WHL filled with compelling storylines this season

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This article was published 22/09/2022 (1289 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

EAST DIVISION

MOOSE JAW WARRIORS

• Head coach: Mark O’Leary.

• General manager: Jason Ripplinger.

• Key losses: D Daemon Hunt, F Ryder Korczak, G Carl Tetachuk, F Logan Doust, F Cordel Larson, D Majid Kaddoura, F Calder Anderson (trade).

• Overagers: D Cole Jordan, G Connor Ungar.

• Imports: F Robert Baco (Slovakia), F Martin Rysavy (Czechia).

• Goalies: Connor Ungar (2002), Justen Maric (2004), Jackson Unger (2005).

• Westman connection: D Cole Jordan (Brandon).

• Players to watch: Dominion City D Denton Mateychuk is an offensive dynamo with elite skating ability … The duo of Seattle prospect Jagger Firkus and draft-eligible Brayden Yager lit teams up last season with a combined 159 points … Former Wheat Kings netminder Connor Ungar, now in his overage season, debuts with his third team after a stop in Red Deer. He’ll pair with 17-year-old Jackson Unger.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 14-44-4-0, 6th in division, 11th in conference.

2020-21: 8-13-3-0, 6th in division.

2021-22: 37-24-4-3, 2nd in division, 4th in conference.

PRINCE ALBERT RAIDERS

• Head coach: Jeff Truitt.

• General manager: Curtis Hunt.

• Key losses: F Reece Vitelli, D Remy Aquilon, F Ozzy Wiesblatt, F Cale Sanders, head coach Marc Habscheid.

• Overagers: F Keaton Sorenson, F Evan Herman, D Trevor Thurston, D Landon Kosior. (must cut one)

• Imports: Tikhon Chaika (Belarus), Vladislav Shilo (Belarus).

• Goalies: Tikhon Chaika (2003), Max Hildebrand (2004).

• Westman connection: F Sloan Stanick (Rapid City).

• Players to watch: G Tikhon Chaika took some time to get settled, but once he did, the Belarusian netminder was very good. On a team that often plays in close games, he’ll be counted on … Chicago prospect D Nolan Allan is a treat to watch. He put up 52 points last season while also offering stout defence … F Sloan Stanick finally broke out offensively in his 18-year-old season, putting up 45 points in 61 games after a trade from Regina.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 36-18-6-4, 1st in division, 3rd in conference.

2020-21: 9-11-3-1, 4th in division.

2021-22: 28-35-4-1, 5th in division, 8th in conference.

REGINA PATS

• Head coach: John Paddock.

• General manager: John Paddock.

• Key losses: D Neithan Salame, D Ryker Evans, F Logan Nihjoff, F Cole Carrier (trade).

• Overagers: F Jakob Brook, F Cole Dubinsky, D Luke Bateman, G Koen MacInnes. (must cut one)

• Imports: F Alexander Suzdalev (Sweden), D Stanislav Svozil (Czechia).

• Goalies: Koen MacInnes (2002), Drew Sim (2003), Matthew Kieper (2004).

• Westman connection: F Jakob Brook (Roblin), D Ty Plaisier (Virden), Coach/GM John Paddock (Oak River), Assistant coach Ken Schneider (Brandon).

• Players to watch: Connor Bedard finally enters his NHL draft year, so this could be his final WHL season. He was the youngest player in league history to score 50 goals last year, ending up with 51 goals and 49 assists to finish fourth in scoring at age 16 … Overage G Koen MacInnes will need to be good for the Pats after the former Saskatoon Blade was acquired from Everett. He posted a .909 save percentage with the Silvertips last season … F Tanner Howe, 17, produced 69 points a season ago beside Bedard and gave the Pats a second game-breaker.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 21-34-6-2, 5th in division, 10th in conference.

2020-21: 9-12-2-1, 5th in division.

2021-22: 27-36-3-2, 6th in division, 9th in conference.

SASKATOON BLADES

• Head coach: Brennan Sonne.

• General manager: Colin Priestner.

• Key losses: F Tristen Robins, G Nolan Maier, D Rhett Rhinehart, F Josh Paulhus, F Noah Boyko (trade), F Kyle Crnkovic (trade), F Kyren Gronick (trade).

• Overagers: F Josh Pillar, D Aidan De La Gorgendiere.

