Offsides: The Official Magazine of the WHL

Editor’s Note

Welcome to another year of WHL hockey.  OffSides will continue to do its best to bring you the
news and notes of the league.  The magazine will be sent out every 5 games or so.  Several of the
features that were introduced last season like future watch and game of the week will continue and
I will try and look for new ways to relate relevant WHL information.  As always I welcome any
submissions from the league’s General Managers and look forward to hearing from you.  Good luck to
everyone this year. Thanks as always, go to those that contributed and I look forward to more of
the same.

Commissioner’s Note

With this WHL5 Season getting under way, I want to wish good luck to everyone. Thanks to everyone
who make their own effort to make the league fun and exciting. One change in effect this season is
a longer schedule (84 games instead of the 74 games in place since the beginning of the league).
Two ideas that will be discussed in the next few months are expansion and the controversial salary
cap. We'll see what comes out of the discussions.  If you have any ideas or suggestions concerning
any aspect of the league and its operations, all comments are appreciated.  The website is still
being improved every day and any suggestion you have for that too would be great. I should be able
to add a searchable player date and place of birth database, as well as the franchise history and
the injury logs for all seasons. The trivia should start again too if I can get enough interest.
So look often for new stuff on there!

Michael Hebert, Web Hockey League Commissioner

Team Previews

Southampton Seagulls

The days of the Seagulls getting pasted 11-1 are over. The team intends to make the playoffs this
year. The team has addressed some of it's problems aquiring some help on defence and left wing and
also signing one of the best goalie Hasek in the offseason. The team is now well stacked in goal
with Hasek, Hebert and Rhodes. The team is also very deep at leftwing with Satan, Volchkov, Graves
and Kozlov.  The Seagulls had 12 draft picks last season and used them wisely.  This team could
ice an all under 26 team that kick some serious butt. The team drafted Stefan 1st overall and is
playing on the big club but only giving him limited icetime.  The team also has Balmochnykh, Fata,
Bartecko, Kalinin, Skoula, Spacek and Boyle are all up on the big club helping out.  Handzus,
Novseltsev, Vaanen, Mezei, Ahonen, Havlat, Rita and Jackman roundout the farm team and these
players will grow into future stars.  The team is still weak at center and on the right wing. Look
for the team to trade some of it's youth to help improve some of it's starting players.

Spokane Chiefs

After an impressive debut to the pre-season (4-0-0) the Spokane Chiefs look to have a few lines
that have chemistry for once in the last 3 seasons.  On paperthe lines don't look that impressive
but on the ice they meld.
1st line : Lang/McEachern/Mogilny - combine for 9 points over 4games
2nd line : Green/Romaniuk/Boyer - combine for 9 points over 4games
3rd line : Conroy/Huard/Barnaby - combine for 8 points over 4games
Look for the Spokane Chiefs to contend for the Cyber Cup this season....not on talent but on sheer
determination!.

Hamilton Steelcats

The Steelcats are entering their 3rd year in Hamilton, and it seems the team gets better every
season. But this year seems to be the status quo.  Some names have changed but not enough to make
a real difference once the season starts. This team is young and very inexperienced which really
showed through in the playoffs.  Mental errors and the inability to pick their game up a notch
against the Corinthians cost them a shot at the cup. 

Centre ======  Same group is back for a second season. This is a strong core of youngsters led by
Josh Holden and Daniel Tkaczuk. After a slow start Holden picked his game up in the second half
and finished first in rookie scoring.  Daniel Tkaczuk showed he can be a premier defensive
centreman in this league but that he isn't ready for primetime and second line centreduty.   The
second line duties will invariably land at the feet of spark plug Daniel Briere. He had an
extremely slow start but juiced it up in the last month of the season. He has been a little
warrior the past season.  Though it is troubling that his goal and point totals dropped so much.
The fourth centre is Rob Neidermayer.  He isn't big enough to be a physical defensive centreman at
this stage, and just plain hasn't showed consistent offensive skill yet. Hopefully a long run in
the playoffs will help remedy this lack of overall experience.
ALL MOST THERE: MARK BELL has wait patiently and could play this seasonthough it would take a
trade or serious injury of one of the top four.  He is big physical and shows lots of offensive
upside. He could solve some problems on the team if given the chance. 
GRADE: B

