2005-06 WHL Mid-Season Review

[Beaner]

From, www.whl.ca


2005-06 WHL Mid-Season Review - The 2005-06 Western Hockey League season is at the halfway point, and there has been plenty to talk about. Here's a team-by-team look at the first half of the season:


EASTERN CONFERENCE

East Division

Brandon Wheat Kings

Record: 34gp 10-19-4-1, 25pts (4th in Division, 8th in Conference) GF: 94 GA: 139

Top Scorers: Derek LeBlanc 34gp-11g-11a-22pts
Codey Burki 34gp-10g-11a-21pts
Sami Sandell 27gp-6g-14a-20pts

The Wheat Kings have struggled this season, but that's what was expected after the team lost its top five scorers from the 2004-05 season. The team has struggled to put pucks in the net, and has also struggled in the defensive end as they have given up a league-high 139 goals this season. Goaltender Tyler Plante has struggled to reproduce the numbers that earned him WHL Rookie of the Year last year, but he also hasn't had the defensive help to back him up many nights. Still, there have been many positives pointing to a bright future for the Wheat Kings. The return of 19-year-old forward Mark Derlago after suffering a serious neck injury that sidelined him for the entire 2004-05 season has bolstered the Wheat Kings attack. The strong play of 18-year-old Codey Burki has also been encouraging. Meantime, Brandon boasts plenty of young talents like rookie rearguards Chad Erb and Keith Aulie, and forwards Andrew Clark and Matt Hallick who will all become big contributors to the team in years to come. The Wheat Kings may be well under .500, but they’re still not out of the playoff race. With five wins in eight games heading into the break, the Wheaties have shown signs of improvement. If they can stay on that path, they could still be in the race down the stretch.

Moose Jaw Warriors

Record: 36gp 21-11-2-2, 46pts (1st in division, 3rd in Conference) GF: 135 GA: 104

Top Scorers: Troy Brouwer 36gp-28g-27a-55pts
Dustin Boyd 32gp-27g-20a-47pts
Kenndal McArdle 36gp-17g-20a-37pts

The Moose Jaw Warriors have enjoyed a great first half to the 2005-06 season, and have completely turned their fortunes around after a disastrous 2004-05 campaign that saw them win just 14 games. Led by veterans Troy Brouwer, Dustin Boyd, Kenndal McArdle and Blair Jones, the Warriors boast one of the most dynamic and dangerous offenses in the league. But it hasn't been just their front line players doing the offensive job. A supporting cast of including players like Riley Holzapfel, Bjorn Svensson and Steven Gillen has also contributed to Moose Jaw's lethal attack. Moose Jaw's defense has been much stronger through the first half of the 2005-06 season than they were last season when they gave up 282 goals. This season, the Warriors only have one defenseman with a negative plus-minus. Joey Perricone has performed well taking on the bulk of the workload in the Warriors' net and is among the top five in the league in wins. If Moose Jaw can continue to fill the nets of the opposition through the second half of the season the way they have through the season's first half, they will definitely be in the hunt for their second East Division title in the last three seasons.

Prince Albert Raiders

Record: 36pg 9-20-0-7, 25pts (5th in Division, 9th in Conference) GF: 80 GA: 123

Top Scorers: Kyle Chipchura 30gp-8g-18a-26pts
Dane Byers 36gp-11g-13a-24pts
Mike Hellyer 36gp-9g-10a-19pts

Big things were expected from the Prince Albert Raiders at the outset of the 2005-06 season. However, despite returning many veterans from last year's squad that went all the way to the Eastern Conference final, the Raiders have struggled through the season's first half. Consistency has been part of the problem for the Raiders as they have failed to string together a meaningful win streak, having managed more than two straight wins just once through the first 36 games. Another stumbling block for Prince Albert has been the team's play on home ice as the Raiders have managed just five victories in 14 games at the Art Hauser Centre. The Raiders will need to elevate their game at home if they want to get back into the East Division race as they play 22 of their remaining 36 games in Prince Albert. Yet there have been many positives for the team as well. The strong play of Dane Byers has been encouraging. 16-year-old rookie rearguard Justin Palazzo has shown plenty of promise, indicating the future of the Raiders' blueline is in good hands. Goaltending has not been a strong point on the Raiders this season. Alex Archibald has struggled - especially in shoot-outs where he has lost six times - and has managed just three wins this season. Jesse Deckert, acquired in early November, has played well and provided the Raiders with some stability between the pipes. While the Raiders may have had a tough first half, the team certainly possesses the talent and experience to turn their fortunes around in the second half.

