I've had this finished for a while, but thought I'd take the summer off before posting it, but with training camps opening, I thought it was time to publish it! For the moment, this only includes players I've seen, so some highly-regarded players like Carter Cochrane (who played the majority of last season in the BCHL), Evan Fiala (only 2 WHL games this year) and all the players chosen in this year's CHL Import Draft won't be on here.
01. PAUL BITTNER, RW (6'04", 194 lbs) Portland [63•22•27•49•25•27]: Huge forward struggled to start find a role to start the year but his production exploded from December onwards, putting up 17 of his 22 goals and 35 of his 49 points during that last stretch of the season. Incredibly skilled forward, by many accounts is just growing into his mammoth frame, and has wonderful hockey sense and intelligence. QUOTE: Mike Johnston, then-Portland Coach/GM: "Next year I think he'll be a 30- to 40-goal guy. He'll be really tough to handle at 18 and 19. He's going to be a big, big guy when he fills out. He'll be an elite player." From April 2014
02. MATHEW BARZAL, C (5'11", 171 lbs) Seattle [59•14•40•54•3•20]: Barzal came as advertised: a supremely talented player and a playmaker with an almost sixth-sense as to when and where his teammates will be. Had an exceptional first season in the WHL where his monthly production only twice dipped below .78 points-per-game (In November, when he put up .64 and January when he dipped to a season low .57 with 4 points in 7 games). Played for Canada in the 2014 Under-18s where he played well until a giveaway in overtime of Canada's semifinal game resulted in the opposing Czech Republic scoring the winning goal Will need to quickly put that behind him and move forward. QUOTE: STEVE KONOWALCHUK, Seattle coach: "It's pretty impressive the amount of offence he generates. He's just a smart player who makes good plays and good decisions with the puck." From October 2013:
03. NICK MERKLEY, C (5'10", 176 lbs) Kelowna [66•25•33•58•24•46]: Very heady player whose game really took off when put on a line with Rourke Chartier and new acquisition Marek Tvrdon and saw him put up 13 of his 25 goals and 23 of his 58 points in the last 21 games of the season. Continued to play big minutes in the playoffs for Kelowna at the tender age of sixteen, and finished 1 point of the team lead with 17 points in 14 games. Excellent playmaker with more physical play than you'd think. QUOTE: ANONYMOUS SCOUT, ISS: "Productive two-way forward...creates scoring opportunities...excellent work ethic...great edge use...anticipates the play...plays in all situations." From January 2014
04. RYAN PILON, D (6'02", 212 lbs) Brandon [66•7•29•36•-13•46]: Big two-way defenceman created waves this year when he left team in Lethbridge and demanded a trade elsewhere. It's the type of move that annoys hockey folks and fans alike, but after watching Lethbridge's miserable season and all the off-ice drama, it's hard not to say that he made the right decision for his development, even if it wasn't the most honourable thing to do. Pilon moved on, though, and after a rocky start (His trade took place in November and he put up just 4 points in 18 games over November and December), his offensive game took off in the new year and he put up 25 of his 36 points in 2014. Pilon, a late '96 birthday, is already NHL size and plays a solid, physical game in his own zone and a solid, ever-improving offensive game. QUOTE: BRAD ROBSON, Lethbridge GM: "[He]’s a big strong kid with lots of offensive ability and he can play any area of the rink." From 2011
05. PARKER WOTHERSPOON, D (6'00", 170 lbs) Tri-City [62•2•16•18•0•74]: Younger brother of Calgary Flames prospect Tyler Wotherspoon looks to be following in his footsteps as an outstanding WHL defenceman. His offensive game was a little slow in developing this season, putting up just 2 points in his first 15 games, but he had a big January where he put up 10 of his 18 points in just 11 games. Was drafted as somewhat of a offensive, power-play specialist but he's developed a solid two-way game that lets him play lots of minutes in all situations and has a lot of grit to his game as he lead all 2015 draft eligible players with 74 penalty minutes. QUOTE: BOB TORY, Tri-City GM: "He is an intense player who plays with an edge and exhibits tremendous leadership qualities." From 2012
