Tipped Off
09-27-2005, 03:48 PM
Meet the opposition
Western Conference
Coach: Mike Williamson, sixth season
Last season: 35-27-5-5, second in U.S. Division, eliminated in first round of playoffs.
Key returners: RW Dan DaSilva (31 goals, 42 assists), C Brandon Dubinsky (23 goals, 36 assists), LW Brian Woolger (24 goals, 35 assists), D Michael Funk (eight goals, 22 assists), D Brendan Mikkelson (five goals, 10 assists), D Michael Sauer (two goals, 11 assists).
Key newcomers: RW Jon Bubnick, RW Jannik Hansen, LW Stanislav Balan.
Key losses: D Braydon Coburn (12 goals, 32 assists), LW Cody McLeod (31 goals, 29 assists), RW Darrel May (18 goals, 35 assists), G Blake Grenier (17-11-1, 2.15 goals against average).
Outlook: Portland has a strong returning core, including a defense that includes three second-round NHL Draft picks (Mikkelson, Sauer). The big question mark for the Winter Hawks is in goal, where Dustin Butler has yet to fulfill his tremendous potential. If Butler proves a capable No. 1, Portland is a strong candidate to win the division title.
Seattle Thunderbirds
Coach: Rob Sumner, second season
Last season: 43-24-2-3, first in U.S. Division, reached second round of playoffs.
Key returners: G Bryan Bridges (36-20-2, 1.79 goals against average), C Aaron Gagnon (31 goals, 34 assists), C Chris Durand (19 goals, 34 assists), LW Ladislav Scurko (17 goals, 25 assists), D Scott Jackson (six goals, 16 assists), D Clayton Barthel (five goals, 13 assists).
Key newcomers: C Tyler Johnson, LW Roman Tomanek, D Thomas Hickey.
Key losses: LW Tyler Metcalfe (20 goals, 26 assists), C Nate Thompson (19 goals, 15 assists), RW Derek Couture (20 goals, 18 assists), D Zack FitzGerald (244 penalty minutes).
Outlook: Seattle went from last to first last season thanks in large part to a strong defense and an MVP-caliber season from Bridges. With Bridges and the bulk of the defense returning, the T-birds are in good position to repeat as division champions. But Seattle will need its new and young forwards to pick up some of the lost offensive production.
Spokane Chiefs
Coach: Bill Peters, first season
Last season: 24-38-8-2, fifth in U.S. Division.
Key returners: C Chad Klassen (27 goals, 37 assists), LW Jeff Lynch (23 goals, 26 assists), C Derek Ryan (14 goals, 32 assists), LW Miles Stoesz (238 penalty minutes), D Joe Logan (five goals, 19 assists), G Jim Watt (19-29-4, 2.96 goals against average).
Key newcomers: LW Johannes Salmonsson, LW Drayson Bowman, D Taylor Sutherlin, D David Schulz.
Key losses: LW Ned Lukacevic (18 goals, 28 assists), LW Jevon Desautels (15 goals, 13 assists), D Gary Gladue (six goals, 23 assists).
Outlook: Spokane had a difficult 2004-05, missing the playoffs and seeing coach Al Conroy relieved of his duties following the season. But new coach Peters has some talent to work with as Spokane lost the least of any team in the WHL. Expect the Chiefs to be among the most improved teams in the league, if not quite challenging for the division title.
Tri-City Americans
Coach: Don Nachbaur, third season
Last season: 26-35-8-3, fourth in U.S. Division, eliminated in first round of playoffs.
Key returners: G Carey Price (24-31-8, 2.34 goals against average), C Ian McDonald (16 goals, 26 assists), RW Jason Beeman (13 goals, 18 assists), C Matt Schneider (16 goals, 14 assists), C Shaun Vey (seven goals, 16 assists), D Logan Stephenson (six goals, nine assists).
Key newcomers: LW Igor Bacek, C Alex Aldred, D Tanner Stockwell.
