WHL Mid season review 2006/07

[Scout]

Courtesy Prospects Insider

East Division:
Calgary, AB -- The 2006-07 Western Hockey League is at the midway point with teams having played roughly half of their regular season schedules, and it's time to take a look at how the season has shaped up so far.

Here's a team-by-team look at the Eastern Conference through the first half of the 2006-07 WHL season:


EASTERN CONFERENCE

East Division


Brandon Wheat Kings

2006-07 record: 37gp 18-13-2-4, 42pts (1st in Div., 5th in Conf.) GF: 132 GA: 118
Top Scorers:
Codey Burki 35gp-21g-30a-51pts
Mark Derlago 37gp-25g-20a-45pts
Juraj Simek 32gp-22g-18a-40pts

The Wheat Kings have enjoyed a fair amount of success through the first half of the 2006-07 season. Playing in one of the weaker divisions, the Wheat Kings have managed a 10-4-2-3 record versus divisional opponents - three of whom have records below the .500 mark - but only an 8-9-0-1 mark versus the rest of the league. The trio of Codey Burki, Mark Derlago and Swiss import Juraj Simek has combined for 68 of the team's 132 goals this season. After those three, only Andrew Clark has more than 10 goals. At plus-16, defenseman Dustin Kohn is tied for fifth in the WHL in plus-minus, and is also tied for fifth among WHL defensemen in scoring with 29 points, while Daryl Boyle has been a solid two-way presence. Tyler Plante's 3.01 goals-against average and .905 save percentage don't put him among the League's top 10 netminders. Rookie goaltender Joe Caligiuri has shown plenty of promise in eight appearances. The Wheat Kings should be able to carry on at or near the top of the East Division during the second half. However, they'll need more secondary scoring, and more consistent goaltending if they are to make a run come playoff time.


Moose Jaw Warriors

2006-07 record: 35gp 11-23-1-0, 23pts (6th in Div., 11th in Conf.) GF: 90 GA: 125
Top Scorers:
Riley Holzapfel 35gp-20g-21a-41pts
Jason Reese 36pg-10g-22a-32pts
Steven Gillen 35gp-9g-21a-30pts

After winning an East Division title, and making a run all the way to the WHL final last season, the Warriors have seen their fortunes go in the opposite direction this season. As a consequence, the team has made several significant changes since opening day. Gone are names like Kenndal McArdle, Brennan Wray, Jesse Zetariuk and Carter Smith, who were all part of last season's Eastern Conference Championship team. Coming in are Jason Reese, Jordan Knackstedt, Keith Voytechek, Cody Thoring and Brady Calla. Riley Holzapfel has carried the load offensively this season, while Reese and Voytechek have also provided some offensive contributions since their arrival. However, captain and third-leading scorer Steven Gillen is a team-worst minus-19, while others like Matt Isbister and Andre Herman are also heavy on the negative side in plus-minus. Goaltender Joey Perricone has struggled to regain the form that helped him backstop the Warriors to the 2005 WHL championship series. While the Warriors may be well under the .500 mark, they still have a shot at a playoff berth in the East Division as they currently trail fourth placed Regina by eight points.


Prince Albert Raiders

2006-07 record: 35gp 16-15-2-2, 36pts (3rd in Div., 8th in Conf.) GF: 104 GA: 127
Top Scorers:
Ryan DePape 35gp-15g-20a-35pts
Matt Robertson 32gp-16g-9a-25pts
Mike Hellyer 35gp-10g-15a-25pts

The Raiders, for the most part, have enjoyed a much better season than they did in 2005-06, where they failed to make the post-season. Although the Raiders endured a nine-game losing streak in late October and early November, they have rebounded in December by winning seven of their last eight games before the Christmas break to climb back above the .500 mark. Up front, veteran Ryan DePape has led the way, scoring at a point-per-game rate, while captain Mike Hellyer broke out of a recent scoring drought with three goals and five points in his final three games before the break. Rookies Matt Robertson and Andy Smith have both assumed offensive roles with 16 and 10 goals respectively, indicating the future is bright among the Raiders' forward ranks. Defensively, the Raiders' power play misses the offensive presence of A.J. Thelen, who has missed the bulk of the season with injury. Goaltending was an issue early on after the Raiders parted company with Jesse Deckert, leaving rookies David Aime and Tyler Esau to share the goaltending load. However, with Deckert's return, the goaltending situation has stabilized. With a 13-point cushion for a playoff position in the East Division, the Raiders should be able to hold on for a post-season berth.


