: Tyler Metcalfe 72gp – 22g – 37a – 59pts
Dustin Johner 71gp – 26g – 31a – 57pts

Seattle will be an improved team this year and should stay competitive in what's going to be a tough U.S. Division. Tyler Metcalfe, the Thunderbirds' leading point-producer last season, will lead the attack. 17-year-old centre Chris Durand is already being touted as a first-round pick in next year's NHL draft and will also be a key part in Seattle's offence. 16-year-old center Mitch Fadden has had an impressive training camp and appears to be ready to take a regular spot in the roster. Seattle's defence is rather young but they're big. Led by 6-foot-4, 202-pound Matt Hansen, Seattle doesn't have one defenceman under 6'1". Clayton Barthel, a third-round pick by Washington this summer, and Zack Hansen will also be key components on the Thunderbirds' blue line. The battle for the starting role in net is between Bryan Bridges and Josh Lepp. The pair split goaltending duties last year. However, rookie Gavin McHale has been solid in the pre-season and could be on the roster when the season opens.


Spokane Chiefs
General Manager: Tim Speltz
Head Coach: Al Conroy
2003-04 Record: 32-29-4-7, 75pts (4th in U.S Div., 8th in conf.) GF: 200 GA: 215
Playoffs: Lost in four games to Everett in first round
Top Scorers: Brad Schell 71gp – 35g – 57a – 92pts
Chad Klassen 72gp – 35g – 56a – 91pts

The Spokane Chiefs should be a competitive team in a very competitive U.S. Division. The Chiefs will rely on Chad Klassen to lead the attack this year. With 91 points last year, Klassen is more than capable to do the job of scoring. Left-winger Ned Lukacevic, a 2004 draft pick of the Los Angeles Kings, should be able to improve upon last year's 19-goal campaign. Center Adam Hobson, entering his sophomore season, will likely feature more prominently in Spokane's attack this year while Austrian Michael Grabner, who scored 62 goals in 49 games for his Austrian junior team, could be a potential weapon, too. Rising star Sean Zimmerman, who was the Chiefs' rookie of the year last season, will feature prominently on defence and also be expected to contribute offensively. 20-year-old Scott Lynch will also be a key on the blue line, especially on the power-play. Jim Watt has the starting job in net for the Chiefs with rookie Kirk Irving and newly-acquired Keyvan Hunt battling for back-up duties.

Tri-City Americans
General Manager: Bob Tory
Head Coach: Don Nachbaur
2003-04 Record: 31-27-10-4, 76pts (3rd in U.S Div., 6th in conf.) GF: 205 GA: 197
Playoffs: Lost in six games to Kelowna in second round
Top Scorers: Dylan Stanley 72gp – 34g – 38a – 72pts
Ryan Kinasewich 55gp – 33g – 36a – 69pts

Tri-City will have a strong team this year with 17 players returning from last year's team. The Americans will have Dylan Stanley, their top scorer from last year, back this season. Aside from Stanley, the Ams will look for more offense from Marcus Jonasen, Jason Beeman, and Matt Schneider as well. Slovakian import Juraj Gracik has been great in the pre-season and could be a big scoring threat for Tri-City this Year. Rookie winger Dillon Johnstone has also impressed in the pre-season and could add depth up front. The Americans have a very solid defence corps led by Shawn Belle, Logan Stephenson, and Clayton Stoner. All three were drafted this summer with Belle being selected by Washington, Stephenson picked by Phoenix, and Stoner taken by Minnesota. Tri-City's blue line, bolstered by fellow returnees Dan Ehrman and Brett Festerling, will certainly be a tough nut for any opponent to crack. Netminder Carey Price will have the starting role in goal for the Ams with former Regina Pat Jesse Deckert backing him up.



2004-05 WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE POLL

WHL GENERAL MANAGERS AND COACHES POLL


EASTERN CONFERENCE

East Division

1 Prince Albert Raiders
2 Brandon Wheat Kings
3 Saskatoon Blades
4 Moose Jaw Warriors
5 Regina Pats

Central Division

1 Calgary Hitmen
2 Red Deer Rebels
3 Medicine Hat Tigers
4 Lethbridge Hurricanes
5 Swift Current Broncos

WESTERN CONFERENCE

B.C. Division

1 Vancouver Giants
2 Kamloops Blazers
3 Kelowna Rockets
4 Prince George Cougars
5 Kootenay Ice

U.S. Division

1 Tri City Americans
2 Everett Silvertips
3 Portland Winter Hawks
4 Seattle Thunderbirds
5 Spokane Chiefs

WESTERN MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY WRITERS' ASSOCIATION POLL (Rank by Conference)


Eastern Conference

1 Calgary Hitmen
2 Prince Albert Raiders
3 Brandon Wheat Kings
4 Medicine Hat Tigers
5 Lethbridge Hurricanes
6 Red Deer Rebels
7 Moose Jaw Warriors
8 Saskatoon Blades
9 Regina Pats
10 Swift Current Broncos

Western Conference

1 Vancouver Giants
2 Tri-City Americans
3 Kelowna Rockets
4 Portland Winter Hawks
5 Kamloops Blazers
6 Everett Silvertips
7 Kootenay Ice
8 Prince George Cougars
9 Seattle Thunderbirds
10 Spokane Chiefs


WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE BROADCASTERS' POLL

East Division

1 Prince Albert Raiders
2 Brandon Wheat Kings
3 Saskatoon Blades
4 Moose Jaw Warriors
5 Regina Pats

Central Division

1 Calgary Hitmen
2 Medicine Hat Tigers
3 Red Deer Rebels
4 Lethbridge Hurricanes
5 Swift Current Broncos

B.C. Division

1 Vancouver Giants
2 Kelowna Rockets
3 Kamloops Blazers
4 Prince George Cougars
5 Kootenay Ice

U.S. Division

1 Tri-City Americans
2 Portland Winter Hawks
3 Everett Silvertips
4 Seattle Thunderbirds
5 Spokane Chiefs

Western Hockey League Stories from September 23, 2004

• WHL commish makes state of the league address - Brandon Wheat Kings
• Ams Announce Leadership Group - Tri-City Americans
• Shaw to carry WHL action - WHL
• WHL launches 39th season - WHL
• Winter Hawks Select Team Captain, Open Season - Portland Winterhawks
• Chiefs Open Season Saturday - Spokane Chiefs
• Sponsors Reach Out exceeds 225 - Kootenay Ice
• McGillivray gets three games - Brandon Wheat Kings

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