Scout
09-19-2013, 06:24 AM
Courtesy W.H.L.Network
2013-14 WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW2013-09-18 Calgary, AB – The Western Hockey League’s 48th season begins on Thursday, September 19th, as fans gear up for another exciting winter of WHL hockey.
The Edmonton Oil Kings were the toast of the Eastern Conference for the second year in a row in 2012-13, but couldn’t pull of a Championship repeat as they were bested by the Portland Winterhawks in the 2013 WHL Championship series. Can the Oil Kings find it in them to top the Eastern Conference for a third straight year? Or, will another Club rise to the challenge and dethrone the Oil Kings?
Star power abounds in the East, with all eyes on Kootenay Ice forward Sam Reinhart, who is in the conversation to go 1st overall in the 2014 NHL Draft. Reinhart will have some healthy competition in the East with sophomores like Brandon’s Jayce Hawryluk, Calgary’s Jake Virtanen, Moose Jaw’s Brayden Point and Red Deer’s Conner Bleackley all looking to turn heads this season.
Which team will emerge as the Beasts of the East during the 2013-14 WHL regular season? Which players will stand out and take the Eastern Conference by storm?
Here’s a look at the WHL Eastern Conference:
East Division
Brandon Wheat Kings
General Manager/Head Coach: Kelly McCrimmon
2013 pre-season: 3-1-0-0
2012-13 Record: 24-40-4-4, 56pts (6th in East Div., 12th in Eastern Conf.) GF: 189 GA: 284
2012-13 Power Play / Penalty Killing ranking: PP: 16.2% (18th); PK: 71.7% (22nd)
2013 Playoffs: Did not qualify
2012-13 Top Scorers:
Tim McGauley 66gp-17g-28a-45pts
Ryan Pulock 61gp-14g-31a-45pts
Jayce Hawryluk 61gp-18g-25a-43pts
Up Front: The Wheat Kings aim to get themselves back into the post-season after missing the playoffs for the first time since the 1999-00 season. Coming back are many of their young forwards who should be able to improve their output, including 17-year-old Jayce Hawryluk and 18-year-old Tim McGauley. Both made big impacts for the team last season, and both will be counted on to take their game up a notch. 19-year-old Richard Nejezchleb is also back after putting up 11 goals and 24 points in 35 games in his injury-shortened rookie campaign in 2012-13. The Czech winger could be a major contributor to the Wheat Kings’ attack. Latvian rookie Rihards Bukarts has produced during pre-season play while 17-year-olds John Quenneville and Ryley Lindgren will also be given the opportunity to add to the team’s offense. 16-year-old Braylon Schmyr, the Wheat Kings’ first round pick in 2012, has the talent to develop into a top offensive player for the team as well, having scored in his WHL debut as a 15-year-old last season.
On The Blue Line: Top blue liners Ryan Pulock and Eric Roy are both expected back to lead the Wheat Kings’ defence corps. Pulock, a New York Islanders first rounder in June, arguably boasts the hardest shot in the WHL and is a dominant force at both ends of the ice. Roy, a Calgary Flames prospect, provides the team with another excellent offensive weapon. As good as Pulock and Roy are offensively, both will need to be key in helping the Wheaties improve their 22nd-ranked penalty killing unit from last year. Veteran rearguard Nick Walters is back, bringing his physical, shutdown abilities to the Wheat Kings, while 20-year-old Rene Hunter will also add a solid defensive presence and leadership. Towering 18-year-old Taylor Green was brought in from Seattle during the off-season. The 6’7”, 224-lb defender adds another big frame to the back end.
Goaltending: 19-year-old Curtis Honey and 17-year-old Jordan Papirny, both Edmonton, AB, products, form the goaltending tandem for Brandon this year. Honey got into 33 games last season, posting a 10-16-3 record with an .895 save percentage. He should be able to improve on those numbers with a more experienced, improved defence in front of him. Papirny, a first-round pick in 2011, got a taste of WHL action last season with three appearances, and is future-starter material for the Wheat Kings.
