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The Web Hockey League News        Volume 15             05-01-2001

Table of Contents

1) Contributing Writers
2) Players of the Week 
3) Team News           
4) Playoff Report      
5) Special Articles    
   - Team MVPs & MIPs
   - Scouting Report

All items should be sent to:
mailto:magazine@platinumcomputing.com
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Contributing Writers

Mike Hebert,    Chris Kordyback,
Chris Kubinec,  Dave Macdougall,
Darren Kinnaird,  Richard Lomax,
Phil Gittersberger,  Jes Golbez,
Jon Lemoine,      Kris Pongratz.
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Players of the Week


Player of the week for the final week is Eric Lindros of the Toronto Stallions.

Goaltender of the week goes to Curtis Joseph of the Toronto Stallions.


               Player               GP   G   A  PTS +/-  PP  SH GW  GT    S  PIM   PCT
Stallions:     Eric Lindros          4   6   4   10   6   4   0   1  0   17    7  35.3
Sparrows:      Tony Amonte           4   3   7   10   3   0   0   2  0   19   11  15.8
Bulls:         Cory Stillman         4   2   6    8   5   0   0   0  0   12    0  16.7
Seagulls:      Viktor Kozlov         4   5   2    7   5   1   0   0  0   20    0  25.0
Dropkicks:     Alexei Zhamnov        4   5   2    7   0   3   0   2  0   18    8  27.8
Express:       Ron Francis           3   4   3    7   3   0   0   2  0    9    7  44.4
Krushers:      Andrei Kovalenko      4   4   1    5   1   3   0   0  0    9   10  44.4
Voodoo:        Paul Kariya           4   2   2    4   4   2   0   0  0   22    5   9.1
Islanders:     Ken Klee              4   2   2    4   1   1   0   0  0   12    4  16.7
Icedogs:       Gary Roberts          4   2   2    4  -1   1   0   1  0    5   16  40.0

               Goalie                GP   MIN   AVG  W   L   T  EN  SO  GA   SA  PCT
Stallions:     Curtis Joseph          4   240  1.75  3   1   0   0   1   7  115 .939
Voodoo:        Martin Brodeur         4   240  2.50  2   2   0   0   0  10  110 .909
Islanders:     Guy Hebert             2   125  1.92  1   0   1   0   0   4   56 .929
Express:       Jan Lasak              3   180  2.67  3   0   0   0   0   8   87 .908
Dropkicks:     Olaf Kolzig            4   240  2.75  4   0   0   0   0  11  109 .899
Sparrows:      Marc Denis             2   125  2.88  1   0   1   0   0   6   56 .893
Icedogs:       Ed Belfour             4   240  3.25  3   1   0   0   0  13  115 .887
Seagulls:      Dominik Hasek          4   240  4.00  2   2   0   0   0  16  141 .887
Bulls:         Jeff Hackett           4   240  3.75  3   1   0   0   0  15  118 .873
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Team News

Miami, FL - After a promising start into the first season here in sunny Florida, the OCEANICS hit the wall in the last third of the season and instead of hunting for a last ply-off spot and facing early elimination, coach Ogrodnick opted to give players from the farm team some ice time on the big club. The team will have a top 3 draft pick and rumours are going that the OCEANICs might not obtain the pick but trade it.

GM Gittersberger announced on a broadcast on Florida cable Television that the club is planning on acquiring a star player. The team is in desperate need for a game-breaker. Pyatt and Conroy played this rule on most nights but they both showed wear and tear after mid-season.

After the final home game of the WHL season the OCEANICS held their fan appreciation night and "Shirts off their back".

The winners of the internal awards were:
Rookie of the year of the OCEANICS: Taylor Pyatt and David Tanabe
Trophy of gentlemen conduct and perseverance: Micah Aivazoff
Defenseman of the year: David Tanabe
There will be a lot of fresh stuff in Florida next year.
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Playoff Report

Below are the "League Previews" and "Series Previews".