Regina Pats

Record: 34gp 20-13-0-1, 41pts (3rd in Division, 5th in Conference) GF: 112 GA: 108

Top Scorers: Petr Kalus 31gp-21g-12a-33pts
Denis Tolpeko 21gp-13g-15a-28pts
Garrett Festerling 34pg-10g-16a-26pts

The Regina Pats, much like the Moose Jaw Warriors, have enjoyed a tremendous turnaround this season after winning just 12 games and finishing dead last in the league in 2004-05. And the Pats, much like the Warriors, have found success in large part due to a dynamic and talented offense. Czech sniper Petr Kalus and crafty Russian Denis Tolpeko have been two of the most exciting players to watch this season. Yet, offensive talent runs deep through the Pats' lineup. When Tolpeko went down with an injury in November, players like Justin Bernhardt, Kyle Ross, and Garrett Festerling stepped up to fill the offensive void. The Pats' defense has performed well, considering the team lost veteran Andy Schenn for the season and has been playing without solid rearguard Derek Reinhart for much of the season. Logan Pyett and Kyle Deck have shouldered plenty of the workload on the blueline, while the acquisition of Josh Fauth from Kootenay has added defensive stability. David Reekie has been solid in the Pats' cage, although he has been inconsistent at times, while rookie Linden Rowatt has held the fort when called upon. Yet, the Pats' netminding could be steadier considering both Reekie and Rowatt currently have goals-against averages of over three. The Pats have put themselves in good position through the season's first half. However, with 22 of their remaining 38 games to be played away from home, the Pats will need to take their game up yet another notch to stay in the upper echelons of the Eastern Conference.

Saskatoon Blades

Record: 38gp 22-14-1-1, 46pts (2nd in Division, 4th in Conference) GF: 129 GA: 115

Top Scorers: Devin Setoguchi 35gp-17g-27a-44pts
Zdenek Bahensky 37gp-13g-23a-36pts
Aaron Bader 37gp-14g-19a-33pts

After a slow start to the season, the Blades find themselves in familiar territory near the top of the East Division thanks to a high-octane offense. Despite a sluggish start, Devin Setoguchi has displayed the offensive prowess that convinced the San Jose Sharks to pick him 8th overall at the 2005 NHL draft. But it hasn't just been Setoguchi leading the charges. Zdenek Bahensky, Aaron Bader, Joe Barnes, Wacey Rabbit, Justin McCrae and rookie Blair Macauley have all managed to put up decent numbers and help shape the Blades into one of the league's most dangerous offensive teams. The Blades' defense has been adequate, although defensive deficiencies have been exposed on occasion - especially when up against other offensive teams like Moose Jaw. Rearguard Evan Haw has enjoyed a breakout season offensively and currently shares second in the league in goals from a defenseman with nine. Rookie defenseman Ryan Funk has shown plenty of promise with his steady play. Goaltending has been streaky for the Blades this season. Russian netminder Anton Khudobin has been inconsistent, performing brilliantly on some nights, then looking rusty and sluggish on other occasions, while rookie Kevin Armstrong has been very solid for the most part. The Blades certainly have the talent and depth to book themselves a seat in the post-season. Barring a second-half meltdown, Saskatoon should be right in the mix atop the East Division and Eastern Conference.

