It’s the CHL on Sportsnet’s mid-week edition featuring the defending MasterCard Memorial Cup champion Edmonton Oil Kings playing host to the Brandon Wheat Kings in game four of their series. After dropping game one of the series, the Wheat Kings have won two straight. It’s the only series in the WHL that features the 2-3-2 format as the distance between the cities is 1,140 kms.
The Wheat Kings were amongst the top teams in the CHL all season long. Their lineup features a mix of talented players in every age group, although the overwhelming sense is this team has arrived a year earlier than predicted. Jordan Papirny has carried the mail all season in goal. He’s been outstanding the first three games of the series with a save percentage up over .930. Alex Moody backs him up.
On the blueline, coach Kelly McCrimmon prefers a group of six, but the Wheaties are starting to get healthy again, and it’s likely their lineup will feature seven defencemen for the next two games. Note the “pro” in Ivan Provorov’s name.
He’s paired up with another potential NHL first-rounder in Ryan Pilon. Eric Roy is playing for a contract, Reid Gow and Macoy Erkamps are veterans. Colton Waltz is a steadying presence while Kale Clague is a star in the making.
Up front, Brandon is a lot like Oshawa in that the top nine is extremely dangerous. Tyler Coulter and Jayce Hawryluk compliment 100-point player Tim McGauley. John Quenneville, a New Jersey first-round pick plays with import Rihards Bukarts and Braylon Shmyr. Morgan Klimchuk is another first-rounder and reliable as can be. Nolan Patrick will be a top-three pick when he’s eligible in 2017.
The Edmonton Oil Kings enter game four with a ton of confidence having stolen game one in Brandon and playing tough until the bitter end in game three.
Tristan Jarry gives the Oil Kings all the confidence they need. When he’s not stopping pucks, he’s acting as a third defenceman as the best puck-playing goalie in the CHL. On the back end, Ashton Sautner has played well enough to earn an NHL contract. He and Dysin Mayo combined to produce over 100 points in the regular season. Blake Orban and Aaron Irving are bruisers. Ben Carroll is starting to come into his own.
Up front, Edmonton is challenged to score, but was much better in the second half with the likes of Brett Pollock, Lane Bauer, Edgars Kulda and Brandon Baddock taking the lead. Luke Bertolucci loves the post-season. Tyler Robertson has scored twice in the series. Youngsters Andrew Koep and Davis Koch excelled in the second half, and really boost the Oil Kings chances if they can produce. Mads Eller escaped a near-fatal injury in game three and it would be miraculous if he suited up for game four.
Brandon Wheat Kings
53-11-4-4 (26-8-0-2 Road), 1st Eastern Division, 1st Eastern Conference) 2nd BMO CHL Top 10
Playoffs 2-1-0 (1-0-0 Road), 2W
NHL drafted/signed Players
Morgan Klimchuk (CGY, 28th in 2013)
John Quenneville (NJ, 30th in 2014)
Jayce Hawryluk (FLA, 32nd in 2014)
Eric Roy (CGY, 135th in 2013)
Reid Duke (MIN, 169th in 2014)
Peter Quenneville (CBJ, 195th in 2013)
NHL Central Scouting
Ivan Provorov, No. 10
Ryan Pilon, No. 31
Rihards Bukarts. No. 190
Jordan Papirny, No. 25 (goalies)
Under the radar
Reid Gow The WHL first-round pick and captain in Spokane took some time to adjust back to WHL pace after spending early part of season with the University of Manitoba. He’s well-rounded with big shot-.
Edmonton Oil Kings
34-31-4-3(19-15-1-1 Home), 5th Central Division, 8th Eastern Conference
Playoffs 1-2-0, (0-1-0 Home), 2L
NHL drafted/signed Players
Tristan Jarry (PIT, 44th in 2013)
Brett Pollock (DAL, 45th in 2014)
Dysin Mayo (ARI, 133rd in 2014)
Aaron Irving (NSH, 162nd in 2014)
Edgars Kulda (ARI, 193rd in 2014)
Ashton Sautner (VAN, signed FA)
NHL Central Scouting
no players listed
Under The Radar
Ashton Sautner The veteran defender moves pucks, eats minutes and produces, while leading by example.