Regina Pats

2006-07 record: 35gp 14-18-1-2, 31pts (4th in Div., 9th in Conf.) GF: 109 GA: 117
Top Scorers:
Kyle Ross 35gp-9g-27a-36pts
Logan Pyett 35gp-5g-28a-33pts
Jordan Eberle 35gp-15g-15a-30pts

The Pats have had trouble parlaying the momentum from last season's resurgence into success this season. Consistency has been the biggest issue for the team this year as they have managed to string together consecutive wins just twice, but have endured losing streak of three or more games on four occasions. Consequently, the Pats have made several big moves already this season, bringing in players like Troy Ofukany, Mike Reich and Tommy Tartaglione, and dealing away names like Justin Bernhardt, Ryan McDonald, and David Reekie. Veterans Kyle Ross, Garrett Festerling and defenseman Logan Pyett have been the offensive leaders for the Pats. However, the contributions from 16-year-old rookie Jordan Eberle and young defensemen Nick Ross and Colten Teubert indicate a bright future for the team. 17-year-old goaltender Linden Rowat has enjoyed moments of excellence, but has also struggled at times. The Pats have the personnel to compete for an East Division title. However, finding a level of consistency will be a key for the Pats to solidify their playoff fate.


Saskatoon Blades

2006-07 record: 34gp 11-22-0-1, 23pts (5th in Div., 10th in Conf.) GF: 82 GA: 114
Top Scorers:
Ryan Menei 33gp-16g-14a-30pts
Justin McCrae 34gp-5g-17a-22pts
Rastislav Konecny 28gp-9g-11a-20pts

The Blades have struggled through a rebuilding phase in 2006-07. With only three players over the age of 19, the Blades are looking to the future. Offense has been an issue for the Blades. The team has tallied an Eastern Conference-low 82 goals, and only one player - Ryan Menei - has topped the 10-goal plateau. Justin McCrae, the Blades' leading returning scorer form last season, has managed just five goals this season, while top NHL draft prospect Colton Gillies has found the net just five times as well. 20-year-old defenseman Brad Cole has been strong on the blue line, having tallied eight goals and boasting a team-best plus-8 rating. However, more is expected from fellow veteran rearguard Joe Logan, who has just one goal and is a minus-12 this season. 17-year-old netminder Braden Holtby has carried the bulk of the load in the Blades' net, having appeared in 25 games, which is the most for any rookie goaltender. While the Blades may have struggled this season, they are currently only eight points out of fourth place in the East Division, and still have an opportunity to battle for a playoff spot in the second half of the season.


Swift Current Broncos

2006-07 record: 37gp 18-17-1-1, 38pts (2nd in Div., 7th in Conf.) GF: 96 GA: 115
Top Scorers:
Levi Nelson 37gp-7g-21a-28pts
Dale Weise 34gp-11g-12a-23pts
Kyle Bortis 36gp-8g-13a-21pts

The Broncos are enjoying some success in their first campaign since returning to the East Division after five seasons in the Central Division. They should be happy for the switch, too. Being one game over .500, the Broncos find themselves in second place in the East. However, the same record would put them two points below the Central Division's current fifth-placed team, Lethbridge. The Broncos' offense hasn't been prolific this season, but they've managed to get scoring from many different sources. Levi Nelson started slow, but has been more productive of late. Rookie Geordie Wudrick, and sophomores Dale Weise and Zack Smith have shown they have the offensive tools to lead the team in the future. The Broncos' defense has been the stingiest in the East Division, thanks to the solid play of rearguards like Michael Wilson, Dane Crowley and Myles Rumsey. Perhaps the biggest strength for the Broncos is in goal where veteran Kyle Moir and sophomore Travis Yonkman provide a solid combination. With a 15-point cushion for a playoff spot in the East Division, the Broncos are in a good position to look ahead to a post-season berth, and perhaps home-ice advantage in the opening round.