06. TROY MURRAY, D (6'01", 175 lbs) Kootenay [64•0•12•12•-9•10]: He really opened my eyes down the stretch and in the playoffs when the Ice were beset by numerous injuries to their blueline and Murray stepped up into a Top 4 role with loads of ice-time and played really sound, error-free hockey in his own zone. The younger brother of Columbus d-man Ryan Murray, Troy's career is showing a similar arc, that of a defenceman who doesn't put up gaudy numbers (No goals all season and just 13 assists over 77 games when you factor in the playoffs) but looks like a veteran when diffusing opposition scoring chances. If his offensive game picks up, just a tick, he could be a candidate for the top spot. QUOTE: IAN ESPLEN, Hockey Now blogger: "LIke his older brother, Murray is a good skater, who thinks the game well." From November 2013
07. JOE GATENBY, D (6'00", 170 lbs) Kelowna [43•0•6•6•7•20]: Another solid defensive defenceman, Gatenby seized a roster spot early on the season with the CHL-leading Rockets and never let go, forcing the older, more-heralded Jesse Lees to take a spot on the wings in order to get ice-time. Gatenby looks to be another in the long line of NHL-calibre defencemen produced in Kelowna (Joining such names as Duncan Keith, Shea Weber, Tyler Myers, Alex Edler and Tyson Barrie). His offensive game is rather raw at the moment, but he does have some tools. Where he really shines, though, is in his own zone where he's physical but not reckless and shuts down opposing forwards with heady play, hard work and an active stick. QUOTE: LANE LAMBERT, then-Kelowna Assistant Coach: "His compete and composure with the puck was where it needed to be and he's shown he can play on a regular basis. He's been able to handle whatever minutes we've thrown at him and on some nights, he's been in our top four." From 2014
08. GIORGIO ESTEPHAN, C (6'00", 184 lbs) Lethbridge [64•12•12•24•-25•18]: Estephan was one of the bright spots on a weak Lethbridge team this past season. He has a willingness to play physical and go to high-traffic areas and has tremendous offensive talents. His -25 +/- rating looks bad, but take out the month of January and he'd be a much more respectable -15 and it's also a good indication of just how much Estephan played and that he played in all situations which doesn't help a number like Plus/Minus. I was repeatedly surprised last year that he was only listed at 6'00" and 184 as he played much bigger out there. If he adds some muscle and another inch or so, he could be a real find. QUOTE: DRAKE BEREHOWSKY, Lethbridge coach: "He's learning here and he's coming along really well...he's expanded his role and he's done a great job being able to change and learn new things...Every day will change and that's what's nice about him. He's been able to adapt and he's been able to change. That enables us to put him in a lot of different roles that we need and when he does play those roles he does a great job." From 2014
09. ADAM MUSIL, C (6'03", 193 lbs) Red Deer [60•11•18•29•5•36]: I always find it fascinating when the son of a former player grows to play a style that is nothing like his father. His father Frank Musil was a longtime NHLer who played a physical, unspectacular defensive role, his uncle Bobby Holik played a long time in the NHL in mostly a grinding, checking physical role and his brother David Musil plays in the AHL under contract to Edmonton and plays a methodical defensive style, but Adam Musil, despite his size, is a scoring forward with good skating. In his first year in the WHL, he put up a solid 11 goals and 29 points in 60 games with Red Deer, despite often getting 3rd and 4th line minutes and he's just one year removed from averaging 1.38 points-per-game in the BCMML and two years removed from averaging 1.63 points-per-game. Musil could be a real force when he grows into his body and adds a physical element to his game. QUOTE: FRANK MUSIL, Edmonton Scout/Adam's father: "[On comparisions to brother David] Completely different personalities. David's more level-headed. I compare David to a diesel engine. You start the engine and it will run 500,000 kilometres. Adam, he's more of a Ferrari. He can fly 250 miles per hour or break on the starting line." From 2012
10. RYAN GROPP, LW (6'03", 190 lbs) Seattle [59•18•24•42•-5•22]: Gropp was all set to go through the US collegiate system when he saw the assemblage of talent in Seattle and determined it was a better route for him. With his size and skill and playing alongside Mathew Barzal this year, I think his stock is going to skyrocket. I might have him a little low here, in all honesty, but most of that one can chalk up to limited viewings of him. Had a bit of a slow start to his WHL career as he only had 7 points in his first 13 games, but his play exploded in January when he put up 7 goals and 15 points in just 14 games and was a solid .70 point-per-game pace to finish out the season after that. Had a really solid U-18 tournament where he didn't score much but played with a tad more physical oomph. QUOTE: RUSS FARWELL, Seattle GM: "Because of his ability to make plays at top speed he is going to be a great addition to our team." From 2013
