Three WHL Teams Appear on CHL's Top Ten Teams of Preseason

As exhibition winds down and rosters start to take more shape, the Western Hockey League is represented by three clubs with hot starts to the 2024-25 campaign.

Medicine Hat Tigers- #1

One of two Alberta teams with a bid to host the 2026 Memorial Cup, Medicine Hat is off to a good start, topping the pre-season rankings. Gavin McKenna looks like Gavin McKenna, new acquisition Bryce Pickford appears to be settling in nicely, as well as Jonas Woo leading the team in points. The Tigers look to have a big season ahead of them, and it begins with a season opener at home on September 21 against the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Prince George Cougars- #7

Among the Cougars roster to begin the year, it appears to be the season of youth with so many regulars away at NHL camps. Namely, defenceman Carson Carels has impressed, collecting 3 points in 4 games as a 16 year old en route to his first full WHL season. Prince George will open their 2024-25 regular season with a back-to-back at home against the Spokane Chiefs on September 20 and 21.

Kelowna Rockets-#10

Led by rookie forward Levi Benson, Kelowna may not have had the most impressive pre-season on paper but the early roster shows a lot of promise. Benson tallied two goals and two assists in his for games, and veteran Michael Cicek had himself a strong performance with an identical stat line. Cicek and the Rockets will take on the Portland Winterhawks on September 21 in Kelowna to kick off their regular season.