[Scout]

Central Division


Calgary Hitmen

2006-07 record: 36gp 22-11-0-3, 47pts (3rd in Div., 3rd in Conf.) GF: 127 GA: 96
Top Scorers:
Ryan White 36gp-15g-30a-45pts
Brodie Dupont 36gp-21g-21a-42pts
Keegan Dansereau 35gp-13g-17a-30pts

The Hitmen are enjoying another solid campaign in 2006-07, and have managed to keep pace in the strongest division in the WHL. Up front, Ryan White, Keegan Dansereau and Brodie Dupont have led a deep group of forwards, with both Dupont and White among the WHL's top 12 scorers. Fredrick Pettersson, Ian Duval, and Brett Sonne have also helped balance the attack. Last season, the Hitmen were the best defensive team in the WHL. This season, they remain the top defensive team in the Eastern Conference thanks to the solid play of a young defense corps led by Dylan Yeo, Karl Alzner and Alex Plante. Meanwhile, Dan Spence has done his best to help fill the goaltending void left by All-Star Justin Pogge. Spence currently ranks among the top five in most goaltending categories, and has shown great consistency, having allowed three or less goals in 25 of his 30 appearances this season. The Hitmen will need to continue their winning ways in the second half of the season as any prolonged slump in the ultra-competitive Central Division could result in a quick tumble to the bottom of the division standings.


Kootenay Ice

2006-07 record: 35gp 22-10-1-2, 47pts (2nd in Div., 2nd in Conf.) GF: 134 GA: 107
Top Scorers:
Ben Maxwell 35gp-16g-30a-46pts
Steve DaSilva 34gp-17g-23a-40pts
Andrew Bailey 35gp-18g-19a-37pts

The Kootenay Ice survived the WHL's toughest division last season in their final campaign in the B.C. Division. This season, they get no reprieve after joining the Central Division, which happens to be this year's strongest grouping. Fortunately, the Ice have managed quite well through the season's first half. Kootenay's offense has been its strength thanks to a deep and balanced attack. While Ben Maxwell, Steve DaSilva and Andrew Bailey have led the attack, the Ice have gotten plenty of production from players like Curtis Billsten, Arnaud Jacquemet, Clayton Bauer and Dustin Sylvester. With the return of Ryan Russell from an injury, the Ice boast another dangerous scoring weapon. Led by the solid two-way play of Mike Busto and the defensive presence of Lukas Bohunicky, Kootenay's defense has gotten the job done. Taylor Dakers has been consistent in goal for Kootenay, but sophomore netminder Kris Lazaruk has struggled at times. At 12 games over the .500 mark, the Ice should be able to feel comfortable about securing a post-season berth. However, they'll need to keep fighting hard down the stretch to fend off their tough Central Division rivals.


Lethbridge Hurricanes

2006-07 record: 38gp 18-16-2-2, 40pts (5th in Div., 6th in Conf.) GF: 137 GA: 140
Top Scorers:
Zach Boychuk 35gp-12g-31a-43pts
Kris Hogg 36gp-25g-14a-39pts
Mitch Fadden 37gp-15g-24a-39pts

