WHL Eastern Conference Mid-Season Review

Calgary, AB -- The 2009-10 Western Hockey League season 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.



The Eastern Conference is proving to be stacked with strong teams, particularly in the East Division, where all six teams are currently in playoff position. The Calgary Hitmen are two-time defending champs of both the Central Division and Eastern Conference, and again look like a contender to repeat. Yet, the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup host Brandon Wheat Kings and East Division rival the Saskatoon Blades, along with perennial Central Division strength Medicine Hat Tigers, have certainly made it clear that the battle for Eastern Conference supremacy will be a competitive one.



Here’s a look at the WHL’s Eastern Conference teams through the 2009-10 season’s first half (WHL Western Conference Mid-Season Review to be released tomorrow):



WHL EASTERN CONFERENCE



East Division



Brandon Wheat Kings

2009-10 record: 38gp 25-11-0-2, 52pts (2nd in Div., 3rd in Conf.) GF: 163 GA: 118

Top Scorers:

Matt Calvert 34gp-25g-29a-54pts

Brayden Schenn 31gp-14g-35a-49pts

Jay Fehr 38gp-19g-28a-47pts



A quick start – three shutouts in their first four games – led to an up-and-down October for the 2010 MasterCard Memorial Cup host Wheat Kings. Yet, after a successful U.S. Division road swing at the end of October, the Wheat Kings have come on strong and showed the type of play everyone knew they were capable of. Offensively, few have been able to match the firepower of the Wheat Kings. Matt Calvert, Brayden Schenn, Jay Fehr, Aaron Lewadniuk, Scott Glennie, Colby Robak and Toni Rajala have all scored at a point-per-game pace or better while the recent acquisition of Shayne Wiebe from Kamloops adds another veteran offensive presence to an already formidable attack that has averaged nearly five goals per game since the beginning of November. Defensively, the Wheat Kings have been in the middle of the pack among Eastern Conference teams, while their penalty killing ranks 19th among the WHL’s 22 teams. However, with an offense as prolific as the Wheat Kings’, defense isn’t as much of a concern. In goal, the acquisition of Philadelphia Flyers prospect Jacob DeSerres from Seattle early in the season to share duties with Andrew Hayes gives the Wheaties two veteran netminders with plenty of experience and ability.



Moose Jaw Warriors

2009-10 record: 35gp 17-15-1-2, 37pts (5th in Div., 9th in Conf.) GF: 129 GA: 121

Top Scorers:

Travis Hamonic 31gp-10g-29a-39pts

Brendan Rowinski 35pg-19g-19a-38pts

Quinton Howden 35gp-15g-19a-34pts



The Warriors have shown improvement from last season. Although they have cooled lately, they currently find themselves in the thick of the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. Offensively, the Warriors have gotten plenty of scoring from forwards Brendan Rowinski and Quinton Howden, while rookie Antonin Honejsek and veteran Dylan Hood have also chipped in. The loss of veteran Jason Bast to injury has hurt the Warriors’ attack. Defenseman Travis Hamonic has been terrific through the first half, and leads the Warriors and all WHL defensemen in scoring. The Warriors are also much-improves on the defensive end and lowered their goals-against from last season’s pace. Reliable goaltending from Jeff Bosch and Brandon Glover have helped the Warriors improve what was the WHL’s bottom-ranked defense last season. The Warriors have been a bit streaky this season, and will look for more consistency in their play over the second half as they battle for a playoff spot in a competitive Eastern Conference.



Prince Albert Raiders

2009-10 record: 39gp 20-16-1-2, 43pts (3rd in Div., 5th in Conf.) GF: 138 GA: 128

Top Scorers:

Craig McCallum 39gp-17g-27a-44pts

Brandon Herrod 39gp-23g-17a-40pts

Igor Revenko 33gp-19g-20a-39pts



The Raiders have put forth a strong first half to the season, and are now in good position to end their two-year playoff drought. Offensively, the Raiders have benefitted from good scoring depth, with six forwards having notched 30 or more points already this season. Veteran Craig McCallum has enjoyed a breakout campaign since coming to Prince Albert from Edmonton, while sophomore Igor Revenko has been a consistent offensive threat all season, as has veteran Brandon Herrod, who has a career-high 23 goals already. On the back end, Jordan Rowley, Ryan Button and Nathan Deck have helped keep the Raiders in the middle of the pack, defensively, while contributing offense as well. Goaltender Garrett Zemlak has been a workhorse, facing more shots than any other goalie in the WHL while posting a very respectable .915 save percentage. Zemlak has been a key factor in the Raiders’ strong first-half performance. A solid home-ice record has helped the Raiders remain in the playoff hunt. However, they will need to find a way to win consistently on the road through the second half of the season.



