StarPhoenix Eastern Conference Preview

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http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/sports/story.html?id=0cc7795b-c0a1-498f-b951-6584450e6b56

Western Hockey League Eastern Conference Preview

The StarPhoenix
Published: Thursday, September 20, 2007

CENTRAL DIVISION

CALGARY HITMEN

Last season: 39-26-3-4, third in Central Division, lost in Conference final to Medicine Hat.

Head coach: Kelly Kisio (entering his fourth season and 10th as general manager).

Key losses: F Brodie Dupont (37-33-70) is tunring pro as is D and former captain Dylan Yeo (8-23-31), import F Freddie Pettersson (21-29-50) who is playing as a professional in his native Sweden.

Key additions: D Keith Seabrook, brother of Chicago's Brent Seabrook, F T.J. Galiardi, who played NCAA last season, as did Seabrook. Both should be high-end WHL players.

Key returnees: C Ryan White will provide leadership and scoring after tallying 89 points last season. D Karl Alzner should be one of the best in the league, while F Brett Sonne and F Keegan Dansereau might be ready to take that next step and put a lot of pucks in the net.

The imports: Two 18 year olds: LW Bostjan Golicic from Slovenia and LW Martin Stepan from the Slovakia.

The 20 year olds: D Dan Mercer, D Ryan Gillen, and F Adam Ross (According to Kisio, this list is subject to change).

Watch for: The Hitmen to look for another 20-year-old if F Adam Ross (QMJHL) doesn't make the team.

The prognosis: As usual, the Hitmen will be a competitive club. They should be able to put the puck in the net with the likes of White, Galiardi and Sonne. On the back end, Alzner and Seabrook will lead a solid if unspectacular group, while Dan Spence should be a stalwart between the pipes and the Hitmen will likely make the post season, although a division title may be a bit much to expect.

(Cam Maxwell, Calgary Sun)

EDMONTON OIL KINGS

Last season: Did not play. Inaugural season this year.

Head coach: Steve Pleau (former assistant coach Spokane Chiefs, previously associate head coach Peoria Rivermen of AHL)

The 20-year-olds: As an expansion team, can carry five: G Alex Archibald (Chilliwack Bruins), D Michael Hengen (Moose Jaw Warriors), D Bretton Stamler (Seattle Thunderbirds), Matthew Swaby (Tri-City Americans), F Kareey Pieper (Red Deer Rebels).

The imports: F Tomas Vincour, 17, Czech Republic; F Robin Figren, 19, Stockholm, Sweden (Calgary Hitmen).

Key players: Archibald will be backed up in net by 17-year-old Dalyn Flette (Kamloops Blazers), then everybody else. The Oil Kings don't have a 16-year-old on their current roster, but general manager Bob Green says the team will mix-and-match their lineup until roster deadline Oct. 11, and will undoubtedly be prepared to trade for the future if things need to be revised come WHL trade deadline in mid-January. Vincour looked very good during the pre-season.

Watch for: Scoring will be an issue as it usually always is for expansion teams. Defensively, the veterans -- including Michael Hengen (Moose Jaw Warriors), 20 -- will have to be at their best every night.

The prognosis: Even with five overagers, making the playoffs in their first year is going to be tough. The team starts with seven 17-year-olds and the Oil Kings have to hope most of them can be building blocks for the future. Certainly, Green has plenty of experience -- having played a major role in building the Medicine Hat Tigers into a perennial contender -- and you can expect he'll do that here, although it won't happen overnight.

KOOTENAY ICE

Last season: 49-17-3-3; second in Central Division; Lost to Calgary in seven games, in double overtime of the first round of the WHL playoffs.

Head coach: Mark Hollick (first season)

Key Losses: G Taylor Dakers, D Mike Busto and RW Curtis Billsten all to graduation. Last year's captain C/LW Ryan Russell will likely not return for his final year of junior eligibility having been signed by Montreal Canadiens. Import D Lukas Bohunicky.

The 20-year-olds: RW Steve Da Silva and D Chad Greenan are both locks to stay with the club. RW Clayton Bauer, D Paul Kurceba and RW Luke Wiens are the three others on the roster..