Despite being two games over .500, the 'Canes currently find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture in a tough Central Division. In any other division, The Hurricanes' record would be good enough for at least third place. Offense hasn't been a problem for the 'Canes, who currently rank second in the WHL in goals scored. Sophomore Zach Boychuk has enjoyed a breakout season, while veteran Kris Hogg shares the WHL lead with 25 goals. The 'Canes have also received plenty of secondary scoring from Mitch Fadden, Dwight King, Yashar Farmanara, and Derek Werenka among others. Tomas Kudelka and Ben Wright have been solid, particularly in the offensive zone, while rookies Jesse Craige has proved to be an offensive threat from the point. Goaltending has been the Hurricanes' Achilles heel as the team has allowed a league-high 140 goals. Justin Leclerc has struggled with consistency, and seen his goals-against average balloon to 3.75 to go with a less-than-stellar .874 save percentage. The Hurricanes are currently only six points out of a playoff spot. However, to climb the standings, the 'Canes will need more consistency in goal, and to greatly improve their last-ranked penalty killing and their 3-11-1-2 road record.


Medicine Hat Tigers

2006-07 record: 39gp 28-9-2-0, 58pts (1st in Div., 1st in Conf.) GF: 150 GA: 104
Top Scorers:
Derek Dorsett 37gp-14g-27a-41pts
Kris Russell 34gp-17g-22a-39pts
Darren Helm 37gp-12g-24a-36pts

The Tigers are once again enjoying life at the top of the WHL standings, and currently lead the WHL with 28 wins and 58 points. The Tigers have been excellent in all facets of the game this season. They win at home and on the road, they've scored more goals than any other team and allowed the second-fewest in the Eastern Conference, and their special teams - the WHL's third best power play and the sixth best penalty killing - have been very good. Offensively, the Tigers are incredibly deep, boasting eight players with 10 or more goals. Buzz saw forward Derek Dorsett leads all WHL forwards in penalty minutes, but also leads the Tigers in scoring and is averaging over a point per game. Defenseman Kris Russell has also been outstanding, and currently leads all WHL rearguards with 17 goals in only 34 games. Goaltending has been strong for the Tigers with Matt Keetley posting a league-leading 21 victories to go with a respectable 2.29 goals-against average. With an 18-point lead over fifth-placed Lethbridge and an 11-point lead over their nearest conference competition, the Tigers are in good position to earn a playoff berth in the Central Division, make a run at top spot in the Eastern Conference, and look to repeat as Scotty Munro trophy winner.


Red Deer Rebels

2006-07 record: 37gp 20-11-3-3, 46pts (4th in Div., 4th in Conf.) GF: 120 GA: 109
Top Scorers:
Martin Hanzal 34gp-16g-38a-54pts
Kirill Starkov 37gp-22g-21a-43pts
Brett Sutter 37gp-15g-21a-36pts

The Rebels have turned things around after missing the playoffs in 2005-06, and are holding their own in the toughest division in the WHL. Much of Red Deer's success has been due to the offensive exploits of European rookies Martin Hanzal and Kirill Starkov. The two have combined for 38 goals and 97 points, while Hanzal is the current WHL scoring leader. The Rebels have also gotten production out of Brandon and Brett Sutter, and 20-year-old rookie Dustin Moore, who joined the team in early October. Defensively, the Rebels have been far better than they were last season. Veteran rearguard Jordan Henry leads the Rebels' blue line offensively, and boasts a solid plus-14 rating, while 18-year-old defenseman Luke Egener has improved from a minus-9 last season to a plus-12 this season. Meanwhile, the Rebels' young netminding duo of James Reimer and Morgan Clark has, for the most part, provided solid play between the pipes. Reimer's .916 save percentage ties him for third in the WHL in that category. The Rebels are right in the thick of the Central Division dogfight. However, they will need to battle hard through the second half, and earn some points versus their Central Division rivals to make sure they end their one-year playoff drought.

[RDRebelsfan]

no US or BC division stuff?

