Recapping day two of the Western Hockey League's opening weekend.
First things first: Landon DuPont has arrived.
While he didn't score in his league debut, he did impress many with his pure talent and ability to get out of tough situations; showing immense composure for a defenceman his age. In addition, he did spring forward (and billet roommate) Carter Bear for a breakaway goal and his first WHL point.
Moving to the Eastern Conference, a quartet of 2008-born players all tallied their first goals in the WHL in the same game. Markus and Liam Ruck (Medicine Hat Tigers) helped their squad get out to a three-goal first period lead, and Shaeffer Gordon-Carroll got in on the action making the game 4-1 along with an assist for two total points. Edmonton Oil Kings forward Joe Iginla also got in on the action, collecting a power play goal and an assist to continue his hot start to the year.
Returning to the west, Wenatchee Wild forward Caelan Joudrey collected his first two points, a goal and an assist, in a 7-1 dismantling on the Seattle Thunderbirds. The Airdrie, Alta. product had three points in seven games for Wenatchee in 2023-24, and looks poised to make a strong run and get himself noticed early.
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