Looking at one player from each Western Conference series who stood out during the opening weekend of the 2024 WHL Playoffs.

The 2024 WHL Playoffs are officially underway, with plenty of exciting moments already taking place on the Western Conference side of the bracket. This past weekend also featured stand-out performances as players up their games in anticipation of a long playoff run. Here is a look at one player from each Western Conference series that stood out this weekend. 

Briley Wood- Wenatchee Wild

It is safe to say Briley Wood was ready for the start of the postseason. The current league leader in points exploded for four goals and six points in Game 1, which also included Wood registering nine shots of the net. He was also a contributor in Game 2, recording an assist on the Wenatchee Wild's only goal. The overage forward had a massive impact on the first two games of the series and will need to be a key contributor if the Wild want to move onto the second round. 

James Stefan- Portland Winterhawks 

As he has all season, James Stefan was a key contributor for the Portland Winterhawks. The Edmonton Oilers prospect had two assists in Game 1 and followed that up with a one-goal, two-assist performance in Game 2. He also had six shots in each game, helping the Winterhawks claim a 2-0 series lead over the Victoria Royals. 

Riley Heidt- Prince George Cougars

Riley Heidt played a crucial role in the Prince George Cougars winning the first two games of their series against the Spokane Chiefs. The Minnesota Wild prospect had two assists in Game 1, followed by three assists in Game 2. Heidt also went 29 for 42 in the faceoff over the weekend, winning over 67% of his draws in both games. 

Brett Mirwald- Vancouver Giants

Brett Mirwald stood on his head for the Vancouver Giants as they head home with a series split. Mirwald stopped 91 of the 97 shots he faced in the two games against the Everett Silvertips, including a 53-save performance in Game 2. The only goalie to face over 75 shots in the playoffs, he will need to continue his hot start if the Giants want to pull off the upset.  

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