Where to start?
I was thinking about this the other day while continuing my prep for a new Western Hockey League Season and thought, why not put a list together of one player who may be poised for a big year on each team?
Here’s a player to watch on each team in the WHL’s East Division!
Luka Burzan – Brandon Wheat Kings
Burzan fell short of high expectations scoring just 15 goals and 40 points in a draft year split between Moose Jaw and Brandon a year ago. After TSN’s Craig Button picked Burzan to go in the first round (28th overall) in his preseason NHL draft rankings, Burzan ended up going undrafted.
You can never underestimate the value of a summer. Burzan is poised for a breakout year in Brandon.
Austin Pratt- Regina Pats
After registering 16 goals as a 17-year old in Red Deer, Austin Pratt took a step back last season. Scoring just 7 times in 39 games, he was dealt to Regina where he failed to score in 21 regular season games and didn’t get his first as a Pat until the Memorial Cup. He’s lost weight but still has a large frame at 6’3″, 200 lbs. With a ton of scoring gone, Regina will look to the American to help fill the void.
Michael Farren – Saskatoon Blades
Had 11 goals and 22 points as a 17-year old. Let’s remember, he’s only entering his 18-year old year. He can skate and has offensive upside. His role will increase and so will his production. Farren has put up 9 points in the preseason and is ready to take off.
Remember the value of a summer I mentioned above? It applies here maybe more than anywhere else.
Noah King – Swift Current Broncos
As an 18-year old in last spring’s WHL playoffs, King stepped up when the Broncos were hit with injuries on the blue line and preformed admirably. As a bottom third pairing defenceman, King logged key minutes on the Broncos’ run to the title. He is 6’4 with good hockey sense and puck moving ability. As Swift Current deals with major roster turnover King will be a stable anchor on the back end.
Brett Leason – Prince Albert Raiders
Leason had 16 goals and 33 points in a good 18-year old season but the sky is the limit for the former 3rd round pick of the Tri-City Americans. He’s big (6’4″), will get a ton of ice time, and has shown a history of scoring at every level. No reason to think it doesn’t continue this year on a very good Raiders team. Get used to seeing his name among the scoring leaders all season.
Tate Popple – Moose Jaw Warriors
As a 17-year old, Popple scored just 6 goals but had a respectable 22 points on a very good Moose Jaw team. He has all the tools to shine in a top-6 offensive role with the Warriors. He’s exceeded point-per-game status at every level and he could get close to that number this season.