2006/07 team strengths/Weaknesses

[Tiger Trauma]

I'll start it off

Feel free to coment about your teams chances, during the upcoming season, or add to others comments as well.
*(probable cause to return)
Team:Tigers

Defense

20 Yr old. Returness: Matt keetly
Their only loss from the defensive core will be cam barker, a big part of the team who played lots of minutes, but he was injured/away for a big chunk of the season. Will goaltending be a question? If matt keetly returns for another year in net, oppostion teams will face a tough time scoring goals.

Key Returning players*Kris Russel(19), Gord Baldwin(19), David Shlemko(19), Jordan Bendfield(18), Trevor Glass(18)

The tigers will field a quick defense, with the capability to jump up into the play, With russel, and schlemko provide 2 solid quaterbacks on the PP.

Forwards
20 year old returnees:Chris Stevens,Roman Psurny,Brett Robertson, Derek Dorsett

Losses: Keiran Block, Tommy maxwell

obviously we wont be able to keep all the 20 yr olds..who were a big part of last years team.

Psurny, Dorsett, have been signed and have a chance to play at the ahl level next year, but there is a chance for them to come back as well

Darren Helm* will be expected to lead the way offensively scoring 41 goals lat year averaging over a point per game, and players such as tyler ennis, brenan bosch, jerrid sauer, daine todd, and kevin undershute will provide a fast hardworking group of forwards with a scoring touch around the net.

The tigers will have a strong team once again, but may get off to a slow start due to key players, attending camps with various pro teams

[Beaner]

Ok time to get this thread going.

TEAM: GIANTS

GOALTENDING

Goaltending should be strong again for the Giants with Sexsmith, Tartaglione and the possible return of 20 year old Slade.

The only question in net for the Giants is who gets moved if Slade returns, as both Sexsmith and Tartaglione deserve a shot at playing regular minutes between the pipes, and either one should fetch a good return in a trade. If Slade doesnt return, look for Tartaglione and Sexsmith to fight it out for the starter job for the first month or so.

Defense

20 Yr olds : Brett Festerling, Mark Fistric, Chad Scharff

Losses: Paul Albers
Potential Losses: Mark Fistric -90%

Paul Albers loss is a hard hit to take but Brendan Mikkelson who missed most of last year with 2 knee injuries should be able to fill that hole. Fistric will not be replaced easily, other players will have to pick up their physical play to make up for his loss.

Returning players: Franson(19), Blum(17), Mikkelson(19), Scharff(20), Flatters(19), Festerling (20)

Giants D will be a little smaller with the potential loss of Fistric, but should be quicker, and with Franson, Mikkelson and Blum all manning the point on the PP, they should be very good on the PP. Look for Scharff or Flatters to take playing time on Forward and D as they did last year.

Forwards
20 year old returnees:Kyle Lamb.

Losses: Mitch Bartley, Gilbert Brule, Brett Parker

You don't replace Brule but with that being said the Giants were in first before Brule returned, but he was definatley the push that put us over the top and lead the Giants to their first league crown. Bartleys' 30 goals a year will be missed, as will his consistency but other players should be able to step up enough to fill his void. Parker while a loss, was only here for the playoff run, and he did help a lot, but I dont really consider that big a loss.

With that being said, the core of the Giants ofensive corps will stay intact with a few young additions or a new forward acquired in a trade, to help fill some of the scoring void left by Brule and Bartley. Should still be a scoring by committee type aproach for the Giants, with Repik and Machacek leading the way.

Returning Players: Kraus (19), Rutherford (19), Watt (19), Reese (18), Machacek (18), Dulle (18), Czibre (17), Bliznak (19), Hunt(19), Repik (18), Lucic (18), Scharff (20), Flatters (19)

Look for players like Bliznak and Czibre to be expected to put up a lot more points this year, and continued improvement from last years rookies, Repik, Machacek and Lucic. Lance Bouma (16) who impressed during his 5 games last year should see 3rd/4th line minutes during the year.

There is still a shot that Bertram could be in a Giants uniform this year, but, I consider that a longshot. If he comes to the Giants that gives us a player to replace Bartleys 30 goals and 60+ points.

