Thursday, May 30, 2013

Skapski and Lee Invited To Hockey Canada Goalie Camp

Hockey Canada, in partnership with the Canadian Hockey League, announced Thursday the 19 goaltenders that will attend the eighth-annual Program of Excellence goaltending camp taking place June 13-16 at the Markin MacPhail Centre at Canada Olympic Park in Calgary.

Thirteen goaltenders in the under-20 age category (candidates for Canada’s National Junior Team) and six in the under-18 category (candidates for Canada’s National Men’s Under-18 Team) will get the opportunity to work with a number of instructors during the four-day camp.

UNDER-20 GOALTENDERS
Antoine Bibeau
Victoriaville, Que.
Charlottetown (QMJHL)

François Brassard
Gatineau, Que.
Quebec (QMJHL)

Eric Comrie
Edmonton, Alta.
Tri-City (WHL)

Philippe Desrosiers
St-Hyacinthe, Que.
Rimouski (QMJHL)

Chris Driedger
Winnipeg, Man.
Calgary (WHL)

Zachary Fucale
Rosemère, Que.
Halifax (QMJHL)

Tristan Jarry
Delta, B.C.
Edmonton (WHL)

Austin Lotz
St. Adolphe, Man.
Everett (WHL)

Spencer Martin
Oakville, Ont.
Mississauga (OHL)

Matt Murray
Thunder Bay, Ont.
Sault Ste. Marie (OHL)

Jake Paterson
Mississauga, Ont.
Saginaw (OHL)

Mackenzie Skapski
Abbotsford, B.C.
Kootenay (WHL)


Brandon Whitney
Centerville, N.S.
Victoriaville (QMJHL)

UNDER-18 GOALTENDERS
Julio Billia
St-Léonard, Que.
Chicoutimi (QMJHL)

Alex Bureau
Trois-Rivières, Que.
Cape Breton (QMJHL)

Payton Lee
Cranbrook, B.C.
Vancouver (WHL)


Matt Mancina
Lakeshore, Ont.
Leamington (GOJHL)

Mason McDonald
Halifax, N.S.
Acadie-Bathurst (QMJHL)

Brent Moran
Orleans, Ont.
Niagara (OHL)

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

3 Days Left

It's the final days to get your ICE season Tickets at the Early Bird prices.
I think it's great to have the radio stations to give this so much exposure and have heard nothing but positive comments in the community.
There are so many people who lose track of time and forget to renew their tickets and it's important to not let this slide by without getting your tickets.
Check with your boss and maybe the company is willing to get 4-6 tickets to share with their staff.
Also, businesses can thank their customers and clients with a pair of tickets to a game throughout the season.

A couple of updates on the team ...
With the club losing both their Assistant Coaches (Chad Kletzel, Jerry Bancks) the plan is to hire 1 Assistant Coach and they hope to have the decision made in the next few weeks.

The CHL Draft is July 3rd and the ICE are planning to draft 2 players.
Jakub Prochazkha will not return and the club has room to add 2 at the draft.
Last year the ICE selected 2 forwards.

Kootenay Ice Early Bird Season Tickets Available Now
Get yours before May 31st and save 40 per cent off regular prices!
Just for getting your tickets early, your name will be entered to win one of three great prizes
A trip for two to Las Vegas valued at $1500
A game worn Sam Reinhart Jersey
Or two nights in luxury suite with tickets for any two regular season home games
Call the Kootenay Ice Box Office at 250-417-0322 or stop by their office today!
May 27th to 31st the Ice office will be open through the lunch hour until 5pm each day!
Prize Draws to be made Monday June 3rd on the Drive and B104 Radio Live

Friday, May 24, 2013

1 Week Left

Kootenay Ice Early Bird Season Tickets Available Now
Get yours before May 31st and save 40 per cent off regular prices!
Just for getting your tickets early, your name will be entered to win one of three
great prizes
A trip for two to Las Vegas valued at $1500
A game worn Sam Reinhart Jersey
Or two nights in luxury suite with tickets for any two regular season home games
Call the Kootenay Ice Box Office at 250-417-0322 or stop by their office today!
May 27th to 31st the Ice office will be open through the lunch hour until 5pm each day!
Prize Draws to be made Monday June 3rd on the Drive and B104 Radio Live

Monday, May 20, 2013

Kimberley's Jim Donlevy Receives Award

JIM DONLEVY RECEIVES THE WHL GOVERNORS AWARD

SASKATOON, SK -- The Western Hockey League announced that Jim Donlevy, who has managed the WHL's League-wide Education program for over 20 years, has been named this year's recipient of the WHL Governors Award. The Award was presented to Mr. Donlevy at a reception in Saskatoon on Sunday, May 19th, by WHL Chairman of the Board Bruce Hamilton on behalf of the WHL Board of Governors.

