nivek_wahs
09-20-2007, 03:36 PM
http://whl.ca/news/?id=7472
2007-08 WHL Western Conference Preview
Created: Sep 20, 2007
The Everett Silvertips won the U.S. Division crown, the Western Conference title and the Scotty Munro trophy last season. However, it was their bitter Western Conference rival the Vancouver Giants who took home Major Junior hockey’s top prize, the MasterCard Memorial Cup.
Will the Silvertips be the dominant squad in the U.S. Division for a fourth time in five years? Or will another team step up and steal the ‘Tips’ thunder.
Can the Giants battle their way to a third straight appearance at the Memorial Cup tournament? Or will a new powerhouse emerge from the B.C. Division?
Here’s a look at how WHL Western Conference teams are shaping up:
WESTERN CONFERENCE
B.C. Division
Chilliwack Bruins
2008 pre-season: 1-3-0-2
General Manager: Darrell May Head Coach: Jim Hiller
2006-07 Record: 25-40-5-2, 57 pts (4th in B.C. Div., 8th in Conf.)
2007 Playoffs: Lost in five games to Vancouver in first round.
2006-07 Top Scorers:
Mark Santorelli: 72gp-29g-53a-82pts
Oscar Moller: 68gp-32g-37a-69pts
Josh Aspenlind: 71gp-22g-35a-57pts
The Bruins made the post-season in their first attempt as an expansion team last year. With a strong returning cast of players, and the addition of some talented younger players, the Bruins will look to move up the B.C. Division standings in their second WHL season.
Up Front: Oscar Moller and Mark Santorelli carried the Bruins offensively last season. Fortunately, the dynamic duo are back and ready to put up more big numbers. Both have the talent and skill to be among the WHL’s top scorers this season. Ken Petkau, a 24-goal scorer last season, also returns, giving the Bruins another bona fide sniper. Outside of those three, the Bruins don’t return a single forward who scored more than five goals last season. 18-year-old Jadon Potter has shown offensive flair, and could find a spot among the top six scoring forwards. Highly-touted 16-year-old Ryan Howse will be given an opportunity to contribute. He already scored a goal in the WHL as a 15-year-old call-up last year.
On The Blue Line: With as many as seven rearguards returning from last year, the Bruins look solid on the blue line. 20-year-olds Nick Holden and Dylan Chapman will anchor the defense corps. Holden proved he could be an offensive threat, scoring seven times while adding 24 assists last season as a rookie. Czech rookie David Hoda has good size and could also contribute in the offensive zone, while returnees Scott Maetche, Kevin Boutilier and Matt McCue will need to step up in helping lower the Bruins’ goals-against.
Goaltending: Matt Esposito assumed the top job in the Bruins’ cage towards the end of last season, finishing the campaign with a respectable 14-14-2-1 record and helping the Bruins make the post-season. The 18-year-old Esposito will see plenty of action this season while 17-year-old rookie Mark Friesen slots into the back-up role.
Kamloops Blazers
2008 pre-season: 6-1-0-0
General Manager: Dean Clark
Head Coach: Dean Clark
2006-07 Record: 40-26-4-2 86 pts (2nd in B.C. Div., 5th in Conf.) GF: 245 GA: 222
2007 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Prince George in first round.
2006-07 Top Scorers:
Brock Nixon 67gp-35g-44a-79pts
Juuso Puustinen 64gp-32g-39a-71pts
Ray Macias 70gp-30g-40a-70pts
The Blazers enjoyed a resurgence last season. Yet, as good as they were for most of the season, the Blazers stumbled badly down the stretch and were swept in the first round of the playoffs. With the return of several top-end players and the further development of their younger talents, the Blazers’ expectations for the 2007-08 campaign are high.
Up Front: The Blazers may have lost sniper Reid Jorgensen to graduation, but they still return a very solid group of offensive forwards. Brock Nixon and Juuso Puustinen both topped the 30-goal mark last year, and will likely form one of the WHL’s most dangerous combinations again this season. C.J. Stretch was the team’s top forward in their first-round playoff exit last year. Expect the 18-year-old to have a breakout season. Returning forwards Travis Dunstall, Ivan Rohac and Tyler Shattock are all capable of increasing their offensive output this season. Talented 16-year-old Jimmy Bubnick was a scoring sensation at the Midget AAA level last season and could become an impact player immediately for the Blazers.
On The Blue Line: The void left with the graduation of Ray Macias will be very difficult to fill, especially the 30 goals and 70 points he provided from the blue line. However, the Blazers still return a very strong group of defensemen, led by Florida Panthers prospect Keaton Ellerby. Ellerby is very strong in his own end, and should be capable of developing more of an offensive element to his game this season. Victor Bartley put up 43 points last season, and could step in as a top power play quarterback. In addition, the team returns the highly-dependable Ryan White, Ryan Bender and sophomore Jordan Rowley. Rookies Darcy Huisman, Kurt Torbohm and Mark Schneider could also be in the mix.