11. TYLER SOY, C (5'11", 168 lbs) Victoria [65•15•15•30•1•15]: Soy is an excellent two-way pivot who has yet to really cement his niche in the WHL and that is what has kept him out of the upper echelons of my list. Very quick and very good playmaker, Soy's biggest problem is that he was stuck behind a lot of older forwards with a very good Victoria team and was mostly used in 3rd line and energy line situations for a good portion of the season, and he lost most of his power-play time in the second half of the year. He needs to get much stronger and add some bulk to his frame. QUOTE: CHAZ REDDEKOPP, Victoria teamate: "It is tough to cover Tyler. He protects the puck so well and is hard to knock off it." From 2013
12. BRANDON CARLO, D (6'05", 185 lbs) Tri-City [71•3•10•13•-13•66]: The first thing you have to talk about with Carlo is size, and at 6'5", he has it in abundance. He's mostly a defence-first defenceman but he's not a bad skater for his size and uses an active stick to make it tough on forwards to get around him. What's intriguing is that he might have some previously-untapped offensive upside, as well, as he only put up 2 points in his first 29 games, but increased usage and ice-time restulted in him putting up 9 points in his last 33 games (Including a 5 assist January!). Carlo also has developing mean-streak and took 66 minutes in penalties which puts him third amongst 2015 draft eligible players in the WHL this season. QUOTE: CARLO, on himself: "I have a big stick and body and am tough to get around. I'm strong along the boards and in the corners. I am good at starting transition but I do need to work on developing my offense." From 2014
13. NOAH JUULSEN, D (6'01", 165 lbs) Everett [59•2•8•10•12•32]: Juulsen is another player who would likely have been high on my preliminary list had I seen more of him. He's a good-sized defenceman with a smooth-skating stride and a rugged quality to his game. As Juulsen got more comfortable in the WHL this year, his physical game grew, as evidenced by his penalty minutes: just 6 in his first 30 games, but 26 in his last 29. QUOTE: GARRY DAVIDSON, Everett GM: "[On Juulsen and teammate Matt Fonteyne] "Both get around the ice well, have good hockey sense and bring a skill package that will serve them well..." From 2013
14. KEONI TEXEIRA, D (6'00", 194 lbs) Portland [65•2•14•16•21•30]: Texeira's game improved by leaps and bounds over the course of Portland's excellent season, going from a bit player with few points (Just 2 assists in his first 14 games) to a 2-way defenceman with increased ice-time (14 points over his next 47, spiked by a terrific January in which he put up 5 points in 9 games) who even took a regular shift deep into the WHL playoffs. Though he's of average size, he plays physical in his own and is rarely beaten clean. The interesting dynamic to watch is how a Portland team that's expected to lose many key veterans responds next year and if Texeira was a by-product of a talented team or a talented player in his own right. QUOTE: MIKE JOHNSTON, then-Portland Coach/GM: "A dynamic two-way player." From 2012
15. ETHAN BEAR, D (5'11", 188 lbs) Seattle [58•6•13•19•1•18]: I expect the offensive defenceman to have a monster year this year coming up as he'll likely get #1 power-play unit time and to work with Mathew Barzal and Ryan Gropp. Bear's hockey sense and smarts are very good and he has a good solid shot that he seems to always get through. He needs to get strong and establish himself as a better defensive-zone presence, but that's not uncommon for prospects his age. Had a nightmarish end to the regular season with 0 points in his last 9 games to go with a -7 rating but rebounded in the playoffs to put up 4 points in the Thunderbirds 9 game post-season run. QUOTE: RUSS FARWELL, Seattle GM: "A very smart puck moving defenseman who has a definite physical edge to his game." From 2012
16. JANSEN HARKINS, C (6'01", 170 lbs) Prince George [67•10•24•34•-9•18]: Harkins started the season off slow, relegated to a lower line before the Cougars decided to give him more ice-time as they turned the team over to their younger players in the new year and Harkins responded with an impressive offensive display. After just 10 points in his first 37 games, he piled up 24 points in his last 30 en route to a solide 34 point season. Harkins has a nice, projectable NHL frame but needs to add bulkk and get stronger. He's a real character player who works hard on the ice, using that effort to get to loose rebounds. QUOTE: WADE KLIPENSTEIN, Prince George Director of Player Development/Assistant GM: "The best word to describe him is 'complete'. We really like his character. He's definitely a a franchise guy."
