2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Kamloops Blazers

Welcome to The Hockey News 2024-25 season preview series. From August 29 to September 20, THN's WHL duo will examine some of the biggest storylines facing each team this season. Today's edition is focused on the Kamloops Blazers, who are projected to have a young team with plenty of talent.

2023-24 Statistics:
Regular Season Record: 20-42-3-3, 46 Points (5th B.C. Division)
Playoffs: N/A
Key Departures: Logan Bairos (D), Ashton Ferster (F), Jesse Sanche (G)
Key Additions: Vít Záhejský (F), Layton Feist (D), Oren Shtrom (F)

The Blazers are in year two of their rebuild and are looking to improve on their 46-point season from 2023-24. They have an impressive 08 and 09 group and have plenty of experienced players who should be able to guide rookies throughout the season. Kamloops also has one of the most experienced coaches in the entire league, Shaun Clouston, meaning there should be plenty of opportunity for their younger players to develop into full-time WHLers this season.

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Up front, all eyes will be on import Vít Záhejský, who is projected to be a top-60 draft pick this year. The 17-year-old was phenomenal at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and should be among the team-scoring leaders this season. Other players to keep an eye on include Jordan Keller, who had 43 points in 46 games with the Blazers last season, Oren Shtrom, who was brought in from the Prince George Cougars, as well as Detroit Red Wings prospect, Emmitt Finnie, who, after a three-game stint in the AHL, should once again lead the team in scoring.

As for the defence, that will once again be led by Pittsburgh Penguins prospect Harrison Brunicke. Now fully healthy, Brunicke should have a massive season that could even warrant consideration for Team Canada at the World Juniors. On top of Brunicke, Kamloops has some quality defencemen, including import Matteo Koci, who is entering his second year and Layton Feist, who will be a leader on the team in his final WHL season.

Lastly, it will be interesting to watch how the Blazers manage their goaltending this season. Dylan Ernst is projected to be the starter, with Logan Edmonstone backing up. The big question is, will the organization elect for a 1A/1B type of situation to help Edmonstone's development, or will this be Ernst's net from start to finish as he wraps up his final WHL season?

While Kamloops may not be in contention for a playoff spot at the end of the year, there is no doubt they have a bright future. High-end prospects like Eli Tverdovsky and Asher Gingras are already signed and should get in some games next season, while Nathan Behm, Isa Guram, and Tommy Lafrenière will all be given plenty of opportunity throughout the year. Ultimately, Blazers fans should be excited for what is to come during the 2024-25 season, as there is plenty of potential throughout Kamloops' lineup.

Make sure you bookmark THN's WHL site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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