Left Wing ========= Again this group is almost the same as last year. Jeff Friesen will be looked
on to perform a little better than he did last year. He had a hard time making the transition to
the Steelcats. Cats need more goals from him if they want to be dominant. The addition this year
is Magnus Arvedsson.  This guy is big and fast and his defensive awareness is second only to
MikePeca and Jere Lehtinen. And with all that said he is a gifted offensive player as well.  He
will likely be the number 2 guy on the left side. That leaves Eric Daze as the unlikely 3rd line
winger. He played well last year but petered out the last month and didn't get much playing time
in the playoffs. If anyone of these players doesn't meet expectations Hnat Domenichelli will step
in. This guy has been an elite scorer at ever level and has shown on occasion the ability to do it
in the WHL.
ALMOST THERE: DAVE ROCHE for lack of a better player. He played up all season and played strictly
3rd line duty and did pretty well. He is a big SOB but his skating and offensive are below
average. This is a team weakness. 
GRADE:B+

Right Wing ========== On the right side the Cats moved out Jason Dawe who played beyond everyones
expectation last year. But again this year as last Daniel Alfredsson is the main man. He can score
and he is above average defensively. Injury are a problem but with his new summer work outplan and
personal training he should be that much stronger. He is a team leader and a veteran. Jarome
Iginla didn't do as well as the team had hoped but he will again be the second line right winger. 
He is a big strong kid who needs to learn to use his body and bang. The third line is likely a
toss up between Mike Henrich and Jeff O'Neill. Jeff will get the early nod because he is the
incumbent but if he can't play some competent defence he will be moved quickly in favour of the
youngster Henrich. 
ALMOST THERE: SCOTT PARKER is a big time heavy weight with decent speed and checking. He can be a
heavyweight in this league or any league. 
GRADE: B-

DEFENCE ======= This is where the most movement came which isn't surprising considering the team
is deep at centre. On draft day the Cats moved a second round pick in favour or getting veteran
dman Phil "the thrill" Housley.  Not a pick upfor defensive purposes strictly offence. Still the
undisputed leader on defence is Sandis Ozolinsh. He can skate like the wind and he tries to be
responsible defensively but you don't want to stifle his play. Now the defensive responsibility
will fall to Wade Redden. He is a strong agile dman one of the best in the league and he as some
touch. He is a good compliment to Ozolinsh.  Kyle McLaren is also there to help on the home end he
too is big strong and capable offensively and should be teamed with Kenny Jonsson or Derek Morris
both of whom are offensively dynamic.  The prize of the teams minor league system is Vitali
Vishnevsky who will also be up this season he will play when there is injuries or when one of the
others slumps. He is a nasty player not unlike Vlad Konstantinov. He isn't really an offensive
threat but he doesn't make mistakes with the puck either. 
ALMOST THERE: Denis Gauthier, acclaimed for his open ice hitting and tough as nails demeanor, he
has taken long to develop then most thought. The Cats picked him up last season in a deal with the
Dropkicks. He could see time up. 
GRADE:A

GOALTENDING ============ This is an odd area. Martin Brodeur who is the obvious number one played
fewer games last year than at anytime in his WHL career. Kevin Hodson played more than anyone
thought and better too. He replaced Brodeur for much of the playoffs. But yet Hodson was moved in
the offseason. Brodeur is a rangy butterfly goalie but his had some games last season when he was
just fighting the puck. He gave up big rebounds and lost concentration during short periods of
some of the games. But he is still a top 3 or 4goalie in this league. J.S. Giguere is an enigma so
far. He plays like a world beater one game and then like a midget goalie the next. Needs to find
consistency in his game or he will remain a backup. 
ALMOST THERE: NONE 
GRADE: A-
OUTCOME: Second in Division, Third in the Conference