                                Wales Conference

Rnk LW   Team       GP   W   L   T   GF   GA   PTS    PCT
 1   1 x STALLIONS  84  55  22   7  388  266   117   .696
 2   2 x SPARROWS   84  52  27   5  368  276   109   .649
 3   3 x CORINTHS   84  51  27   6  357  279   108   .643
 4   4 x ICEDOGS    84  49  26   9  332  272   107   .637
 5   5 x SEAGULLS   84  44  31   9  280  282    97   .577
 6   6 x BULLS      84  43  36   5  327  285    91   .542
 7   7 x VIPERS     84  39  39   6  345  318    84   .500
 8   8 x J-NAUGHTS  84  34  43   7  273  306    75   .446
Out  ----------------------------------------------------
 1   0   ENFORCERS  84  32  42  10  276  302    74   .440
 8   8   STEELCATS  84  28  45  11  283  365    67   .399
22  21   HAWKS      84  21  52  11  270  360    53   .315
24  24   LUNATICS   84  22  55   7  247  333    51   .304

Matchups

#8 Montreal Juggernaughts  vs  #1 Toronto Stallions
#7 Mississauga Vipers      vs  #2 Chicoutimi Sparrows
#6 Oakville Bulls          vs  #3 Quebec City Corinthians
#5 Southampton Seagulls    vs  #4 Mississauga Icedogs



                                Campbell Conference

Rnk LW   Team       GP   W   L   T   GF   GA   PTS    PCT
 1   1 x VOODOO     84  60  17   7  390  253   127   .756
 2   2 x DROPKICKS  84  51  24   9  372  282   111   .661
 3   3 x EXPRESS    84  46  27  11  363  291   103   .613
 4   4 x KRUSHERS   84  39  33  12  296  255    90   .536
 5   5 x VIKINGS    84  36  35  13  300  310    85   .506
 6   6 x ISLANDERS  84  35  38  11  280  276    81   .482
 7   7 x DOMINATRS  84  35  43   6  289  307    76   .452
 8   8 x RAIDERS    84  34  45   5  256  304    73   .435
Out -----------------------------------------------------
11   9   SAINTS     84  26  48  10  281  334    62   .369
11   9   CHIEFS     84  26  48  10  280  379    62   .369
14  14   ENDLESS    84  26  51   7  270  343    59   .351
19  15   OCEANICS   84  24  54   6  263  408    54   .321

Matchups

#8 Almont Raiders          vs  #1 Vancouver Voodoo
#7 Des Moines Dominators   vs  #2 New England Dropkicks
#6 Victoria Islanders      vs  #3 Rocky Mountain Express
#5 Edmonton Vikings        vs  #4 Chi-Town Krushers

League Previews
Toronto based Preview

Wales Matchups

#1 Toronto Stallions   vs   #8 Montreal Juggernaughts
Season Series  : Toronto wins 2-1-0
Prev. Playoff  : 1999-2000(5) --> Toronto wins 4-1
All-Time Record: Toronto wins 13-7-0
My Prediction  : Toronto win 4-1
- Ranford out, Montreal missing quality goalie behind him
- 3 Stallion players slumping
- Toronto otherwise healthy & playing strong

#2 Chicoutimi Sparrows   vs   #7 Mississauga Vipers
Season Series  : Chicoutimi wins 2-1-0
Prev. Playoff  : Never Met
All-Time Record: Chicoutimi wins 12-6-0
My Prediction  : Chicoutimi win 4-2
- Sparrows have a number of players streaking
- Arnott on top of his game, Demitra always dangerous
- Vipers and Stallions had best records down the stretch

#3 Quebec City Corinthains   vs   #6 Oakville Bulls
Season Series  : Tied 3-3-0
Prev. Playoff  : Never Met
All-Time Record: Quebec City wins 14-8-2
My Prediction  : Quebec City win 4-2
- Both teams stumbled down the stretch
- Quebec City have 7 guys slumping and 4 streaking
- Oakville have 3 streaking and 2 slumping
- Oakville lucky to get Hackett back to form for playoffs
- Oakville will miss Ozolinsh for four games

#4 Mississauga Icedogs   vs   #5 Southampton Seagulls
Season Series  : Southampton wins 2-1-0
Prev. Playoff  : Never met
All-Time Record: Southampton wins 10-6-2
My Prediction  : Southampton win 4-3
- 2 'Dogs forwards slumping
- 'Gulls goalie streaking
- 'Dogs traded away their best talent


