Upcoming Season Games I Plan On Attending

Well, I guess what this post will be is a bit of what I myself have in store for the 2013-2014 Season. I am living in Victoria, BC and due to the fact I can't travel far due to money issues, the only games I will be attending are based here in Victoria and the WHL, on the rare occassion I might head to a BCHL game. My schedule for this season looks a little something like this.

NOTE: Subject to change due to work, will try to attend every game if possible.

Teams Not Played At Home / Won't Be Viewed: Brandon Wheat Kings, Moose Jaw Warriors, Prince Albert Raiders, Regina Pats, Saskatoon Blades, Swift Current Broncos

September

14th - Victoria Royals vs Vancouver Giants (Pre-Season)

21st - Victoria Royals vs Vancouver Giants

24th - Victoria Royals vs Spokane Chiefs 

25th - Victoria Royals vs Spokane Chiefs

October

 6th - Victoria Royals vs Tri-City Americans

11th - Victoria Royals vs Lethbridge Hurricanes

12th - Victoria Royals vs Lethbridge Hurricanes

14th - Victoria Royals vs Prince George Cougars

16th - Victoria Royals vs Prince George Cougars

25th - Victoria Royals vs Kelowna Rockets

26th - Victoria Royals vs Kelowna Rockets

November

1st - Victoria Royals vs Red Deer Rebels

2nd - Victoria Royals vs Red Deer Rebels

6th - Victoria Royals vs Edmonton Oil Kings 

15th - Victoria Royals vs Seattle Thunderbirds

16th - Victoria Royals vs Seattle Thunderbirds

22nd - Victoria Royals vs Kamloops Blazers

23rd - Victoria Royals vs Kamloops Blazers

December

3rd - Victoria Royals vs Kootneay Ice

6th - Victoria Royals vs Vancouver Giants

7th - Victoria Royals vs Vancouver Giants

27th - Victoria Royals vs Prince George Cougars

28th - Victoria Royals vs Prince George Cougars

January

1st - Victoria Royals vs Everett Silvertips

10th - Victoria Royals vs Portland Winterhawks

11th - Victoria Royals vs Portland Winterhawks

17th - Victoria Royals vs Kelowna Rockets

18th - Victoria Royals vs Kelowna Rockets

21st - Victoria Royals vs Medicine Hat Tigers

31st - Victoria Royals vs Vancouver Giants

Feburary

1st - Victoria Royals vs Vancouver Giants

4th- Victoria Royals vs Calgary Hitmen

5th - Victoria Royals vs Calgary Hitmen

12th - Victoria Royals vs Tri-City Americans

March

 7th - Victoria Royals vs Kamloops Blazers

8th - Victoria Royals vs Kamloops Blazers

15th - Victoria Royals vs Everett Silvertips

All in all, looking to be a good year for hockey for myself, with the exception of not seeing a couple of top prospects live (Leon Draistil, Jayce Hawryluk, Richards Bukarts, Brayden Point, Justin Paulic and Julius Honka). This draft class is looking deep and I couldn't be anymore excited for the upcoming hockey season!

2013-2014 WHL Preview - Prince George Cougars

 Prince George Cougars Preseason Roster

OVERAGERS:

With Mac Engel apparently out of the picture, the Cougars have Klarc Wilson as their only overager. Which is a concern due to the fact that the Cougars have a very young team on their hands, if they are still in the re-building stage and want to improve in any aspect, I suggest they trade for an overager if they want to push for a playoff spot.

GRADES

Offense: C

With a couple of exceptions in Troy Bourke, Zach Pochiro, David Soltes and Alex Forsberg, the Cougars don't have much top talent on the forward position. Jansen Harkins will be a great player along with Brad Morrison who will be entering their 16 year old seasons. Chase Witala, Brett Roulston and Carson Bolduc will add a bit of secondary scoring. 

Defense: C
Unfortunetly for the Cougars, this is a weak position. With the exception of Marc McNulty and Martin Bobos, who is a rookie in the WHL. The lack of experience on the blueline is the weakness for the Cougars, but it could be improved throughout the season.

Goaltending: C
Brett Zarowny has shown promise throughout the season, and Ty Edmonds enters his draft year as a backup, hoping to get getting in a few games.

Overall: C
This team although young and inexperienced can still defy the odds and have an impact on the league, and hopefully make the playoffs, which is a goal not to far out of the reach for this young Cougars club.

2013 - 2014 WHL Preview - Vancouver Giants

 Vancouver Giants Preseason Roster

OVERAGERS:

For The Giants situation, it's looking like Dalton Thrower, Marek Tvrdon and Cain Franson will be the three overagers. Although Tvrdon is signed with the Detroit Red Wings organization, I'm guessing he's staying with the Giants for his final year. Acquiring Thrower from Saskatoon is huge for a young defensive core and Franson will be the team's first line center coming into the season.

2014 ELIGIBLES TO WATCH

Payton Lee - As a 16 year old last season, winning over the goaltending job over Jared Rathjen and Liam Liston. On hopes of a better Giants team this year, look for his numbers to improve drastically from last years, although they weren't horrible in the first place.