Player to Watch: Jayce Hawryluk
A second-round pick, 32nd overall, in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft, Hawryluk played a major role for the Wheat Kings as a 16-year-old rookie last year, notching a team-leading 18 goals while finishing 10th among all WHL rookies with 43 points. The 5’10”, 190-lb product of Roblin, MB, a hard-working forward with good hockey sense and skill, Hawryluk enjoys playing a physical, gritty game while also being a go-to guy for creating offense and scoring big goals. His play certainly caught the attention of many as he earned a spot on Canada’s U-18 team, winning Gold at the Memorial for Ivan Hlinka tournament in August, and also found himself on NHL Central Scouting’s futures list for the 2014 NHL Draft.
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Moose Jaw Warriors
General Manager: Alan Millar
Head Coach: Mike Stothers
2013 pre-season: 2-3-0-0
2012-13 Record: 25-36-4-7, 61pts (4th in East Div., 10th in Eastern Conf.) GF: 182 GA: 249
2012-13 Power Play / Penalty Killing ranking: PP: 20.3% (11th); PK: 78.9% (15th)
2013 Playoffs: Did not qualify
2012-13 Top Scorers:
Sam Fioretti 72gp-32g-43a-75pts
Brayden Point 67gp-24g-33a-57pts
Morgan Rielly 60gp-12g-42a-54pts
Up Front: The Warriors will be aiming to improve upon what was the 12th-ranked offense in the WHL Eastern Conference last season. With many of their key forwards returning, Moose Jaw has the personnel to increase their offensive totals. Veteran Sam Fioretti, the team’s leading scorer, is looking to build on his 32-goal, 75-point effort last season. Brayden Point enjoyed an outstanding rookie campaign, leading all 16-year-olds in scoring with 24 goals and 57 points. The Calgary product is set for a big year as a go-to guy for the Warriors in 13-14. The Warriors greatly bolstered their attack with the addition of 20-year-old Todd Fiddler, who netted 42 goals for Spokane in 2012-13. 19-year-old Tanner Eberle and 18-year-old Torrin White should be able to provide consistent offense as well while Miles Warkentine brings a physical, hard-working element to the mix up front.
On The Blue Line: 19-year-old Travis Brown heads up the list of returning defencemen for Moose Jaw. Brown, a Chicago Blackhawks prospect, ate up a lot of minutes for the Warriors last year, netting nine goals and 39 points in 70 games. With the possible departure of Morgan Rielly and the loss of Kendall McFaull, expect Brown to step into a big leadership role this season. 19-year-old Tyler Bell will also take on a big role this season while 20-year-old two-way rearguard Zach Hodder was acquired from Medicine Hat to add experience and depth. Expect sophomore Kirk Johnson to absorb more minutes as well.
Goaltending: Justin Paulic returns to take over the No. 1 job for the Warriors. The Thompson, MB, product played 57 games for the Warriors last season, posting 21 of the team’s 25 victories while showing he can handle a heavy workload. The trade of 18-year-old Daniel Wapple to Medicine Hat means that 16-year-old Zach Sawchenko will step into the back-up role. A second-round pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft, Sawchenko represents the future in the Warriors’ net.
Player to Watch: Brayden Point
Entering his second season in the WHL, expectations are high for Calgary, AB, native Brayden Point. After all, leading all 16-year-old rookies in goals and points does set the bar higher for the 5’9”, 160-lb center. A shifty, skilled player with great vision and a knack for finding open space, Point is one of the more exciting players to watch. His offensive talent has garnered plenty of attention, earning him a spot on Canada’s Under-18 team for the 2013 Memorial for Ivan Hlinka tournament where he helped lead the team to Gold. Though the Warriors do have a couple veteran scorers in their arsenal, expect Point to be among the top point-getters in Moose Jaw this season.