Chi-Town Krushers

KRUSHERS LOOKING TO SHAKE PLAYOFF CURSE ONCE AND FOR ALL:
=========================================================Chi-Town (AP) -
	Krushers GM's rebuilding plan came into full force last season, as the
Krushers completed the transition from a slow, veteran laden team, to a speedier, more
well-rounded group. New coach Doug MacLean won Coach of the Year honors and Jeremy Roenick
completed his transformation into the leagues best
2-Way player, as his Selke award demonstrates.
	 The season finished on a high note as the Krushers won the divisionon
the final day of the season. But the glory was short lived as the Krushers fell to the hated
Hartford Dropkicks in a 6-game 1st round series. Throughout the existance of the Krushers
franchise, their pathetic playoff record now rests at 4-12, not impressive at all for 4 years of
existance.  Will this be the year the Krushers make it? If not, the jobs of MacLean and Golbez
could hang in the balance.
	The Krushers head into the season with even more fresh blood sent to
enter. With 50 assist man Jeff Norton gone, as well as veteran pest Pat
Verbeek, the Krushers aren't worried. Prospects Brad Stuart, Bryan
Allen are 2 of the best up and coming defensemen in the game. Up front,
Golbez believes Sergei Krivokrasov and Petr Sykora can have better seasons,
while rising star Sergei Samsonov looks to continue his steady improvement. 
How do the Krushers stack up?

Goaltending:------------
       Rogles didn't win the Vezina last season, but he was close. The
solid, but non-flashy style made Rogles a steadying influence in the
Krushers attack. His 30 wins and .900 SV% gave his forwards the confidence
to attack and his defense the confidence to pinch in. Rogles will be backed
up by either Mark Fitzpatrick or Manny Legace. For 2 seasons, Golbez has
looked for a solid backup; Irbe and Fernandez unable to do the job.  Legace
has looked solid thus far.
Defense:--------
	One of the best corps last year, this year it could be better, or shakier.
Gone is 50-assist man Jeff Norton. Looking to replace Norton is Brad
Stuart, who had 11 points in 10 games, but also took too many chances.
Stuart has had an awful pre-season, and may be trying to hard to please
offensively. Bryan Allen, subject to many trade rumours, may start the
season in the minors. Rob Blake, one of the league's best, anchors the core
with Ivan "The Terrible" Droppa. Justin Hocking, one of the best defensive
defenseman on the Krushers, will anchor the 2nd unit. Adam Burt and
Christer Olsson will likely round out the top 6.
Offense:--------
	No problems here, and even more is expected. Sergei Krivokrasov and Petr
Sykora have been dissapointing to date. Krivokrasov's 12 goals were the
lowest total of his career, and Sykora's 6 goals are even worse. With
Verbeek gone, and enigmatic Kovalenko likely to be dealt, coach MacLean has
left the door open for both to grab a spot and run with it. Look for Sykora
to be the 2nd line RW with Alex Daigle and Michal Grosek. This unit should
be able to surpass the goal totals of last season.

Top 10 Prospects
(* = Sure Fire WHLer)
* 1. Brad Stuart, Defenseman
* 2. Bryan Allen, Defenseman
3. Kris Beech, Center* 
4. Jonathan Girard, Defenseman* 
5. Greg Johnson, Center 
6. Scott Kelman, Center  
7. Kiril Safranov, Defenseman
8. Matt Zultek, Left Wing  
9. Konstantin Koltsov, Left Wing
10. David Ytfeldt, Defenseman

Player to Watch:----------------Petr Sykora - Center
	With tons of skill, and not a lot of opportunity to try them, coach
MacLean is looking (and hoping) for Petr Sykora to take a top spot and
score lots. Sykora has 30 goal potential, and will finally get his chance.
If he blows it, the Krushers will likely give up on him once and for all.
Outlook:
--------	Although playing in the weakest WHL division, the race will be a good
one.  Hated rival Dropkicks will challenge the Krushers for the division title,
and the Krushers will face a lot of post-season pressure. Golbez and coach
MacLean will likely break in more rookies, and continue to build the
Krushers into a true contender.  For the Krushers, this is Paul Varelens.

