History of skill and toughness defines WHL
The Western Hockey League might be the youngest of all in the CHL, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a top-notch developmental league. Since being sanctioned as the top junior league in western Canada in 1970, the WHL has won 18 of a possible 41 Memorial Cups and currently has the most teams out of any of the big three Canadian junior leagues.
Known for producing tough, two-way players, the WHL certainly has an alumni list of NHLers that represents its typical pedigree. They can proudly say some of the game’s toughest, yet most skilled skaters, played on the west coast. Names such as Ryan Getzlaf, Marian Hossa, Shea Weber and Brent Seabrook come to mind instantly.
Might Everett Silvertips defenseman Ryan Murray be the next in line?
In terms of where these players learn the ropes, it all starts with the class and consistency of marquee organizations in the western circuit.
One of the original western league franchises, the Medicine Hat Tigers, is a great example of producing elite talents. Over time, they have won the Memorial Cup twice, in back-to-back years from 1987-1988. They can also brag about five league championships and seven division titles.
To boot, they play an entertaining brand of hockey, which blends goal scoring with hitting and aggressiveness. Their alumni list alludes to that, with players like Trevor Linden, Jay Bouwmeester and Lanny McDonald.
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Another founding franchise, the Brandon Wheat Kings, are no slouches either. They are one of the most storied junior franchises – period. Originally known as the Cities back in the 1920s, Brandon holds the record for most points in a single season in the entire CHL with 125, which they accomplished in 1978-1979.
In 2010, they hosted the Memorial Cup, which was their fifth appearance in the big tournament. The Kings are perennially one of the toughest teams to play against, especially when you consider they’ve had rosters with some of the NHL’s meanest. Dave Semenko, Ron Hextall and Jordin Tootoo as well as up-and-comers such as Brayden Schenn and Keith Aulie have all made a pit stop in Brandon on their way to the NHL.
The WHL has also seen newer teams succeed as well. One which has really made a name for itself is the Kelowna Rockets.
If Finland is the goalie-making machine as of late, the Rockets might just be the equivalent of that for big, tough, two-way defensemen. Shea Weber, Tyler Myers, Duncan Keith, Luke Schenn, Josh Gorges and Sheldon Souray – amongst other NHLers – all donned a Rockets jersey.
With great players has come great success in Kelowna, as they reached the Memorial Cup four times in a seven year span from 2002-2009 – the most of any CHL team ever in a seven-year span. In 2003-04 they took home the trophy.
Led by owner/president/general manager Bruce Hamilton, the Rockets have quickly become one of the best managed teams in junior hockey.
Due to the amount of teams in the WHL, there are many other organizations that can be considered top markets in the league. There are the Calgary Hitmen – who have led the league in average attendance numbers since the 2002-03 season – and the Spokane Chiefs, who are the last WHL team to win a Memorial Cup.
Development is the name of the game in junior hockey and the west coast league is a stalwart. Their incredible alumni group and continuous excellence at the Memorial Cup exemplify that best.
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