Head back to 2005-06 when the WHL changed it's rule to better match the NHL.
In this edition of The Hockey News, Rob Vanstone investigates the WHL's decision to change its rule book to match the NHL better. Read WHL commissioner Ron Robison's thoughts on why the league made the switch and his rationale as to why the WHL was the last CHL league to make the transition. Also noted in the article is information on award winners from 2006 and a reminder of just how dominant the Vancouver Giants were that season.
Make sure also to check out the All-Rookie Team article written by Mark Brender. In this column, he ranks the top six rookies of the 2005-06, which includes two former WHLers. With former Red Deer Rebel Dion Phaneuf at four and former Vancouver Giant Andrej Meszaros at five, this list indicates how special these two WHL alumni were in their NHL rookie seasons.
Lastly, don't forget to read Neil Hodge's report on Vancouver Giants forward Gilbert Brule from the 2006 Memorial Cup. Included are quotes from Brule, colour commentator Bill Willms, and coach Don Hay about the WHL star's play during the 2005-06 season. One of the most talented players ever to put on a Giants jersey, he would make the jump to the NHL full-time the next season and finish his WHL career with 185 points in 165 games.
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