The imports: Swiss RW Arnaud Jacquemet, 19, is returning (13-16-29). Czech D Jiri Ryzuk, 17, is the newcomer.

Key returnees: C Ben Maxwell and RW Steve Da Silva could fight it out for the league scoring title. C Dustin Sylvester and RW Andrew Bailey round out a club chock full of scoring. D John Negrin, 18, and D Chad Greenan will be counted on for some big minutes.

New faces: Coach Mark Hollick. RW Steele Boomer, 17, if the name fits. The 17-year-old has sweet hands and can score. G Nathan Lieuwen, 16, huge at 6-foot-4 will battle Thomas Heemskerk, 17, for the backup spot.

Watch for: A steep learning curve for coach Mark Hollick who's finally made the jump to major junior after a decade in Junior A.

Just notes: The club will likely start the season with three goaltenders and four overagers, meaning a trade is likely forthcoming.

The prognosis: Could be a transition year, depending on where they sit in the Central Division come the trade deadline. The team has an embarrassment of riches in the scoring department but are thinner on the blue-line. If C Ryan Russell is returned by the Montreal Canadiens, you could see some fire wagon hockey in the Kootenays. If the blue-line doesn't hold up, however, you could see a firesale come January. Playoffs are a solid possibility because of the new conference format.

(Jeff Bromley, Kootenay News advertiser)

LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES:

Last season: 33-34-2-3, fifth in Central Division, missed playoffs.

Head coach: Michael Dyck (second full season).

Key losses: LW Kris Hogg, last season's leading goal scorer and captain; C Kyle Bailey; D Tomas Kudelka, top defenceman who led team in plus-minus rating.

The 20-year-olds: C Yashar Farmanara, coming off career-best 18-goal, 46-point season; C Jacob Dietrich, the top face-off man and defensive centre. One spot remains open.

The imports: Two rookies -- G Juha Metsola (18) of Finland is the fourth-rated European netminder by Central Scouting; D Luca Sbisa (17) from Switzerland.

Key returnees: LW Zach Boychuk (18) was second in league scoring last year with 91 points; C Mitch Fadden (19) had a career-best 36 goals and 84 points and was a Tampa Bay fourth-round pick; C/LW Dwight King is on the verge of a breakout campaign; D Ben Wright (19) is expected to anchor the blue-line.

New faces: LW Daniel Iwanski (17) is a gritty fireplug; C Cam Braes (16) was a third-round bantam pick in the 2006 draft; LW Carter Ashton (16), the seventh overall pick in the 2006 bantam draft, is the son of Brent Ashton but was hampered by broken collarbone in pre-season.

Watch for: Boychuk to challenge for the league scoring title once again; King to finally realize the talent his impressive frame and hockey smarts promise; G Metsola to take over the No. 1 role as he becomes used to North American shooters.

The prognosis: Goaltending and defence are the biggest question marks. This team will score and if it can cut down on the goals against, will be in the top three in the Central.

(Trevor Kenney, Lethbridge Herald)

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MEDICINE HAT TIGERS

Last season: 52-17-3-0, first in Eastern Conference. Won WHL final series 4-3 over Vancouver. Lost Memorial Cup title game to Vancouver.

Head coach: Willie Desjardins (sixth year as coach, third as GM).

Key losses: A bunch. Last year's WHL player of the year D Kris Russell (Columbus) and world junior teammate C Darren Helm (Detroit). Franchise record-setting G Matt Keetley (Calgary). Top-scoring overagers RW Chris Stevens and F Derek Dorsett. As many as four everday defencemen including 20-year-old all-star David Schlemko (Phoenix).

Key returnees: 26-goal scorer Tyler Ennis, the 17-year-old left-winger has the talent to astound but at 5-foot-9, 160 pounds will have to adjust to top-line role. D Trevor Glass, 19, an often overlooked veteran of the Tigers.

The overagers: F Daine Todd spent the summer skating, rather then rehabbing his often injured shoulders. The immensely skilled forward should have a banner year if healthy. Locals Kevin Undershute and Jerrid Sauer -- both hard-working forwards -- will set an example for the youngsters.