The WHL Governors Award is presented annually to an individual, who through their outstanding achievements and service to the League, has contributed to the growth and development of the WHL. The WHL Governors Award is the highest honor the WHL bestows on an individual who has been associated with the League.

As head of the WHL Education program since 1992, Mr. Donlevy has been instrumental in the WHL’s remarkable growth in the academic area both at the high school and post-secondary levels. Mr. Donlevy played a key role in the adoption of league-wide education policies and procedures which have enabled WHL student athletes to accomplish their academic goals while playing hockey at the highest level of the Canadian system. Mr. Donlevy also played an integral role in the establishment of the WHL Scholarship program which is recognized as one of the most comprehensive of its kind in North America. Since 1992, the WHL has awarded over 4,600 WHL Scholarships to graduate players representing an investment of over $13.5 million by WHL Clubs. Mr. Donlevy has also provided academic counseling services to WHL players and parents throughout his career at the WHL.

Prior to joining the WHL, Mr. Donlevy spent over 25 years at the University of Alberta serving as a Professor in the Physical Education faculty and Head Coach of the Golden Bears football team. In ten years as Head Coach of the Alberta Golden Bears, Mr. Donlevy's team advanced to the Vanier Cup on six occasions, winning two national championships.

Mr. Donlevy will be stepping down from his full-time position as the Director of Education Services at the WHL Office in Calgary at the end of June, but will remain on in an advisory capacity until December 31, 2013.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Jeff Chynoweth Comments On Today's News

ICE GM Jeff Chynoweth comments on today's team news ...

On Chad Kletzel resigning
"Chad came to us at the end of the season when the playoffs were over and told us he was going to go back to teaching in Lethbridge. We certainly respect his decision. A lot has changed for Chad in the past year, he got married and they're expecting their first child any day now. From his end he gave it a go for a year and went back to what he was doing the past 15 years. It didn't catch us completely off-guard, I think it's a good decision for his part but we will miss him."

On newly acquired defenseman Clint Filabrandt
"He's a bit of an unknown, he was in Tri City for the whole season last year but didn't play a lot with the depth the Americans had on the back-end. When he did play he didn't look out of place. Given the circumstances that our team is in with the uncertainty with Tanner Muth I think this is an opportunity for him to step in and be an everyday player with our hockey club"

"We're hoping he can come in like Landon Peel did last year at the trade deadline. He came in from Tier 2 and didn't miss a beat and was a key contributor to our hockey club over the last few months of the regular season and playoffs. Head Scout Garnet Kazuik has like Clint through his minor hockey career in Calgary and I think this is an opportunity for him to come in, get a fresh start so to speak, be an everyday player and contribute to the success of our hockey club."


Photo from http://www.amshockey.com/


Photo from http://whl.ca/

ICE Trade For Defenseman

Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced the club has acquired 18-year-old Defenseman Clint Filbrandt from the Tri-City Americans in exchange for a conditional fifth round pick in the 2015 WHL Bantam Draft.

“With the uncertain future of Tanner Muth and whether he will able to return to our Club next year we felt it was important to add another defenseman with WHL experience. Defenseman are tough to come by at all levels and this trade will give Clint an opportunity to be an everyday player with our Club,” added Chynoweth.

12-13 - Tri City 31 GP 1-1-2 17pm
11-12 - Alberta AAA Midget Calgary 33 GP 4-9-13 90pm
10-11 - Alberta AAA Minor Midget Calgary 31 GP 6-17-23 86pm
09-10 - Alberta AAA Bantam Calgary 33 GP 2-10-12 34pm
– Tri City 2010 Bantam Draft 10th round

Kletzel Resigns

Cranbrook, BC – Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced that Chad Kletzel has resigned as Assistant Coach.

"With the impending birth of their first child Chad has decided to return to Lethbridge to resume his teaching career. We are disappointed that Chad will not return for his second season with the Club, but completely understand and respect his desire to spend more time with his family," commented Chynoweth.

The search for a replacement will begin immediately.