Arvin Atwal - Flying under the radar of many scouts, Atwal joined the team late in the season and played some decent minutes on the powerplay and penalty kill. A smooth skater who can make a good first pass, has a bit of a mean streak to add. Look for his name to pop up more as the season progresses.

GRADES

Offense: C+

With the exception Jackson Houck, Franson and Dalton Sward, the Giants have a lack of top six forwards, and with no certainty on whether Tvrdon will be coming back to the lineup, the Giants do have a couple of possible options in Import Andreas Eder, Alec Baer, Ty Ronning,  Luca Leone and Joel Hamilton. Many young depth players including Carter Popoff and Thomas Foster. Not to mention a couple games here and there from first overall pick Tyler Benson.

Defense: C+
Adding a veteran presence in Dalton Thrower, to go along with Brett Kulak and Blake Orban. This young crop of blueliners all have potential, Mason Geertsen will be making a big impact after getting drafted in last years draft. Dmitri Osipov, although being left off the preseason roster, is apparently reporting to the Giants from Russia and should be getting a decent amount of playing time. Leaving the improving Atwal, along with Tyler Morrison and Reid Zailtach, who all have a season under their belt.

Goaltending: C
Probably their weakness, Payton Lee is still young and will have to be playing a lot of games for the Giants in the upcoming season, no word on who the backup will be yet, but I could see the back-up being acquired via Trade.

Overall: C+
I believe the Giants will be having a bounce back year from their previous year, a playoff team is in the looks for this team in a weaker Western Conference, but they did build a decent core and added a couple of key pieces which could take them to the next level, and have them become contenders in the near future.

2013 - 2014 WHL Preview - Kamloops Blazers

Kamloops Blazers Preseason Roster

OVERAGERS:

With J.C Lipon signing with the Winnipeg Jets and Colin Smith going pro with the Avalanche. It looks like the Kamloops Blazers will be heading into the season with only two overagers in Joe Kornelsen and blueliner Sam Grist. Although both are veterans in the dub, both of these guys are not on the same caliber of other overagers in the Western Hockey League. I beileve Kamloops is heading towards a younger approach with the club and going through a bit of a re-build stage to develop their young players, still a team to watch out for in the future, but this could be an off-year.

2014 ELIGIBLES TO WATCH

Jordan Thomson - Although this draft year for the Blazers is pretty weak, Jordan Thomson is an exception. One of those defenseman who has plenty of upside, but nothing that really jumps out of you in terms of skills.

Edson Harlacher -An Import pick from Switzerland, this lanky blueliner is a decent puck mover and has a decent upside. I personally haven't seen him enough to get a clear judgement on him, but he could be the best eligible player on this Blazer squad in the upcoming season.

Mitch Lipon - Any WHL fan can recognize the last name, but Mitch still has a lot to prove this year. At 5 foot 8 and 160 pounds, the slender Lipon has expectations to live up to. 

GRADES

Offense: C+

With the loss of Smith and J.C Lipon, Tim Bozon should be carrying the load for the Blazers this year, with a supporting cast of Cole Ully and Matt Needham, things seem to be set for the first line. It's looking like some rookies will be making a huge impact which include Nick Chyzowski, Devon Sideroff and Nathan Looysen. You can't forget Chase Souto, Devin Oakes and Mitch Lipon who will be returning and bringing in some depth. With such a young squad, half of the team will be adjusting to the WHL level, which will be a challenge for the Blazers off of the jump.

Defense: C

Losing top defenseman in Joel Edmundson and Tyler Hansen, the Blazers are again looking young on the backend. With the exception of veteran Sam Grist, Jordan Thomson, Ryan Rehill, Connor Clouston, Josh Connolly and Landon Cross, another young and inexperienced group will be patrolling the blueline.

Goaltending: C

Losing Cole Cheveldave in a trade to Prince Albert to help their youth movement, backup Taran Kozun will be taking the role of a starter, with a young Cole Kehler backing up the netminder.

Overall: C

Like I've said, it's looking like Kamloops will be having an off-year in terms of their recent success. A fringe playoff team most likely unless things go their way and rookie adapt quick.

2013 - 2014 WHL Preview - Victoria Royals

Victoria Royals Preseason Roster

OVERAGERS:

In the Royals case, there isn't much of a debate on who will be playing as the overagers next season. Three spots are available, and three 93 born players are on the squad in Buffalo Sabres draft pick Logan Nelson, Minnesota native Ben Walker and defenseman Jordan Fransoo. Bringing back all three of those guys, will bring in some leadership and some top players for the Royals. Expect Nelson and Walker to be up there in terms of points and Fransoo to be one of the top defenseman for the Royals.

2014 ELIGIBLES TO WATCH

Joe Hicketts - Representing Canada multiple times in his short hockey career, Joe Hicketts has been depended on in key situations for Hockey Canada, although short in stature, he plays much bigger then he is. His skating, offensive ability and poise are what sets him apart from many others, positioning and ability to shut down teams top lines will be huge for Joe coming into this draft year. 