The imports: Rough-housing Swede F Michael Ahlen, 19, and Czech G Tomas Vosvrda, 18, who will divide assignments with encumbant backup Ryan Holfeld to begin with.

New faces: Forwards Thomas Frazee (Portland) and John Stampohar (Minnesota high school) add size to the traditionally smaller forward unit. D Zach Sim, 19, (Tri-City) should log a ton of minutes. WHL rookies C Sean Ringrose, 19, C Wacey Hamilton, 17, and raw rookies D Cody Carlson and F Linden Vey appear right at home.

Watch for: The young lineup to adjust to a steep learning curve by the second half and the goaltending situation to flesh itself out.

The prognosis: The recent graduating class will be sorely missed, but the current team has enough promise for a respectable year and playoff appearance while aiming for 2008-09.

(Collin Gallant, Medicine Hat News)

RED DEER REBELS

Last season: 35-28-4-5, fourth in Central Division, lost in first round of playoffs.

Head coach: Brian Sutter (first year).

Key losses: European forwards Martin Hanzal and Kirill Starkov were the club's top-two scorers last season, although there's still faint hope that Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Starkov will return if he doesn't play in the AHL. C Brett Sutter, 20, has signed with the Calgary Flames, while RW Dustin Moore, D Jordan Henry and LW Ted Vandermeer have graduated.

The 20-year-olds: The Rebels might head into the season without an overage player but any combination of RW J.D. Watt, Brett Sutter and/or Starkov could be back from pro camps.

The imports: Rookie 17-year-old C Tomas Polak, with Starkov still a remote possibility.

Key returnees: C Brandon Sutter, Carolina's first-round pick in this year's NHL entry draft, hard-hitting C Brennen Wray, RW Scott Doucet (13-20-33 last season), G James Reimer and offensive D Cullen Morin.

New faces: As many as 10 rookies on their roster, including 2006 first-round bantam draft pick C Landon Ferraro, and Polak, who has shown offensive promise. Others include Alberta Midget League 2006-07 all-star defencemen Colin Archer and Dallas Jackson, and C Jordan Draper, the provincial midget loop's top forward last season.

Watch for: The rookie-laden Rebels to start slowly, especially if none -- or even just one -- of the pro hopefuls are returned to the team.

Did you know: New bench boss Brian Sutter won the Jack Adams Trophy winner as the NHL coach of the year in 1991 and has tutored four NHL teams.

The prognosis: Although they'd never admit as much publicly, the Rebels coaching staff would be satisfied with a playoff berth in the always competitive Central Division. If the younger players blossom early and Reimer is the club's MVP, Red Deer could sneak into the post-season.

(Greg Meachem, Red Deer Advocate)

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EAST DIVISION

BRANDON WHEAT KINGS

Last season: 41-20-3-8, first in East Division, eliminated in second round of playoffs.

Head coach: Kelly McCrimmon (fourth season as coach, 19th as general manager).

Key losses: Top scorer Codey Burki, D Dustin Kohn and G Tyler Plante are expected to play professionally as 20-year-olds, while 46-goal scorer Mark Derlago graduated to the pro ranks.

The 20-year-olds: C Tyler Dittmer is competing with D Daryl Boyle, D Mark Louis and D Theran Yeo for the three spots.

The imports: Czech LW Daniel Bartek, 19, is the club's lone import.

Key returnees: C Andrew Clark is the team's top returning scorer, with 28 goals and 60 points last season. Boyle and Colby Robak, 17, should give provide a potent 1-2 offensive combo from the blue-line. G Joe Caligiuri, 18, will try to make the transition from backup to starter.

New faces: RW Matt Lowry, 19, of Neepawa came over from the Medicine Hat Tigers, while LW Matt Calvert, 18, and RW Sanfred King, 17, were standouts for the Manitoba champion Midget AAA Wheat Kings last season. C Brayden Schenn has a chance to make an impact at 16. G Andrew Hayes, 17, started in the AJHL at 16, but missed training camp with a broken finger.

Watch for: Second-year breakouts for Bartek and C/LW Jay Fehr, 18; 6-foot-6 Keith Aulie, 18, to develop into a shutdown defenceman; Plenty of prime-time ice time for the rookie forwards.