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Big Month with Big Prizes

The Drive and B104 along with the Kootenay Ice and Brothers Insurance remind you
it’s time to get your Kootenay Ice Early Bird Season Tickets this month!
You will save up to 60 per cent off walk up prices for the 2013-2014 season for 36 nights of incredible WHL action.
When you purchase your tickets by May 31st your name will be entered to win one of three great prizes.
The grand prize is a trip for two to Las Vegas valued at $1500.
Second prize is a game worn Sam Reinhart jersey,
and third prize is two luxury box suites with 12 tickets for any two regular season home games next year!
There’s never been a better time to get your tickets, save money and have a chance at winning outstanding prizes.
For details visit www.thedrivefm.ca or www.b104.ca or www.kootenayice.net.
This initiative is proudly supported by the Kootenay’s Best Rock The Drive, Total Country B104, The Kootenay Ice and Brothers Insurance!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

ICE Bantam Picks

ICE selected 10 players (5 forwards, 4 defensemen, 1 goalie) at the WHL Bantam Draft.
Direction of Scouting Garnet Kazuik gave us a scouting report on some of the picks ...

1st round 9th overall - Jared Legien, Left Wing, Pilot Butte, Sask, 6'2" 184 lbs, Sask AA Bantam Balgonie 26 GP 40-26-66 55pm
"He has a great ability to make plays, has an offensive touch, one of the hardest shots in the draft, got the ability to score, he could be ready to play for us at 16 but we'll be very patient, he will be going into a good program next year with the Moose Jaw Generals AAA Midget team, they will hosting the Telus Cup so he will be playing late in the year and he will have a solid development year and that will serve him well in the future."

2nd round - Vince Loschiavo, Centre, Winnipeg, Man, 6'0" 159 lbs, Manitoba AAA Bantam Winnipeg 28 GP 29-33-62 38pm
"Last year played on the top team in Manitoba, very skilled player, we are excited to have him with our organization, brings speed, skill and some good size, we were very excited to get him in the second round."

3rd round - Declan Hobbs, Goalie, Saskatoon, Sask, 5'8" 151 lbs, Sask AA Bantam Saskatoon
"He's not that big right now but he is starting to grow and we project him to be 6'0"-6'3", very quick, very agile, looks like he will be playing Midget AAA next year so he will be in a great development program."

4th round - Cale Fleury, Defense, Carlyle, Sask, 5'9" 152 lbs, Sask AA Bantam Notre Dame 26 GP 4-12-16 6pm, Brother Haydn is with Red Deer, pick acquired from Saskatoon for Erik Benoit.
"Very skilled, very good skater, he can almost skate better backwards than he does forward taking nothing away from his forward skating as he is a tremendous skater, very smart playmaking defenseman, he's going to be a nice blend with the recent defenseman we have taken in the draft."

5th round - Drew Warkentine, Centre, Prince Albert, Sask, 5'11" 159 lbs, Sask AA Bantam Prince Albert 27 GP 29-19-48 69pm, pick acquired from Vancouver for John Neibrandt.

5th round - Robert Johnson, Centre, Kamloops, BC, 5'11" 150 lbs, BC AAA Bantam Kamloops 39 GP 27-14-41 75pm, pick acquired from Lethbridge for Mike Simpson.

5th round - Dallas Hines, Defense, Marwayne, Alb, 6'0" 179 lbs, Alberta AAA Bantam Lloydminster 33 GP 2-18-20 48pm

5th round - Andy Stevens, Defense, Penticton, BC, 6'1" 185 lbs, BC AAA Bantam Kelowna 56 GP 10-22-32 16pm, pick acquired from Medicine Hat for Elgin Pearce.

6th round - Matt Krawieo, Defense, Red Deer, Alb, 6'0" 160 lbs, Alberta AAA Bantam Red Deer 33 GP 2-14-16 46pm,

7th round - Connor Barley, Left Wing, Winnipeg, Man, 5'10" 154 lbs, Manitoba AAA Bantam Winnipeg 28 GP 19-33-52 42pm

All stats from smallatlarge.blogspot.ca

Cranbrook native Jordan Roy was a 5th round pick by Tri City.

