Firkus, McKenna Among Ten WHLers Named To 2023-24 CHL All-Star Teams
The CHL announced their 2023-24 All-Star Teams, which featured plenty of WHL talent.
Photo by Nick Pettigrew, Moose Jaw Warriors - Firkus, McKenna Among Ten WHLers Named To 2023-24 CHL All-Star TeamsWith the 2023-24 season coming to a close, the CHL announced their First, Second, Third and Rookie All-Star Teams. In total, ten WHLers are featured, with Gavin McKenna making multiple appearances. Here is a look at where WHLers ended up on all four All-Star Teams.
First All-Star Team: Denton Mateychuk, Jagger Firkus and Zac Funk
Denton Mateychuk, Jagger Frikus and Zac Funk were featured on this year's CHL First All-Star Team. Starting with Mateychuk, he had an incredible year that included being nominated for CHL Defenceman of the Year. The Moose Jaw Warriors defender and Columbus Blue Jackets prospect had 75 points in 52 games while also captaining his team to the franchise's first-ever berth in the Memorial Cup.
As for Jagger Firkus, this is the third year-end award he has received from the CHL. The Warriors forward and Seattle Kraken prospect was named CHL Player of the Year while also capturing CHL Top Scorer after 126 points in 63 games. He was dynamic all year and played a massive role in Moose Jaw's run to the Memorial Cup.
Lastly, Zac Funk was named to the First All-Star Team after an incredible 67-goal season. The Prince George Cougars forward and Washington Capitals prospect finished the campaign with 123 points in 68 games, becoming the first player in franchise history to record 55+ goals and 55+ assists in the same season. Not a bad way to end your WHL career.
Second All-Star Team: Carter Yakemchuk and Berkly Catton
The CHL Second All-Star Team featured two WHL players. Calgary Hitmen defenceman Carter Yakemchuk made the list after scoring 30 goals and recording 71 points in 66 games. Yakemchuk is expected to be a first-round pick in this year's draft with some outlets having him as a top-ten pick.
Berkly Catton was also named to the Second All-Star Team. Catton was a force for the Spokane Chiefs all season, recording 54 goals and 116 points in 68 games. A projected lottery pick, it should not be long before his name is called at the 2024 NHL Draft.
Third All-Star Team: Harrison Meneghin, Luca Cagnoni and Gavin McKenna
Three WHL players were featured on the CHL's Third All-Star Team. Harrison Meneghin led the way in the net after posting a 27-20-5 with the Lethbridge Hurricanes. The 2024 NHL Draft prospect was also the Central Division nominee for this year's WHL Goaltender of the Year award after recording a 2.59 goals-against average, .919 SV% and three shutouts.
On the blue line, Luca Cagnoni was dominant for the Portland Winterhawks. The San Jose Sharks prospect had 90 points in 65 games and helped Portland capture the U.S. Division crown. Recently signed by the Sharks, he could be the Winterhawks captain in 2024-25.
Last but certainly not least, Gavin McKenna makes his first of two appearances on the All-Star Teams list. The Medicine Hat Tigers forward had 97 points in 61 games, putting together one of the most impressive 16-year-old seasons in WHL history. The projected first overall pick in 2026, fans should be excited to see what he has up his sleeve for next year.
Rookie All-Star Team: Tarin Smith, Terik Parascak and Gavin McKenna
Three WHLers were also named to the Rookie All-Star Team. Starting with Tarin Smith, he had a solid first year with the Everett Silvertips. His 44 points led all CHL rookie defenders this season, while his play in the defensive zone makes him an intriguing prospect heading into the 2024 Draft.
As for Terik Parascak, he put together the most remarkable rookie campaign in Cougars history. Parascak had 105 points in 68, which is the most by a CHL rookie since 2006-07. A projected first-round pick, the question is, can he eclipse the 50-goal mark in 2024-25?
The third player on the Rookie All-Star list is no surprise, McKenna. The Tigers superstar was this year's CHL Rookie of the Year and was phenomenal at the WHL and international level this year. The rest of the CHL better be ready because he is arguably the early favourite to win next year's Player of the Year.
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