The prognosis: The Wheat Kings have experience and talent on the blue-line, but with six of their top-seven scorers from last season gone, the key will be the play of Caligiuri and Hayes, who will have to hold down the fort while the young forwards develop. Making the playoffs seems like a reasonable goal.

(Rob Henderson, Brandon Sun)

MOOSE JAW WARRIORS

Last season: 28-41-3-0, fifth in East Division, missed playoffs.

Head coach: Dave Hunchak (first season, was assistant with Swift Current for the past three seasons).

Key losses: Captain Steven Gillen (25-38-63) graduated and overage D Martin Grundling, who signed a pro contract with HK 36 Skalica in his native Slovakia.

The 20-year-olds: G Joey Perricone and G Kurt Jory are battling for one job in net. LW Terrance Delaronde (12-12-24) and LW Keith Voytechek (19-17-36) are both role players who add some grit and secondary scoring respectively.

The imports: Two 18-year-old newcomers: Czech C Tomas Karpov and Slovak LW Martin Filo.

Key returnees: RW Riley Holzapfel (39-43-82) who was eighth in WHL scoring last season. C Jason Reese (30-40-70), LW Brady Calla (15-26-41) and LW Jordan Knackstedt (23-33-56).

New faces: Feisty Delaronde adds character. Filo hasn't shied away from being physical and finished chances well in pre-season when getting time with top-end players. The smaller Karpov has shown flashes of his play-making ability. C Justin Maylan and D Kevin Smith -- the Warriors top two Bantam picks in '06 -- are looking to contribute.

Watch for: The Warriors to add one or two veteran defencemen to stabilize the back end while giving up some of their depth up front to do so. Making room for a 20-year-old defenceman is not out of the question.

The prognosis: The Warriors should have three lines that can score. The question is if they can get consistency from their overage goalie and if they can find at least one veteran defencemen to log a lot of minutes, help the power play and take the pressure off of the young blue-liners. It could be a slow start as the team learns Hunchak's system. However, if the goaltending is solid and they don't sacrifice too much offensive depth for defensive help, home ice in the first round of the playoffs is an attainable goal.

(Matthew Gourlie, Moose Jaw Times-Herald)

PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS

Last season: 27-39-3, fourth in East Division, lost division semi-final in five games to Brandon.

Head coach: Bruno Campese (first year as head coach, 2006-07 BCHL coach of the year)

Key losses: RW Mike Hellyer (20-32-52), C Lukas Zeliska (4-25-29), G Jesse Deckert (20-26 3.24 GAA)

The 20-year-olds: The Raiders put F Jarrid Dowhay on waivers, leaving Mike Gauthier (5-19-24) and John Flatters (0-9-9) on the backend, and there is a good possibility they will be joined by Jeff May (10-34-44) who currently is attending Minnesota Wild training camp.

The Imports: 19-year-old German C Max Brandl and 17-year-old blue-liner Tomas Voracek of the Cezch Republic.

Key returnees: RW Ryan DePape (25-31-56), who was at Edmonton Oilers camp, has been pegged to step up offensively, while last year's leading scorers Matt Robertson (37-27-64) and Ryan McDonald (27-23-50) are expected to have solid years.

New Faces: D Ryan Button, second round selection in the 2006 bantam draft, has shown the poise to stick with the club. RW Brandon Herrod, the Raiders' third round selection in 2006, D Nathan Deck, 17, who was the second-leading scorer among defenceman in the Saskatchewan midget AAA league.

Watch for: G Steven Stanford looks to have been anointed with the starting goaltending position out of camp but, at 17 years old, is still unproven. If things dont start smoothly look for changes with one of the overagers as top trade bait. Scoring could also be high on the list of priorities.

Prognosis: With a solid blue-line the Raiders' problem shouldn't be defence, but rather offensive. Lacking a true scoring star, they will have to rely on hard work as after their top line its slim pickings. Stopping the puck could also be an issue. Will be tooth and nail to move up in the east but should challenge for the final playoff spot.

(Ryan Boulton, Prince Albert Daily Herald)

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REGINA PATS

Last season: 36-28-2-6, second in East Division, lost to Medicine Hat in second round.