Des Moines Dominators

GM Jason Kolsrud isn't quite sure what exactly this coming season holds for him and the
Dominators. The pre-season isn't a very good indication as none of the top three forwards are
playing a regular shift (as of pre-season day7). That is bound to change for the last three games
as Kolsrud sets up for a rebounding season after last years disappointment.  Here is a breakdown
by position at what the Dominators are looking for:

CENTER:  Joe Thornton had a break-thru season with 40 goals and 69 points which the Dominators are
looking for him to improve on this season. Thornton is beingl ooked at to build on the 69 point
season he had last year and will hopefully get 80-90 points this season. Olli Jokinen was picked
up late in the season and finished with 15 goals and 44 points. Jokinen is being looked to pick up
30goals this season on the second line. The third and fourth lines will probably see a mix of
rookie Simon Gagne, Matthew Herr, Herbert Vasiljevs and vetern Bob Corkum. Corkum had 11 goals and
29 points playing on the third line and whether he gets third line duties or not he will see time
on the penalty kill.  Gagne and Vasiljevs have three points each so far in the pre-season and as
of right now it looks like Gagne will get third line duties at the start of the season.

LEFT WING:  Patrick Elias was expected to take over the first line slot but it just doesn't look
to be in the cards. Elias who had 13 goals and 31 points last season was a big disappointment last
season. He will need to pick it up big this season if he is expected to stay a Dominator all
season. Steve Thomas who had 6goals and 12points in 40 games last season was an even bigger
disappointment than Elias.  Thomas though came into camp in great shape and will start out on the
first line with Thornton and will have to prove his worth or he may well be playing in another
uniform by mid-season as well. Marcus Nilson, who was picked up in the off-season for Artem
Chubarov, will most likely see some third line action at the beginning of the season. Bob Bassen
and Dave Reid will split fourth line duties and penalty kill time through-out the season.
RIGHT WING: The battle for the first line right winger will be a good one.  Youngster Glen Murray
who had a bad season last year with 13 goals and 36 points definitely needs to step it up a notch.
Brett Hull was lost do to retirement but John MacLean was picked up in the special free agent
draft and will see time on the first line at the beginning of the season. If Murray shows what he
is made of look for him to take the first line spot over before mid-season. Ty Jones and Johan
Lindbom will battle for the third line spot and right now it seems to be leaning toward Ty Jones.
Neither one is doing much in the pre-season but that will hopefully be different come the last
three games of the pre-season. With them four taking the starting spots that leaves Nelson Emerson
out of the picture. Emerson who had 12 goals and 19 points will start the season in the minors and
is expected to be traded early in the season.
DEFENSE:  Defense is where the Dominators are young and unproven. Remi Royer and Paul Mara were
looked at to run the defense last season and that was just to much pressure for the youngsters.
Royer had 13 goals and 50 points which is very solid and is exactly what the Dominators would like
from him again this season. Mara was a little more of a disappointment 8 goals and 40 points. His
point production wasn't the disappointment but his -18 was. Mara will be looked at to score
15goals and 55-60 points as well Royer is being looked at to score 20 goals this season. Lyle
Odelein was picked up in the off-season for Darren Turcotte to add some toughness and defense to
the Dominators defensive corp. Darren VanImpe, Mario Larocque, Aaron Ward and Jeff Brown II will
fill out the rest of the defense but if Emerson can be traded for a veteran Dman look for one of
them to be sent packing.
GOALTENDING:  Mike Dunham and Mike Richter pretty much split duties last season.  Dunham ended up
with a 18-19-5 record with a 3.23 GAA and a .893 save percentage and2shutouts. Richter had a
10-18-4 record with a 4.08 GAA and a .872 save percentage. Patrick DesRochers is still the goalie
of the future but won't be looked to play until WHL6. Dunham will get the nod in the season opener
unless Richter is completely dominating during his pre-season games. 
SUMMARY:  The Dominators will be looking for bigger and better things this season. Anything below
a five hundred record will be a disappointment and major changes could be made if it looks like
they will stay below the five hundred mark.

Hartford Dropkicks

Hartford Sportline with Mike Wildeboer

In the Dropkicks second year of WHL competition, fans in New England are expecting more of the
fast paced, exciting hockey that they witnessed last year. If the preseason is any indicator at
all, they will have plenty to cheer about. In a series of moves this preseason, the 'Kicks have
parted ways with captain Doug Weight and sniper Ray Whitney, but have acquired one of the most
offensively gifted players in the WHL in Teemu Selanne, bolstered their weak defence with the
addition of Vladmir Malhakov, and promoted their first ever draft pick David Legwand to second
line status.  With the rumoured addition of speedster Todd Marchant, the left side will be back to
good form, something that needed attention once Whitney left Hartford.  And what of the Dropkicks
team goals this year?  "Our hopes aren't quite as large as Golbez's current girlfriend, but really
what is," said GM Chris Kordyback in a recent interview, "I mean have you seen that lady? My
heavens! I heard she lost 25 pounds...but that's like throwing a lawn chair off the Titanic. Any
ways back to hockey, uh, I think we'll do just fine."