• Imports: F Egor Sidorov (Belarus), D Tomas Zizka (Czechia).

• Goalies: Austin Elliott (2004), Ethan Chadwick (2004).

• Westman connection: D Ben Saunderson (Carberry).

• Players to watch: With the graduation of record-setting goalie Nolan Maier, the pressure is on Saskatoon’s netminders Austin Elliott and Ethan Chadwick … Similarly, with the trade of high-scoring forward Kyle Crnkovic and Tristen Robins’ graduation, Josh Pillar, recently acquired Conner Roulette and Brandon Lisowsky will need to step up … Overage defenceman Aidan De La Gorgendiere, who has enjoyed a terrific WHL career, will be helped by draft-eligible 17-year-old Tanner Molendyk.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 34-24-2-3, 4th in division, 8th in conference.

2020-21: 16-5-2-1, 3rd in division.

2021-22: 38-26-3-1, 3rd in division, 5th in conference.

WINNIPEG ICE

• Head coach: James Patrick.

• General manager: Matt Cockell.

• Key losses: F Jakin Smallwood, F Cole Muir, D Nolan Orzeck, F Jack Finley, F Chase Wheatcroft (trade), G Gage Alexander (trade), D Tanner Brown (trade).

• Overagers: F Mikey Milne, F Owen Pederson, F Connor McClennon, D Ben Zloty. (must cut one)

• Imports: D Maxilimilian Streule (Switzerland), F Alessandro Segafredo (Italy).

• Goalies: Daniel Hauser (2004), Keegan Maddocks (2003), Dawson Cowan (2005).

• Westman connection: Conor Geekie (Strathclair), Briley Wood (Rivers), Steven Arp (Swan River).

• Players to watch: G Daniel Hauser set a furious pace last season as the starter when he set the record for most games without a loss to start a career by going 20-0-2-0. After suffering an off-season ankle injury, the Ice will have to start without him … Young star Zach Benson enters his draft year after putting up 63 points in 58 games at age 16 … The dynamic duo of NHL first-rounders, Matt Savoie and Conor Geekie, will lead the way, with a possible return by overage dynamo Connor McClennon not out of the question.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 38-24-1-0, 2nd in division, 5th in conference.

2020-21: 18-5-1-0, 2nd in division.

2021-22: 53-10-3-2, 1st in division, 1st in conference.

CENTRAL DIVISION

CALGARY HITMEN

• Head coach: Steve Hamilton.

• General manager: Jeff Chynoweth.

• Key losses: F Blake Stevenson, F Cael Zimmerman, F Blake Allan, F Mason Finley (trade).

• Overagers: F Riley Fiddler-Schultz, G Brayden Peters.

• Imports: F Maxim Muranov (Russia), D Vojtech Husinecky (Czech).

• Goalies: Brayden Peters (2002), Ethan Buenaventura (2004), Alex Garrett (2005).

• Westman connection: None.

• Players to watch: Overage F Riley Fiddler-Schultz, who has been a dependable producer for Calgary, led the team in points and goals last season … Overage G Brayden Peters managed a .906 save percentage on a team that didn’t make the playoffs … F Zac Funk, 19, is set to make a big jump offensively after posting 41 points a year ago.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 35-24-4-1, 4th in division, 7th in conference.

2020-21: 10-8-3-0, 3rd in division.

2021-22: 25-34-7-2, 5th in division, 11th in conference.

EDMONTON OIL KINGS

• Head coach: Luke Pierce.

• General manager: Kirt Hill.

• Key losses: F Josh Williams, F Carter Souch, D Simon Kubicek, D Kaiden Guhle, F Justin Sourdif, F Jake Neighbours, D Luke Prokop, G Sebastian Cossa, F Jalen Luypen (trade), head coach Brad Lauer

• Overagers: F Jaxsen Wiebe, F Carson Golder, D Logan Dowhaniuk, F Reed Jacobson. (must cut one)

• Imports: F Luca Hauf (Germany), F Jakub Demek (Slovakia).

• Goalies: Kolby Hay (2004), Alex Worthington (2005).

• Westman connection: None.

• Players to watch: With the graduation of an incredible amount of talent, leading scorer F Dylan Guenther will be under incredible pressure to produce after posting 91 points last season, although there’s a chance he might make the Arizona Coyotes roster … Slovakian F Jakub Demek, who posted 54 points in 55 games last season, will also have to step up … Kolby Hay, 18, who played in 25 games last season behind graduated starter Sebastian Cossa, is expected to carry the load this season, along with 17-year-old backup Alex Worthington.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 42-12-6-4, 1st in division, 1st in conference.