Head coach: Curtis Hunt (fourth season, seventh in WHL).

Key losses: D Kyle Deck and their top two centres: Kyle Ross and Garrett Festerling (all graduated).

The 20-year-olds: RW Kaspars Saulietis, LW Troy Ofukany and RW Myles Stoesz (signed with Atlanta, may not return).

The imports: Kaspers Saulietis and LW Rudolf Cerveny, 18.

Key returnees: RW Jordan Eberle and D Colten Teubert are the real deal, but they're only 17. Logan Pyett, 19, is a dominant offensive defenceman. D Craig Schira, 19, and D Nick Ross, 18, are two-way threats and a solid shut-down duo. C Kirt Hill, LW Michael MacAngus, Ofukany and Saulietis -- all trade acquisitions from last season -- are keys to an unproven offence. RW Brett Leffler, 18, is an emerging power forward and Linden Rowat, 18, enters his second season as a touted No. 1 goalie.

New faces: C Cody Gross, 18 (trade with Edmonton, via expansion draft from P.A.). Eight rookies: Insam, Cerveny, D Curtis Kulchar, 17; D Alex Pym, 16; RW Garrett Mitchell, 16; D/LW Dru Cotterill, 17; C Matt Strueby, 18; and, G Jeff Bosch, 17.

Watch for: At least one trade to add scoring punch . . . A defence-first philosophy which relies on speed and transition to create offence.

The prognosis: The veteran-laden Pats are hoping to capitalize on their strengths -- goaltending and defence. If they can muster enough goals, the Pats should take a run at their first East Division pennant in a decade.

(Greg Harder, Leader-Post)

SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS

Last season: 33-36-1-2, third in East Division, lost to Regina in first round.

Head coach: Dean Chynoweth (fourth year as Head Coach/GM, eighth in league).

Key losses: D Myles Rumsey; C Jeremy Schenderling and G Kyle Moir (graduated overagers), and underachieving C Daniel Rakos (stayed in Czech Republic).

The 20-year-olds: D Michael Wilson, D R.J. LaRochelle, RW Brady Leavold.

The imports: Both from Kladno in the Czech Republic: C David Stieler (13-22-35) in his first season with Broncos) and Jan Dalecky. The 5-foot-10, 170 pound left winger had 29-29-48 in 44 games with Kladno U-18 team.

Key returnees: 19 year-old G Travis Yonkman needs to be the go-to guy. Pesky C Levi Nelson (52 points in 2007), LW Geordie Wudrick (24 points), RW Dale Weise (43 points), D Eric Doyle (29 points) are all expected to be big offensively. Feisty second-year C Matt Tassone and RW Phil Gervais need to contribute more offensively.

New faces: They're young and fast. C Cody Eakin, D Joel Rogers and C Justin Dowling have all had outstanding training camps. LW Brad Hoban, LW Kris Foucault and RW Mike Brown may also make the team. Highly touted 6-foot-5, 215 pound goaltending prospect Ian Curtis is the back-up. Broncos are re building.

Watch for: A trade. Chynoweth makes trades around the regular-season opener. There are a few 19 year-olds who are on the bubble.

The prognosis: If older veterans like LaRochelle, Leavold, Kyle Bortis and Zack Smith don't have good seasons, it will be a long year as the Broncos wait for the talented crop of youngsters to develop.

(Ryan Dahlman, Swift Current Prairie Post)




© The StarPhoenix (Saskatoon) 2007

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B.C. Division Preview from the PG Citizen http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=110334&Itemid=563



B.C. Division Preview


Blazers poised to rise again


This is the final installment of The Citizen’s annual WHL team-by-team preview, the B.C. Division, with teams listed in predicted order of finish.


Kamloops Blazers

Last season: 40-26-4-2, second in B.C. Division, lost in first round of playoffs.

GM/head coach: Dean Clark (fifth season).

Key losses: C Reid Jorgensen, who played five seasons; RW Matt Kassian, the WHL’s heavyweight champ; D Ray Macias, a sniper from the blueline.

