Former WHLers Thriving Outside Of North America
A look at five former WHLers who are having successful seasons outside of North America.
Photo by Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports - Former WHLers Thriving Outside Of North AmericaThe WHL has produced stars not just in the NHL but worldwide. Whether in Sweden or Germany, former WHLers continue to deliver standout performances at the pro level. With that in mind, here is a look at five WHL alums making their mark in some of the top leagues in Europe.
Marcel Noebels- DEL
Starting in Germany, Marcel Noebels is on pace for his third straight 50-point season in the DEL. The former Seattle Thunderbirds and Portland Winterhawks forward leads Eisbären Berlin with 47 points in 49 games and is once again in the conversation for DEL Player of the Year. Part of the Winterhawks team that went to the WHL Final in 2012, he has carved out a remarkable career in his home country over the past decade.
Jordan Weal- KHL
Moving over to Russia, Jordan Weal is having a season to remember. The former Regina Pats forward has 77 points in 66 games with Dynamo Moskva, which is the most ever by a Canadian in a single season. Playing alongside another former WHLer in, Brennan Menell, he will be looking to add a Gagarin Cup to his resume this Spring.
Reid Gardiner- Liiga
In Finland, Reid Gardiner has developed into one of the league's best goal scorers. The former Prince Albert Raiders and Kelowna Rockets winger sits tied for second in Liiga with 22 goals and is up to 47 points in 45 games. Now in his third season with JYP, he will be looking to finish out the season strong while trying to hit the 125 career point mark before the end of the campaign.
Calvin Thürkauf- NL
Over in Switzerland, Calvin Thürkauf continues to shine. He is the captain of HC Lugano and sits second in the league with 57 points in 49 games. The former Rockets forward continues not just to represent his team with pride but also his country as he has suited up for Switzerland at every level, including at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
Ty Rattie- SHL
Lastly, it looks as though Ty Rattie has found a home over in Sweden. The former Portland Winterhawks forward and WHL playoff MVP sits tied for second in the SHL with 41 points this season. Now in his second season with Linköping HC, he is also the only Canadian to surpass both 20 goals and 20 assists in the SHL this year.
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