20 year old Situation

Fistric - Should be moved up a level -90%
Slade - 50/50 he returns
Lamb - earning a spot
Scharff - earning a spot
Festerling - lock for a spot.

OVERALL

Giants will once again have another work-man like team, that out works its opponents. The typical Don Hay coached team. Players bought into his style last year and they won it all, no reason to believe they all wont buy in again.

Like the Tigers the Giants may have a slow start in the pre-season with a number of key players away at camp, but they should all be back for the start of the regular season.

Look for Bonner to make a move in mid to late October to fill whatever hole the Giants brass figure they need to plug for the MC run later this year. More than likely I figure a goalie for a scoring forward will be the order of the day.

Giants lose a few key components from last years squad, but they should still contend for the BC Division and Western Conference crowns again this year.

[Triton]

TEAM: Wheatkings

GOALTENDING

Brandon will have one the leagues best in net this season.After a horendous start last year,Plante was able to get back to what he did best,and that was stop the puck.Simple basics,and correcting what was wrong turned Tyler Plante's season around.The backup position will be up in the air with Jory returning as a 19 year old back-up.Most likely Jory will be moved as Caliguiri and Hayes (2 of the best goalies not in the WHL) are waiting to showcase their talents.

Defense

20 Yr olds : Cory Courchene

Losses: Riley Day(not much of a loss)Stephan Lenoski

Although the toughness of Day will be missed,his lack of discipline and his slow foot speed will not.Lenoski's leadership and smart decision making will be missed.We wish him the best wearing the "C" in Chilliwack.

Returning players: Chad Erb,Keith Aulie,Dustin Kohn,Daryl Boyle,Mark Louis,Theran Yeo,Cory Courchene(plays D and forward).

The entire D core with the exception of Day and Lenoski will be back,making Brandon's defense almost scary.A few gem rookies wait to crack the roster.Players such as Alexander Grill,Colby Robak,and Matty Smith to name a few.

Forwards
20 year old returnees:Teegan Moore,Jeff Topliko,Cole Hunter,Mark Derlago

Losses: Sami Sandell,John Wikner

This will be a decent scoring team.All the players were forced last season to step out of the shadows of Fehr,Monych Konsorada,Stone ect,and did very well with everyone putting up career #'s in different roles never seen before from these players.Expect Brandon to score a bunch with the dynamic forwards they have.People think Brandon has nothing,well that just shows how much you don't know about the opposition.Entire forward crew returns plus the rookies that will come in and make an impact.Players such as Sanfred King,Jordan Hale,David Toews(if he shows),Nathan Green(Midget AA scoring champion),Jay Fehr ect.Plus the addition of Juraj Simek and Igor Musatov will help the attack.

Returning Players: Bryan Kauk,Tyler Dittmer,Mark Derlago,Cole Hunter,Tyler Strautman(will be dealt),Teegan Moore,Matt Hallick,Codey Burki,Ryan Reaves,Andrew Clark,Jeff Topilko(won't make the team),Cole Hunter(won't make the team)


20 year old Situation

Courchene-will occupy a 20 yr old spot
Mark Derlago-will occupy a 20 spot
Teegan Moore-will occupy 20 spot
Jeff Topilko-will not be brough back
Cole Hunter-could gain interest but won't be brought back

OVERALL

Brandon will contend for the division.They will be a very good team to play against with solid veteran defense,spread out scoring and a better PK and PP will help out a ton.That was their downfall last season..the lack to score on the PP while the lack to kill a penalty costed them a ton of games.Look for Brandon to amass a 38-42 win season.

[AmsPhotos]

Goalies

Losses - None
Additions - None
Returning - Price (19), Pickard (17)
Lineup Crackers - None
On the Horizon - Kyle Birch (16)

Comments - With a veteran Price in goal for the Americans, netminding is
one of the team's strong points. Pickard recorded three shutouts last
season in establishing himself as a capable young backup with a bright
future. With that said, Price will carry the load and will keep the AMS
in a lot of games, while stealing a few on his own. Birch impressed last
season as an underager at camp. He could see time over the holidays
with Price gone at WJC and if Tory should move Price he could become
the backup. The Americans seem very happy with their situation in
goal.