The 20-year-olds: D Ryan Bender, C Brock Nixon, D Ryan White. G Dustin Butler, who had seven shutouts and 33 wins last season, traded to Prince Albert earlier this week.

The imports: Two sophomores -- Finnish RW Juuso Puustinen and Slovakian LW Ivan Rohac.

Key returnees: Nixon, who has to score; Puustinen, who has shown chemistry with Nixon; C C.J. Stretch, a third-year Californian who is creative but needs consistency; D Victor Bartley, D Keaton Ellerby, Bender and White, the big four on a solid defence; sophomore RW Tyler Shattock, who has all the tools to be a force as a power forward.

New faces: G Justin Leclerc, a terrific 16-year-old who faltered last season at 17, was acquired from Lethbridge prior to camp opening; C Jimmy Bubnick, who was the only 16-year-old forward in the selection camp for Canada’s U-18 team last month.

Watch for: Rohac to score now more comfortable with the culture and the language; Leclerc to regain his form of two seasons ago; Ellerby, the 10th pick, by the Florida Panthers, in the 2007 NHL draft, to be hounded by trade rumours.

The prognosis: With goaltending, depth on defence and speed up front, the Blazers will challenge for first place in the Western Conference.

(Gregg Drinnan/Kamloops Daily News)


Vancouver Giants

Last season: 45-17-3-7, first in the B.C. Division, lost in the WHL final to Medicine Hat but won the Memorial Cup from the host berth.

Head Coach: Don Hay (fourth season).

Key losses: C Wacey Rabbit, D Brett Festerling and D A.J. Thelen to graduation; C Mario Bliznak, LW Kenndal McArdle, D Cody Franson and D Brendan Mikkelson to pro; RW J.D. Watt in trade with Red Deer.

The 20-year-olds: C Tim Kraus, LW Garet Hunt, RW Mike Wuchterl. With talk of Vancouver bringing in a veteran d-man, at least one could be on the move.

The imports: Czech RW Michal Repik is back for a third year, while Slovak D Juraj Valach was picked up in a trade with Tri-City. He’s heading into his sophomore WHL campaign.

Key returnees: LW Milan Lucic, Giants leading scorer in the regular season; Repik, who proved to be a go-to guy with a standout playoff; Kraus, a big-time talent who fell out of favour with Hay so much he was benched for the final two games of the Memorial Cup; D Jon Blum, the last remnant of the standout blueline corp from two years ago.

New faces: Valach, who was picked up for the Giants’ Import Draft pick; D Mike Berube, an ex-Prince George Cougar who came from Red Deer in the Watt swap; C Evander Kane, a 16-year-old who did get into a handful of games last year, including the Memorial Cup; D Neil Manning, another 16-year-old, plays a steady, two-way game.

Watch for: Vancouver to bring in veteran, left-handed shooting defenceman capable of playing in their top two pairings, with either Blum or Regner; a more consistent Giants team, due more consistent veteran leadership from the likes of Lucic and RW Spencer Machacek.

The prognosis: Vancouver has ridden its smart, veteran defence the past two years. Look for them to get that older blueliner, and with the crafty Hay at the helm, be in contention for the Western Conference crown.

(Steve Ewen/Vancouver Province)


Prince George Cougars

Last season: 33-31-3-5, third in B.C. Division, swept Kamloops in four close games in first round, upset No. 1-ranked Everett in six games in second round, soundly eliminated by Vancouver Giants in third round, a five-gamer.

Head coach: Drew Schoneck (first full season)

Key losses: Heavy, particularly up front. Forwards Devin Setoguchi, Eric Hunter, Nick Drazenovic and Jared Walker, along with D Vladimir Mihalik; G Scott Bowles, graduated; C Chris Durand, traded to Saskatoon; D Lance Redden, lost to Edmonton in expansion draft.

The 20-year-olds: Set and unlikely to change -- G Real Cyr, C (and captain) Greg Gardner, D Kalvin Sagert.

The imports: Swedish D Patrik Magnusson, 19, got a long look as a free agent at Detroit’s camp, largely because he’s large -- six-foot-eight and 250 pounds; speedy Czech C Jan Kupec, 17, who will be given every opportunity to handle the puck.