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part 2 of 4



Central Division

Calgary Hitmen

Record: 34gp 26-8-0-0, 52pts (2nd in Division, 2nd in Conference) GF: 97 GA: 65

Top Scorers: Fredrik Pettersson 31gp-14g-10a-24pts
Riley Merkley 34gp-8g-15a-23pts
Ryan White 34gp-8g-14a-22pts

The Hitmen have enjoyed an outstanding first half to the 2005-06 season and find themselves on pace for their first 50-win season since 1999-00. Calgary's success has come from playing strong defensively, getting outstanding goaltending, and scoring by committee. Swedish rookie Fredrik Pettersson has been the Hitmen's offensive catalyst with players like Riley Merkley, Brodie Dupont and Ryan White providing enough secondary scoring to get the job done. 16-year-old rookie Brett Sonne has been good this season, showing flashes of becoming a game-breaker in the future. Calgary's defense, led by Jeff Schultz, Dustin Kohn and Brett Carson, has been the stingiest in the league through the first half. Carson has also been a solid contributor offensively, while Dylan Yeo, Karl Alzner and rookie Alex Plante have given Calgary tremendous depth on the blue line. Yet, no one deserves more credit for Calgary's strong performance more than goaltender Justin Pogge, who has been the best and most consistent goalie in the WHL through the first half of the season. Pogge, who leads all WHL goaltenders in every statistical category, has been so good this season that he earned the starting role for Canada's World Junior team. If Calgary can stay its current course through the second half of the season, they will surely have to be considered real contenders come playoff time.

Lethbridge Hurricanes

Record: 34gp 15-13-2-4, 36pts (3rd in Division, 6th in Conference) GF: 96 GA: 100

Top Scorers: Colton Yellow Horn 34gp-13g-28a-41pts
Zach Boychuk 31gp-10g-16a-26pts
Roman Wick 27gp-9g-15a-24pts

The Hurricanes have endured some tumultuous times through the season's first half, including a coaching and management change in early November, but have managed to hover around the .500 mark throughout. The Hurricanes' offense hasn't been as potent as it was in 2004-05. Colton Yellow Horn has continued to be a tremendous playmaker for the 'Canes after a breakout 2004-05 campaign and currently shares the league lead in assists. The acquisition of Swiss sniper Roman Wick will bolster the 'Canes offense through the second half. Rookie Zach Boychuk has excelled in his first WHL campaign, having become an impact player for the team at only 16 years old. Defensively, the 'Canes have been fairly solid with Slovakian rearguard Tomas Kudelka, veteran Mark Ashton, and sophomore Ben Wright shouldering much of the workload. Goaltending for the Hurricanes has been good, if a bit inconsistent at time, with veteran Kevin Opsahl getting the bulk of the work. Opsahl's three shutouts this season ties him for third in the league in that category. The 'Canes may be well behind the Hitmen and Tigers in the Central Division race, however, they still have a nine-point cushion in third place. If the team can keep the chasers at bay, they should find themselves in a playoff position in March.

Medicine Hat Tigers

Record: 38gp 24-8-0-6, 54pts (1st in Division, 1st in Conference) GF: 132 GA: 94

Top Scorers: Darren Helm 37gp-21g-20a-41pts
Roman Psurny 35gp-13g-14g-27pts
Kevin Undershute 36gp-12g-14a-26pts

The Tigers have enjoyed an excellent first half of the 2005-06 season and currently find themselves standing on top of the Central Division, the Eastern Conference and the overall standings. The key for the Tigers' success is that they boast strength and depth at every position. Up front, Darren Helm has emerged as a bona fide scorer, having already more than doubled his goal total from last season. In addition, the Tigers feature a supporting cast including the talented Psurny twins - Roman and Michal - impressive rookie Kevin Undershute, and consistent contributors Daine Todd, Derek Dorsett and Brett Robertson, who have all helped the Tigers to the second-most goals in the league. Defensively, the Tigers are very deep. Kris Russell has continued his stellar play - both offensively and defensively - after last season's breakout campaign, while Cam Barker has been a dominant force as expected. Meanwhile, rearguards Gord Baldwin, David Schlemko and Trevor Glass have helped keep the Tigers sound in their own end. Goaltender Matt Keetley has been very good this season and is among the league leaders in most goaltending categories. The Tigers are once again proving themselves to be one of the elite teams in the league. With the talent and depth the Tigers possess, they will certainly be able to make noise once the post-season comes around.