[Scout]

Courtesy C.H.L. Prospects

WESTERN CONFERENCE

B.C. Division


Chilliwack Bruins

2006-07 record: 37gp 11-22-2-2, 26pts (4th in Div., 8th in Conf.) GF: 88 GA: 137
Top Scorers:
Mark Santorelli 37gp-18g-27a-45pts
Oscar Moller 34gp-19g-14a-33pts
Josh Aspenlind 36gp-12g-20a-32pts

The Bruins have had their struggles through the first half of their inaugural WHL campaign, including suffering through a couple of lengthy losing skids. However, a recent 5-4-0-1 run leading up to the Christmas break, including winning three of four games on their first ever Central Division road trip, has the team currently holding onto a playoff spot in the B.C. Division. Up front, the Bruins have been relying on the trio of veteran Josh Aspenlind and rookies Mark Santorelli and Oscar Moller for most of their scoring. The three have combined for 49 of the team's 88 goals, while both Santorelli and Moller are among the WHL's top rookie scorers. Ken Petkau was off to a solid start offensively until an injury sidelined him. The Bruins have struggled defensively, having allowed a Western Conference-high 137 goals this season, and only two players - Moller and Aspenlind - boast positive plus/minus figures. However, a team that has dressed 15 rookies like the Bruins have this season is bound to have growing pains. The Bruins may be well below .500, and far behind B.C. Division powerhouses Vancouver and Kamloops, but they still have a real chance to make the playoffs in their first season if they can win their battles with the also-struggling Kelowna Rockets.


Kamloops Blazers

2006-07 record: 35gp 23-10-1-1, 48pts (2nd in Div., 3rd in Conf.) GF: 129 GA: 97
Top Scorers:
Brock Nixon 35gp-25g-19a-44pts
Ray Macias 35gp-13g-27a-40pts
Juuso Puustinen 31gp-17g-21a-38pts

The Kamloops Blazers missed the playoffs for the first time in franchise history last year, despite finishing over the .500 mark. After an outstanding start to the 2006-07 season, the team is well on its way to ending their brief playoff drought. Offense has not been a problem for the Blazers. The team leads the Western Conference with 129 goals, with 74 of those tallies coming from the quartet of Brock Nixon, Reid Jorgensen, Juuso Puustinen and Ray Macias. Nixon shares the WHL lead with 25 goals, while Puustinen ranks fifth among all rookies with 38 points, including four shorthanded tallies. Macias is thriving on the blue line this season. The 20-year-old leads all WHL rearguards in scoring, and tops the league with a plus-21 rating. Other rearguards like Keaton Ellerby, Victor Bartley, Ryan Bender and Ryan White have added solid two-way play as well. Veteran Dustin Butler has solidified the goaltending situation, posting a 19-5 record with five shutouts since being acquired from Portland. With a good start in the books, and with strength at all positions, the Blazers will be looking to not only secure a post-season berth, but hopefully keep their season alive well into the spring.


Kelowna Rockets

2006-07 record: 35gp 10-20-2-3, 25pts (5th in Div., 9th in Conf.) GF: 80 GA: 124
Top Scorers:
Chris Ray 28gp-10g-11a-21pts
Justin Bernhardt 30gp-8g-11a-19pts
Luke Schenn 35gp-2g-15a-17pts

Over the last four seasons, the Rockets had grown accustomed to winning. This season, with a young team in the midst of a rebuilding phase, the Rockets are in unfamiliar territory with a sub-.500 record at the break. With 13 players under the age of 18, the Rockets have fielded one of the youngest lineups in the WHL this season. They got even younger when they traded veterans Troy Ofukany and Kirt Hill, and 19-year Latvian Kaspars Saulietis to Regina for 18-year-old Justin Bernhardt and 17-year-old Jason MacDonald. Scoring goals has been an issue for the Rockets this season. Veteran Chris Ray is the only current Rocket who has cracked the 10-goal plateau. Kelowna's defense is young, but holds plenty of promise. Veterans David Schulz and Clayton Barthel have provided leadership and stability, while younger players like Luke Schenn, Tyler Myers and Riley McIntosh have shown they are capable of leading the Rockets' blue line in the future. Kristofer Westblom, in his first season as a starting goaltender, may not have top 10 numbers, but he's also facing plenty of rubber on a nightly basis. Rookie netminder Torrie Jung has faced an average of 33 shots in his seven starts this season. The Rockets may be far from challenging for the B.C. Division title, but their playoff hopes are still very much alive as they face their direct competition for the division's final playoff spot, Chilliwack, six times in the second half.