Key returnees: Cyr, Gardner, Sagert, D Ty Wishart, D Jesse Dudas and LW Dana Tyrell. Also RW Evan Fuller, LW Jordie Deagle, RW Dale Hunt, D Chris Vanduynhoven and D Garrett Thiessen.

New faces: Almost all the forwards, both imports, and backup goalie Joel Danyluk. C Alex Poulter, acquired from Red Deer in the summer, combines with rookie forwards Colin Haas, Parker Stanfield and Marcus Watson to give the team four U.S. players -- the most ever for a Cougars team.

Watch for: This team to score about as often as Toronto FC in Major League Soccer. The loss of more than 300 points from last season will be impossible to replace.

Just Notes: GM Dallas Thompson tries to unearth a first-round bantam choice in the 2008 draft to replace the one he gave up, along with D Stefan Elliott, to the Saskatoon Blades for Setoguchi.

The prognosis: Cyr and an older, deeper defence corps gives the Cougars a chance to develop forwards and the scoring that is sorely lacking. For this to not be a 15-win season, the Cougars need offensive breakout years from people in the group including Gardner, Fuller, Deagle, Kupec, Hunt, and Chad Hohmann.

(Jim Swanson/Prince George Citizen)


Kelowna Rockets

Last season: 22-41-5-4, fifth in B.C. Division, missed playoffs.

Head coach: Ryan Huska (first year as head coach, sixth with franchise).

Key losses: Graduated overagers C Chris Ray, D Clayton Barthel, D David Schulz.

The 20-year-olds: Only two in G Kris Westblom, LW James McEwan, this season’s captain, and possibly D Lyon Messier, son of Mark.

The imports: One newcomer in C Milan Kytnar, 18, from Slovakia and Edmonton Oilers draft pick. Slim chance that Kelowna could land C Mikael Backlund, 18, of Sweden, a first-round pick by Calgary (24th overall).

Key returnees: Westblom, Kelowna’s best player last season until he suffered a season-ending knee injury in early February; McEwan, who will lead by example; C Cody Almond, last season’s leading scorer (15-28-43); and D Luke Schenn, a first-round pick next June.

New faces: D Tyson Barrie and RW Kyle St. Denis, who made a handful of appearances last season. Another prospect is D Kyle Verdino of Phoenix, a player with a good shot.

Watch for: GM Bruce Hamilton to trade for a 19-year-old forward if his team has trouble scoring early on. Experience could be valuable in the long run.

Did you know: The Rockets are coming off their first season in franchise history where they failed to make the postseason.

The prognosis: Good goaltending and a blue-line that will shine in time, but to succeed, the Rockets need a dramatic offensive overhaul. Last season, the Rockets had the league’s second-worst offence at 2.16 goals per game.

(Doyle Potenteau/The Daily Courier)


Chilliwack Bruins

Last season: 25-4-5-2, fourth in B.C. Division, lost in opening round to Vancouver.

Head coach: Jim Hiller (second season).

Key losses: F Josh Aspenlind (22-35-57), D Craig Lineker (10-6-16) is attending the University of British Columbia. G Alex Archibald is with the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Key additions: The team returns 23 Bruins from last season but have added D David Hoda, 18, of Czech Republic and F David Robinson.

Key returnees: C Oscar Moller (32-37-69) and F Mark Santorelli (29-53-82) will provide the offensive focal point for the Bruins. D Nick Holden attended the Edmonton Oilers training camp and should be Chilliwack’s defensive leader. G Matt Esposito must remain healthy because the team has untested 17-year-old Mark Friesen backing him up.

The imports: Big things are expected from both C Oscar Moller (Sweden) and D David Hoda (Czech Republic).

Watch for: The spotlight is on 16-year-old Prince George product Ryan Howse, the Bruins’ first bantam draft pick in 2006. The Bruins need someone to step up on the second line to take the heat off Moller/Santorelli and Cody Smuk.

The prognosis: The Bruins are in tough in the B.C. Division, but if they’ve addressed their secondary scoring woes, then they should be in good shape to challenge for a playoff spot.

(Eric Welsh/Chilliwack Progress)