2020-21: 20-2-0-1, 1st in division.

2021-22: 50-14-3-1, 1st in division, 2nd in conference.

LETHBRIDGE HURRICANES

• Head coach: Brent Kisio.

• General manager: Peter Anholt.

• Key losses: F Carson Hopwo, D Kade Nolan, F Justin Hall, F Yegor Klavdiev, F Liekit Reichle, F Briley Wood (trade).

• Overagers: F Alex Thacker, F Cole Carrier, F Jett Jones, G Bryan Thomson, F Cole Shepard. (must cut two)

• Imports: F Anton Astashevich (Belarus).

• Goalies: Bryan Thomson (2002), Jared Picklyk (2003), Harrison Meneghin (2004).

• Westman connection: None.

• Players to watch: Overage F Alex Thacker made incredible strides last season, posting 64 points to finish second in team scoring … D Joe Arntsen, the team captain, plays a steady game and is a two-way force on the ice … Logan Wormald, 17, put up 38 points in his rookie season and could have an outstanding sophomore campaign.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 37-19-2-5, 3rd in division, 4th in conference.

2020-21: 9-12-3-0, 4th in division.

2021-22: 33-30-4-1, 3rd in division, 7th in conference.

MEDICINE HAT TIGERS

• Head coach: Willie Desjardins.

• General manager: Willie Desjardins.

• Key losses: F Logan Barlage, F Carter Chorney, D Daniel Baker, F Noah Danielson, D Gleb Ivanov, G Garin Bjorklund, F Ashton Ferster (trade), F Teague Patton (trade), F Steven Arp (trade).

• Overagers: F Brendan Lee, F Dallon Melin, F Alex Drover, F Oskari Kuntonen.

• Imports: F Oskari Kuntonen (Finland), D Bogdans Hodass (Latvia)

• Goalies: Beckett Langkow (2003), Ethan McCallum (2006).

• Westman connection: G Ethan McCallum (Brandon).

• Players to watch: F Oasiz Wiesblatt is the latest member of his family to play well in the WHL, putting up 29 points in 64 games at age 17 … Latvian D Bogdans Hodass played well in his rookie campaign in Canada, with 24 points and 51 penalty minutes in 57 games with the league’s worst team … D Dru Krebs, 19, may have been his club’s most consistent performer last season, and will once again lead on the blue-line.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 41-19-2-1, 2nd in division, 2nd in conference.

2020-21: 14-8-0-1, 2nd in division.

2021-22: 11-53-3-1, 6th in division, 12th in conference.

RED DEER REBELS

• Head coach: Steve Konowalchuk

• General manager: Brent Sutter.

• Key losses: F Arshdeep Bains, F Liam Keeler, D Jackson Van De Leest, F Dallon Melin, D Kyle Masters (trade), G Connor Ungar (trade).

• Overagers: F Ben King, D Christoffer Sedoff, D Blake Gustafson, F Jace Isley, D Tanner Brown.

• Imports: F Frantisek Formanek (Czechia), D Vojtech Port (Czechia), D Christoffer Sedoff (Finland).

• Goalies: Kyle Kelsey (2004), Rhett Stoesser (2005).

• Westman connection: None

• Players to watch: Former starter Chase Coward, 19, isn’t on the team roster as he attends to an undisclosed lower-body medical issue, and there is no word he might return. That leaves the team with two rookies in net after they traded Connor Ungar to Moose Jaw … Mats Lindgren, 18, sought a trade from the Kamloops Blazers and ended up costing the Rebels 19-year-old defenceman Kyle Masters and a first-round pick … Forward Kalan Lind was very good as a 16-year-old last season and will be looking to advance in his draft year.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 24-33-3-3, 5th in division, 9th in conference.

2020-21: 4-15-4-0, 5th in division.

2021-22: 45-19-2-2, 2nd in division, 3rd in conference.

SWIFT CURRENT BRONCOS

• Head coach: Devan Praught.

• General manager: Chad Leslie.

• Key losses: G Isaac Poulter, F Cole Nagy, D Eric Van Impe, F Carter Stebbings.