I'm Mike Wildeboer, and that's the news.

Vancouver Voodoo

Off Season movement:  
Out: Teemu Selanne, Sami Kapanen
In: Marcus Naslund, Todd Bertuzzi, Artem Chubarov, Daniel and Henrik Sedin.

The Voodoo were fairly active during the offseason, they resigned Niklas Lidstrom to a four year
deal, traded Teemu Selanne and Sami Kapanen for Todd Bertuzzi and the Sedin Twins, and added Artem
Chubarov through a prospect swap.  For many teams, losing players like Teemu Selanne and Sami
Kapanen would be devestating. For the Voodoo however it was a matter of getting good young players
and making room for Marcus Naslund and more playing time for Anson Carter. While Marcus Naslund
may never replace Teemu Selanne, he seems to have slid right onto the first line with Paul Kariya
and Peter Forsberg, tied for the team lead in preseason goals with 6.  While the Sedins will play
this year in Sweden, they will likely be the key acquisition of the summer for years to come. The
dynamic duo are highly touted prospects, and for the Voodoo there is no rush to get them here.

MAKING THE GRADE:
Centers :A+ Few teams can boast of having such depth at the center position. With Peter Forsberg,
captain Mike Peca, youngster Patrick Marleau, and veteran Brian Skrudland, the Voodoo have some of
the best middlemen available.
RW :B+ While the right side no longer contains a guaranteed 50 goal man, Marcus Naslund could
score as many playing with the likes of Forsberg and Kariya. Deadmarsh is a tough young guy who
can chip in 30 and Carter provides speed on a solid 3rd line.
LW :A- Paul Kariya buoys the left side and is one of the best players in the WHL today. Behind
Kariya are two power forwards, one just maybe moving past his prime, and one looking for a
breakout season. Brendan Shanahan has taken a step back from the days when he was money for 50
goals, and Todd Bertuzzi will begin his first season with regular action in the WHL. Bertuzzi has
the skills, but has been inconsistent thus far in his career.
D :A Led by Lidstrom this young core of defenseman contains countryman, Mattias Ohlund, playing
makers in Eric Brewer and Bryan McCabe (editors note, boy were we wrong when we made McCabe for
the WHL2 entry draft, not exactly the pansy point scorer we envisioned but a tough checking SOB.),
Speedster Bret Hedican, and tough as nails, Brad Ference. One of the better collection's of d-men
in the WHL.
G :A- Roberto Luongo looks to carry off from his calder candidate season of last year and again
provide the Voodoo with stellar goaltending this season. And it looks like he will do that.
Through seven preseason games, five of which Luongo played, Luongo leads the league in save
percentage, goals against average, and shutouts. Backing him up will again be Corey Hirsch. Brian
Finley was drafted 12th overall in a surprise move by the Voodoo and will start on the farm but
many suggest only because he will get more playing time instead of watching behind Luongo.
Overall: A. The Voodoo will again be one of the teams to contend for the Cup.

5 Things to Watch for in WHL 5

1) Records to fall.  With the league expanding its schedule by 10 games, we should expect to see
all of the single season individual records to fall.  
2) The Hartford Dropkicks.  Since taking over the team just prior to the WHL 4 entry draft, GM
Chris Kordyback has made massive strides taking the Dropkicks to the point where they can be
considered Cyber Cup contenders.
3) CBA Negotiations.  The issue of a salary cap has already caused divisions in the WHL.  How the
league handles this tricky subject will have a huge impact, no matter what the decision is.
4) The Pacific Division.  With the defending Cyber Cup champions in the Penticton Venom as well as
league heavyweights like the Voodoo, Express and Vikings, this is the best division in hockey.  A
poor divisional record could see a good team on the outside looking in come playoff time.
5) Vincent Lecavalier.  This smooth skating center for the Kingston Corinthians looks to be one of
the game’s next superstars.  Playing alongside a stellar group of forwards in Kingston should only
speed up his ascension among the game’s elite.