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Prince Albert Raiders
General Manager: Bruno Campese
Head Coach: Cory Clouston
2013 pre-season: 3-1-0-0
2012-13 Record: 37-28-3-4, 81pts (2nd in East Div., 5th in Eastern Conf.) GF: 234 GA: 233
2012-13 Power Play / Penalty Killing ranking: PP: 15.4% (22nd); PK: 80.0% (11th)
2013 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Red Deer in first round
2012-13 Top Scorers:
Mark McNeill 65gp-25g-42a-67pts
Leon Draisaitl 64gp-21g-37a-58pts
Anthony Bardaro 70gp-25g-32a-57pts
Up Front: The Raiders may have lost Mark McNeill and Anthony Bardaro, two of their top scorers from the 2012-13 season, but they return a healthy cast of forwards who should help the Club offensively. German forward Leon Draisaitl is back and looking to make a big impact in his NHL draft-eligible campaign. The 18-year-old should see a jump up from the 21 goals and 58 points he managed as a rookie. Speedy sniper Mike Winther has the potential to hit the 40-goal plateau while fellow 19-year-olds Dakota Conroy and Jayden Hart will aim to build on solid offensive results last season. The Raiders are hoping 17-year-old Reid Gardiner, the eighth overall pick from the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft, takes a big step forward in his production this season while 19-year-old Chance Braid adds to the Club’s collection of veteran forwards.
On The Blue Line: 18-year-old Josh Morrissey has emerged as a top-pairing rearguard for the Raiders, having netted 15 goals and 47 points with a +15 rating as a sophomore last season. The Winnipeg Jets’ first rounder not only brings valuable offense and strong puck movement, but can play a physical game as well. Expect Morrissey to have a big year for the Raiders. 20-year-olds Evan Morden and Dylan Busenius provide veteran leadership and the ability to eat up plenty of ice time. Busenius, a former first round Bantam Draft pick, also adds an offensive element to the Raiders’ blue line. 16-year-old rookie Brendan Guhle comes in with high expectations. The third overall pick from the 2012 Bantam Draft, Guhle has size and great skating ability, and should develop into a top defenceman over time.
Goaltending: The Raiders acquired 20-year-old veteran Cole Cheveldave from the Kamloops Blazers to take over the starting job in goal. Cheveldave enjoyed two strong seasons in Kamloops, posting 70 victories and 10 shutouts in 111 career regular-season games, and also helped the Blazers reach the Western Conference Championship series last year. He gives the Raiders a bona fide No. 1 presence in goal. 16-year-old rookie Nick McBride will take on the back-up role as he gets his first WHL experience.
Player to Watch: Leon Draisaitl
Seen by many as one of the best prospects to ever come out of Germany, Draisaitl showed last season why he is so highly regarded by netting 21 goals and 58 points as a WHL rookie. The second overall pick from the 2012 CHL Import Draft boasts excellent playmaking ability with his great vision and hockey sense. His big frame allows him to protect the puck and carry the puck through traffic. Draisaitl’s game isn’t flashy, but it’s very effective. He knows where to be on the ice, and has a willingness to go to the front of the net. The 6’1”, 209-lb center also displays a strong work ethic and compete level. Expect Draisaitl to turn the heads of scouts this season and force his way into the conversation of possible first-round picks for the 2014 NHL Draft.
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Regina Pats
General Manager: Chad Lang
Head Coach: Malcolm Cameron
2013 pre-season: 1-3-0-1
2012-13 Record: 25-38-4-5, 59pts (5th in East Div.,11th in Eastern Conf.) GF: 193 GA: 269
2012-13 Power Play / Penalty Killing ranking: PP: 20.7% (13th); PK: 77.9% (12th)
2013 Playoffs: Did not qualify
2012-13 Top Scorers:
Lane Scheidl 72gp-41g-39a-80pts
Morgan Klimchuk 72gp-36g-40a-76pts
Chandler Stephenson 46gp-14g-31a-45pts
Up Front: The Pats look to create more offense this season and improve upon what was the 10th-ranked attack in the Eastern Conference in 2012-13. Losing their top scorer, Lane Scheidl, creates a big hole to fill, though. Fortunately, the Pats will have the services of 18-year-old Morgan Klimchuk and 19-year-old Chandler Stephenson, who will be relied on heavily to fill the net. Klimchuk, a Calgary Flames prospect, broke out last season with 36 goals and 76 points, and has the potential to be among the top scorers in the WHL. Stephenson looks to rebound from an injury-shortened season where he still managed almost a point per game. Also back are veterans Dyson Stevenson and Trent Ouellette, who will both factor heavily into the Pats’ offense. Stevenson add a strong physical, gritty presence and Ouellette looks to build on his 30-point effort last year. 19-year-old Braden Christoffer enjoyed a strong finish to last season, and could step into a much bigger role up front.