Red Deer Rebels

Record: 36gp 10-22-1-3, 24pts (5th in Division, 10th in Conference) GF: 83 GA: 121

Top Scorers: Brett Sutter 37gp-13g-16a-29pts
Kris Versteeg 35gp-13g-14a-27pts
Brandon Sutter 36pg-9g-12a-21pts

The Rebels have struggled through the first half of the 2005-06 season. However, it wasn't entirely unexpected as the team boasts one of the league's younger rosters. Probably the most notable thing about the Rebels this season has been Head Coach and General Manager Brent Sutter's activity on the trade front. No team has made more significant roster changes than the Rebels. Gone are Ashton Rome, Jared Walker, Roman Wick, Paul Kurceba, and John Flatters - all key players coming into the season. In are Brett Sutter, Kris Versteeg, Cam Cunning, Brennan Chapman and Ken Petkau. Despite the Rebels' struggles, there have been several bright spots pointing to a strong future for the club. Rookie Brandon Sutter, the son of Brent Sutter, has played well, as has rookie Matthew Cline. Although it doesn't necessarily reflect in his stats, rookie goaltender James Reimer has also shown plenty of promise. As a team in transition, the Rebels will have a tough time finishing the season above .500 for an eight straight season. However, they're not out of the playoff picture, and could still find themselves in the post-season if they can turn some of the one-goal losses they suffered in the first half into one-goal wins in the season’s second half.

Swift Current Broncos

Record: 36gp 9-18-1-8, 27pts (4th in Division, 7th in Conference) GF: 79 GA: 123

Top Scorers: Ned Lukacevic 31gp-13g-12a-25pts
Jeremy Schenderling 32gp-15g-3a-18pts
Levi Nelson 35gp-9g-8a-17pts

The Broncos have had a tough first half to the 2005-06 season and find themselves well behind in the Central Division race. The biggest problem for the Broncos, as it was last season, has been their inability to generate offense on a consistent basis. The team has scored only 79 goals this season - the lowest in the Eastern Conference - and only Ned Lukacevic and Jeremy Schenderling have cracked the 10-goal plateau. Meanwhile Luke Hunter, the Broncos' leading scorer last season, has managed just six goals this season. On the up side, rookie Levi Nelson has been a solid contributor this season and should be a key player for the team in the future. Defensively, the Broncos haven't been very strong considering none of their defensemen boast a positive plus-minus rating. Goaltender Kyle Moir has been very good this season, and, at times, has been the only reason the Broncos have kept some games close. However, Moir has struggled in the shoot-out, having lost seven times and won only twice. If the Broncos had won even half of their shoot-out decision, they would be sitting much more comfortably in the standings. Although the Broncos are in the hunt for a playoff position, it will be tough for them to catch their Central Division rivals unless they can start scoring on a more consistent basis.

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part 3 of 4





WESTERN CONFERENCE

B.C. Division

Kamloops Blazers

Record: 37gp 18-18-0-1, 37pts (5th in Division, 6th in Conference) GF: 75 GA: 92

Top Scorers: Ashton Rome 35gp-18g-19a-37pts
Reid Jorgensen 24gp-11g-8a-19pts
T.J. Mulock 24gp-5g-12a-17pts

The Blazers enjoyed a quick start to the 2005-06 season, winning seven of their first 10 games, but have cooled off considerably since then. In fact, the team's inconsistent and, as some described it, uninspired play resulted in a coaching change in early December. The Blazers have had trouble scoring goals this season, having potted a league-low 75 through the first half. Ashton Rome leads the team in goals with 18, but has only scored seven in 21 games in a Blazers uniform since being acquired from the Rebels. Reid Jorgensen had been the biggest offensive weapon on the team until being sidelined with a broken jaw in mid November. Meanwhile, offensive defenseman Ray Macias, the team's leading scorer last season, has been very quiet on the score sheet this season with only five goals so far. Defensively, the Blazers have been quite efficient, having allowed the fourth-fewest goals in the Western Conference. Sophomores Victor Bartley and Keaton Ellerby have both been solid in their own end, while Roman Tesliuk leads the league in goals by a defenseman with 10. Goaltender Devan Dubnyk has been great on most occasions, and currently ranks in the top ten in most netminding categories. In any other division, Kamloops would be comfortably in a playoff spot. Yet, in the ultra-tough B.C. Division, the Blazers have their work cut out just battling for the fourth and final spot over the season's second half.

