A look at some of the biggest storylines at the halfway mark of the 2023-24 WHL season.
The WHL has hit the halfway point of their 2023-24 season. From low-scoring goaltending battles to barn burners, WHLers continue to set the bar high and entrain fans on a nightly basis. Here is a look at four of the biggest stories at the mid-season mark.
Drafted Prospects Moving Around The WHL
So far this season, there have been some massive trades around the league. Starting with the Moose Jaw Warriors, they have added not one but two NHL-drafted defencemen in Vojtech Port and Kalem Parker. Not to be outdone, the Saskatoon Blades added Maple Leafs prospect Fraser Minten, while the Portland Winterhawks were able to not just trade for Seattle Kraken prospect Tyson Jugnauth but convince him to leave the NCAA for the WHL. With even more trades expected after the World Juniors, it is clear a handful of teams are going all in as they look to book a place in the 2024 Memorial Cup.
Victoria Royals Benefitting From The New Coach Bump
After starting the season 8-7-1, the Victoria Royals decided to make a change behind the bench, replacing Dan Price with James Patrick. The move has proven to be a stroke of genius as the Royals are the hottest team in the league, going 14-6-1 since the coaching change. At this rate, they should be headed to the playoffs for the first time since 2019 and will most likely be the favourite during their round-one matchup.
Two Prince George Cougars Battling It Out For WHL Rookie of the Year
While most of the attention has been on Terik Parascak this season, it could be another Prince George Cougars rookie who walks away with the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy. Joshua Ravensbergen has been phenomenal through his first 19 games and may even be in contention for WHL Goaltender of the Year as well. With six shutouts and 12 wins, he has become a can't-miss prospect ahead of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft.
More Than 60 Players Are Over A Point Per Game
One remarkable stat from the first half of the season is that there are over 60 players who have played in more than ten games this season and are above a point per game. Led by Matthew Savoie, who has posted an astounding 24 points in his first 11 games, night after night, the stars are delivering big-time performances for their teams. With over 2600 goals scored so far this season, fans are being treated to plenty of goal-scoring on a nightly basis.