BIG Prizes For Early Bird

The Kootenay’s Best Rock the Drive, Total Country B-104, The Kootenay Ice and Brothers Insurance in Cranbrook present the biggest Early Bird Season Ticket Promotion ever for the ICE.
From now until May 31st when you purchase your 2013-2014 Kootenay Ice Season Tickets you will save up to 60 per cent at Early Bird pricing off regular walk up prices.
Not only will you get 36 nights of WHL hockey action at a great price but your name will be entered to win one of three great prizes.
First prize is a trip for two to Las Vegas valued at $1500!
Second prize is a game worn jersey from our captain Sam Reinhart
Third prize is two luxury suites for any two regular season home games next year for you and 11 of your friends.
But hurry the deadline is May 31st.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

McGill Coach Of The Year

The Western Hockey League held its annual WHL Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 1st, in Calgary, AB, honoring the top performances from the 2012-13 WHL regular season.

Here are the 2012-13 WHL Award Winners:

WHL Player of the Year – Four Broncos Memorial Trophy
WINNER: Adam Lowry – Swift Current Broncos

Adam Lowry enjoyed an outstanding season for the Swift Current Broncos, appearing in all 72 games while scoring a team-leading 45 goals and 43 assists for 88 points to go with a +18 rating and 102 penalty minutes. Lowry’s considerable contributions to the Broncos helped the Club make the WHL playoffs for the first time since the 2009-10 season. The Calgary, AB, product finished sixth among all WHL players in goals and finished 12th in WHL scoring with 88 points. In addition, Lowry finished tied for eighth among all WHL players with 14 power play goals and tied for second with six shorthanded goals. His eight game-winning goals also tied him for second among WHL players in that category. The Winnipeg Jets prospect displayed remarkable consistency throughout the 2012-13 WHL season, going more than two games without recording a point only three times all season while enjoying a season-best 21-game point streak and an eight-game goal streak. His efforts saw him named the Husky WHL Player of the Month for December. Lowry’s importance to the Broncos during the 2012-13 season cannot be understated as he had a hand in nearly 48% of his team’s entire offensive output.

RUNNER UP: Justin Feser – Tri-City Americans

WHL Rookie of the Year - Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy
WINNER: Seth Jones – Portland Winterhawks

A lot was expected from the Plano, TX, product in his first season in the WHL, considering he has been at the top of scouting lists for the last couple of years. Jones more than delivered on those expectations, posting 14 goals and 42 assists for 56 points in 61 games for the Winterhawks, helping the team to their most successful regular-season campaign in franchise history. The 6’4”, 206-lb rearguard led all rookie defencemen and ranked fourth among all WHL blue liners in points and posted an outstanding +46 rating to rank seventh among all WHL players in that category. Having also led Team USA to Gold at the 2013 World Junior Championship, Jones established himself as a dominant player at both ends of the rink in his first WHL season. Jones was originally drafted by the Everett Silvertips in the first round of the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft, but was acquired by the Winterhawks last May.

RUNNER UP: Leon Draisaitl – Prince Albert Raiders

WHL Goaltender of the Year - Del Wilson Trophy
WINNER: Patrik Bartosak – Red Deer Rebels

Bartosak was a heroic performer for the Red Deer Rebels during the 2012-13 regular season, helping the Rebels to a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference after missing the playoff last year. The 19-year-old from Koprivnice, CZE, appeared in 55 games this season, posting a 33-14-5 record with a 2.26 goals-against average and a .935 save percentage to help the Rebels to the WHL’s sixth-best defensive record. Bartosak ranked fourth among all WHL players in GAA and had the best save percentage of any netminder to appear in over 30 games. In addition to his five shutouts, Bartosak boasted a perfect 8-0 record in shootouts, allowing only two goals on 28 opposition shootout attempts. Bartosak, who is eligible for the 2013 NHL Draft, was named the Vaughn CHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending November 25th.

RUNNER UP: Mac Carruth – Portland Winterhawks

WHL Defenseman of the Year - Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy
WINNER: Brenden Kichton – Spokane Chiefs

Brenden Kichton of the Spokane Chiefs is the Western Conference finalist for the Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy for the second straight year. The 20-year-old from Spruce Grove, AB, enjoyed another dominant season in Spokane, leading the Chiefs and leading all WHL defencemen in scoring with 85 points, including 22 goals. Kichton, the only defenceman to lead his team in scoring, ranked first among all WHL blue liners and tied for fifth among all WHL players with 63 assists, and had 19 more points than the second-highest scoring rearguard in the League. In addition, Kichton posted a solid +39 rating this season, leading the Chiefs in that department. The 6’0”, 195-lb rearguard and New York Islanders prospect closes out his WHL career with 67 goals and a whopping 268 points in 333 career regular-season games.