Prince George Cougars

2006-07 record: 35gp 14-17-1-3, 32pts (3rd in Div., 7th in Conf.) GF: 91 GA: 110
Top Scorers:
Eric Hunter 35gp-13g-16a-29pts
Dana Tyrell 35gp-15g-12a-27pts
Nick Drazenovic 31gp-7g-19a-26pts

With a veteran lineup and some key off-season acquisitions, the Cougars were expected to pose a serious challenge to Vancouver in the B.C. Division this season. Yet, it hasn't worked out that way for the Cougars, who struggled through the season's first half. Despite boasting a number of offensively gifted forwards, the Cougars have struggled to score this season. The team's power play ranks 15th in the WHL even though the Cougars can throw out players like Eric Hunter, Devin Setoguchi, Nick Drazenovic and Jared Walker. On the positive side, sophomore Dana Tyrell is enjoying a breakout season, having been one of the most consistent, dependable forwards in the lineup this season. Defensively, the Cougars have been average, although the team's top defensemen Ty Wishart, Vladimir Mihalik and Jesse Dudas have all missed significant time due to injuries. Rookie rearguard Lance Redden has been solid, boasting a plus-3 rating and 58 penalty minutes in 30 games. Goaltender Real Cyr, in his first season as the bona fide number one netminder, has been solid, if a bit inconsistent, in his 30 appearances this season. There's no question the Cougars have the talent and depth to turn their fortunes around in the season's second half. However, they may have dug themselves too big a hole to realistically challenge for the B.C. Division title.


Vancouver Giants

2006-07 record: 36gp 25-5-3-3, 56pts (1st in Div., 1st in Conf.) GF: 125 GA: 72
Top Scorers:
Cody Franson 33gp-11g-25a-36pts
Tim Kraus 35gp-11g-23a-34pts
Michal Repik 33g-15g-18a-33pts

The Giants stated before the season that, even though they were guaranteed a Memorial Cup berth as the tournament's host team, they wanted to get there through the front door by repeating as WHL Champions. They certainly showed they were serious early on by winning their first 10 games, and 15 of their first 16 to start the season. In fact, the Giants didn't lose a game in regulation until a 4-1 defeat in Red Deer on November 1st. However, a 4-3-2-1 run leading up to the break showed the Giants aren't invincible, and that they'll face some tough competition in their quest to repeat as WHL champs. The Giants' offense has been balanced with seven players topping the 10-goal mark, and nine players with 20 or more points. The acquisition of Kenndal McArdle in late November further bolstered the Giants' attack. Few, if any, teams can field a better top-four on defense than the Giants. Cody Franson and Jonathon Blum have provided outstanding offense from the point and dependable play in the defensive zone, while Brendan Mikkelson and Brett Festerling have been solid two-way rearguards as well. The Giants' goaltending situation was turned on its side when veteran Dustin Slade left the team in November. However, sophomore Tyson Sexsmith has been excellent in taking on the number one job, and is more than capable of backstopping the WHL's second-best defense. With a 30-point cushion for a playoff spot in the B.C. Division, the Giants' second-half focus will be on wining their second straight division title, and gearing up for what they hope will be a lengthy playoff run.

[Scout]

Courtsey C.H.L. Prospects

U.S. Division


Everett Silvertips

2006-07 record: 33gp 27-5-0-1, 55pts (1st in Div., 2nd in Conf.) GF: 108 GA: 56
Top Scorers:
Peter Mueller 26gp-8g-37a-45pts
Zach Hamill 33gp-14g-27a-41pts
Kyle Beach 32gp-18g-14a-32pts