Kelowna Rockets

Record: 33gp 22-9-1-1, 46pts (3rd in Division, 3rd in Conference) GF: 126 GA: 93

Top Scorers: Justin Keller 33gp-26g-18a-44pts
Blake Comeau 27gp-12g-25a-37pts
Troy Bodie 33gp-15g-18a-33pts

The defending champions have enjoyed a solid first half to the 2005-06 season, yet still sit in 3rd place in the highly competitive B.C. Division. While the Rockets may not be as dominant defensively as they have been in previous years, their improved offensive output has more than made up for it as they’ve scored 123 goals already this season – good for fifth-best in the league. Justin Keller has enjoyed a very productive first half, cementing his place as one of the league’s most dangerous trigger men. Blake Comeau and Troy Bodie have also stepped up their play, each averaging at least a point per game, while Chris Ray, Troy Ofukany and Brent Howarth have added secondary scoring punch. Rearguards Mike Card and Swedish rookie Alex Edler not only have proven themselves to be two of the best offensive defensemen in the league, but have been solid defensively with plus-12 and plus-18 ratings respectively. Derek Yeomans has played well in the Rockets’ cage and currently ranks in the top five in the league in save percentage, however, Kristofer Westblom has struggled in his sophomore campaign but still has eight victories in 13 appearances. The Rockets may currently be third in the division, but they do have several games in hand on the teams they’re chasing. The return of Tyler Spurgeon to the lineup will only strengthen Kelowna’s already solid roster, meaning they have that much better a chance of making a push for their fourth straight Memorial Cup berth.

Kootenay Ice

Record: 38gp 25-11-0-2, 54pts (1st in Division, 1st in Conference) GF: 128 GA: 91

Top Scorers: Ryan Russell 38gp-21g-24a-45pts
Adam Cracknell 38gp-18g-22a-40pts
Dale Mahovsky 35gp-13g-25a-38pts

The Ice have enjoyed a great first half to the 2005-06 campaign, thanks in large part to their dominant form on home ice. Kootenay has lost just twice in Cranbrook all season, including just one defeat in regulation. In fact, Kootenay has lost just eight regular-season games at home since the start of the 2004-05 season. On the road this season, the Ice are actually below the .500 mark, indicating how important home ice advantage could be for Kootenay come playoff time. Despite the loss of key offensive players from last season, the Ice have still managed to score plenty of goals this season. Ryan Russell has been a consistent offensive threat all season, making the loss of Nigel Dawes more bearable. Veterans Dale Mahovsky and Adam Cracknell have also contributed regularly to the attack, while sophomores Ben Maxwell and Steven DaSilva have added offensive depth. Kootenay has also been sound defensively this season. Mike Busto has stepped up his game and proved himself as one of the league’s better two-way defensemen while rookie John Negrin has impressed, showing he has a bright future on the Ice blue line. Goaltending has also been strong for Kootenay. Rookie Kris Lazaruk performed admirably through the first couple of months of the season while Taylor Dakers recovered from injury. Dakers, meanwhile, has been very good since his return, boasting some of the best numbers in the league. With a strong start, the Ice have put themselves in good position for the season’s second half. Yet, they’ll face tremendous competition down the stretch in their quest for a second consecutive B.C. Division title.

Prince George

Record: 36gp 19-14-0-3, 41pts (4th in Division, 5th in Conference) GF: 95 GA: 94

Top Scorers: Eric Hunter 36gp-18g-18a-36pts
Nicholas Drazenovic 36gp-14g-19a-33pts
Colin Patterson 35gp-11g-21a-32pts