Game of the Week

Day 5, Express at Voodoo.  The Voodoo are the lone team in the Vancouver market after the
Strangers defection from Surrey to Jasper, Alberta.  The Express can expect an extremely hostile
crowd in Vancouver from not only Voodoo fans but disgruntled supporters of the former Surrey
Strangers.  That aside this should be a very entertaining game that will settle nothing in the
long run but give one team the early season bragging rights.

Statistics

50 Goal Seasons

15 players have hit the 50 goal plateau in WHL history.  Eric Lindros has done it 3 times with two
different teams.  Alexei Zhamnov is the only player to hit the 60 goal mark twice.  Sergei Fedorov
and Jaromir Jagr have also scored 50 goals for tow different teams.

Theoren Fleury, Surrey Strangers: 66 in WHL 4
Zigmund Palffy, Vancouver Voodoo: 65 in WHL 3
Peter Bondra, Struer Norsemen: 62 in WHL 2
Alexei Zhamnov, Edmonton Vikings: 61 in WHL 2
Alexei Zhamnov, Chicoutimi Sparrows: 60 in WHL 4
Saku Koivu, Kingston Corinthians: 60 in WHL 2
Mario Lemieux, Albany Mallrats: 60 in WHL 2
Pierre Turgeon, Chicoutimi Sparrows: 59 in WHL 3
Sergei Fedorov, Winnipeg Wolves: 57 in WHL 2
Eric Lindros, Albany Mallrats: 57 in WHL 2
Paul Kariya, Vancouver Voodoo: 56 in WHL 3
Mats Sundin, Newfoundland Gangstaz: 56 in WHL 1
Jaromir Jagr, Pittsburgh Quakers: 55 in WHL 3
Brendan Shanahan, Edmonton Vikings: 55 in WHL 3
Eric Lindros, Albany Mallrats: 55 in WHL 1
Jaromir Jagr, Kingston Corinthians: 52 in WHL 4
Teemu Selanne, Vancouver Voodoo: 52 in WHL 4
Eric Lindros, Edmonton Vikings: 52 in WHL 4
Kevin Stevens, Des Moines Dominators: 52 in WHL 2
Sergei Fedorov, Hermitage Bangers: 51 in WHL 1

100 Point Seasons

There have been twenty 100 point campaigns in WHL history.  Alexei Zhamnov and Eric Lindros lead
the way with three one hundred point seasons.  Sergei Fedorov and Mats Sundin are the only other
players to have done it at least twice.

Eric Lindros, Albany Mallrats: 138 in WHL 2
Mark Messier, Surrey Strangers: 129 in WHL 4
Mario Lemieux, Albany Mallrats: 116 in WHL 2
Pat Lafontaine, Waterloo Lunatics: 116 in WHL 2
Alexei Zhamnov, Chicoutimi Sparrows: 112 in WHL 4
Alexei Zhamnov, Edmonton Vikings: 109 in WHL 2
Doug Weight, Vancouver Voodoo: 112 in WHL 3
Paul Kariya, Vancouver Voodoo: 108 in WHL 3
Mike Modano, Vancouver Voodoo: 108 in WHL 3
Mats Sundin, Kingston Corinthians: 107 in WHL 2
Theoren Fleury, Surrey Strangers: 106 in WHL 4
Sergei Fedorov, Hermitage Bangers: 105 in WHL 1
Saku Koivu, Kingston Corinthians: 104 in WHL 2
Eric Lindros, Edmonton Vikings: 103 in WHL 4
Mats Sundin, Kingston Corinthians: 103 in WHL 4
Zigmund Palffy, Vancouver Voodoo: 102 in WHL 3
Steve Yzerman, Penticton Venom: 101 in WHL 3
Alexei Zhamnov, Edmonton Vikings: 101 in WHL 1
Eric Lindros, Albany Mallrats: 101 in WHL 1
Sergei Fedorov, Winnipeg Wolves: 100 in WHL 2


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