The Everett Silvertips were widely expected to be a top contender in the WHL this season. So far, they have not disappointed. In fact, the Silvertips have been downright dominant in most facets of the game this season; they have yet to lose in regulation on home ice, they own the League's second-best road record, and they own the WHL's top-ranked power play and second-ranked penalty killing. Up front, sophomore Peter Mueller has been a dominant force, averaging a league-best 1.73 points per game, while rookie Kyle Beach leads all 16-year-old players with 18 goals, and has tallied a WHL-leading 15 power play goals. The 'Tips have also gotten plenty of production from Zach Hamill and Moises Gutierrez. Defensively, the 'Tips have been outstanding. They have allowed only 56 goals in 33 games, and are on pace to set a WHL record for fewest goals against. Jason Fransoo has been the offensive catalyst from the point, while Eric Doyle, Jonathan Harty, Taylor Ellington and Graham Potuer have been solid in the defensive zone. The recent acquisition of veteran Jesse Zetariuk from Moose Jaw will add experience, leadership and another offensive threat to the 'Tips defense corps. Goaltending has also been outstanding for the Silvertips. Leland Irving has been excellent this season, and currently leads all WHL goaltenders in goals-against average, save percentage, shutouts and shootout percentage. David Reekie, acquired from Regina early in the season, provides an experienced and talented back-up who can take the reigns as a starter if needed. The Silvertips have been the best team in the WHL through the first half. If they continue their current form in the second half of the season, the 'Tips should be battling for their first-ever Scotty Munro trophy come March.


Portland Winter Hawks

2006-07 record: 33gp 11-21-0-1, 23pts (5th in Div., 10th in Conf.) GF: 80 GA: 136
Top Scorers:
Rob Klinkhammer 31gp-19g-15a-34pts
Colton Sceviour 33gp-6g-20a-26pts
Frazer McLaren 31gp-12g-8a-20pts

With 13 players under 18 years of age and 12 rookies, the Winter Hawks have one of the youngest and inexperienced rosters in the WHL this season. As a result, the Hawks have had their growing pains. The Hawks have had their troubles scoring this season, and currently sit tied with Kelowna for the fewest goals scored this season. Veteran Rob Klinkhammer, acquired early in the season from Seattle, has led the team offensively with 19 goals and 34 points. Aside from Klinkhammer, only Frazer McLaren has topped the 10-goal mark. On the upside, youngster Colton Sceviour has shown he has the ability to become a dominant player in the league in the next couple of years, while rookies Chris Francis, Thomas Frazee, Matt Sokol and Tristan King are gaining valuable playing time. Defensively, only Chilliwack and Lethbridge have allowed more goals than the Hawks. 19-year-old German rookie Stefan Langwieder is a minus-20 with only one goal, while Scott Gabriel is a minus-17. Max Gordichuk and Mike Sauer have been better defensively, but more is expected from the two veterans. Despite their defensive record, the Hawks' penalty killing has been good, currently ranking eighth in the WHL. Goaltender Kurtis Mucha has been busy in the Hawks' net, but has had some trouble with consistency. Mucha has enjoyed moments of brilliance and moments of mediocrity in his 29 appearances this season. Currently 15 points out of a playoff spot in a tough U.S. Division, the Winter Hawks face the steepest climb of any team if they are to make the post-season for a seventh consecutive season.


Seattle Thunderbirds

2006-07 record: 34gp 16-9-1-8, 41pts (2nd in Div., 4th in Conf.) GF: 93 GA: 90
Top Scorers:
Aaron Gagnon 34gp-23g-23a-46pts
Bud Holloway 34gp-11g-17a-28pts
Jan Eberle 33gp-9g-10a-19pts

