The Western Hockey League unveiled today its list of the top 125 players in WHL history as selected by a committee of League historians.
The list includes WHL greats from the League’s inception in 1966 through to players that suited up as recently as last season. In total, 88 forwards, 27 defencemen, and 10 goaltenders made the list. Players were selected based on a combination of the impact they had while playing in the WHL and their careers upon graduating from the League.
The committee was comprised of members of the media and individuals who have demonstrated long-standing contributions to the WHL, along with members the WHL Office staff. The WHL would like to thank Gregg Drinnan, Norm Dueck, Peter Loubardias, Bob Ridley, Dan Russell, Rob Vanstone, Dean Vrooman and Bill Willms for their assistance with this project.
As a part of the WHL’s 50th Season celebrations, fans will be able to have their say in October alongside the committee by way of an online vote available at www.WHL.ca. Beginning in January, the WHL will count down and release the Top 50 WHL Players of All-Time.
Top 125 WHL Players (alphabetical order, last name first)
Last Name |
First Name
|
P
|
Years Played
|
Hometown
|
Last WHL Team
|
Previous Team (if applicable)
|
Allison
|
Ray
|
F
|
1974-79
|
Cranbrook, BC
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
| |
Alzner
|
Karl
|
D
|
2003-08
|
Burnaby, BC
|
Calgary Hitmen
| |
Babych
|
Wayne
|
F
|
1973-78
|
Edmonton, AB
|
Portland Winter Hawks
|
Edmonton Oil Kings
|
Barnes
|
Stu
|
F
|
1987-90
|
Spruce Grove, AB
|
Tri-City Americans
|
New Westminster Bruins
|
Barrie
|
Tyson
|
D
|
2006-11
|
Victoria, BC
|
Kelowna Rockets
| |
Baumgartner
|
Nolan
|
D
|
1992-96
|
Calgary, AB
|
Kamloops Blazers
| |
Beck
|
Barry
|
D
|
1973-77
|
Vancouver, BC
|
New Westminster Bruins
|
Kamloops Chiefs
|
Benn
|
Jamie
|
F
|
2007-09
|
Victoria, BC
|
Kelowna Rockets
| |
Benning
|
Jim
|
D
|
1978-81
|
Edmonton, AB
|
Portland Winter Hawks
| |
Bjorkstrand
|
Oliver
|
F
|
2012-15
|
Herning, Denmark
|
Portland Winterhawks
| |
Boschman
|
Laurie
|
F
|
1976-79
|
Major, SK
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
| |
Bouwmeester
|
Jay
|
D
|
1998-02
|
Edmonton, AB
|
Medicine Hat Tigers
| |
Brendl
|
Pavel
|
F
|
1998-01
|
Opocno, Czech Rep.
|
Calgary Hitmen
| |
Bridgman
|
Mel
|
F
|
1971-75
|
Trenton, ON
|
Victoria Cougars
| |
Brouwer
|
Troy
|
F
|
2001-06
|
Vancouver, BC
|
Moose Jaw Warriors
| |
Brown
|
Rob
|
F
|
1983-87
|
St. Albert, AB
|
Kamloops Blazers
| |
Callander
|
Jock
|
F
|
1978-82
|
Regina, SK
|
Regina Pats
| |
Chapman
|
Blair
|
F
|
1973-76
|
Lloydminster, SK
|
Saskatoon Blades
| |
Chipperfield
|
Ron
|
F
|
1970-74
|
Brandon, MB
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
| |
Clark
|
Wendel
|
D
|
1983-85
|
Kelvington, SK
|
Saskatoon Blades
| |
Clarke
|
Bob
|
F
|
1967-69
|
Flin Flon, MB
|