Key losses: D Shawn Belle (13 goals, 32 assists), D Clayton Stoner (12 goals, 34 assists), C Dylan Stanley (18 goals, 33 assists), LW Marcus Jonasen (21 goals, 20 assists).
Outlook: Last season Tri-City was the consensus choice to win the U.S. Division, but the Americans fell flat and barely made it into the playoffs. With heavy losses from last season Tri-City has a tough road ahead. In Price the Americans have a premier goaltender, but he'll have to perform miracles to get Tri-City into the playoffs.
B.C. Division
Kamloops Blazers
Coach: Mark Ferner, second season
Last season: 26-37-7-2, fourth in B.C. Division, eliminated in first round of playoffs.
Key returners: G Devan Dubnyk (23-34-7, 2.69 goals against average), D Roman Tesliuk (nine goals, 20 assists), C Reid Jorgensen (20 goals, 14 assists), D/RW Ray Macias (12 goals, 35 assists), LW Matt Kassian (172 penalty minutes), D Victor Bartley (four goals, six assists).
Key newcomers: LW Kris Versteeg, C Marc Connors, D Brennan Chapman, C Janick Steinmann.
Key losses: LW Aaron Richards (20 goals, 23 assists), LW Kris Hogg (18 goals, 22 assists), RW Nathan Grochmal (10 goals, 11 assists).
Outlook: The Blazers struggled through their first losing record since 1996-97 last season. However, Kamloops has minimal losses from last season and has an elite goaltender in place in Dubnyk. With the addition of Versteeg, a quality offensive player, via preseason trade with Lethbridge, the Blazers should be improved, though not enough to catch Kelowna.
Kelowna Rockets
Coach: Jeff Truitt, second season
Last season: 45-13-12-2, second in B.C. Division, WHL champions.
Key returners: RW Blake Comeau (24 goals, 23 assists), LW Justin Keller (31 goals, 22 assists), C Tyler Spurgeon (21 goals, 41 assists), D Mike Card (10 goals, 35 assists), D Kyle Cumiskey (four goals, 36 assists), G Derek Yeomans (33-13-8, 1.83 goals against average).
Key newcomers: D Alexander Edler, D Tysen Dowzak, D Luke Schenn.
Key losses: D Shea Weber (12 goals, 29 assists), C Tyler Mosienko (15 goals, 36 assists), D Brett Palin (four goals, 21 assists).
Outlook: Participants in the past three Memorial Cups, the Rockets are the odds-on favorites to make it four straight. Kelowna returns between 17 and 19 players, most of whom were key contributors during their recent run and have known nothing other than success. Forwards Troy Bodie and Lauris Darzins are still at NHL camps but may return. Losing Weber takes some of the punch out of the defense, but Kelowna has more than enough to compensate.
Kootenay Ice
Coach: Cory Clouston, fourth season
Last season: 47-15-7-3, first in B.C. Division, reached conference finals.
Key returners: C Dale Mahovsky (24 goals, 47 assists), RW Adam Cracknell (19 goals, 29 assists), LW Casey Lee (11 goals, 34 assists), C/LW Ryan Russell (32 goals, 21 assists), D Mike Busto (eight goals, 21 assists), G Taylor Dakers (13-7-2, 2.03 goals against average).
Key newcomers: D John Negrin, C Dustin Sylvester, C Marek Curilla.
Key losses: LW Nigel Dawes (50 goals, 26 assists), G Jeff Glass (34-11-5, 1.76 goals against average), RW Martin Sagat (17 goals, 46 assists), C Adam Taylor (20 goals, 32 assists), D James Cherewyk (four goals, 23 assists).
Outlook: Kootenay was a surprise winner of the WHL regular-season championship last season, tying for points with Kelowna but winning based on total victories. But the Ice lost as much as anyone in the Western Conference, and with a significantly younger team are unlikely to do much more than challenge for a playoff spot. Then again, no one expected Kootenay to do anything last season, either.
Prince George Cougars
Coach: Mike Vandekamp, first season
Last season: 26-41-3-2, fifth in B.C. Division.