• Overagers: F Landon Roberts, F Raphael Pelletier, G Gage Alexander, D Sam McGinley. (must cut one)

• Imports: D Rayan Bettahar (Germany).

• Goalies: Reid Dyck (2004), Gage Alexander (2002), Joey Rocha (2005).

• Westman connection: F Landon Roberts (Souris), F Braeden Lewis (Virden), D Josh Fluker (Boissevain), F Clarke Caswell (Brandon), GM Chad Leslie (Brandon/Elkhorn).

• Players to watch: Mathew Ward led the team in scoring last year in his 17-year-old season with 57 points. Much more will be expected of him … Winnipegger Josh Filmon, grandson of the former Manitoba premier, was terrific in his second season and was subsequently picked by the New Jersey Devils … Forward Connor Hvidston plays a smart two-way game and could be a dark-horse pick to have a big season as an 18-year-old.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 10-48-2-3, 6th in division, 12th in conference.

2020-21: 6-12-2-0, 7th in East Division.

2021-22: 26-35-5-2, 4th in division, 10th in conference.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

B.C. DIVISION

KAMLOOPS BLAZERS

• Head coach: Shaun Clouston.

• General manager: Shaun Clouston.

• Key losses: F Luke Toporowski, D Quinn Schmiemann, D Viktor Persson, D Marko Stacha, G Dylan Garand, F Reese Belton (trade), D Mats Lindgren (trade).

• Overagers: F Daylan Kuefler, F Ethan Rowland, F Drew Englot, D Ethan Brandwood.

• Imports: D Aapo Sarell (Finland), G Michael Schnattinger (Czechia).

• Goalies: Dylan Ernst (2004), Michael Schnattinger (2004), Jesse Sanche (2006).

• Westman connection: None.

• Players to watch: Logan Stankoven finished third in league scoring for his hometown team with 105 points and won gold with Team Canada during the summer. If he doesn’t make the jump up to the NHL with the Dallas Stars, he will need to lead the way again for the Memorial Cup hosts in his 19-year-old season … With the departure of starting goalie Dylan Garand, former backup Dylan Ernst and Czech goaltender Michael Schnattinger will need to be good … Former Red Deer defenceman Kyle Masters is a terrific two-way defender who was acquired in the Mats Lindgren trade.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 41-18-3-1, 1st in division, 4th in conference.

2020-21: 18-4-0-0, 1st in division.

2021-22: 48-17-3-0, 1st in division, 2nd in conference.

KELOWNA ROCKETS

• Head coach: Kris Mallette.

• General manager: Bruce Hamilton.

• Key losses: F Mark Liwiski, D Tyson Feist, D Jake Lee.

• Overagers: F Jake Poole, F Adam Kydd, G Talyn Boyko.

• Imports: F Gabriel Szturc (Czech).

• Goalies: Talyn Boyko (2002), Nicholas Cristiano (2004), Jari Kykkanen (2004).

• Westman connection: F Jake Poole (McAuley), F Will Munro (Swan River).

• Players to watch: Minnesota prospect Pavel Novak is turning 20 but was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma over the summer. He said on Instagram he is doing well, and it’s possible Minnesota will send the high-scoring forward back to Kelowna as an overager … If Colton Dach doesn’t find his way onto the Chicago Blackhawks roster, he will be a big part of Kelowna’s offence … He’ll be joined up front by draft-eligible Andrew Cristall, who had 69 points last season.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 29-28-3-3, 4th in division, 7th in conference.

2020-21: 10-5-1-0, 2nd in division.

2021-22: 42-20-1-5, 2nd in division, 5th in conference.

PRINCE GEORGE COUGARS

• Head coach: Mark Lamb.

• General manager: Mark Lamb.

• Key losses: F Jonny Hooker, F Connor Bowie, D Jonas Brondberg, F Craig Armstrong (trade).

• Overagers: F Chase Wheatcroft, F Noah Boyko.

• Imports: D Viliam Kmec (Slovakia), F Ondrej Becher (Czechia).

• Goalies: Tyler Brennan (2003), Ty Young (2004), Madden Mulawka (2006).

• Westman connection: F Cayden Glover (Brandon).

• Players to watch: Any discussion on the Cougars starts with young, draft-eligible stars Riley Heidt and Koehn Ziemmer, who were simply terrific last season finishing one-two in team scoring … The Cougars keep churning out fantastic goalies. Both Tyler Brennan and Ty Young have been drafted by NHL clubs … Overagers Chase Wheatcroft and Noah Boyko were both acquired in off-season trades and will be expected to lead.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 20-34-4-4, 5th in division, 9th in conference.