Flin Flon Bombers
| |
Davidson
|
John
|
G
|
1969-73
|
Calgary, AB
|
Calgary Centennials
| |
Dawes
|
Nigel
|
F
|
2001-05
|
Winnipeg, MB
|
Kootenay ICE
| |
Derkatch
|
Dale
|
F
|
1981-85
|
Winnipeg, MB
|
Regina Pats
| |
Derlago
|
Bill
|
F
|
1974-78
|
Birtle, MB
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
| |
Doan
|
Shane
|
F
|
1992-95
|
Halkirk, AB
|
Kamloops Blazers
| |
Draisaitl
|
Leon
|
F
|
2012-15
|
Cologne, Germany
|
Kelowna Rockets
|
Prince Albert Raiders
|
Eakin
|
Cody
|
F
|
2006-11
|
Winnipeg, MB
|
Kootenay ICE
|
Swift Current Broncos
|
Eberle
|
Jordan
|
F
|
2006-10
|
Regina, SK
|
Regina Pats
| |
Ennis
|
Tyler
|
F
|
2005-09
|
Edmonton, AB
|
Medicine Hat Tigers
| |
Etem
|
Emerson
|
F
|
2009-12
|
Long Beach, CA
|
Medicine Hat Tigers
| |
Evason
|
Dean
|
F
|
1980-84
|
Winnipeg, MB
|
Kamloops Jr. Oilers
|
Spokane Chiefs
|
Falloon
|
Pat
|
F
|
1988-91
|
Foxwarren, MB
|
Spokane Chiefs
| |
Federko
|
Bernie
|
F
|
1973-76
|
Foam Lake, SK
|
Saskatoon Blades
| |
Fehr
|
Eric
|
F
|
2000-05
|
Winkler, MB
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
| |
Ferraro
|
Ray
|
F
|
1982-84
|
Trail, BC
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
|
Portland Winter Hawks
|
Fleury
|
Theoren
|
F
|
1984-88
|
Oxbow, SK
|
Moose Jaw Warriors
| |
Fuhr
|
Grant
|
G
|
1979-81
|
Spruce Grove, AB
|
Victoria Cougars
| |
Gallagher
|
Brendan
|
F
|
2008-12
|
Delta, BC
|
Vancouver Giants
| |
Gare
|
Danny
|
F
|
1971-74
|
Nelson, BC
|
Calgary Centennials
| |
Getzlaf
|
Ryan
|
F
|
2001-05
|
Regina, SK
|
Calgary Hitmen
| |
Gillies
|
Clark
|
F
|
1971-74
|
Moose Jaw, SK
|
Regina Pats
| |
Goodall
|
Glen
|
F
|
1986-90
|
Fort Nelson, BC
|
Seattle Thunderbirds
| |
Hamhuis
|
Dan
|
D
|
1998-02
|
Smithers, BC
|
Prince George Cougars
| |
Hanlon
|
Glen
|
G
|
1974-77
|
Brandon, MB
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
| |
Hawgood
|
Greg
|
D
|
1983-88
|
Edmonton, AB
|
Kamloops Blazers
| |
Henning
|
Lorne
|
F
|
1968-72
|
Melfort, SK
|
New Westminster Bruins
|
Estevan Bruins
|
Hodgson
|
Dan
|
F
|
1980-85
|
Fort McMurray, AB
|
Prince Albert Raiders
|
Spokane Flyers
|
Holland
|
Dennis
|
F
|
1985-89
|
Vernon, BC
|
Portland Winter Hawks
| |
Hossa
|
Marian
|
F
|
1997-98
|
Stara Lubovna, Slovakia
|
Portland Winter Hawks
| |
Hrudey
|
Kelly
|
G
|
1978-81
|
Edmonton, AB
|
Medicine Hat Tigers
| |
Iginla
|
Jarome
|
F
|
1993-96
|
Edmonton, AB
|
Kamloops Blazers
| |
Johansen
|
Ryan
|
F
|
2009-11
|
Vancouver, BC
|
Portland Winterhawks
| |
Johnson
|
Tyler
|
F
|
2007-11
|
Spokane, WA
|
Spokane Chiefs
| |
Joly
|
Greg
|
D
|
1971-74
|
Rocky Mountain House, AB
|
Regina Pats
| |
Keith
|
Duncan
|
D
|
2002-03
|
Winnipeg, MB
|
Kelowna Rockets
| |
Kidd
|
Trevor
|
G
|
1988-91
|
Dugald, MB
|
Spokane Chiefs
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
|
Kozun
|
Brandon
|
F
|
2006-10
|
Los Angeles, CA
|
Calgary Hitmen
| |
Ladd
|
Andrew
|
F
|
2001-05