Goaltending: The trade of 20-year-old Dustin Butler to Prince Albert leaves the door open for 18-year-old Justin Leclerc to assume the top job. Leclerc struggled at times with the Lethbridge Hurricanes last season, but has proven he is capable of playing at a very high level. 17-year-old James Priestner will slot into the back-up role.
Kelowna Rockets
2008 pre-season: 2-5-0-0
General Manager: Bruce Hamilton
Head Coach: Ryan Huska
2006-07 Record: 22-41-5-4, 53 pts (5th in B.C. Div., 9th in Conf.) GF: 156 GA: 245
2007 Playoffs: Did not qualify.
2006-07 Top Scorers:
Cody Almond 68gp-15g-28a-43pts
Justin Bernhardt 65gp-15g-22a-37pts
Chris Ray 60gp-19g-16a-35pts
The Kelowna Rockets went through a rebuilding phase last season after several years of WHL dominance, and ended up missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. With another year of experience under their belts, and new head coach Ryan Huska at the helm, expect the young Rockets to show improvement as they look to get back into the post-season mix.
Up Front: The Rockets will see up to 11 of their forwards from last year return for the 2007-08 season. Cody Almond, who was drafted by Minnesota this summer, returns to lead the Rockets’ front lines. The 6’ 2”, 200-lb center recorded a team-high 43 points last season, and should be able to better that total in his third season. 20-year-old James McEwan returns to provide leadership, toughness and grit up front. Also returning are Justin Bernhardt, Colin Long and Myles MacRae, who all have potential to put up good offensive totals this season. Bernhardt will be looking to return to his 2005-06 form when he potted 22 goals for Regina. The Rockets boast some talented rookies such as Slovakian Milan Kyntar, 17-year-old Kyle St. Denis and 16-year-old Jesse Paradis, who could step in and contribute.
On The Blue Line: The Rockets return a young but very promising defense corps. Luke Schenn, a possible high pick at next summer’s NHL draft, is developing into one of the top defensive rearguards in the Western Conference, and should also be able to build on his offensive game this season. He and Tyson Dowzak will provide a steady presence on the blue line. Also coming back are sophomores Tyler Myers and Riley McIntosh, who will take on bigger responsibilities this season, and veteran Colin Joe, who is one of only three remaining players from the 2005 WHL Championship team. 16-year-old Tyson Barrie has shown great potential, and could make a difference this season on the blue line.
Goaltending: 20-year-old Kristofer Westblom, entering his fourth WHL season, gives the Rockets a solid starter in goal. With Tampa Bay draft pick Torrie Jung returning as well for his second season, the Rockets have a strong goaltending tandem to back up their young defense.
2007-08 WHL Western Conference Preview
Created: Sep 20, 2007
The Everett Silvertips won the U.S. Division crown, the Western Conference title and the Scotty Munro trophy last season. However, it was their bitter Western Conference rival the Vancouver Giants who took home Major Junior hockey’s top prize, the MasterCard Memorial Cup.
Will the Silvertips be the dominant squad in the U.S. Division for a fourth time in five years? Or will another team step up and steal the ‘Tips’ thunder.
Can the Giants battle their way to a third straight appearance at the Memorial Cup tournament? Or will a new powerhouse emerge from the B.C. Division?
Here’s a look at how WHL Western Conference teams are shaping up:
WESTERN CONFERENCE
B.C. Division
Chilliwack Bruins
2008 pre-season: 1-3-0-2
General Manager: Darrell May Head Coach: Jim Hiller
2006-07 Record: 25-40-5-2, 57 pts (4th in B.C. Div., 8th in Conf.)
2007 Playoffs: Lost in five games to Vancouver in first round.
2006-07 Top Scorers:
Mark Santorelli: 72gp-29g-53a-82pts
Oscar Moller: 68gp-32g-37a-69pts
Josh Aspenlind: 71gp-22g-35a-57pts
The Bruins made the post-season in their first attempt as an expansion team last year. With a strong returning cast of players, and the addition of some talented younger players, the Bruins will look to move up the B.C. Division standings in their second WHL season.
Up Front: Oscar Moller and Mark Santorelli carried the Bruins offensively last season. Fortunately, the dynamic duo are back and ready to put up more big numbers. Both have the talent and skill to be among the WHL’s top scorers this season. Ken Petkau, a 24-goal scorer last season, also returns, giving the Bruins another bona fide sniper. Outside of those three, the Bruins don’t return a single forward who scored more than five goals last season. 18-year-old Jadon Potter has shown offensive flair, and could find a spot among the top six scoring forwards. Highly-touted 16-year-old Ryan Howse will be given an opportunity to contribute. He already scored a goal in the WHL as a 15-year-old call-up last year.
On The Blue Line: With as many as seven rearguards returning from last year, the Bruins look solid on the blue line. 20-year-olds Nick Holden and Dylan Chapman will anchor the defense corps. Holden proved he could be an offensive threat, scoring seven times while adding 24 assists last season as a rookie. Czech rookie David Hoda has good size and could also contribute in the offensive zone, while returnees Scott Maetche, Kevin Boutilier and Matt McCue will need to step up in helping lower the Bruins’ goals-against.