Campbell Matchups

#1 Vancouver Voodoo   vs   #8 Almont Raiders
Season Series  : Vancouver wins 3-0-0
Prev. Playoff  : Never met
All-Time Record: Vancouver wins 10-3-5
My Prediction  : Vancouver win 4-0
- Short work by Vancouver
- 3 Voodoo players streaking
- Almont simply overmatched

#2 New England Dropkicks   vs   #7 Des Moines Dominators
Season Series  : Tied 3-3-0
Prev. Playoff  : 1996-97(2) --> Des Moines Wins 4-1
All-Time Record: Des Moines wins 12-8-7
My Prediction  : Des Moines win 4-3
- Yzerman is a playoff icon
- Fleury wants to remind Kordyback what he gave up
- Both teams healthy
- Des Moines will be the dark horse this year, no Cup, but watch 'em.

#3 Rocky Mountain Express   vs   #6 Victoria Islanders
Season Series  : Rocky Mountain wins 4-2-0
Prev. Playoff  : 1998-99(4) --> Victoria(nee Venom) wins 4-2
                1997-98(3) --> Rocky Mountain wins 4-1
All-Time Record: Victoria wins 13-12-1
My Prediction  : Rocky Mountain win 4-1
- Isles O'Neill, Hull & Hebert slumping while Berg & Mironov streaking
- 3 Express streaking, although goalie slumping
- Pongratz has been here before and knows how to win

#4 Chicago Krushers   vs   #5 Edmonton Vikings
Season Series  : Edmonton wins 2-1-0
Prev. Playoff  : 1999-2000(5) --> Chicago wins 4-3
All-Time Record: Chicago wins 9-8-1
My Prediction  : Edmonton win 4-2
- Vikes goalies streaking along with Yashin
- One Vikes defence slumping the other injured
- Krushers are going in with one streak, nothing notable.
- Edmonton has won two first round playoff matches
- Edmonton has also lost two, but they were both lost in overtime of game #7.
- Chicago has only ever won one playoff round while losing four others.
Oakville based Preview

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*WALES CONFERENCE*
==================

Stallions(1) vs Juggernaughts(8)
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STALLIONS: There is no question that this team is a power house with star players like Eric Lindros, Joe Sakic, Miroslav Satan, Zigmund Palffy, Brian Leetch and Curtis Joseph. The Stallions playoff experience alone leaves them with an advantage over the Juggernaughts, let alone their fantastic season.

JUGGERNAUGHTS: Overall this team is fairly deep in talent, but they do not have that one game breaker in their line-up, whereas Toronto has many to throw at you. Toronto will use this series as a tune up as they are heavy favourites to compete in the finals.

PREDICTION: Stallions win series 4-0
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Sparrows(2) vs Vipers(7)
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SPARROWS: This club has a great group of core players. Pierre Turgeon, Martin Straka, and Tony Amonte will be looked upon yet again for offense. The Sparrows are weak in net, but with an unreal number of farm players (i.e..Corbet) making a leap to the pro team this season, talented depth will not be an issue for this club during the playoffs.

VIPERS: This team is very deep on defense and the Viper defenders are little bit more skilled than the Sparrows are. This team has a deadly duo on the first line, but if Demitra and Hejduk slump it will be lights out in a hurry for the Vipers.

PREDICTION: Sparrows win series 4-2
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Corinths(3) vs Bulls(6)
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CORINTHS: The Corinths have a well rounded group of offensive forwards, and one killer first line. This team has played great all season and will continue to do so through the playoffs. However, IF their first line is shut down they may have a tougher time getting through their opponents.

BULLS: After somewhat of a disappointing regular season (where the Bulls were predicted to finish in the top four in the conference) the Bulls will not have the benefit of home ice in the first round. This team can produce goals from any line against any team, but the real problem now seems to be in goal. Bulls goalie Jeff Hackett has been playing the last week with a serious throat infection, and he is not expected to be at 100% until about half way through the series with the Corinths. The Bulls were expected to play the upsetters this year but with the injury to top d-man Sandis Ozolinsh (who will return in game 4) this just takes away yet another key that would help the Bulls beat a team like the Corinths. All and all, with bad timing on the Bulls part, the Corinths should be able to wear down Oakville enough before key players return to action at 100%. The Bulls may be able to sneak out a first round series win if all goes well, but the Corinths have the extra leverage right now.