17. CAMERON HEBIG, C (5'10", 168 lbs) Saskatoon [67•13•13•26•-35•20]: Cameron Hebig's season got off to a terrible start, just 5 points in his first 38 games for a player noted for his scoring ability, there must have been some doubts creeping into his mind. But, then came the World Hockey Championship U-17 tourney and Hebig had a solid 3 points in 5 games for Team Saskatchewan and the experience restored his confidence and he returned to the Blades a new man: putting up 21 points in his last 29 games (A point-per-game ratio of .75!). Hebig is not a big forward, but he competes hard and has a high level of skill and vision. QUOTE: CODY NICKOLET, Junior hockey scout: "He impressed me last year with his vision, skating and compete. He's done the same this year, except that he's 3 inches taller and 30 pounds heavier than last year."
18. JAKE DEBRUSK, LW (5'11", 167 lbs) Swift Current [72•15•24•39•8•21]: Son of former NHL heavyweight fighter Louie DeBrusk, the younger DeBrusk is a total opposite player of his pugilist father. DeBrusk is a small, skilled winger with ample offensive ability. Struggled to find his way in the early-going (5 points in his first 17 games), he rounded into form and from November through to the end of the season, he had 34 points in his last 55 games. QUOTE: BRAD BROWN, The Prairie Post reporter: “He’s quick, has good instincts and isn’t afraid to get physical...”
19. TYLER ROBERTSON, LW (6'01", 175 lbs) Edmonton [26•1•1•2•-2•7]: A funny thing happened to Tyler Robertson when the Edmonton Oil Kings went on their Memorial Cup-winning playoff run, he became one of coach Derek Laxdal's most trusted energy line forwards. Despite only getting into 26 games with the Oil Kings after being signed in December and only putting up 2 points over that time period, Robertson's consistently high compete level, defensive conscience, and penchant for clutch play made got him a regular shift in the playoffs where he played in all 21 of the Oil kings playoff games and 5 more games at the Memorial Cup where, again, he scored a key goal for Edmonton. Obviously not at the same offensive level as him, but that reminded me a lot of the way Curtis Lazar played his way into Laxdal's good books with his excellent playoff campaign in 2012. With lots of players graduating this year, expect Robertson to get a lot more regular season ice-time. QUOTE: RANDY HANSCH, Edmonton GM: "Tyler's an honest two-way player that's very responsible...He's a player that's starting to grow into his game..."
20. JESSE GABRIELLE, LW (5'11", 201 lbs) Brandon [49•12•14•26•-2•68]: The ranking that will probably cause the most consternation is Gabrielle down here but before anyone gets too worked up, it's mostly due to a lack of viewings. Gabrielle, a 5'11", 201 pound spitfire, had a terrific season, potting 26 points along with 68 penalty minutes, to boot. He has great skill and compete, but needs to work on his agility. I think he'll probably catapult up my list once I have a chance to see him, but I just don't think I saw him once this year, despite seeing Brandon several times. QUOTE: DEREK FELSKA, The State of Hockey blogger: "This kid is a very special talent as a freshma, who demonstrated great skill, nice poise, good speed and a wicked release..."
21. GLENN GAWDIN, C (6'01", 181 lbs) Swift Current [66•10•12•22•-11•34]: Big center had a solid first WHL season with Swift Current. Got off to a really good start but play tailed off over the course of the season (15 points in his first 38 games, just 7 in hist last 28). Would have likely been on the positive side of the +/- slate if not for the last two months of the season where he went -12. Was held off the scoresheet in all 6 of the Broncos playoff games. QUOTE: JAMIE PORTER, Swift Current Assistant GM/Director of Player Personnel: "He is a good sized right handed shot. He skates well, we really like his skill level and compete level and we think he will develop into an impact player for our organization."
22. BRAD MORRISON, C (5'11", 161 lbs) Prince George [55•12•9•21•-4•12]: Slight center saw his role on the team grow by leaps and bounds in the second half of the season. Only 6 points after his first 29 games, but ended up putting up 15 points in the last 26. Should have a big role in a developing team next year. QUOTE: WADE KLIPPENSTEIN, Prince George Assistant GM/Director of Player Personnel: “He’s a very dynamic player. He scores goals, and that’s an area that we want to get better in. He’s a natural goal scorer.”