Goaltending: Matt Esposito assumed the top job in the Bruins’ cage towards the end of last season, finishing the campaign with a respectable 14-14-2-1 record and helping the Bruins make the post-season. The 18-year-old Esposito will see plenty of action this season while 17-year-old rookie Mark Friesen slots into the back-up role.
Kamloops Blazers
2008 pre-season: 6-1-0-0
General Manager: Dean Clark
Head Coach: Dean Clark
2006-07 Record: 40-26-4-2 86 pts (2nd in B.C. Div., 5th in Conf.) GF: 245 GA: 222
2007 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Prince George in first round.
2006-07 Top Scorers:
Brock Nixon 67gp-35g-44a-79pts
Juuso Puustinen 64gp-32g-39a-71pts
Ray Macias 70gp-30g-40a-70pts
The Blazers enjoyed a resurgence last season. Yet, as good as they were for most of the season, the Blazers stumbled badly down the stretch and were swept in the first round of the playoffs. With the return of several top-end players and the further development of their younger talents, the Blazers’ expectations for the 2007-08 campaign are high.
Up Front: The Blazers may have lost sniper Reid Jorgensen to graduation, but they still return a very solid group of offensive forwards. Brock Nixon and Juuso Puustinen both topped the 30-goal mark last year, and will likely form one of the WHL’s most dangerous combinations again this season. C.J. Stretch was the team’s top forward in their first-round playoff exit last year. Expect the 18-year-old to have a breakout season. Returning forwards Travis Dunstall, Ivan Rohac and Tyler Shattock are all capable of increasing their offensive output this season. Talented 16-year-old Jimmy Bubnick was a scoring sensation at the Midget AAA level last season and could become an impact player immediately for the Blazers.
On The Blue Line: The void left with the graduation of Ray Macias will be very difficult to fill, especially the 30 goals and 70 points he provided from the blue line. However, the Blazers still return a very strong group of defensemen, led by Florida Panthers prospect Keaton Ellerby. Ellerby is very strong in his own end, and should be capable of developing more of an offensive element to his game this season. Victor Bartley put up 43 points last season, and could step in as a top power play quarterback. In addition, the team returns the highly-dependable Ryan White, Ryan Bender and sophomore Jordan Rowley. Rookies Darcy Huisman, Kurt Torbohm and Mark Schneider could also be in the mix.
Goaltending: The trade of 20-year-old Dustin Butler to Prince Albert leaves the door open for 18-year-old Justin Leclerc to assume the top job. Leclerc struggled at times with the Lethbridge Hurricanes last season, but has proven he is capable of playing at a very high level. 17-year-old James Priestner will slot into the back-up role.
Kelowna Rockets
2008 pre-season: 2-5-0-0
General Manager: Bruce Hamilton
Head Coach: Ryan Huska
2006-07 Record: 22-41-5-4, 53 pts (5th in B.C. Div., 9th in Conf.) GF: 156 GA: 245
2007 Playoffs: Did not qualify.
2006-07 Top Scorers:
Cody Almond 68gp-15g-28a-43pts
Justin Bernhardt 65gp-15g-22a-37pts
Chris Ray 60gp-19g-16a-35pts
The Kelowna Rockets went through a rebuilding phase last season after several years of WHL dominance, and ended up missing the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. With another year of experience under their belts, and new head coach Ryan Huska at the helm, expect the young Rockets to show improvement as they look to get back into the post-season mix.
Up Front: The Rockets will see up to 11 of their forwards from last year return for the 2007-08 season. Cody Almond, who was drafted by Minnesota this summer, returns to lead the Rockets’ front lines. The 6’ 2”, 200-lb center recorded a team-high 43 points last season, and should be able to better that total in his third season. 20-year-old James McEwan returns to provide leadership, toughness and grit up front. Also returning are Justin Bernhardt, Colin Long and Myles MacRae, who all have potential to put up good offensive totals this season. Bernhardt will be looking to return to his 2005-06 form when he potted 22 goals for Regina. The Rockets boast some talented rookies such as Slovakian Milan Kyntar, 17-year-old Kyle St. Denis and 16-year-old Jesse Paradis, who could step in and contribute.
On The Blue Line: The Rockets return a young but very promising defense corps. Luke Schenn, a possible high pick at next summer’s NHL draft, is developing into one of the top defensive rearguards in the Western Conference, and should also be able to build on his offensive game this season. He and Tyson Dowzak will provide a steady presence on the blue line. Also coming back are sophomores Tyler Myers and Riley McIntosh, who will take on bigger responsibilities this season, and veteran Colin Joe, who is one of only three remaining players from the 2005 WHL Championship team. 16-year-old Tyson Barrie has shown great potential, and could make a difference this season on the blue line.
Goaltending: 20-year-old Kristofer Westblom, entering his fourth WHL season, gives the Rockets a solid starter in goal. With Tampa Bay draft pick Torrie Jung returning as well for his second season, the Rockets have a strong goaltending tandem to back up their young defense.