PREDICTION: Corinths win series 4-3
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Icedogs(4) vs Seagulls(5)
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ICEDOGS: Although this team traded away key players, they are still a very good team. With the likes of Jason Allison, Ray Bourque and Sean Hill the Icedogs will have enough to get past the 'Gulls.

SEAGULLS: Well, the reason the Seagulls are ranked this high is because of one man, The Dominator (Dominik Hasek). This team has no real offensive threats, but seeing how Hasek has led the team into the playoffs, he will surely do his best to give the Icedogs a hard time. Hasek could steal a series with the right defensive minded team, but this is just not it.

PREDICTION: Icedogs win series 4-1
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=====================
*CAMPBELL CONFERENCE*
=====================

Voodoo(1) vs Raiders(8)
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VOODOO: There isn't much left to say about this club. They have all-star players in every position, and that showed during the regular season since they were the leagues best. They are expected to be in the finals this year.

RAIDERS: This team needs a lot of work still, and simply cannot compete anywhere near the same level as the Voodoo.

PREDICTION: Voodoo win series 4-0
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Dropkicks(2) vs Dominators(7)
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DROPKICKS: The 'Kicks do not have a lot of depth offensively, but with players over achieving all season long there is no stopping this team. With some big name snipers like Bure and Selanne, and a punishing defense consisting of Yushkevich, Hatcher and McLaren this team looks ready for the playoffs.

DOMINATORS: This team has quietly surprised many with some big deals that landed them the likes of Adam Deadmarsh, Jeff Friesen, Phil Housley, Theoren Fleury and Steve Yzerman before the deadline. The goaltending match-ups will be great in this series, and look for the Dominators to surprise the 'Kicks a little.

PREDICTION: Dropkicks win series 4-2
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Express(3) vs Islanders(6)
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EXPRESS: The Express changed the face of their team a bit this year when they traded away veteran defenseman Ray Bourque. Many thought that the Express were trying to rebuilt, but this was not the case and the Express had another great season. With talent at every position you can expect the Express to meet up with the Voodoo in the conference final.

ISLANDERS: The Isles have a could group of guys on their club, and the chemistry is obviously there for future success, but they simply cannot compete with the likes of the Express and the offense on their roster this year.

PREDICTION: Express win series 4-0
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Krushers(4) vs Vikings(5)
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KRUSHERS: The Krushers have not been able to reach their full potential this season, and rely heavily upon their first line to do most of their scoring. Roenick and Blake will be the keys if this team is to get through round one.

VIKINGS: Although the Vikings made one of the most controversial deals in WHL history when they traded away Nolan in a very questionable deal, the Vikings still have a lot of depth compared to the Krushers. The Vikings have a much more spread out offense and a great defense core consisting of guys like VanRyn, Stevens, McGillis, and Hamrlik. The goalies may be the deciding factor in this series and I give Jamie Storr the upper hand over Trevor Kidd.

PREDICTION: Vikings win series 4-3
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FINALS PREDICTION:  Stallions vs Voodoo(W)
*PREDICTION: Voodoo win series in 6 games, Although these clubs are evenly matched Brodeur has the upperhand on Cujo and goaltending will be key if this match-up were to occur.

Let the real season begin! :)
Series Previews
Series Preview from New England

This year's run to the playoffs lacked the drama produced in previous years. With the Express only a relatively small spot in the rear view mirror and the Voodoo to far ahead to catch, the 'Kicks have spent most of their time watching to see who ends up in seventh place. Barring a substantial rally by the now eighth place Raiders, it looks as if their most likely opponent will be the Des Moines Dominators.

Which would make for an interesting series for a number of reasons:

1) Some key Dominators players are discarded Dropkicks who were deemed expendable in order to take "the next step". Theo Fleury, Jeff Friesen and Marco Sturm could all make life difficult for their former team.

2) This year's head to head match-ups. Dead Even.
DROPKICKS 3, DOMINATRS 7
DROPKICKS 2, DOMINATRS 4
DOMINATRS 2, DROPKICKS 8
DOMINATRS 2, DROPKICKS 7
DROPKICKS 6, DOMINATRS 5
DOMINATRS 5, DROPKICKS 2
3) There's always at least one upset in the first round. Could this be one? You bet it could.