2020-21: 9-10-2-1, 4th in division.

2021-22: 24-39-4-1, 3rd in division, 6th in conference.

VANCOUVER GIANTS

• Head coach: Michael Dyck.

• General manager: Barclay Parneta.

• Key losses: F Adam Hall, G Connor Horning, D Alex Cotton, F Justin Lies (trade), F Cole Shepard (trade).

• Overagers: F Ty Thorpe, G Jesper Vikman, F Jacob Boucher, D Tom Cadieux. (must cut on)

• Imports: F Samuel Honzek (Slovakia), G Jesper Vikman (Sweden).

• Goalies: Jesper Vikman (2002), Brett Mirwald (2003), Matthew Hutchinson (2006).

• Westman connection: F Ty Thorpe (Brandon).

• Players to watch: Swedish F Fabian Lysell, 19, impressed at Boston Bruins camp and could graduate to the NHL. He was dynamite in the playoffs as Vancouver upset Everett in the Western Conference quarterfinals … Ottawa prospect Zack Ostapchuk, 19, was terrific last season with 26 goals. He will be expected to lead in his final junior campaign … Not only did Brandon’s Ty Thorpe explode for 44 points last year, he won an incredible 59.6 per cent of his 1,342 draws.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 32-24-4-2, 3rd in division, 6th in conference.

2020-21: 12-10-0-0, 3rd in division.

2021-22: 24-39-5-0, 4th in division, 8th in conference.

VICTORIA ROYALS

• Head coach: Dan Price.

• General manager: Dan Price.

• Key losses: F Bailey Peach, F Evan Patrician, F Tarun Fizer, F Keanu Derungs.

• Overagers: G Campbell Arnold, F Caleb Willms, F Riley Gannon, D Anson McMaster. (must cut one)

• Imports: F Marcus Almquist (Denmark).

• Goalies: Campbell Arnold (2002), Tyler Palmer (2003), Logan Cunningham (2005).

• Westman connection: None.

• Players to watch: F Brayden Schuurman took a giant step last season with 29 goals and 54 points, and will be expected to lead after the graduation of the high-scoring Bailey Peach … D Gannon Laroque, 19, is an outstanding two-way defender … Tyler Palmer put up a .908 save percentage on a team that missed the playoffs.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 32-24-6-2, 2nd in division, 5th in conference.

2020-21: 3-17-1-1, 5th in division.

2021-22: 23-39-5-1, 5th in division, 9th in conference.

U.S. DIVISION

EVERETT SILVERTIPS

• Head coach: Dennis Williams.

• General manager: Dennis Williams.

• Key losses: D Jonny Lambos, F Alex Swetlikoff, D Ronan Seeley, F Hunter Campbell, F Michael Gut, F Niko Huuhtanen, G Koen MacInnes (trade).

• Overagers: F Jackson Berezowski, F Jacob Wright, F Ryan Hofer, D Dylan Anderson, D Aidan Sutter.

• Imports: F Dominik Rymon (Czechia), G Tim Metzger (Switzerland).

• Goalies: Tim Metzger (2005), Braden Holt (2003), Evan May (2004).

• Westman connection: D Dexter Whittle (Virden), F Kyan Grouette (Dauphin),

• Players to watch: Overage forward Jackson Berezowski scored 46 times last season, and with the graduation of leading scorer Alex Swetlikoff and fourth leading scorer Niko Huuhtanen, will have to be very good … Olen Zellweger is one of the top defenders in the league, and is coming off a gold-medal winning performance with Team Canada. He’ll be without longtime defensive stalwart Ronan Seeley, who graduated to the pro ranks … Washington prospect Ryan Hofer exploded for 58 points last season and the Winnipegger could have a huge year if he doesn’t turn pro.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 46-13-3-1, 2nd in division, 2nd in conference.

2020-21: 19-4-0-0, 1st in division.

2021-22: 45-13-5-5, 1st in division, 1st in conference.

PORTLAND WINTERHAWKS

• Head coach: Mike Johnston.

• General manager: Mike Johnston.

• Key losses: G Taylor Gauthier, F Jaydon Dureau, D Clay Hanus, F Cross Hanas.