RUNNER UP: Morgan Rielly – Moose Jaw Warriors

WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year - Brad Hornung Trophy
WINNER: Dylan Wruck – Edmonton Oil Kings

In his fourth and final season in the WHL, Wruck was again a force for the Oil Kings as they captured their second straight Central Division and Eastern Conference regular-season titles. The 20-year-old from Saskatoon, SK, finished second on the Oil Kings and tied for 15th among all WHL players in scoring with 85 points, including 63 assists, while drawing only 14 minutes in penalties all season. Wruck played in every situation, logging heavy minutes for the Oil Kings, but was whistled for just seven minor penalties all season. He played his final 30 games of the regular season without being penalized. The 5’9”, 175-lb forward has played 259 career regular-season games for Edmonton, scoring 87 goals and 256 points while picking up just 89 penalty minutes.

RUNNER UP: Zach Franko – Kelowna Rockets

WHL Scholastic Player of the Year – Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Memorial Trophy
WINNER: Josh Morrissey – Prince Albert Raiders

17-year-old Josh Morrissey has already established himself as an elite-level player in the WHL and top prospect for the 2013 NHL Draft. Yet, Morrissey has been equally impressive in the classroom. The product of Calgary, AB, has excelled in his Grade 12 year at Carlton Comprehensive High School in Prince Albert, having completed five challenging 30-level classes and maintaining a 92.4% average while nearing completion on a sixth 30-level class. Morrissey’s maturity and decision-making abilities make him an exemplary leader and role model for fellow students and team mates alike.

RUNNER UP: Rourke Chartier – Kelowna Rockets

WHL Humanitarian of the Year – Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy
WINNER: Cody Sylvester – Calgary Hitmen

Calgary Hitmen captain Cody Sylvester was not only a leader on the ice, he was also a team ambassador in the community and devoted a large amount of his time and energy to giving back to the City of Calgary. The product of Vernon, B.C., regularly participated in community events and initiatives, and was always willing to donate his time and effort. Sylvester developed the highly successful ‘Chance to Play’ program that helped raise funds to support local minor hockey and give an opportunity to participate to kids who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to do so. The five-year member of the Hitmen designed unique T-shirts which were sold at Hitmen home games and other events which helped Sylvester in raising nearly $16,000 towards his ‘Chance to Play’ program. Sylvester’s dedication to giving back to the Calgary community and his enthusiasm to participate in the Hitmen’s many community and charitable endeavors makes him a deserving recipient of the Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy.

RUNNER UP: Mitch Topping – Tri-City Americans

WHL Coach of the Year - Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy
WINNER: Ryan McGill – Kootenay Ice

McGill made his return to the WHL this season to coach the team he guided to the 2002 Memorial Cup. Taking over a young Kootenay Club for the 2012-13 WHL season, McGill helped the Ice recover from a difficult first half as they finished the regular season with a 35-35-2-0 record for an eighth-place finish in the Eastern Conference while making the playoffs for a 15th consecutive season. With the Ice sitting at 10-24-1 and sitting in 21st place in the WHL standings at the 35-game mark, McGill found a way to rally the players to a higher level of play. From that point on, the Ice managed a complete turnaround and posted a 25-11-1 mark over the second half which was the fifth-best record of any WHL Club over that span. McGill brought the best out in many of his younger players, with 17-year-olds Sam Reinhart, Jaedon Descheneau and Luke Philp leading the team offensively. McGill’s win marks the fourth time in nine years this award has been presented to a Kootenay Ice head coach (Cory Clouston, 2004-05 & 2006-2007; Mark Holick, 2009-10).

RUNNER UP: Ryan Huska – Kelowna Rockets

WHL Executive of the Year - Lloyd Saunders Memorial Trophy
WINNER: Bob Green – Edmonton Oil Kings

Bob Green of the Edmonton Oil Kings earns his second straight Eastern Conference nomination for WHL Executive of the Year, having won the award last year. Green’s Oil Kings managed a 51-15-2-4 record to capture the Central Division and Eastern Conference regular-season pennants for a second straight year while owning the WHL’s best defensive record. The 2012-13 edition of the Oil Kings boasted 15 players whom were selected by Green and his staff through the WHL Bantam Draft, including top scorers Michael St. Croix and Curtis Lazar, and the dominant goaltending tandem of Laurent Brossoit and Tristan Jarry, and another two players who were chosen in the CHL Import Draft. In addition, Green managed to add key players like Henrik Samuelsson, Cody Corbett and David Musil through astute trades and signings.