There's little doubt that the Dropkicks' home ice advantage will make a difference. The first two games are being played in Boston, where fans have proven to be even rowdier than they are in Hartford.

"I know it's a cliche but the "Sea of Green" is like a sixth skater when they're riled up," said third leading scoring defenseman Derian Hatcher, "We want to get them in the game early and keep them in it when we play at home."

When asked what strategy the Dropkicks would use with regards to goaltending, coach Tom Fowler made no bones about their plans.

"We've got two guys who can play game in and game out. That being said we've got to look at who'd carried us this year and it's been Ollie. We'd be crazy not to keep him in there if he's playing well but again, we enjoy having the luxury of Arturs if anything were to happen."

And judging from the scores in this year's games, the goaltenders for both clubs may be in for some serious work.

"We can't take these guys or any team that we play in the first round lightly," said Fowler, "but we can't be passive either. Once the puck drops we'll have to attack and not let up."

Random Kicks:
During Sunday night's game versus the Krushers Teemu Selanne became the first Dropkicks player in franchise history to reach 100 points in a season. Later on in the same game Alexei Zhamnov joined him. The milestones don't stop there though. Selanne is a goal off of 60 and Zhamnov is a goal shy of 50.

The Dropkicks will announce their team awards during their final home game.

Odds on favorites are as follows:
MVP-Teemu Selanne
Best First Year Dropkick-Alexei Zhamnov
Best Defenseman- Dmitri Yushkevich
Community Service Award Winner- Derian Hatcher, Mullets for Kids
Unsung Hero- Chris Drury
Series Preview from Vancouver

After a strong regular season, the Vancouver Voodoo will attempt to once again prove that this is a solid playoff team. In the past couple of years the Voodoo have had little success in the post season. Last year may have been their best showing as they took the Rocky Mountain Express to 7 games.

This year the Voodoo start out against the Raiders. The Voodoo were 3-0 this season against the Raiders winning the games by a combined margin of 14-3, not allowing more than 1 goal in any game. On paper this series is a complete mismatch, but that doesn't mean the Voodoo are taking this series lightly. " The Raiders are a good team. They have a lot of solid veteran players,"  said Voodoo left winger Paul Kariya. 

"Yeah we are confident going into the playoffs. We know what our goal is, and we intend to take it one game at a time. We don't want to take anyone lightly," said Todd Bertuzzi.

The Voodoo worked out this afternoon, in preparation for game 1 here in Vancouver. Coach Tom Renney said that things will status quo for now in terms of the lineup. The Voodoo will continue to dress 10 forwards and 8 defenseman for this series.

...For the Score, I'm James Cybulski
Series Preview from Victoria

"Playoff Time on Vancouver Island"
Playoff fever is hitting Victoria as the Islanders prepare to face Ronnie Francis and the Rocky Mountain Express. The Isles are coming into the playoffs riding a 6-3-1 streak against an even hotter Express. The Express won the season series 4 games to 2, however the last meeting between these two rivals saw a great defensive battle ending 2 to 1 in the Isles favour. That, however was with Guy Hebert between the pipes ....

"We know the sports writer guru's are picking the Rocky Mountain Express in five games or less said an upbeat Al Arbour, and we accept that challenge." In accepting the challenge the Isles dipped down to the farm to help cover off the injuries to Hebert, Brett Hull, Alexei Morozov and now Jeff O'Neill. Coming up are Ryan Bach, Mike Knuble and Mikhail Yakubov. Yakubov was brought up last month to cover off Jeff O'Neill's injury and didn't disappoint as he averaged a point per game. A lot of pressure will ride on Bach, the young goaltender who was plucked off waivers earlier this year. Bach showed enough during the past two months to warrant a look see.