The Seattle Thunderbirds got off to a slow start, winning just one of their first seven games, and four of their first 14 contests. However, a 6-2-0-2 run leading up to the break has them back in the thick of the U.S. Division. The Thunderbirds have not done things the easy way this season. They've been involved in 17 one-goal games, and have gone to overtime on 13 occasions. While they've managed a 4-1 record in games decided in overtime, they are a miserable 0-8 in games decided by a shootout. Aaron Gagnon endured a slow start to the season, but has been a scoring machine in December with 13 goals and 22 points in 10 games. Bud Holloway and Jan Eberle have also been productive up front, but playmaker Chris Durand has struggled this season with only five goals and eight points. Defensively, the T-Birds have been good, having allowed the fourth-lowest goals against in the Western Conference. Scott Jackson, Bretton Stamler and Thomas Hickey have been great two-way defensemen, providing offense and defensive stability. Veteran goaltender Derek Yeomans has played well in the starting role, posting a respectable 2.44 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage, while 16-year-old rookie Jacob DeSerres has posted three shutouts in his 10 appearances this season. The T-Birds are comfortably in a playoff spot, and should be able to focus on battling close rivals Spokane and Tri-City for home ice advantage in the first round of the post-season.


Spokane Chiefs

2006-07 record: 34gp 17-13-3-1, 38pts (4th in Div., 6th in Conf.) GF: 114 GA: 108
Top Scorers:
Ondrej Roman 34gp-3g-27a-30pts
Derek Ryan 34gp-12g-17a-29pts
David Rutherford 33gp-19g-8a-27pts

After a solid start to the 2006-07 season, the Chiefs look like they're ready to end their two-year playoff drought. The team has been scoring more goals, and also preventing more goals than the previous two seasons. Up front, the Chiefs have been getting scoring from a number of sources. David Rutherford, acquired from Vancouver early in the season, leads the team with 19 goals. Sophomore Drayson Bowman and veteran Derek Ryan have also been finding the back of the net frequently, while rookies Mitch Wahl and Ondrej Roman have been providing quality playmaking services. The Chiefs would probably have more goals had Michael Grabner and Adam Hobson not been sidelined for significant time with injuries. Defensively, the Chiefs could be better, although they are much better than in the previous two seasons. Sean Zimmerman is a team-leading plus-11, while Justin Falk has also been very responsible defensively. Kevin Armstrong has been good for the most part in taking the bulk of the Chiefs' netminding duties, but has endured some rough outings. 17-year-old rookie Dustin Tokarski has performed admirably, earning more and more time as the first half progressed. The Chiefs currently have a comfortable cushion for a post-season berth. If they can keep up the consistency they've shown in the first half, they should be playoff-bound for the first time in three seasons.


Tri-City Americans

2006-07 record: 32gp 19-13-0-0, 38pts (3rd in Div., 5th in Conf.) GF: 106 GA: 93
Top Scorers:
Colton Yellow Horn 31gp-19g-14a-33pts
Alex Aldred 30gp-11g-22a-33pts
Erik Felde 32gp-10g-17a-27pts

The Americans came out of the gate quickly to start the 2006-07 season, winning nine of their first eleven games, but have been playing .500 hockey since. Fortunately, their hot start has put them comfortably in the playoff picture in the U.S. Division. Offensively, the Ams have been average, although they have managed to spread some of the team scoring around. Colton Yellow Horn, who was acquired from Lethbridge before the start of the season, has been the offensive catalyst, leading the Ams in goals and sharing the team scoring lead with veteran Alex Aldred. Rookie Erik Felde and sophomore Taylor Procyshen have also produced offense for the Ams, while Joel Broda, Michael Kaye and Shaun Vey have chipped in scoring as well. Defensively, the Ams have been solid five-on-five as 17 Ams have positive plus/minus figures. Rookie defenseman Juraj Valach has provided an offensive upside, while Matt Swaby, Jarrett Toll, Nick Knudsen, Ryan Gillen and Tyler Schmidt all boast positive plus/minus numbers. Goaltender Carey Price has been steady taking the majority of the workload in the Ams' net, but would like to improve upon his 2.75 goals-against average. Chet Pickard has struggled at time, has still posted a winning record. The Americans have put themselves in a good position to jockey for a playoff spot in the tough U.S. Division. However, they'll need to play better than .500 hockey in the second half if they are to keep pace with the Chiefs and T-Birds.
© Canadian Hockey League 2006