Ryan Gagnon - As someone who flies under the radar on the Royals blueline, Gagnon plays a hard-nosed game, an extremely solid defenseman who can play the body and isn't noticeable. Which is a good thing because he rarely makes mistakes. Someone to definitely watch for for all you wanting a draft sleeper.

Jack Walker - Brother of Ben, Jack was a defenseman coming in to the Royals camp this year, throughout the season he transitioned into a forward and on the rare occasion is put on defense. An excellent skater who can move the puck up ice quickly and create plays, he's not the biggest guy but his game is suited for the forward position and with a good year could get a look from NHL scouts.


Brandon Fushimi - Coming basically out of nowhere, Fushimi landed a spot on the Royals after after playing midget in the states, the Colorado native throughout the season adapted to the WHL and will be looking for a bounce-back season with the club.

Luke Harrison - After being injured early into the season, Luke Harrison is looking to make a name for himself, a big body who is willing to throw his weight around and has underrated offensive talent. Look for him to play a role on the Royals success. 

GRADES

Offense: B

Although a great team offensively depth wise, the Royals do not have that one player to key on to produce outstanding numbers, with Gogolev gone. Over Steven Hodges and Brandon Magee will be looking to have career years, as well as overagers Nelson and Ben Walker. Austin Carroll, Trent Lofthouse along with young-guns Tyler Soy and Matthew Campese providing secondary scoring to go along with draft eligibles Fushimi, Jack Walker and Harrison. Also Taylor Crunk, Regan Nagy and Logan Fisher having defensive roles on the team who can chip in offensively. Adding Landon Welykholowa just puts even more depth on the young Royals franchise.

Defense: B+

A bit of everything comes from the Royals crop of defenseman this season, Hicketts, Fransoo and Brett Cote will be key offensive producers. With the massive defenseman in Kolton Dixon, Isaac Schacher and Keegan Kanzig taking care of the back-end, Dixon and Kanzig are also not afraid to throw the fisticuffs. Ryan Gagnon and Chaz Reddekopp will names you will be hearing much more this season.

Goaltending: B

With the European goalie Patrick Polivka coming back for another season after proving himself the playoff series against Kamloops, Coleman Vollrath is determined to get the number one spot from the Czech, in the wings is 17 year old Michael Herringer, who performed well in his WHL stint.

Overall: B

An obvious playoff team in my opinion, they should be fighting for a top four seed and a home ice advantage in the Western Confrence, the future is something even better to look forward to for these young men.

2013 - 2014 WHL Preview - Kelowna Rockets

As another season junior hockey season approaches. I will be putting in my input on standings in each respective division.

I will be starting off with the BC Division.

Kelowna Rockets Preseason Roster

OVERAGERS:

In terms of overagers this year for the Rockets, listed on the roster they're a total of five. Forwards Myles Bell, Zach Franko and Colton Sissons with Mackenzie Johnston on the backend and Jordon Cooke between the pipes.

With Sissons being likely to play with the Predators organization, leaves four left to fight for the final spots. With Bell and Franko leading the team in scoring, you have to think that both will be staying with the Rockets for another season. In my opinion either Johnston or Cooke could be gone. Neither loss would impact the team as much due to the fact that both positions they play are pretty full depth wise. Cooke will get the final overage spot, with Whistle playing backup and Morrissey getting another year to develop.

2014 ELIGIBLES TO WATCH

Tyson Baillie - The one thing you notice about Tyson is his ability to produce in clutch situations. Leading the team in playoff scoring in that tight series against the Seattle Thunderbirds this year. He is definetly one to watch offensively to produce heavy numbers on a contending Kelowna Rockets club, I predict a top 45 selection in the NHL draft with a chance of going in the top 30.

Rourke Chartier - For a offensive team, Chartier brings a bit more of a responsible two-way game to the table for the Rockets. A decent penalty killer who plays bigger then his size. His game could definitely translate to the next level.

Riley Stadel - Playing with Madison Bowey definetly has it's perks, and for Riley Stadel getting to develop your game with such young talented defenseman is going to make him a sought after guy in the draft. A bigger kid who can move the puck and play a solid positional game.

GRADES

Offense: A

With many of the same players returning to the lineup, with young players growing one more year, a powerhouse offense just get better, Bell and Franko provide veteran experience to along with Tyson Baille, Ryan Olsen and up and coming stud Nick Merkley, and depth with Chartier, Tyrell Goulbourne and Colton Heffley playing roles, the rich just get richer I suppose.

Defense: A

For a organization known to built top-notch defenseman, the Rockets have nothing to worry about on the back end. Damon Severson becomes a year older, 2013 draftees Madison Bowey and Mitch Wheaton, along with Bruins camp invitee Jesse Lees gain one more year of experience. Add Riley Stadel to the mix, darkhorses Joe Gatenby and Dalton Yorke. I say opponents should be worried.

Goaltending: B+

Although they do have two excellent goalies and one up and coming in Jake Morrissey. Cooke and Whistle will be playing a 1a and 1b situation, Jackson Whistle is determined to get the starting job after getting passed up in this year's NHL Draft, both will carry their load.

Overall: A

No surprises here, I think this team has got a lot of promise and should be without a doubt a contender for the championship.