A look at some of the biggest storylines at the quarter mark of the 2023-24 WHL season.
The WHL has passed the quarter mark of the 2023-24 regular season, and boy, has it been fun. From high-scoring games to an increase in hat tricks, it feels like something special is in store on a nightly basis. Here is a look at some of the biggest storylines so far this season.
Medicine Hat Becomes A Contender
The Medicine Hat Tigers have put the rest of the league on notice. Through 21 games, they are 13-6-2 and rank third in goals for per game with 4.14. They also are ranked seventh in goals against per game at 3.14, showing that they can defend almost as well as they can score. Led by Gavin McKenna, Cayden Lindstrom, Andrew Basha and Oasiz Wiesblatt, this team has taken a massive step back and developed into a contender early on in the season.
Prince George's Offence Can Not Be Stopped
Over in the BC Division, the Prince George Cougars are filling the net faster than a Filip Hronek slap shot. They are the only team to eclipse the 90-goal mark on the season and sit second in goals per game at 4.75. With four of the league's top ten point-getters, they are a matchup nightmare for any opponent in the WHL.
Rookies Taking Center Stage
WHL rookies continue to step up and make an impression this season. Four players, including Terik Parascak and Kenta Isogai, are already above 20 points on the year, while goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen leads the league in shutouts. From Victoria to Brandon, players playing their first few games in the WHL are thriving as they all compete for the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy.
Portland Is A Wagon
The Portland Winterhawks are not just the best team in the WHL but maybe the entire CHL. Not only do they lead the league in goals for per game and against per game, they have outscored the opposition 87 to 44 through 17 games. Lastly, they are top three in both penalty kill and power play and are a perfect 5-0 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum. A team that can beat you in a multitude of ways do not be surprised if they are the WHL representative at this year's Memorial Cup.