The Cougars roared out of the gate to start the 2005-06 season with 13 wins in their first 19 games. However, a stretch in November and early December in which they lost 10 of 11 contests saw the Cougars tumble down the B.C. Division standing. Yet, Prince George has proven they are a more formidable opponent this season than in the last few years. Although they have cooled off since their torrid start, the line of Nick Drazenovic, Eric Hunter and Colin Patterson, when together, has been established as one of the league’s more potent combinations. However, aside from the contributions of Jared Walker and Myles Zimmer, the Cougars have had troubles generating scoring from secondary sources. Sophomore rearguard Ty Wishart has played very well this season, boasting an outstanding plus-17 rating. Yet, more will be expected from the likes of Andy Rogers and relative newcomers Kalvin Sagert and Jesse Dudas to shore up the team’s defensive zone in the season’s second half. Scott Bowles enjoyed an excellent first half of the season in the Cougars’ net, but has had a few shaky moments along the way. Real Cyr had a slow start, but posted two shutouts in his last four starts. In any other division, the Cougars would be well on their way to ending their two-year absence from the post-season. However, they’ll have their work cut out for them in the season’s second half just to claim the fourth spot in a strong B.C. Division.

Vancouver Giants

Record: 35pg 23-8-0-4, 50pts (2nd in Division, 2nd in Conference) GF: 122 GA: 73

Top Scorers: Tim Kraus 34gp-17g-19a-36pts
Mitch Bartley 34gp-16g-20a-36pts
Michal Repik 32gp-15g-18a-33pts

Vancouver’s play in the first half of the 2005-06 season can be most accurately described by the name on the front of their jerseys – Giant. Not only have they been dominant offensively, the giants have been outstanding defensively as well. Consequently, the team boasts the league’s best goal differential at plus-49. Tim Kraus has taken his game to a new level this year, putting up career-best numbers already, while Mitch Bartley is on pace for his third straight 30-goal campaign. Czech rookie Michal Repik has been the league’s most productive 16-year-old, while Milan Lucic and Spencer Machacek have also impressed in their freshman campaigns. Defensively, only Calgary has been stingier than Vancouver. Paul Albers and Cody Franson have been great in their own end and have quarterbacked the Giants to the league’s second-best power play. Meanwhile, Mark Fistric has been a defensive stalwart, playing a large role in leading the Giants’ top-ranked penalty killing unit. Goaltending has been outstanding for the Giants this season. Dustin Slade has greatly benefited from his off-season move to Vancouver, and has re-established himself as one of the top goalies in the league. Meanwhile, Tommy Tartaglione and Tyson Sexmith allow the Giants the luxury of choosing between two of the top young netminders in the league as a backup. The Giants have established themselves as one of the league’s elite teams through the first half of the season. If they can maintain their current form through the second half, they will undoubtedly be real contenders come playoff time.

[Beaner]

part 4 of 4.


U.S. Division

Everett Silvertips

Record: 36gp 21-14-1-0, 43pts (1st in Division, 4th in Conference) GF: 96 GA: 80

Top Scorers: Peter Mueller 32gp-15g-22a-37pts
John Lammers 35gp-17g-18a-35pts
Shaun Heshka 30gp-7g-23a-30pts

The Everett Silvertips first half was a mix of highs and lows. The ‘Tips got off to a great start to the 2005-06 season, winning 13 of their first 17 games – including winning a franchise-record eight straight. However, a franchise-record seven-game losing streak, coupled with the loss of several key players, had the ‘Tips reeling in November. Yet, the team rebounded as they got healthier and finished the first half by winning six of their last seven games. While the ‘Tips have been strong defensively, they have managed to score more often than in their two previous seasons. Rookie Peter Mueller and off-season acquisition John Lammers have added tremendous creativity to Everett’s attack, while Torrie Wheat and Zach Hamill have also produced when they’ve been healthy. Shaun Heshka has been a force on the Silvertips’ blue line, both defensively and offensively, while Jason Fransoo and sophomores Jonathan Harty and Graham Potuer have all been solid as well. Leland Irving has been a workhorse in net for the Silvertips, appearing in a league-high 34 games so far, and putting up top-five numbers in the process. The Silvertips go into the second half with a 10-point lead atop the U.S. Division. If they can continue their strong play versus divisional opponents, they will surely be in contention for their second U.S. Division title in their three-year existence.