Key returners: C Nick Drazenovic (18 goals, 38 assists), LW Colin Patterson (27 goals, 23 assists), C Eric Hunter (12 goals, 18 assists), D Andy Rogers (two goals, nine assists), G Scott Bowles (18-26-4, 2.77 goals against average), G Real Cyr (12-18-1, 2.80 goals against average).
Key newcomers: D Ryan Kerr, F Fred Wikner, F Alexandre Alexandrov.
Key losses: D Dustin Byfuglien (22 goals, 36 assists), D Matej Trojovsky (199 penalty minutes), LW Lee Zalasky (16 goals, 19 assists).
Outlook: Prince George has missed the playoffs each of the past two seasons, is short on elite talent, and is constantly playing under the cloud of a possible franchise move. The Cougars hope new coach Vandekamp, a successful Junior A coach, can turn the team's momentum. But he'll need major impacts from new Europeans Wikner and Alexandrov as well as from Kerr, the first overall pick in the 2004 Bantam Draft, for that to occur.
Vancouver Giants
Coach: Don Hay, second season
Last season: 34-30-4-4, third in B.C. Division, eliminated in first round of playoffs.
Key returners: C Gilbert Brule (39 goals, 48 assists), LW Mitch Bartley (30 goals, 23 assists), D Mark Fistric (one goal, five assists), D Brett Festerling (five goals, 15 assists), RW Tim Kraus (16 goals, 19 assists), LW J.D. Watt (213 penalty minutes).
Key newcomers: G Dustin Slade, C Mario Bliznak, RW David Rutherford.
Key losses: C Adam Courchaine (28 goals, 50 assists), LW Triston Grant (20 goals, 193 penalty minutes), D Andrej Meszaros (11 goals, 30 assists), G Marek Schwarz (26-24-4, 2.67 goals against average).
Outlook: The key to Vancouver's season lies with the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets. The Predators are considering keeping Brule, who they selected sixth overall in this year's NHL Draft, even though the Giants' star is just 18 years old. If Brule returns, the Giants can contend for second behind Kelowna. If he doesn't, the Giants will have to fight for a playoff spot.
Western Conference
Coach: Mike Williamson, sixth season
Last season: 35-27-5-5, second in U.S. Division, eliminated in first round of playoffs.
Key returners: RW Dan DaSilva (31 goals, 42 assists), C Brandon Dubinsky (23 goals, 36 assists), LW Brian Woolger (24 goals, 35 assists), D Michael Funk (eight goals, 22 assists), D Brendan Mikkelson (five goals, 10 assists), D Michael Sauer (two goals, 11 assists).
Key newcomers: RW Jon Bubnick, RW Jannik Hansen, LW Stanislav Balan.
Key losses: D Braydon Coburn (12 goals, 32 assists), LW Cody McLeod (31 goals, 29 assists), RW Darrel May (18 goals, 35 assists), G Blake Grenier (17-11-1, 2.15 goals against average).
Outlook: Portland has a strong returning core, including a defense that includes three second-round NHL Draft picks (Mikkelson, Sauer). The big question mark for the Winter Hawks is in goal, where Dustin Butler has yet to fulfill his tremendous potential. If Butler proves a capable No. 1, Portland is a strong candidate to win the division title.
Seattle Thunderbirds
Coach: Rob Sumner, second season
Last season: 43-24-2-3, first in U.S. Division, reached second round of playoffs.
Key returners: G Bryan Bridges (36-20-2, 1.79 goals against average), C Aaron Gagnon (31 goals, 34 assists), C Chris Durand (19 goals, 34 assists), LW Ladislav Scurko (17 goals, 25 assists), D Scott Jackson (six goals, 16 assists), D Clayton Barthel (five goals, 13 assists).
Key newcomers: C Tyler Johnson, LW Roman Tomanek, D Thomas Hickey.
Key losses: LW Tyler Metcalfe (20 goals, 26 assists), C Nate Thompson (19 goals, 15 assists), RW Derek Couture (20 goals, 18 assists), D Zack FitzGerald (244 penalty minutes).