On The Blue Line: If the Pats are to get themselves back into the post-season, improvements on the defensive side will be a high priority. 20-year-old Luke Fenske is hoping to put an injury-shortened campaign behind him and lead the Pats’ defence corps. The Penticton, B.C., native brings solid two-way play and will be valuable in the locker room. Also back is 19-year-old Kyle Burroughs, who will look to build on his 33-point output from last season. 18-year-old Colby Williams is also expected to contribute some offense while 17-year-old Griffin Mumby is in line for a bigger role. 19-year-old Russian rearguard Dmitry Sinitsyn enjoyed a strong pre-season, showing he can contribute at both ends of the ice, and could take on important minutes on the Pats’ blue line.
Goaltending: With the departure of Matt Hewitt, the No. 1 job in the Pats’ goal will belong to a new face this year. 19-year-olds Dawson MacAuley and Teagan Sacher have a combined 33 games of WHL experience between them, and are battling to see who gets the majority of the workload. Sacher got into 26 games as Hewitt’s back-up last season, posting an 8-13-2 record, while MacAuley, a former second-round pick of the Medicine Hat Tigers, posted a 2.52 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage in pre-season play.
Player to Watch: Dmitry Sinitsyn
The Pats’ first pick, 16th overall, in the 2013 CHL Import Draft, Sinitsyn may be Russian by birth, but he’s spent the last few years in North America, playing last season in the NCAA. A skilled and heady defender who skates well, Sinitsyn also boasts good puck-handling ability and good vision. The 6’2”, 205-lb rearguard can also take care of his own end and play a physical game, making him a versatile player who can be used on the power play and in key defensive situations. With the Pats aiming for defensive improvements, expect the Dallas Stars prospect to log plenty of ice time on the blue line.
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2013-14 WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW2013-09-18 Calgary, AB – The Western Hockey League’s 48th season begins on Thursday, September 19th, as fans gear up for another exciting winter of WHL hockey.
The Edmonton Oil Kings were the toast of the Eastern Conference for the second year in a row in 2012-13, but couldn’t pull of a Championship repeat as they were bested by the Portland Winterhawks in the 2013 WHL Championship series. Can the Oil Kings find it in them to top the Eastern Conference for a third straight year? Or, will another Club rise to the challenge and dethrone the Oil Kings?
Star power abounds in the East, with all eyes on Kootenay Ice forward Sam Reinhart, who is in the conversation to go 1st overall in the 2014 NHL Draft. Reinhart will have some healthy competition in the East with sophomores like Brandon’s Jayce Hawryluk, Calgary’s Jake Virtanen, Moose Jaw’s Brayden Point and Red Deer’s Conner Bleackley all looking to turn heads this season.
Which team will emerge as the Beasts of the East during the 2013-14 WHL regular season? Which players will stand out and take the Eastern Conference by storm?
Here’s a look at the WHL Eastern Conference:
East Division
Brandon Wheat Kings
General Manager/Head Coach: Kelly McCrimmon
2013 pre-season: 3-1-0-0
2012-13 Record: 24-40-4-4, 56pts (6th in East Div., 12th in Eastern Conf.) GF: 189 GA: 284
2012-13 Power Play / Penalty Killing ranking: PP: 16.2% (18th); PK: 71.7% (22nd)
2013 Playoffs: Did not qualify
2012-13 Top Scorers:
Tim McGauley 66gp-17g-28a-45pts
Ryan Pulock 61gp-14g-31a-45pts
Jayce Hawryluk 61gp-18g-25a-43pts
Up Front: The Wheat Kings aim to get themselves back into the post-season after missing the playoffs for the first time since the 1999-00 season. Coming back are many of their young forwards who should be able to improve their output, including 17-year-old Jayce Hawryluk and 18-year-old Tim McGauley. Both made big impacts for the team last season, and both will be counted on to take their game up a notch. 19-year-old Richard Nejezchleb is also back after putting up 11 goals and 24 points in 35 games in his injury-shortened rookie campaign in 2012-13. The Czech winger could be a major contributor to the Wheat Kings’ attack. Latvian rookie Rihards Bukarts has produced during pre-season play while 17-year-olds John Quenneville and Ryley Lindgren will also be given the opportunity to add to the team’s offense. 16-year-old Braylon Schmyr, the Wheat Kings’ first round pick in 2012, has the talent to develop into a top offensive player for the team as well, having scored in his WHL debut as a 15-year-old last season.
