A Look at the WHL Through 10 Games

Some interesting surprises I think through the first 10 games of the season.

I know we're still quite early on in the 09/10 campaign here, but I can't help to notice a few teams in the league. To me, the biggest surprise right now are the Moose Jaw Warriors. This team had been struggling big time the past couple of seasons, but it appears the trades they made at the deadline last year are paying dividends now. Good on them! It's nice to see a team go from the outhouse to the penthouse so to speak. It looks like Moose Jaw has it together at the moment and is certainly not a pushover team. They are the only team so far that has been able to be the Calgary Hitmen on the season. Lethbridge plays there Sunday night and will be given a run for their money, especially on the last game of 3 game road swing.

Another team that has surprised me a bit in the East are the Wheat Kings. Brandon is pretty much a .500 team at the moment, but I expect they will be a big force as this season moves ahead. With Brandon hosting the Memorial Cup this May, they will be, I think a force to be reckoned with. How about the Hitmen? Calgary again is at the top of it's game early on. I'll admit I kind of thought the Hitmen would tail off a little bit after the record setting season they had last year, but it appears that team is again top notch.

As for the Hurricanes, they may be at the bottom of the conference right now, but they aren't alone. They trail 4 other teams by only one point. I think they'll be just fine as this season moves ahead. Kootenay, Red Deer, PA, Regina, and Medicine Hat have been up and down too through the first 10 games. I expect there to be a pretty good battle for the final few playoff spots once February and March roll around.

Over in the West two teams that were near the bottom last year are at the top this season. Kamloops and Portland are leading the pack early on. I'm not at all shocked to see the Blazers where they are. Look at the number of returning players on that team. They have a tonne of experience and it's showing at the moment. And how about those Winter Hawks? This organization was in a pretty serious situation on and off the ice a couple of seasons ago to the point the WHL had to actually step in. That team has turned things around and are a legitimate force once again. It's really a rags to riches kind of story for Portland. It's great to see a team down on it's luck turn the corner and bounce back the way they have. It just shows what can happen when you have the right people in place.

The next month will be interesting to watch around the league. Usually by the first week of November, the cream starts to separate and we get an even better snap shot as to which teams are the ones to watch.

Thanks,
Pat