The Isles will be looking for leadership from Petr Nedved and Boris Mironov to lead this team of energy, but the Express are an elite, deep team who have the talent and management to go all the way. The Isles mentor, Bill Torrey gave this final prophetic statement "The winner of this series will win the Cyber Cup."
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Special Articles

Regular Season Most Valuable Player's

Toronto Stallions:      Eric Lindros
So many players contributed this season. Consider that Joe Sakic(+9), Geoff Sanderson(+12), Miro Satan(+7), Wendel Clark(+1), Trevor Linden(+8), Steve Heinze(+4), Johan Lindbom(+13), Brian Leetch(+19), Teppo Numminen(+19) and Kevin Dahl(+3) all bettered their own personal best scoring this season. But you have to look at what Eric himself did; he won the Maurice Richard Trophy while setting a new league record for goals in a season at 69. He was just 7 points behind Ron Francis for the Art Ross Trophy. Moreover he set team records for Goals, Points, PP Goals and Shots. Led the club with 10 first stars and 12 second stars. And if you were to ask any of the above mentioned guys who they'd thank for improving their own personal best, they would all answer with "Eric".
Oakville Bulls: Cory Stillman

Southampton Seagulls:   Michal Handzus & Dominik Hasek

New England Dropkicks:  Teemu Selanne
Teemu will probably end up second in points for the Dropkicks. Still, this team was for less menacing when he was injured during a couple of different stretches this year. One could make a handful of arguments for giving this award to Alexei Zhamnov who's surpassed most people's expectations for production. But it is Selanne who gives the team and fans the belief that they have a chance each and every game. I mean the guy scored eight goals in one game for the love of all things holy.
Victoria Islanders:     Marty McInnis
            GP   G   A  PTS  +/-
Season 5     84  20  9   29  -4
Season 6     84  31 29   60  10
Chi-town Krushers:      Jeremy Roenick

Mississauga Icedogs:    Ed Belfour
One of the only players on the Icedog team to be with us for the majority of the season. Eddie "The Drunk" provided stellar goaltending for us all year. He ranked 5th in the league among goaltenders in G.A.A. and Wins. Eddie was the most deserving player on the team for the award as he won a lot of games for the 'Dogs. The Icedogs hope to resign Eddie in the offseason, however the two sides are a fair bit apart on a contract extension.
Miami Oceanics:         Taylor Pyatt

Chicoutimi Sparrows:    Pierre Turgeon

Rocky Mountain Express: Ron Francis
As far as MVP, No Question, Ron Francis was a model of consistency in a season of inconcisitancy, I don't expect him to win the league MVP though, although it's amazing he had the season he did when there was a 22 game stretch where we only won 4 games. Without him, how many wins do we lose? I'm not sure I'd like to know.
Regular Season Most Improved Players

Toronto Stallions:      Teppo Numminen
Teppo has always been a 41-48 point scorer for Toronto and has been as consistent as any player could. But this year Toronto traded away Hamrlik and Mironov, two guys that were looked to for offense. Teppo was asked to pinch a little more, and was told to shoot more on the powerplay. He responded with a personal best 70 points, and a new team record for assists with 59.
Season    Team         GP   G   A  PTS +/-  PP  SH  GW GT Shot  PIM   PCT
99-00(5)  STALLIONS    73  14  32   46  20   2   0   2  0   94   49  14.9
00-01(6)  STALLIONS    84  11  59   70  34   0   0  1  0  106   62  10.4
Oakville Bulls: Shane Doan

Southampton Seagulls:   Viktor Kozlov

New England Dropkicks:  Chris Drury
This might be the easiest question to answer since "Is Jes Golbez freakishly ugly?"
The answer in that case is, of course, "Yes, but one can't change his looks so constantly making fun of Golbez isn't very nice. But we're talking about Golbez here so carry on." The answer to the most improved player award is obvious.
Chris Drury leads the 'Kicks in assists, ahead of Doug Weight, Teemu Selanne and Alexei Zhamnov. His current goal count is 36 including 6 game winners. Last year he was a fourth liner, so not much else has to be said about why he gets this award.
Chi-town Krushers:      Andrei "Tanked" Kovalenko....43 goals!!!!