On The Blue Line: Top blue liners Ryan Pulock and Eric Roy are both expected back to lead the Wheat Kings’ defence corps. Pulock, a New York Islanders first rounder in June, arguably boasts the hardest shot in the WHL and is a dominant force at both ends of the ice. Roy, a Calgary Flames prospect, provides the team with another excellent offensive weapon. As good as Pulock and Roy are offensively, both will need to be key in helping the Wheaties improve their 22nd-ranked penalty killing unit from last year. Veteran rearguard Nick Walters is back, bringing his physical, shutdown abilities to the Wheat Kings, while 20-year-old Rene Hunter will also add a solid defensive presence and leadership. Towering 18-year-old Taylor Green was brought in from Seattle during the off-season. The 6’7”, 224-lb defender adds another big frame to the back end.
Goaltending: 19-year-old Curtis Honey and 17-year-old Jordan Papirny, both Edmonton, AB, products, form the goaltending tandem for Brandon this year. Honey got into 33 games last season, posting a 10-16-3 record with an .895 save percentage. He should be able to improve on those numbers with a more experienced, improved defence in front of him. Papirny, a first-round pick in 2011, got a taste of WHL action last season with three appearances, and is future-starter material for the Wheat Kings.
Player to Watch: Jayce Hawryluk
A second-round pick, 32nd overall, in the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft, Hawryluk played a major role for the Wheat Kings as a 16-year-old rookie last year, notching a team-leading 18 goals while finishing 10th among all WHL rookies with 43 points. The 5’10”, 190-lb product of Roblin, MB, a hard-working forward with good hockey sense and skill, Hawryluk enjoys playing a physical, gritty game while also being a go-to guy for creating offense and scoring big goals. His play certainly caught the attention of many as he earned a spot on Canada’s U-18 team, winning Gold at the Memorial for Ivan Hlinka tournament in August, and also found himself on NHL Central Scouting’s futures list for the 2014 NHL Draft.
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Moose Jaw Warriors
General Manager: Alan Millar
Head Coach: Mike Stothers
2013 pre-season: 2-3-0-0
2012-13 Record: 25-36-4-7, 61pts (4th in East Div., 10th in Eastern Conf.) GF: 182 GA: 249
2012-13 Power Play / Penalty Killing ranking: PP: 20.3% (11th); PK: 78.9% (15th)
2013 Playoffs: Did not qualify
2012-13 Top Scorers:
Sam Fioretti 72gp-32g-43a-75pts
Brayden Point 67gp-24g-33a-57pts
Morgan Rielly 60gp-12g-42a-54pts
Up Front: The Warriors will be aiming to improve upon what was the 12th-ranked offense in the WHL Eastern Conference last season. With many of their key forwards returning, Moose Jaw has the personnel to increase their offensive totals. Veteran Sam Fioretti, the team’s leading scorer, is looking to build on his 32-goal, 75-point effort last season. Brayden Point enjoyed an outstanding rookie campaign, leading all 16-year-olds in scoring with 24 goals and 57 points. The Calgary product is set for a big year as a go-to guy for the Warriors in 13-14. The Warriors greatly bolstered their attack with the addition of 20-year-old Todd Fiddler, who netted 42 goals for Spokane in 2012-13. 19-year-old Tanner Eberle and 18-year-old Torrin White should be able to provide consistent offense as well while Miles Warkentine brings a physical, hard-working element to the mix up front.
