2024-25 WHLSeason Preview: Wenatchee Wild

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 Wenatchee Wild, who will be looking to ride the momentum for their inaugural season into 2024-25.

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2023-24 Statistics:
Regular Season Record: 34-30-4-0, 72 Points (3rd U.S. Division
Playoffs: Defeated By Kelowna Rockets 4-2
Key Departures: Graham Sward (D), Karter Prosofsky (D), Briley Wood (F)
Key Additions: Reid Andresen (D), Easton Kovacs (D), Ben Davis (F)

The Wild enter the 2024-25 campaign with a strong roster that should have no issues qualifying for the postseason. They have some exciting draft-eligible prospects and have brought in some experienced players on the blue line who should lead the team to success. Led by new head coach Don Nachbaur, Wenatchee is a team with a lot of potential that is going to be hard to play against every night.

After a fantastic rookie campaign, Kenta Isogai is once again expected to lead the Wild offensively. Other names to watch out for include Evan Friesen and Miles Cooper, who will both play key roles in the top six. The Wild also have some young and exciting prospects, like Ben Davis, Grant Reid, and Ashton Brown, who could become valuable pieces to the lineup this season.

As for the blue line, this is where Wenatchee is the deepest. Whether it is new arrivals like Easton Kovac and Reid Anderson or returnees in Sam Ward and Josh Fluker, the Wild have built a top four that can match up against any team. They also have some intriguing prospects like Radoslav Dimitrov and Tyler Russell, who could end up playing key minutes throughout the year.

Related: Wenatchee Wild's Daniel Hauser Continues To Build On Historic Career

Lastly, the Wild have one of the more reliable goaltending tandems in the league. Daniel Hauser could finish the campaign as the WHL's all-time wins leader, while Brendan Gee showed last season that he could hold down the crease whenever given the opportunity. While Hauser is the projected starter, expect both goaltenders to see action in 2024-25.

Ultimately, Wenatchee is one of the more intriguing teams heading into the new season. If players can play up to their potential, they could once again be looking at a third-place finish in the division as well as a top-six spot in the conference. If the Wild proved anything last season, it's don't underestimate them, as they have plenty of talent and one of the most experienced coaches in the WHL.

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