Outlook: Seattle went from last to first last season thanks in large part to a strong defense and an MVP-caliber season from Bridges. With Bridges and the bulk of the defense returning, the T-birds are in good position to repeat as division champions. But Seattle will need its new and young forwards to pick up some of the lost offensive production.
Spokane Chiefs
Coach: Bill Peters, first season
Last season: 24-38-8-2, fifth in U.S. Division.
Key returners: C Chad Klassen (27 goals, 37 assists), LW Jeff Lynch (23 goals, 26 assists), C Derek Ryan (14 goals, 32 assists), LW Miles Stoesz (238 penalty minutes), D Joe Logan (five goals, 19 assists), G Jim Watt (19-29-4, 2.96 goals against average).
Key newcomers: LW Johannes Salmonsson, LW Drayson Bowman, D Taylor Sutherlin, D David Schulz.
Key losses: LW Ned Lukacevic (18 goals, 28 assists), LW Jevon Desautels (15 goals, 13 assists), D Gary Gladue (six goals, 23 assists).
Outlook: Spokane had a difficult 2004-05, missing the playoffs and seeing coach Al Conroy relieved of his duties following the season. But new coach Peters has some talent to work with as Spokane lost the least of any team in the WHL. Expect the Chiefs to be among the most improved teams in the league, if not quite challenging for the division title.
Tri-City Americans
Coach: Don Nachbaur, third season
Last season: 26-35-8-3, fourth in U.S. Division, eliminated in first round of playoffs.
Key returners: G Carey Price (24-31-8, 2.34 goals against average), C Ian McDonald (16 goals, 26 assists), RW Jason Beeman (13 goals, 18 assists), C Matt Schneider (16 goals, 14 assists), C Shaun Vey (seven goals, 16 assists), D Logan Stephenson (six goals, nine assists).
Key newcomers: LW Igor Bacek, C Alex Aldred, D Tanner Stockwell.
Key losses: D Shawn Belle (13 goals, 32 assists), D Clayton Stoner (12 goals, 34 assists), C Dylan Stanley (18 goals, 33 assists), LW Marcus Jonasen (21 goals, 20 assists).
Outlook: Last season Tri-City was the consensus choice to win the U.S. Division, but the Americans fell flat and barely made it into the playoffs. With heavy losses from last season Tri-City has a tough road ahead. In Price the Americans have a premier goaltender, but he'll have to perform miracles to get Tri-City into the playoffs.
B.C. Division
Kamloops Blazers
Coach: Mark Ferner, second season
Last season: 26-37-7-2, fourth in B.C. Division, eliminated in first round of playoffs.
Key returners: G Devan Dubnyk (23-34-7, 2.69 goals against average), D Roman Tesliuk (nine goals, 20 assists), C Reid Jorgensen (20 goals, 14 assists), D/RW Ray Macias (12 goals, 35 assists), LW Matt Kassian (172 penalty minutes), D Victor Bartley (four goals, six assists).
Key newcomers: LW Kris Versteeg, C Marc Connors, D Brennan Chapman, C Janick Steinmann.
Key losses: LW Aaron Richards (20 goals, 23 assists), LW Kris Hogg (18 goals, 22 assists), RW Nathan Grochmal (10 goals, 11 assists).
Outlook: The Blazers struggled through their first losing record since 1996-97 last season. However, Kamloops has minimal losses from last season and has an elite goaltender in place in Dubnyk. With the addition of Versteeg, a quality offensive player, via preseason trade with Lethbridge, the Blazers should be improved, though not enough to catch Kelowna.
Kelowna Rockets
Coach: Jeff Truitt, second season
Last season: 45-13-12-2, second in B.C. Division, WHL champions.
Key returners: RW Blake Comeau (24 goals, 23 assists), LW Justin Keller (31 goals, 22 assists), C Tyler Spurgeon (21 goals, 41 assists), D Mike Card (10 goals, 35 assists), D Kyle Cumiskey (four goals, 36 assists), G Derek Yeomans (33-13-8, 1.83 goals against average).