RUNNER UP: Bruce Hamilton – Kelowna Rockets

WHL Marketing/Business Award
WINNER: Kamloops Blazers

The Kamloops Blazers have shown significant improvement in their performance from a business and marketing perspective during the 2012-13 WHL regular season. With an entertaining and highly competitive team on the ice, the Blazers saw their overall attendance increase by nearly 16% this season, thanks to their first increase in season ticket sales since the 2003-04 campaign. In addition, sponsorship revenues grew for the Blazers’ Club while walk-up ticket sales increased by a whopping 34% from last year. The Blazers’ commitment to giving back to the Kamloops community saw them donate a total of 2,584 tickets to local community groups, while players performed 640 hours of community service during the season. The Blazers have also raised the bar in terms of fan experience at their games with innovative and entertaining game promotions and theme nights.

RUNNER UP: Saskatoon Blades

WHL Scholastic Team of the Year
WINNER: Portland Winterhawks

The value of education as well as the exploration of future career and academic possibilities are an integral part of the culture of the Portland Winterhawks, and the Winterhawks place a very high priority on education, both at the high school and post-secondary levels. A dominant team on the ice, the Winterhawks’ players have also excelled in the classroom over the course of the year. Ell of the Winterhawks’ college-aged players have graduated from high school and are all enrolled in, and passing, two university-level courses. Additionally, four high school-aged players are enrolled in a college course. Eight Winterhawks’ players graduated with Honors while another seven players are maintaining Honors-level marks. The Winterhawks offer strong support to their players in their scholastic endeavors, including mandatory study hall time on the road and at home, and provide monthly career exploration field trips for players to learn about various career options. The organization also maintains close contact with parents and billets of players, giving them regular feedback on the players’ progress.

WHL Top Official – Allen Paradice Memorial Trophy
WINNER: Nathan Wieler

Nathan Wieler is in his 14th season as an official in the Western Hockey League. The 34-year-old from Regina, SK, has been refereeing in the WHL for the past seven years, having established himself as one of the League’s top officials. Wieler possesses all the skills that make him a top official, including strong composure, excellent judgment, and the confidence to control the situation. Wieler’s impressive officiating resume includes working the 2011 and 2012 WHL Championship series’, assignments at the international Under-18 and Under-17 levels and at the World Junior ‘A’ Championship. He has also worked three RBC Cups and a CIS National Championship. Wieler, a teacher, is married. His wife, Haley, is also an official, becoming the first female to officiate in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.

WHL Regular Season Champion - Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy
WINNER: Portland Winterhawks

The Winterhawks finished the season with a 57-12-1-2 record in 72 games for 117 points to earn the Scotty Munro Memorial trophy for the first time since the 1997-98 season and just the third time in their franchise history. Enjoying their best regular-season in franchise history, the Winterhawks set a new WHL record with 29 wins on the road and also won 28 games on home ice. The Hawks enjoyed a 14-game winning streak from December 8 – January 18, setting a new franchise record for consecutive wins. Portland’s dominant season saw them finish seven more wins and nine more points than their nearest competitor and clinch the U.S. Division title with a 25-point gap on the second-placed team in the division, the Spokane Chiefs. Boasting the WHL’s most potent offense, the Hawks also impressed with the League’s second-stingiest defence.


WHL Top Scorer - Bob Clarke Trophy
CO-WINNERS: Brendan Leipsic & Nicholas Petan – Portland Winterhawks

For the first time since the 1987-88 season, two players finished tied for the WHL scoring title with linemates Brendan Leipsic and Nicholas Petan of the Portland Winterhawks each finishing the season with 120 points. Leipsic, an 18-year-old from Winnipeg, MB, posted 49 goals and 71 assists for 120 points in just 68 games for the Winterhawks this season. His 49 goals led the WHL in that category. Petan, a 17-year-old from Delta, B.C., tallied 46 goals and a WHL-leading 74 assists for the Winterhawks in his second season in the WHL. Eligible for the 2013 NHL Draft, Petan tied for second in the WHL with 18 power play goals while also adding seven game-winning goals. Leipsic and Petan were two of three Winterhawks to finish as the top three scorers in the WHL. Their linemate, St. Louis Blues prospect Ty Rattie, ranks third in WHL scoring with 110 points. It’s been 25 years since the WHL has seen a tie for the League scoring title, and only the second time in League history. Theoren Fleury of the Moose Jaw Warriors and Joe Sakic of the Swift Current Broncos shared the WHL scoring title in 1987-88 with 160 points apiece.