Mississauga Icedogs:    Michal Grosek & Andreas Karlsson
Last year Grosek played in 44 games with the Icedogs and only managed 6 points. This year Grosek played an important 3rd line role and filled in on the second unit when there were injuries and even played a game on the top unit with Yzerman and Fleury. Grosek increased his point production to 43 points a jump of 37 from last year. He was also a plus 10 this year to last year's -5. Andreas Karlsson never even saw Mississauga last year spending the whole year on the farm. This year Karlsson played in 50 games for the Icedogs and scored 21 points. Karlsson was the 3rd line center on most nights and played a solid defensive game. Karlsson also filled in on the 2nd unit on some nights.
Miami Oceanics:         Craig Conroy

Chicoutimi Sparrows:    Patrice Brisebois
Rene Corbet and Marc Denis were runners-up.
Rocky Mountain Express: Matthew Barnaby
Most Improved? Matt Barnaby... Played with heart all season and despite my policy of trying to keep an only 70+ roster, this fiesty 64 stuck... I kid you not when I say he dressed ONLY on line 3 sparingly and was often the 4th RW and has seen virtually no PP/PK time, despite that he's managed to score 22 and was high in the intimidator rankings... A huge suprise for sure, and I'm likely guilty for not using him more but with Bondra, Fleury, Brendl and MacLean who was going PPG there for a while, It was just depth... Best part: An Icedog throwaway.
Scouting Report

WHL Central Scouting Bureau is back. That's right we have a special playoff edition of the top 30 draft eligable players.  There has been a lot of change since the last list, seven players did not make the list so that means that there is seven new entries on the list.  So let's take a look at the new CSB.

 1- Ilja Kovalchuk still the top prospect avaliable for the draft.
 2- Jason Spezza stays at the second spot.
 3- Stanislav Chistov A big jump here was ranked 14th on the last list.
 4- Alexandre Svitov Step up one spot.
 5- Stephen Weiss slips from the number 3 hole.
 6- Dan Hamhuis jumps up 2 spots and is showing that he is the best d-man among prospects.
 7- Daniel Blackburn jumps up six spots and and lead frogs Leclaire to be the top goaltender avaliable.
 8- Pascal Leclaire falls from the 4th spot and is no longer the top goaltender.
 9- Fredrik Sjostrom top swede in the draft jumps up al the way from number 25.
10- RJ Umberger falls three spots.
11- Duncan Milroy Jumps up from the number 16 hole.
12- Mikko Koivu Saku's little brother falls from the 9 slot, but is the top Fin.
13- Tuommo Ruutu Well injuries have caused him to fall from the 6 spot and no longer be the top Fin.
14- Colby Armstrong Wasn't ranked on the last list and now has a shot at being a WHL 1st rounder.
15- Mike Komarisek one of the biggest toughest dmen falls three spots.
16- Ales Hemsky jumps up 4 spots.
17- Jiri Novotny falls 7 spots but I like this kid a lot and think that he could reach the top 10 for the final rankings.
18- Tim Gleason third ranked d-man stays put.
19- Chuck Kobasew another unranked player making his mark could reach the top 15 players on this list.
20- Alexandre Polushin unranked as high as he'll get I think.
21- Mark Popovic drops 6 spots and I only see him dropping from here.
22- Jay Harrison dropped 11 spots from the last list however should endup in top 20.
23- Jeff Woywitka another unranked player trying to stay in the top 30 now.
24- Alex Perezhogin unranked last list.
25- Greg Watson jumps up one spot has the size and should stay in the top 30.
26- David Steckel jumps up from 29.
27- Matthew Spiller jumps up 1 spot and prolly won't go much higher, however he's a sleeper.
28- Carlo Colaiacovo falls 6 spots not sure where he'll end up could fall right out of the top 30.
29- Cory Stillman isn't he already in the WHL.  Not this kid he was unranked and is a big big kid.
30- Igor Knayazev the last player on the top 30 was also unranked a solid d-man.

Well there it is the last List will be released right after the NHL draft there is potential for some change. The seven guys to fall out of the top 30 were Ryan Whitney and Rob Globke both haven't declared themselves eligible for the draft. Also Mike Cammalleri and Jiri Jakes neither is expected find their way back to the top 30. The other three players are Jens Karlsson, Jay McClement and Brandon Bell all three of these guys have a shot at cracking the final top 30 list. If I had to pick 3 guys that will fall out I'd have to say Stillman. Colaiacovo, and Perezhogin. Anyways that's the newest update from the CSB.

Produced by the WHL Central Scouting Bureau.
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