|
Maple Ridge, BC
|
Calgary Hitmen
|
Vancouver Giants
|
Lambert
|
Dan
|
D
|
1986-90
|
St. Boniface, MB
|
Swift Current Broncos
| |
Langkow
|
Daymond
|
F
|
1991-96
|
Edmonton, AB
|
Tri-City Americans
| |
Lazar
|
Curtis
|
F
|
2010-14
|
Salmon Arm, BC
|
Edmonton Oil Kings
| |
Leach
|
Reggie
|
F
|
1967-70
|
Riverton, MB
|
Flin Flon Bombers
| |
Linden
|
Trevor
|
F
|
1985-88
|
Medicine Hat, AB
|
Medicine Hat Tigers
| |
Lowry
|
Adam
|
F
|
2009-13
|
Calgary, AB
|
Swift Current Broncos
| |
Lucic
|
Milan
|
F
|
2004-07
|
Vancouver, BC
|
Vancouver Giants
| |
Lysiak
|
Tom
|
F
|
1970-73
|
High Prairie, AB
|
Medicine Hat Tigers
| |
Marleau
|
Patrick
|
F
|
1995-97
|
Swift Current, SK
|
Seattle Thunderbirds
| |
Martyniuk
|
Ray
|
G
|
1967-70
|
Flin Flon, MB
|
Flin Flon Bombers
| |
McCarthy
|
Kevin
|
D
|
1973-77
|
Winnipeg, MB
|
Winnipeg Monarchs
| |
McCrimmon
|
Brad
|
D
|
1976-79
|
Plenty, SK
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
| |
McDonald
|
Lanny
|
F
|
1970-73
|
Hanna, AB
|
Medicine Hat Tigers
|
Calgary Centennials
|
Modano
|
Mike
|
F
|
1986-89
|
Livonia, MI
|
Prince Albert Raiders
| |
Moran
|
Brad
|
F
|
1995-00
|
Abbotsford, BC
|
Calgary Hitmen
| |
Mueller
|
Peter
|
F
|
2005-07
|
Bloomington, MN
|
Everett Silvertips
| |
Murdoch
|
Don
|
F
|
1973-76
|
Cranbrook, BC
|
Medicine Hat Tigers
|
Kamloops Chiefs
|
Murray
|
Marty
|
F
|
1991-95
|
Lyleton, MB
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
| |
Myers
|
Tyler
|
D
|
2005-09
|
Calgary, AB
|
Kelowna Rockets
| |
Neely
|
Cam
|
F
|
1982-84
|
Comox, BC
|
Portland Winter Hawks
| |
Niedermayer
|
Scott
|
D
|
1989-92
|
Cranbrook, BC
|
Kamloops Blazers
| |
Nugent-Hopkins
|
Ryan
|
F
|
2008-11
|
Burnaby, BC
|
Red Deer Rebels
| |
Pederson
|
Barry
|
F
|
1977-81
|
Big River, SK
|
Victoria Cougars
| |
Petan
|
Nic
|
F
|
2010-15
|
Delta, BC
|
Portland Winterhawks
| |
Phaneuf
|
Dion
|
D
|
2001-05
|
Edmonton, AB
|
Red Deer Rebels
| |
Phillips
|
Chris
|
D
|
1995-97
|
Calgary, AB
|
Lethbridge Hurricanes
|
Prince Albert Raiders
|
Pinder
|
Gerry
|
F
|
1966-67
|
Saskatoon, SK
|
Saskatoon Blades
| |
Pouliot
|
Derrick
|
D
|
2009-14
|
Estevan, SK
|
Portland Winterhawks
| |
Price
|
Carey
|
G
|
2002-07
|
Anahim Lake, BC
|
Tri-City Americans
| |
Propp
|
Brian
|
F
|
1976-79
|
Neudorf, SK
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
| |
Rattie
|
Ty
|
F
|
2008-13
|
Airdrie, AB
|
Portland Winterhawks
| |
Recchi
|
Mark
|
F
|
1984-88
|
Kamloops, BC
|
Kamloops Blazers
|
New Westminster Bruins
|
Redden
|
Wade
|
D
|
1993-96
|
Lloydminster, SK
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
| |
Rielly
|
Morgan
|
D
|
2010-13
|
Vancouver, BC
|
Moose Jaw Warriors
| |
Reinhart
|
Sam
|
F
|
2010-15
|
North Vancouver, BC
|
Kootenay ICE
| |
Robinson
|
Todd
|
F
|
1994-99
|
Trail, BC
|
Portland Winter Hawks
| |
Rogers
|
Mike
|
F
|
1971-74
|
Calgary, AB
|
Calgary Centennials
| |
Ronning