Portland Winter Hawks

Record: 32gp 15-14-1-2, 33pts (2nd in Division, 7th in Conference) GF: 110 GA: 120

Top Scorers: Brandon Dubinsky 31gp-15g-27a-42pts
Brian Woolger 32gp-16g-20a-36pts
Jannik Hansen 24gp-13g-19a-32pts

The first half of the 2005-06 Winter Hawks’ campaign can be best described as a tale of two teams. When the Hawks have played up to their potential, they’ve appeared like a team capable of accomplishing great things. However, when they’re off their game, they’ve appeared as a team disjointed and disorganized. Yet, part of the reason the Hawks have struggled has been due to injury troubles – especially on the blue line where injuries to rearguards like Mike Sauer, Cameron Cepek, and rookie Justin Mazurek have left the defense corps dangerously thin at times. Up front, the Hawks haven’t had issues scoring. Brandon Dubinsky is enjoying a tremendous campaign offensively, showing why he’s one of the league’s most talented and dangerous weapons. Meanwhile, Jon Bubnick, Brian Woolger, Kyle Bailey and Danish rookie Jannik Hansen have also been highly productive in the offensive zone. Rearguard Michael Funk has stepped up his game and contributed both offensively and in his own end in the wake of the Hawks’ blue line woes. Goaltending has been an issue for the Hawks this season as the team has given up a Western Conference high 120 goals this season. Dustin Butler has had some excellent performances offset by a few shaky outings this season while rookies Kurtis Mucha and Luke Shier have had their struggles in the battle to cement the backup role. There is no question the Winter Hawks have the talent to be an upper echelon team in the Conference. However, it’s a matter of playing up to their talent level on a consistent basis. Getting their blue line healthy and sorting out their goaltending issues will also be key if the Hawks want to climb the standings in the second half.

Seattle Thunderbirds

Record: 35gp 14-17-1-3, 32pts (3rd in Division, 8th in conference) GF: 80 GA: 106

Top Scorers: Ladislav Scurko 32gp-9g-15a-24pts
Roman Tomanek 32gp-11g-12a-23pts
Ryan Gibbons 33gp-12g-4a-16pts

The Thunderbirds had high expectations coming into the 2005-06 season. Yet, for the reigning U.S. Division champs, the first half of the season has to be considered a bit disappointing. A slow start to the season – one win in their first eight games – put the T-Birds behind the eight ball early. While the team recovered for a good stretch in late October and early November, the T-Birds hit another rough patch in December and came into the Christmas break on a six-game losing streak. Part of the team’s struggles stems from their inability to score. Only Roman Tomanek and Ryan Gibbons have cracked the 10-goal plateau, while key offensive weapons Chris Durand and Aaron Gagnon have not produced to the level expected. The T-Birds have also struggled defensively compared to where they were last season. 16-year-old rookie Thomas Hickey has been arguably the team’s steadiest rearguard while Clayton Barthel has been the most productive blueliner on a squad that hasn’t received much offense from the defense corps. Bryan Bridges has been solid in net for the T-Birds, but he has also spent a lot of time on the sidelines due to injury. Gavin McHale has played well at times, but has also had his struggles while holding the fort with Bridges injured. While they may be under .500 at the halfway point, the T-Birds are still very much in the race for a playoff spot in the U.S. Division. If they can start generating more offense and get a healthy Bryan Bridges back in net, Seattle should be right in the mix down the stretch.

Spokane Chiefs

Record: 33gp 15-17-1-0, 31pts (4th in Division, 9th in Conference) GF: 92 GA: 103

Top Scorers: Chad Klassen 33gp-12g-22a-34pts
Derek Ryan 33gp-11g-18a-29pts
Adam Hobson 33gp-12g-9a-21pts

Spokane has hovered around the .500 mark for much of the first half of the 2005-06 season by being one of the more consistent teams in the league. While they haven’t yet endured more than three losses in a row, the Chiefs have also failed to win more than three games in a row. On top of that, most of the Chiefs games have been close, with 15 of their contests decided by one goal or by shoot-out. Spokane’s offense has been fairly productive, but could still be better. Chad Klassen has played well, as usual, and is scoring at a point-per-game pace, while Derek Ryan, Adam Hobson and Michael Grabner have also added to the attack. Talented Swede Johannes Salmonsson was expected to play a big role offensively, but has struggled to find his game through the first half. Rookie Drayson Bowman has performed well offensively, indicating he’ll be an important cog in the Chiefs’ offense for years to come. Defensively, the Chiefs have been good five-on-five, but have struggled on the penalty kill as nearly 40 per cent of the team’s goals against have come on the power play. David Schulz, Joe Logan, Matt McCue and Sean Zimmerman have been solid on the blue line for the Chiefs, but could contribute more offensively. The Chiefs’ goaltending has been solid, for the most part. Jim Watt has put up slightly better numbers compared to last season, while rookie Thomas Stehr has had some ups and downs as Watt’s backup. The Chiefs have definitely shown improvement from last season and can be encouraged that they are right in mix in the U.S. Division. If they can improve upon the consistency they’ve shown through the first half, and win a few more of those one-goal games, they should be able to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot.