Regina Pats

2009-10 record: 39gp 16-20-3-0, 35pts (6th in Div., 10th in Conf.) GF: 136 GA: 147

Top Scorers:

Jordan Eberle 28gp-29g-31a-60pts

Jordan Weal 39gp-18g-34a-52pts

Brett Leffler 38gp-12g-19a-31pts



The Pats have been a tough Club to figure out through the first half of the 2009-10 season. At times, the Pats have looked dominant, while at other times, they have been dominated. Yet, they currently find themselves not far out of the race for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Offensively, there hasn’t been a more dominant player in the League than Jordan Eberle. The 19-year-old has scored at a goal-per-game pace and has averaged better than two points per game. Eberle, along with sophomore Jordan Weal and veterans Brett Leffler and Matt Strueby have carried the team, offensively. The acquisition of NHL prospect Carter Ashton should add more scoring depth and a big presence up front. On the defensive end, the team has allowed the most goals of any team in the Eastern Conference. Rookie Brandon Davidson has been excellent at both ends of the rink, leading the team by a landslide with a +18 rating while chipping in 23 points. More will be needed from veterans Colten Teubert, Cody Carlson and Matt Delahey it the Pats are to improve their defensive play. Goaltenders Damien Ketlo and Dawson Guhle will also need to step up their play if the Pats are to climb the Eastern Conference ranks.



Saskatoon Blades

2009-10 record: 35gp 24-7-1-3, 52pts (1st in Div., 2nd in Conf.) GF: 123 GA: 93

Top Scorers:

Derek Hulak 35gp-16g-29a-45pts

Walker Wintoneak 35gp-17g-22a-39pts

Stefan Elliott 35gp-11g-21a-32pts



The Blades have been one of the WHL’s best and most consistent teams since the start of the 2009-10 season. Up front, the Blades’ offense has been effective, but not overwhelming. Derek Hulak and Walker Wintoneak have provided consistent scoring among forwards, while Gaelan Patterson has also topped the 30-point plateau. However, more scoring will be expected from the likes of Burke Gallimore, Jeremy Boyer, Travis Toomey and Curtis Hamilton if the Blades are to compete offensively with the Wheat Kings. Defensively, there hasn’t been a stronger team in the Eastern Conference than the Blades. The team has allowed a Conference-low 98 goals while owning the Conference’s top-ranked penalty killing unit. Stefan Elliott has been strong at both ends of the ice, providing offense while sharing the team lead with a +24 rating along with the defensive-minded Sam Klassen. In goal, Adam Morrison and early-season acquisition Steve Stanford have provided an excellent combination. Both are among the WHL’s top netminders in goals-against average. With few glaring weaknesses, the Blades will look to continue their quest for a second straight East Division crown in the season’s second half.



Swift Current Broncos

2009-10 record: 38gp 19-17-0-2, 40pts (4th in Div., 7th in Conf.) GF: 130 GA: 133

Top Scorers:

Cody Eakin 36gp-27g-20a-47pts

Justin Dowling 38gp-19g-27a-46pts

Stepan Novotny 35gp-19g-17a-36pts



The Broncos may have slipped a bit from their position at this time last season, but they remain a team very much in the playoff race in the Eastern Conference. Offensively, the Broncos have been led by Cody Eakin, who has already pumped in a career-high 27 goals through half a season. Veteran playmaker Justin Dowling has also produced at a consistent level while Stepan Novotny has maintained a point-per-game average this season. 16-year-old rookie Adam Lowry has also stepped in to contribute, and currently leads the team with an impressive +10 rating. The return of sniper Matt Tassone should help boost the team’s scoring in the second half. Defensively, the Broncos have surrendered the second-most goals of any team currently in a playoff position in the conference. However, their penalty killing has been strong, currently ranking sixth in the WHL. Goaltender Mark Friesen has been good in eight appearances since coming over from Chilliwack, but more consistency is needed from veteran Morgan Clark. Perhaps the biggest issue for the Broncos has been their play on the road. The Broncos didn’t manage their first road win until November 21st. However, with a 5-4 road record since their first road win, the Broncos may have sorted out that issue.