|
Cliff
|
F
|
1983-85
|
Burnaby, BC
|
New Westminster Bruins
| |
Rota
|
Darcy
|
F
|
1970-73
|
Vancouver, BC
|
Edmonton Oil Kings
| |
Russell
|
Kris
|
D
|
2003-07
|
Caroline, AB
|
Medicine Hat Tigers
| |
Sakic
|
Brian
|
F
|
1987-92
|
Burnaby, BC
|
Tri-City Americans
|
Swift Current Broncos
|
Sakic
|
Joe
|
F
|
1985-88
|
Burnaby, BC
|
Swift Current Broncos
|
Lethbridge Broncos
|
Schenn
|
Brayden
|
F
|
2007-11
|
Saskatoon, SK
|
Saskatoon Blades
|
Brandon Wheat Kings
|
Seabrook
|
Brent
|
D
|
2000-05
|
Richmond, BC
|
Lethbridge Hurricanes
| |
Shinnimin
|
Brendan
|
F
|
2007-12
|
Winnipeg, MB
|
Tri-City Americans
| |
Sillinger
|
Mike
|
F
|
1987-91
|
Regina, SK
|
Regina Pats
| |
Smyth
|
Ryan
|
F
|
1991-95
|
Banff, AB
|
Moose Jaw Warriors
| |
Sobchuk
|
Dennis
|
F
|
1970-74
|
Lang, SK
|
Regina Pats
|
Estevan Bruins
|
Staniowski
|
Ed
|
G
|
1971-75
|
Moose Jaw, SK
|
Regina Pats
| |
Stoll
|
Jarret
|
F
|
1997-02
|
Melville, SK
|
Kootenay ICE
| |
Stuart
|
Brad
|
D
|
1995-99
|
Rocky Mountain House, AB
|
Calgary Hitmen
|
Regina Pats
|
Sutter
|
Brent
|
F
|
1979-82
|
Viking, AB
|
Lethbridge Broncos
| |
Sutter
|
Brian
|
F
|
1974-76
|
Viking, AB
|
Lethbridge Broncos
| |
Sydor
|
Darryl
|
D
|
1988-92
|
Edmonton, AB
|
Kamloops Blazers
| |
Trottier
|
Bryan
|
F
|
1972-75
|
Val Marie, SK
|
Lethbridge Broncos
|
Swift Current Broncos
|
Tsujiura
|
Steve
|
F
|
1977-82
|
Coaldale, AB
|
Calgary Wranglers
|
Medicine Hat Tigers
|
Tucker
|
Darcy
|
F
|
1991-95
|
Castor, AB
|
Kamloops Blazers
| |
Vernon
|
Mike
|
G
|
1980-83
|
Calgary, AB
|
Calgary Wranglers
| |
Walter
|
Ryan
|
F
|
1973-78
|
New Westminster, BC
|
Seattle Breakers
|
Kamloops Chiefs
|
Ward
|
Cam
|
G
|
2000-04
|
Saskatoon, SK
|
Red Deer Rebels
| |
Weber
|
Shea
|
D
|
2001-05
|
Sicamous, BC
|
Kelowna Rockets
| |
Wesley
|
Glen
|
D
|
1983-87
|
Red Deer, AB
|
Portland Winter Hawks
| |
Whitney
|
Ray
|
F
|
1988-91
|
Fort Saskatchewan, AB
|
Spokane Chiefs
| |
Wickenheiser
|
Doug
|
F
|
1977-80
|
Regina, SK
|
Regina Pats
| |
Williams
|
Dave "Tiger"
|
F
|
1971-74
|
Weyburn, SK
|
Swift Current Broncos
| |
Yaremchuk
|
Ken
|
F
|
1979-83
|
Edmonton, AB
|
Portland Winter Hawks
|
(Corey St. Laurent--WHL)
5 comments:
What, no Bob Poley!! Regina Pats 1975.
I don't disagree with a lot of the names on here and a lot of them take me back to games at the Ex and Agridome, but Nigel Dawes and Leon Draisiatl. Really?
some great names from the past...thanks for posting this Mitch...lists like this are obviously subjective but fun to review...
I can't believe Frank Banham wouldn't be on that list.
Probably #10 in all time goals scored in the WHL. He got 190.
But like Joe says, subjective.
If this had been the top 130, people would bitch. If it was the top 150, people would bitch. Everyone has their own thoughts. This is how it ended up so let it go.
Miles
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