Tri-City Americans

Record: 31gp 13-14-3-1, 30pts (5th in Division, 10th in Conference) GF: 84 GA: 101

Top Scorers: Ian McDonald 31gp-15g-22a-37pts
Juraj Gracik 29gp-13g-11a-24pts
Jason Beeman 22gp-12g-10a-22pts

The Ams had a rough start to the 2005-06 season, managing just four wins in their first 16 games. However, they turned their fortunes around and won nine of their next 15 games to climb back into the U.S. Division race and now find themselves just three points out of second place in the division. The Americans haven’t been the most productive team offensively through the first half, although they’ve managed enough scoring to get by. Ian McDonald has been he biggest producer this season and is well on his way to shattering his previous personal bests in offensive numbers. Juraj Gracik, Matt Schneider and Jason Beeman have also been consistent producers for the Ams. Rookie Taylor Procyshen has impressed this season, putting up decent numbers for a freshman. However, outside of the aforementioned players, offense has been scarce for the team. Logan Stephenson has been the cornerstone on the Ams blue line this season, and has managed to contribute offensively as well, while rearguards Ryan Gillen and Riley Emmerson have both been dependable in their own zone. Goaltender Carey Price has really started to turn his game around after a shaky start, and is beginning to display the talents and ability that led the Montreal Canadiens to grab him with the fifth overall pick in the 2005 NHL draft. The Ams head into the second half of the season with confidence and momentum. They also have several games in hand on the teams they’re chasing in their division. If they can continue to improve the way they did through the end of November and in December, there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be in the mix down the stretch.

A pretty fair review of all the teams so far this season IMO.

[Jimmypop316]

Consistency has go to be there for the Chiefs. I really don't figure them as contenders but more-so a work in progress this year. I love what Peters has brought to the team and am looking forward to them for years to come. I think they are going to continue to get better this season. They just need players like Salmo to finally show up on the scoresheet, and to get those one goal games like they said. Can't complain about their shoot-out performance though (3-0).

[LifelongChiefsFan]

Consistency has go to be there for the Chiefs. I really don't figure them as contenders but more-so a work in progress this year. I love what Peters has brought to the team and am looking forward to them for years to come. I think they are going to continue to get better this season. They just need players like Salmo to finally show up on the scoresheet, and to get those one goal games like they said. Can't complain about their shoot-out performance though (3-0).

I agree 100%. Yeah Chiefs have been pretty consistent this year...win 1 lose 1, win 2 lose 2 etc. They have a decent team, and they seem to win when the effort is there...but when they don't play their hardest they sure can be abysmal. I am happy though they've managed to stay around 500, that's a good sign and they've played tough teams hard, like Kelowna, Kootenay, Medicine Hat and Calgary. It would just be nicer to see that effort every game, specifically home games where they seem to struggle way more than on the road ( I believe the Chiefs still have a winning record on the road). And yes, the shootouts have been great so far, Klassen and Ryan are deadly. As for the playoffs (I know it's a ways away), I don't think a first round win is out of the question (provided they make it which I think they will) as long as Spokane plays T/C, Seattle, or Portland. I don't see Spokane getting by Everett in the playoffs though. Anything beyond that would be a stretch though, imo. We'll see how the second half goes, it sure would be nice to see Spokane start off with 3 or 4 wins in row to get things rolling.

[The_Vulk]

Way to go Hitmen!

That the Raiders have been doing so poorly is a real shame. They are due for better things that this season has so far provided.