Central Division



Calgary Hitmen

2009-10 record: 37gp 26-9-1-1, 54pts (1st in Div., 1st in Conf.) GF: 134 GA: 105

Top Scorers:

Brandon Kozun 33gp-19g-44a-63pts

Joel Broda 34gp-20g-22a-42pts

Michael Stone 37gp-13g-24a-37pts



After last season’s record-setting campaign for the franchise, the Hitmen were tabbed to slip back in the pack a bit this season. However, the Hitmen have once again defied expectations and find themselves owners of the WHL’s best record at the 2009-10 season’s midway point. Up front, the Hitmen may not be the offensive juggernaut they were last year, but they’ve still boast an offense that ranks among the WHL’s top five. Brandon Kozun has been a force this season, leading the WHL in assists and points, while Joel Broda has started to pick up his offensive game, lately. Much of the team’s offense comes from their top-ranked power play, which has produced 55 of their 134 goals. Tyler Fiddler and Ian Schultz are both on pace to top the 30-goal mark this season. The Hitmen also find themselves among the top five defensive teams in the League, and boast the fifth-ranked penalty killing unit. Michael Stone has been scoring at a point-per-game rate and leads the defense corps with a +13 rating while Matt MacKenzie, Austin Madaisky, Ben Wilson and recently-acquired Giffen Nyren have added a good blend of offense and defensive strength. In goal, the Hitmen have received quality netminding from veteran Martin Jones and sophomore Michael Snider, who has performed admirably in his second season.



Edmonton Oil Kings

2009-10 record: 38gp 10-20-4-4, 28pts (5th in Div., 11th in Conf.) GF: 94 GA: 142

Top Scorers:

Brent Raedeke 38gp-17g-13a-30pts

Tomas Vincour 32gp-16g-9a-25pts

Mark Pysyk 31gp-6g-14a-20pts



The Oil Kings started the 2009-10 season strong, posting a 5-3-2 record over their first 10 games of the season. However, the team has struggled since, managing just five wins in their next 28 games up to the break, and now sit 10 points adrift in the race for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Up front, the Oil Kings have struggled to generate scoring, and have been held to two or fewer goals in 23 of their 38 games. In addition, their power play ranks 22nd in the WHL. Brent Raedeke and Tomas Vincour lead the team in goals with 17 and 16, respectively, but no other player has scored more than nine times. 16-year-old rookie Michael St. Croix has been good, and has shown the potential to become a top-notch offensive player for the Oil Kings down the road. Defensively, the Oil Kings have given up the fourth-highest number of goals per game of any WHL team. Sophomore Mark Pysyk has been a force at both ends of the rink, and is showing why he’s one of the League’s top-rated NHL draft-eligible prospects. However, the team will need to be stronger defensively if they are to climb up the Eastern Conference standings. In addition, the goaltending duo of Torrie Jung and Cam Lanigan will need to see improvement in their play if the Oil Kings are to tighten up their goals-against.



Kootenay Ice

2009-10 record: 37gp 19-15-1-2, 41pts (3rd in Div., 6th in Conf.) GF: 126 GA: 116

Top Scorers:

Dustin Sylvester 34gp-18g-27a-45pts

Steele Boomer 36gp-13g-26a-39pts

Brayden McNabb 29gp-11g-24a-35pts



The Kootenay Ice endured a rocky start to the 2009-10 season and, at one point, found themselves five games under the .500 mark. However, having posted a 13-4-1-2 record since October 30th, the Ice have pulled themselves back into the playoff picture in the Conference. Up front, the Ice find have been average, offensively. Dustin Sylvester, once again, is the team’s offensive catalyst, whose recent strong play has coincided with the team’s turnaround. The 20-year-old has racked up 13 goals and 33 points in 20 games since the start of November. Veteran Steele Boomer is producing consistently, averaging over a point-per-game, while fellow vets Kevin King and Matt Fraser have also topped the 10-goal mark. Recently, though, players like Jesse Ismond, Max Reinhart and Joe Antilla have been chipping in, which bodes well for the team’s scoring depth. On the back end, 18-year-old Brayden McNabb has been in dominant form this season, particularly in generating offense from the point. Rearguards Joey Leach and Ryan Molle have helped the Ice remain among the top four defensive teams in the conference, in terms of goals-against. Veteran netminder Todd Mathews has played consistently well, particularly over the last two months where he has posted an 11-3-1-2 mark with a solid .911 save percentage.