Key newcomers: D Alexander Edler, D Tysen Dowzak, D Luke Schenn.
Key losses: D Shea Weber (12 goals, 29 assists), C Tyler Mosienko (15 goals, 36 assists), D Brett Palin (four goals, 21 assists).
Outlook: Participants in the past three Memorial Cups, the Rockets are the odds-on favorites to make it four straight. Kelowna returns between 17 and 19 players, most of whom were key contributors during their recent run and have known nothing other than success. Forwards Troy Bodie and Lauris Darzins are still at NHL camps but may return. Losing Weber takes some of the punch out of the defense, but Kelowna has more than enough to compensate.
Kootenay Ice
Coach: Cory Clouston, fourth season
Last season: 47-15-7-3, first in B.C. Division, reached conference finals.
Key returners: C Dale Mahovsky (24 goals, 47 assists), RW Adam Cracknell (19 goals, 29 assists), LW Casey Lee (11 goals, 34 assists), C/LW Ryan Russell (32 goals, 21 assists), D Mike Busto (eight goals, 21 assists), G Taylor Dakers (13-7-2, 2.03 goals against average).
Key newcomers: D John Negrin, C Dustin Sylvester, C Marek Curilla.
Key losses: LW Nigel Dawes (50 goals, 26 assists), G Jeff Glass (34-11-5, 1.76 goals against average), RW Martin Sagat (17 goals, 46 assists), C Adam Taylor (20 goals, 32 assists), D James Cherewyk (four goals, 23 assists).
Outlook: Kootenay was a surprise winner of the WHL regular-season championship last season, tying for points with Kelowna but winning based on total victories. But the Ice lost as much as anyone in the Western Conference, and with a significantly younger team are unlikely to do much more than challenge for a playoff spot. Then again, no one expected Kootenay to do anything last season, either.
Prince George Cougars
Coach: Mike Vandekamp, first season
Last season: 26-41-3-2, fifth in B.C. Division.
Key returners: C Nick Drazenovic (18 goals, 38 assists), LW Colin Patterson (27 goals, 23 assists), C Eric Hunter (12 goals, 18 assists), D Andy Rogers (two goals, nine assists), G Scott Bowles (18-26-4, 2.77 goals against average), G Real Cyr (12-18-1, 2.80 goals against average).
Key newcomers: D Ryan Kerr, F Fred Wikner, F Alexandre Alexandrov.
Key losses: D Dustin Byfuglien (22 goals, 36 assists), D Matej Trojovsky (199 penalty minutes), LW Lee Zalasky (16 goals, 19 assists).
Outlook: Prince George has missed the playoffs each of the past two seasons, is short on elite talent, and is constantly playing under the cloud of a possible franchise move. The Cougars hope new coach Vandekamp, a successful Junior A coach, can turn the team's momentum. But he'll need major impacts from new Europeans Wikner and Alexandrov as well as from Kerr, the first overall pick in the 2004 Bantam Draft, for that to occur.
Vancouver Giants
Coach: Don Hay, second season
Last season: 34-30-4-4, third in B.C. Division, eliminated in first round of playoffs.
Key returners: C Gilbert Brule (39 goals, 48 assists), LW Mitch Bartley (30 goals, 23 assists), D Mark Fistric (one goal, five assists), D Brett Festerling (five goals, 15 assists), RW Tim Kraus (16 goals, 19 assists), LW J.D. Watt (213 penalty minutes).
Key newcomers: G Dustin Slade, C Mario Bliznak, RW David Rutherford.
Key losses: C Adam Courchaine (28 goals, 50 assists), LW Triston Grant (20 goals, 193 penalty minutes), D Andrej Meszaros (11 goals, 30 assists), G Marek Schwarz (26-24-4, 2.67 goals against average).
Outlook: The key to Vancouver's season lies with the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets. The Predators are considering keeping Brule, who they selected sixth overall in this year's NHL Draft, even though the Giants' star is just 18 years old. If Brule returns, the Giants can contend for second behind Kelowna. If he doesn't, the Giants will have to fight for a playoff spot.