• Overagers: G Dante Giannuzzi, F Robbie Fromm-Delorme, D Kurtis Smythe.

• Imports: D Marek Alscher (Czechia), G Jan Spunar (Czechia).

• Goalies: Dante Giannuzzi (2002), Jan Spunar (2004), Donovan Bodnar (2005).

• Westman connection: D Ryder Thompson (Russell), F Aiden Sotas (Birtle).

• Players to watch: F James Stefan led the Winterhawks with 34 goals a season ago and will need to produce with the graduation of leading scorer Cross Hanas … The departure of overage starter Taylor Gauthier puts the pressure on overage G Dante Giannuzzi to deliver this year … F Gabe Klassen nearly turned into a point-per game guy with 64 points in 68 outings. Portland will need more of his consistent production.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 45-11-3-4, 1st in division, 1st in conference.

2020-21: 13-8-3-0, 2nd in division.

2021-22: 47-16-3-2, 2nd in division, 3rd in conference.

SEATTLE THUNDERBIRDS

• Head coach: Matt O’Dette.

• General manager: Bil La Forge.

• Key losses: F Lukas Svejkovsky, F Henrik Rybinski, D Ryan Gottfried, F Matt Rempe, D Samuel Knazko, D Tyrel Bauer, F Conner Roulette (trade).

• Overagers: F Kyle Crnkovic, F Jared Davidson.

• Imports: D Kai Knak (Switzerland)

• Goalies: Thomas Milic (2003), Ronin Geraghty (2004), Scott Retzlaff (2005).

• Westman connection: F Brayden Dube (Roblin).

• Players to watch: If Montreal prospect F Jared Davidson, Seattle’s leading scorer in 2021-22 with 89 points, returns from the pros, he could run amok on a talented and deep lineup … F Kyle Crnkovic was an offensive spark plug with Saskatoon and the speedy overager will be expected to provide the same to Seattle, who are among the favourites to win the league this season … Chicago prospect D Kevin Korchinski enters his 18-year-old campaign after producing 65 points in 67 games a season ago. He’s an elite blue-liner.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 24-32-4-3, 4th in division, 8th in conference.

2020-21: 10-12-0-1, 3rd in division.

2021-22: 44-18-4-2, 3rd in division, 4th in conference.

SPOKANE CHIEFS

• Head coach: Ryan Smith.

• General manager: Matt Bardsley.

• Key losses: F Bear Hughes, F Nick McCarry, F Yannick Proske

• Overagers: F Cade Hayes, D Mac Gross, D Raegan Wiles.

• Imports: F Tommaso De Luca (Italy),

• Goalies: Mason Beaupit (2003), Manny Panghli (2004), Cooper Michaluk (2005).

• Westman connection: F Grady Lane (Virden).

• Players to watch: 2021 top pick Berkly Catton, who has been tagged as a can’t-miss prospect, will enter his 16-year-old season … F Chase Bertholet was dynamite with Spokane after a trade from Winnipeg, putting up 35 points in 36 games … D Saige Weinstein, 17, enters his NHL draft year after earning gold at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 41-18-4-1, 3rd in division, 3rd in conference.

2020-21: 6-10-4-1, 4th in division.

2021-22: 24-39-4-1, 4th in division, 7th in conference.

TRI-CITY AMERICANS

• Head coach: Stu Barnes.

• General manager: Bob Tory.

• Key losses: F Samuel Huo, F Connor Bouchard, F Sasha Mutala, F Petr Moravec, F Rhett Melnyk (trade).

• Overagers: F Jalen Luypen, F Reese Belton, F Ethan Ernst, D Ian Ferguson. (must cut one)

• Imports: F Adam Mechura (Czechia), G Tomas Suchanek (Czechia).

• Goalies: Tomas Suchanek (2003), Nick Avakyan (2004).

• Westman connection: None

• Players to watch: Team captain D Marc Lajoie is a dependable two-way defender with terrific size … Overage F Jalen Luypen had an outstanding season with Edmonton last season, putting up 64 points in 66 games … D Lukas Dragicevic, 17, had a terrific debut last season with 32 points.

• Three-year glance:

2019-20: 17-40-4-2, 5th in division, 10th in conference.

2020-21: 7-12-0-0, 5th in division.

2021-22: 19-43-6-0, 5th in division, 10th in conference.