On The Blue Line: 19-year-old Travis Brown heads up the list of returning defencemen for Moose Jaw. Brown, a Chicago Blackhawks prospect, ate up a lot of minutes for the Warriors last year, netting nine goals and 39 points in 70 games. With the possible departure of Morgan Rielly and the loss of Kendall McFaull, expect Brown to step into a big leadership role this season. 19-year-old Tyler Bell will also take on a big role this season while 20-year-old two-way rearguard Zach Hodder was acquired from Medicine Hat to add experience and depth. Expect sophomore Kirk Johnson to absorb more minutes as well.
Goaltending: Justin Paulic returns to take over the No. 1 job for the Warriors. The Thompson, MB, product played 57 games for the Warriors last season, posting 21 of the team’s 25 victories while showing he can handle a heavy workload. The trade of 18-year-old Daniel Wapple to Medicine Hat means that 16-year-old Zach Sawchenko will step into the back-up role. A second-round pick in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft, Sawchenko represents the future in the Warriors’ net.
Player to Watch: Brayden Point
Entering his second season in the WHL, expectations are high for Calgary, AB, native Brayden Point. After all, leading all 16-year-old rookies in goals and points does set the bar higher for the 5’9”, 160-lb center. A shifty, skilled player with great vision and a knack for finding open space, Point is one of the more exciting players to watch. His offensive talent has garnered plenty of attention, earning him a spot on Canada’s Under-18 team for the 2013 Memorial for Ivan Hlinka tournament where he helped lead the team to Gold. Though the Warriors do have a couple veteran scorers in their arsenal, expect Point to be among the top point-getters in Moose Jaw this season.
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Prince Albert Raiders
General Manager: Bruno Campese
Head Coach: Cory Clouston
2013 pre-season: 3-1-0-0
2012-13 Record: 37-28-3-4, 81pts (2nd in East Div., 5th in Eastern Conf.) GF: 234 GA: 233
2012-13 Power Play / Penalty Killing ranking: PP: 15.4% (22nd); PK: 80.0% (11th)
2013 Playoffs: Lost in four games to Red Deer in first round
2012-13 Top Scorers:
Mark McNeill 65gp-25g-42a-67pts
Leon Draisaitl 64gp-21g-37a-58pts
Anthony Bardaro 70gp-25g-32a-57pts
Up Front: The Raiders may have lost Mark McNeill and Anthony Bardaro, two of their top scorers from the 2012-13 season, but they return a healthy cast of forwards who should help the Club offensively. German forward Leon Draisaitl is back and looking to make a big impact in his NHL draft-eligible campaign. The 18-year-old should see a jump up from the 21 goals and 58 points he managed as a rookie. Speedy sniper Mike Winther has the potential to hit the 40-goal plateau while fellow 19-year-olds Dakota Conroy and Jayden Hart will aim to build on solid offensive results last season. The Raiders are hoping 17-year-old Reid Gardiner, the eighth overall pick from the 2011 WHL Bantam Draft, takes a big step forward in his production this season while 19-year-old Chance Braid adds to the Club’s collection of veteran forwards.
On The Blue Line: 18-year-old Josh Morrissey has emerged as a top-pairing rearguard for the Raiders, having netted 15 goals and 47 points with a +15 rating as a sophomore last season. The Winnipeg Jets’ first rounder not only brings valuable offense and strong puck movement, but can play a physical game as well. Expect Morrissey to have a big year for the Raiders. 20-year-olds Evan Morden and Dylan Busenius provide veteran leadership and the ability to eat up plenty of ice time. Busenius, a former first round Bantam Draft pick, also adds an offensive element to the Raiders’ blue line. 16-year-old rookie Brendan Guhle comes in with high expectations. The third overall pick from the 2012 Bantam Draft, Guhle has size and great skating ability, and should develop into a top defenceman over time.
Goaltending: The Raiders acquired 20-year-old veteran Cole Cheveldave from the Kamloops Blazers to take over the starting job in goal. Cheveldave enjoyed two strong seasons in Kamloops, posting 70 victories and 10 shutouts in 111 career regular-season games, and also helped the Blazers reach the Western Conference Championship series last year. He gives the Raiders a bona fide No. 1 presence in goal. 16-year-old rookie Nick McBride will take on the back-up role as he gets his first WHL experience.