Blueliners

Losses - Jones (Exp), Stephenson (Pro)
Additions - Jonathon Smith (19), Justin Mazurek (18), Juraj Valach (17)
Returning - Butterfield (20), Knudsen (19), Swaby (19), Gillen (19),
Toll (17)
Lineup Crackers - Eric Mestery (16), Tyler Schmidt (16)

Comments - Last season Tory had to completely restructure his blueline
via early season trades. This season with the addition of
young studs Mestery, Schmidt and Euro Valach, the Americans
are faced with a surplus of WHL caliber blueliners. Newcomer
Smith provides good size and skating and should eat up a lot
of minutes with steady play. Mazurek is an intense, in your
face player, but he may play the wing to find playing time.
From the look of things, there appear to be some deals in the
Americans future to send some defensive surplus for some
offensive help. While steady, Butterfield is certainly a target
for a swap to an offensive overage forward. Any of the other
older d-men could be on the bubble and need to show up to
camp ready to compete for a job.

Forwards

Losses - McDonald (Grad), Beeman (Grad), Schneider (Grad), Gracik (20),
Bacek (20), Emmerson (Pro), Voytechek (Exp), Glennie (Exp)
Additions - Erik Felde (19), Tanner Gillies (19), Daniel Bartek (18)
Returning - Boogaard (20), Aldred (20), Vey (19), Peters (19), Watt (18),
Procyshen (18), Inglis (18), Hoff (18), Broda (17)
Lineup Crackers - Cody Wutzke (16), Joe Colborne (16),
Kruise Reddeck (16), Colin Phaneuf (16), Pat Bartoshyk (16),
Jeff Bain (17), Bobby Lipsett (17), Travis Gorman (17)

Comments - Tory will need to work some of the early season magic that
saw him completely revamp the team's blueline last year. If he can pull
off a couple of key acquisitions and some players step up into bigger
roles, the team could compete for the upper half of the division. If
either doesn't happen then the team could struggle to score goals and
will only go as far as Price and the young defensemen will carry them.
Jr. A sniper Felde is a big signing and will give the Americans a legit
burner on the wing and will boost their power play immediately. Gillies is
a tough winger who wants to be a scorer. He hadn't been able to put it
altogether in Red Deer, but if he blooms this year he could be a real
steal for Tory. Procyshen and Hoff need to continue their developement
from last year, while Vey and Broda need to bounce back from injury
riddled seasons. Boogaard and Aldred need to put in career years
offensively (e.g. Beeman and McDonald from 05-06).

Intangibles

Toughness - The Americans lose Emmerson and Stephenson to the pros,
but will still have a tough lineup with Boogaard leading the charge.
Gillies is very tough, but doesn't fight often. Knudsen and Inglis can also
chip in with the dukes. Swaby and Gillen are both willing. Schmidt and
Wutzke should get their feet wet as both have some sandpaper to their
game.

Speed - With the rule changes, speed is becoming more of a premium in
the league. The Americans under Nachbaur have traditionally been a
grinding team that lacked good speed, but that is slowly changing.
Felde, Procyshen, Hoff and Broda all provide good speed up front. They
will still be known as a big bruising club, but hopefully that size is
combined with some mobility.

Leadership - All the captains from last season will be gone, so it will be a
whole new batch. It will be interesting to see who emerges as the
leaders for this year's club.

Overagers - The club has three (Boogaard, Aldred and Butterfield) going
into camp. With the depth on defense, you have to think Butterfield
will be replaced by an overage forward that can contribute offensively.
Boogaard and Aldred will need to step up both offensively and in a
leadership role, but I think both will get the opportunity to prove
themselves before a search for replacements.

[Hatguy]

TEAM: Moose Jaw Warriors

GOALTENDING

Andrew Leslie was traded last week as the Warriors didn't have the overage spot to keep him. Like last year, Joey Perricone should carry the bulk of the goaltending duties and if he plays anything like he did in the 06 playoffs we should be solid in net. The back up role will fall onto a rookie, there are several names like Jebson, the rest escape me.