Lethbridge Hurricanes

2009-10 record: 34gp 10-20-3-1, 24pts (6th in Div., 12th in Conf.) GF: 97 GA: 136

Top Scorers:

Carter Bancks 33gp-11g-20a-31pts

Cam Braes 31gp-10g-18a-28pts

Mitch Maxwell 32gp-16g-8a-24pts



Heading into the break, the Hurricanes find themselves in 12th place in the Eastern Conference and 14 points out of a playoff spot. Losing many of their veteran players from last year’s team, the ‘Canes’ younger players are getting plenty of experience and seasoning as they look to the future. Up front, the Hurricanes have relied on veterans Carter Bancks and Cam Braes for offense and leadership, especially after trading their top goal scorer, Carter Ashton, to Regina two weeks ago. 18-year-old rookie Mitch Maxwell has been able to generate scoring in his first WHL campaign, leading the team with 16 goals. However, besides veteran Austin Fyten, no ‘Canes’ player has more than seven goals. Defensively, the ‘Canes’ have struggled. Brennan Yadlowski, Luca Sbisa and the ‘Canes’ defense corps are a combined -7 this season, which isn’t bad. However, the team’s penalty killing, which ranks 20th in the WHL, has hurt them. With veteran netminder Linden Rowat injured, the ‘Canes have struggled in goal. Neither Brandon Anderson nor Ville Kolppanen have a save percentage better than .890, nor a goals-against average lower than 3.50.



Medicine Hat Tigers

2009-10 record: 39gp 22-11-2-4, 50pts (2nd in Div., 4th in Conf.) GF: 162 GA: 137

Top Scorers:

Bretton Cameron 39gp-26g-20a-46pts

Wacey Hamilton 35gp-11g-31a-42pts

Emerson Etem 39gp-27g-12a-39pts



The Tigers have enjoyed a strong first half of the 2009-10 season and currently find themselves comfortably in second place in the Central Division and fourth in the Eastern Conference. The biggest factor in the Tigers’ first-half success has been their potent offense, which currently ranks second among WHL Clubs. Veteran Bretton Cameron and impressive 17-year-old rookie Emerson Etem are ranked among the League’s top five goal scorers, while the Tigers boast six others who have already topped the 10-goal mark. On the back end, the Tigers have gotten plenty of offense from Mark Isherwood and Jace Coyle. However, the Tigers have allowed 137 goals this season, which is the most of any Eastern Conference team currently in a playoff position. As long as the Tigers’ offense keeps clicking, the goals-against won’t be as much of a concern. In goal, sophomore Tyler Bunz has been steady in taking on the majority of the workload. Although he may not be among the WHL’s top ten goalies in GAA or save percentage, Bunz ranks second in the League with 18 wins. With a seven-point cushion for fourth place in the Eastern Conference, the Tigers are in good shape to earn their eighth consecutive post-season berth.



Red Deer Rebels

2009-10 record: 35gp 18-15-0-2, 38pts (4th in Div., 8th in Conf.) GF: 107 GA: 113

Top Scorers:

Willie Coetzee 35gp-16g-31a-47pts

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 35gp-17g-19a-36pts

Andrej Kudrna 33gp-15g-16a-31pts



The Rebels have enjoyed a moderately successful first half to the 2009-10 WHL season, and currently find themselves holding down eighth place in the Eastern Conference. Offensively, the Rebels currently rank 10th in the Eastern Conference, and have the lowest number of goals of any team currently in a playoff spot. Veteran Willie Coetzee has enjoyed a breakout campaign, offensively, and currently ranks among the WHL’s top scorers. 16-year-old rookie phenom Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has been a key part of the Rebels’ attack, while Andrej Kudrna has also been a consistent contributor. However, offensive depth has been lacking for the Rebels. Part of the problem has been injuries to key offensive players like Nathan Green and Landon Ferraro. The Rebels have made up for their offensive shortcomings with a strong and stingy defense. The team ranks fifth in the Eastern Conference in goals-against, despite a penalty killing unit that ranks 13th in the WHL. Team captain Colin Archer has been steady in the defensive zone, and leads all Rebels’ blue liners with a +7 rating. Veteran netminder Darcy Kuemper has provided reliable goaltending, while Kraymer Barnstable has posted a 6-1 record in 11 appearances.