Player to Watch: Leon Draisaitl
Seen by many as one of the best prospects to ever come out of Germany, Draisaitl showed last season why he is so highly regarded by netting 21 goals and 58 points as a WHL rookie. The second overall pick from the 2012 CHL Import Draft boasts excellent playmaking ability with his great vision and hockey sense. His big frame allows him to protect the puck and carry the puck through traffic. Draisaitl’s game isn’t flashy, but it’s very effective. He knows where to be on the ice, and has a willingness to go to the front of the net. The 6’1”, 209-lb center also displays a strong work ethic and compete level. Expect Draisaitl to turn the heads of scouts this season and force his way into the conversation of possible first-round picks for the 2014 NHL Draft.
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Regina Pats
General Manager: Chad Lang
Head Coach: Malcolm Cameron
2013 pre-season: 1-3-0-1
2012-13 Record: 25-38-4-5, 59pts (5th in East Div.,11th in Eastern Conf.) GF: 193 GA: 269
2012-13 Power Play / Penalty Killing ranking: PP: 20.7% (13th); PK: 77.9% (12th)
2013 Playoffs: Did not qualify
2012-13 Top Scorers:
Lane Scheidl 72gp-41g-39a-80pts
Morgan Klimchuk 72gp-36g-40a-76pts
Chandler Stephenson 46gp-14g-31a-45pts
Up Front: The Pats look to create more offense this season and improve upon what was the 10th-ranked attack in the Eastern Conference in 2012-13. Losing their top scorer, Lane Scheidl, creates a big hole to fill, though. Fortunately, the Pats will have the services of 18-year-old Morgan Klimchuk and 19-year-old Chandler Stephenson, who will be relied on heavily to fill the net. Klimchuk, a Calgary Flames prospect, broke out last season with 36 goals and 76 points, and has the potential to be among the top scorers in the WHL. Stephenson looks to rebound from an injury-shortened season where he still managed almost a point per game. Also back are veterans Dyson Stevenson and Trent Ouellette, who will both factor heavily into the Pats’ offense. Stevenson add a strong physical, gritty presence and Ouellette looks to build on his 30-point effort last year. 19-year-old Braden Christoffer enjoyed a strong finish to last season, and could step into a much bigger role up front.
On The Blue Line: If the Pats are to get themselves back into the post-season, improvements on the defensive side will be a high priority. 20-year-old Luke Fenske is hoping to put an injury-shortened campaign behind him and lead the Pats’ defence corps. The Penticton, B.C., native brings solid two-way play and will be valuable in the locker room. Also back is 19-year-old Kyle Burroughs, who will look to build on his 33-point output from last season. 18-year-old Colby Williams is also expected to contribute some offense while 17-year-old Griffin Mumby is in line for a bigger role. 19-year-old Russian rearguard Dmitry Sinitsyn enjoyed a strong pre-season, showing he can contribute at both ends of the ice, and could take on important minutes on the Pats’ blue line.
Goaltending: With the departure of Matt Hewitt, the No. 1 job in the Pats’ goal will belong to a new face this year. 19-year-olds Dawson MacAuley and Teagan Sacher have a combined 33 games of WHL experience between them, and are battling to see who gets the majority of the workload. Sacher got into 26 games as Hewitt’s back-up last season, posting an 8-13-2 record, while MacAuley, a former second-round pick of the Medicine Hat Tigers, posted a 2.52 goals-against average and a .896 save percentage in pre-season play.
Player to Watch: Dmitry Sinitsyn
The Pats’ first pick, 16th overall, in the 2013 CHL Import Draft, Sinitsyn may be Russian by birth, but he’s spent the last few years in North America, playing last season in the NCAA. A skilled and heady defender who skates well, Sinitsyn also boasts good puck-handling ability and good vision. The 6’2”, 205-lb rearguard can also take care of his own end and play a physical game, making him a versatile player who can be used on the power play and in key defensive situations. With the Pats aiming for defensive improvements, expect the Dallas Stars prospect to log plenty of ice time on the blue line.
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