WHL's "Big Four" Continue To Dominate CHL Top Ten
Everett, Spokane, Calgary, and Medicine Hat further cement their place as the teams to beat in the Western Hockey League.
With the Everett Silvertips clinching the first WHL playoff spot, they, along with three other clubs, are pulling even further away from the rest of the pack.
Everett Silvertips (4 --> 4)
Landon DuPont this, Carter Bear that, but not enough recognition is being given to the unsung heroes of this Everett roster. Since being acquired from the Regina Pats, forward Cole Temple has 27 points in 27 games while defender Tarin Smith is shattering a career high in points. The Silvertips didn't get this good by accident, and it's been a top to bottom effort.
Spokane Chiefs (6 --> 6)
On the topic of players not getting as much credit as they deserve, forward Mathis Preston has had himself a fantastic rookie season: 34 points in 40 games as a 16-year-old, good for 7th among all Chiefs and 10th among all rookies (while playing the second-fewest games in the top 15). The youth movement in Spokane, along with older stars stepping up, has been a treat for fans all season.
Calgary Hitmen (8 --> 7)
As mentioned in our article on teams exceeding expectations, Calgary is near the forefront of that list. Along with their existing talent, the Hitmen have gone and made some solid moves at the deadline to bolster their roster. Kalem Parker and Carson Birnie have been substantial helps to Calgary's depth, and are looking to assist even more as the Hitmen get set for a playoff push.
Medicine Hat Tigers (9 --> 10)
Aside from the obvious suspect, the Tigers (despite slipping a little in recent games) are getting solid performances from everyone on the roster. Newest additions Tanner Molendyk and Misha Volotovskii have been solid since coming over from the Saskatoon Blades, and Medicine Hat continue to run through the rest of the league en route to a potential first place finish in the Eastern Conference.
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