Defense

20 Yr olds : Cole Simpson, Jesse Zetariuk

Losses: Kyle Fecho, Matt Hansen

The defence will look similar to last year with Simpson, Zetariuk, Ehrhardt, Grundling and Chapman returning. I assume there will be some rookies coming into camp looking for a spot. Look for Jock Sutter, ryan Stanton etc. to crack the roster.

The defence won't take too much of a hit from Fecho and Hansen graduating. We have two fairly solid overage d men potentially coming back. The defence won't be an elite WHL force, but they should be able to hold there own.

If the D and the goalie can't do their jobs we'll be in for another 04-05 season.

Forwards
20 year old returnees: Steven Gillen, Dustin Boyd?, Blair Jones?

Losses: Troy Brouwer, Bjorn Svensson, Dustin Boyd (probable), Blair Jones (probable)

It always hurts when you lose three players in the top ten in WHL scoring in one offseason, but the offense should be strong again this year with Kendal Mcardle and Riley Holzapfel returning. I'm also assuming Boyd and Jones will not be back, so Gillen will be a leader on offense and in the dressing room. The Warriors have tons of young skilled forwards. The Warriors also picked up a big forward in the Euro draft.

Look for Gillen, Mcardle, Holzapfel, Wray, Herman, Bast, Rapac and Smith to have roster spots secured. Leaving several spots open to either rookies or names like Robinson and Mckenzie. Rookies that could crack the roster would be Prokop, Grecica, Barkwell and other young guns I don't know of.

The offense will not be as strong as last year, but the team should still be speedy and talented up front.


20 year old Situation

Boyd - Will not be back.
Jones - Will not be back.
Gillen - Should be back.
Zetariuk - Should be back.
Simpson - Should be back.

OVERALL

The Warriors will be in a competative division, like ever other team in the dub. It's hard to predict what our team will look like with so many players leaving. The Warriors will be a young and speedy team with several rookies making the roster. The defense will have to be stronger this season, not to mention the goaltending as well.

The Warriors should make the playoffs this season, I think we should be around 3rd or 4th place in the division, but anything can happen.

[GBG BLEED BLUE]

TEAM:Blades

Goaltending

the Goaltending is kinda up in the air with the acqizition of Andrew Leslie,but if he makes the team he will probably be the starter with Holtby being the backup. If Leslie does not make the team, then Holtby would be the starter,and Carey Dyck would be the back up,unless another goalie is brought in to challenge for the backup spot. (I think that will happen)

Defense

Possible 20 Yr olds:Joe Logan,David Schulz,Brad Cole

Losses: Derek Price

Derek Price will be missed for his puck handling ability

Returning players: Panchyson(18),Ward(18),Funk(17)

New import: Visnak(18)

The Blades D will be experenced with possibly two 20yr olds

Forwards
20 year old returnees:Wacey Rabbit(maybe)

Losses:Chad Klassen,Zdenek Bahensky,Barnes(Probably)

Returning Players: (maybe)Setoguchi(19),MacAngus(18),McCrae(18)MacAul ay(18),Zasitko(18),Cloud,(18),Gillies(17),Geric(17 )

Additons via trades:Klotz(18),Kylm(18)
New import:Konecny(18)

20 year old Situation
Rabbit-Should be back.
Barnes-Probably will not be back,as he signed with the Hurricanes.
Schulz-Should be back,but could battle with Cole for a spot.
Cole-Should be back, but could battle with Schulz for a spot.
Logan-Could be traded for a 19 year old,or he might be kept around to see if he can earn a spot.
Leslie-Could be the starting goalie,but I would not want him to be the backup(if that is the case then he will mentor Holtby),otherwise gone

Players that could make the team: (there will be some)
Defence:Zahn(16),he saw some action last season and looked good
Freisen(16),Clements(16)MacPherson(17),Suderman(17 )

Forwards:Toomey(16),Patterson(16),Lamoureux(17),Cr owley(17),Wintoneak(17)

OVERALL: The Blades will be a younger team with possible only one 19 year old(setoguchi),they will still have plenty of skill,If Leslie makes the team it will help mentor Holtby, I think that they shoud be able to make the playoffs.