23. CHAZ REDDEKOPP, D (6'03", 215 lbs) Victoria [40•1•8•9•10•33]: Big, physical defender had limited role on a deep Victoria team this past year but went fearlessly into corners when he did play. Should see increased ice-time and presence next season with several teammates graduating. Interestingly, put up 7 of his 9 total points during the months of November and December when he played the most games (One-half of his total Games Played number took place in those two months) so an increased role should see an increase in stats next season. QUOTE: TYLER SOY, Victoria teammate: "Chaz is a big solid defenceman who plays physically but can also chip in offensively."
24. MATTEO GENNARO, C (6'02", 179 lbs) Prince Albert [60•5•10•15•-8•14]: Big, hard-working forward has a solid skill level, as well. Put up 11 of his 15 total points in the first three months of the season, but only 2 in his last 28 games. Had an excellent U-17s where he put up 8 points in just 6 games for Team Pacific. QUOTE: DALE DERKATCH, Prince Albert Director of Player Development: "He competes every shift, every second he's on the ice. He brings a work ethic and abilities to go with it."
25. ZAK ZBOROSKY, C (6'00", 172 lbs) Kootenay [66•8•13•21•-1•10]: Average-sized center plays much larger than his frame would indicate, before checking his stats, while watching him, I was sure he was 6'3"/200. Saw limited minutes behind talented Ice teammates but was an effective energy line player who put up some points and won the trust of coaching staff enough to be used in every Kootenay playoff game. From October through January, he averaged .44 points-per-game but just .08 the rest of the season. QUOTE: TREVOR CRAWLEY, blogger: “He was skating well, making smart plays and scoring goals...”
26. ALEC BAER, C (5'10", 150) Vancouver [60•8•10•18•8•22]: Small, highly-skilled pivot caused a minor scandal in Minnesota when he was kicked off his Minnesota team because of a visit to the Vancouver Giants team. Good, quick playmaking forward. Put up two-thirds of his 18 points in the months of October and December. QUOTE: PAT QUINN, Vancouver Giants part-owner: "[To Joe Sakic] Joe, this young man just may be the next you."
27. TERELL DRAUDE, C (6'03", 210 lbs) Calgary [47•1•6•7•1•9]: Big center saw limited minutes but made a big impression with his big frame that allows him to make room for himself in the offensive zone. Didn't have a single penalty minute until the month of January and still only ended up with 9 at season's end. Team will be expecting him to play more physical with his size which means that number should go way up next year. BOB BEATTY, Team Saskatchewan Head Coach for 2012 Under-16 Cup: "Offensively I think...Terell Draude who has got a big frame, can score."
28. BRADEN PURTILL, LW (6'00", 185 lbs) Tri-City [63•9•5•14•-7•35]: Purtill wasn't expected to secure a roster a spot as early as he did, but got into 63 games with Tri-City this year and picked up 10 of his 14 spots from December onward. Good quick forward. QUOTE: BOB TORY, Tri-City GM: "Braden is a highly skilled forward with very good speed and acceleration...He has a good shot and nose for the net."
29. GRAYSON PAWLENCHUK, LW (6'00", 180 lbs) Red Deer [44•7•12•19•-4•8]: Would be garnering a lot more attention if not for a broken elbow which robbed him of most of October, November and December. Before said injury he'd racked up 6 points in his first 5 games, then closed out the season well with 11 points in his last 34 games. QUOTE: BRENT SUTTER, Red Deer Coach/GM: "Pawly kind of flew under the radar screen and has basically developed into a [WHL Bantam Draft] first-round pick."
30. TY COMRIE, C (5'11", 150 lbs) Tri-City [64•3•6•9•-24•21]: Half-brother to former NHL players Mike and Paul Comrie, and brother of Winnipeg Jets prospect Eric Comrie, Ty is a lot like his half-brother Mike: a small-skilled center with speed and playmaking ability but he he still has the possibility of adding some height and weight to his frame. His numbers were bad this season, but he was a highly-sought after player in major junior and NCAA level so he'll be given more of an opportunity this season. QUOTE: BOB TORY, Tri-City GM: "Ty is an elite talent...turning down 5 NCAA scholarship opportunities to join our program and continues to make rapid improvements to his overall game. He is gifted with offensive creativity and, since being drafted, continues to excel among his peers as he has gained size and strength."
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