The Kamloops Blazers missed out on the playoffs for the second straight season, and worse, they say their first round in this year's Bantam Draft go to Moose Jaw in a trade two seasons ago. They have decisions to make as far as who to keep as their three overagers, which include Cole Ully, Matt Needham, and Ryan Rehill. The good news is that besides a year of being drama-free, thanks to Don Hay's return behind the bench, they will also have both Deven Sideroff and Connor Ingram returning. If the Blazers wish to make the playoffs once again, Jake Kryski will have to take the next step forward.
The Kelowna Rockets came within a goal of being the Memorial Cup Champions, and now, they have to break in another new head coach, as Dan Lambert was lured away to Buffalo as an assistant coach. Brad Ralph steps in, and unlike the previous season, it is not known what he will bring to the team. The Rockets will also have holes to fill on the blue line, as both Madison Bowey and Josh Morrisey are turning pro, as will Leon Draisaitl. Jackson Whistle could return as an overager, which would solidify things in goal. Besides the losses, the Rockets do maintain a good roster, at least up front, as Nick Merkley, Rourke Chartier, and Justin Kirkland all return, with Tyson Baille potentially being one of three overagers.
Prince George experienced a revival of sorts thanks to ownership that is committed to the team and the city. The results showed, as the Cougars made the playoffs for the first time in five seasons. Defensively, the Cougars are still outright bad, which places a huge onus on the offense to produce. Jansen Harkins and possibly Chase Witala will spearhead the offense from the front. The Cougars will need all the offense they can get until things get better from the blue line, as Ty Edmonds is good, but he's nowhere near elite.
The Vancouver Giants had a wild season, as they canned Troy G. Ward just months into his first season as Giants coach and didn't retain Claude Noel after he finished the season as interim coach. Lorne Molleken will step behind the bench, and while he inherits a top talent in Tyler Benson, there's little else that inspires confidence in the Giants. Their biggest question mark is in goal, as Payton Lee took a big step back and he isn't even assured of a roster spot this season.
The Victoria Royals are as steady as it gets, and it is a near certainty that Coleman Vollrath will be one of the team's overagers this season. The Royals aren't spectacular in any fashion, but they get the job done, a reflection of the coaching job that Dave Lowry has done since taking over as head coach in 2012. Joe Hicketts leads the way on the blue line, and scoring is almost by committee every season, something that doesn't figure to change.
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