The Calgary Hitmen held off both Medicine Hat and Red Deer en route to winning the Central Division. They made it to the Conference finals, but were overmatched against Brandon. Now, there are questions abound, such as who will their starting goaltender be? Mack Shields struggled last year in his first year as starter, which was why they traded for Brendan Burke at the deadline. One figures that one of the two will likely return as one of three overage players. On the blue line, they're in pretty good shape despite likely losing Keegan Kanzig to the pros, as Travis Sanheim will lead the way for the Hitmen. Offensively, the Hitmen could be in real trouble if Jake Virtanen does stick with Vancouver this season, as there are no proven options that can score.
Year one of the Edmonton Oil Kings post-Derek Laxdal era did not quite get off to the start they wanted, as they had to hold on to the last wild card spot until the end of the regular season. From there, they were thoroughly outclassed by Brandon in the opening round despite stealing a win in the opening game. They never did find suitable replacements on offense to replace the likes of Curtis Lazar, Mitch Moroz, and Henrik Samuelsson. Now, they have to find a replacement for Tristan Jarry, who is going pro, and Patrick Dea figures to be in line to start.
The Kootenay Ice also needed to hold on to a wild card spot to qualify, and though they gave Calgary a run for their money in the opening round, they could not quite duplicate the previous year's feat of knocking Calgary out of the opening round, and were thus eliminated in six games. Both leading scorers Sam Reinhart and Jaedon Descheneau are likely turning pro, and many more questions remain as to who the three overage players will be. Wyatt Hoflin proved capable in net, but will he be back, as he is one of many players vying for the overage spots.
The nightmare that was the Brad Robson/Drake Berehowsky era was mercifully put to an end in the middle of last season, and now, it is Peter Anholt who will be handling both the General Manager and head coaching duties, something that he started immediately after the previous regime was let go. Though the Hurricanes will have both Tyler Wong and Giorgio Estephan returning, many other question marks remain. Who starts in goal? Currently, there are five players that ended the year on the roster, yet no one established themselves. Also, where will the veteran leadeship come from? Early indications appear that newcomers Cory Millette and Arwin Atwal will provide that, but of the players that ended the season on the Hurricanes, that question looms.
The Medicine Hat TIgers put together a respectable run, but were beaten by Calgary in the conference semi-finals. Questions from the blue line on back loom large, as Marek Langhammer moves on due to graduation, as does Tyler Lewington. Tommy Vannelli and Kyle Burroughs are also both likely gone, as they could seek the test in the pros. If any success on the blue line is to be had, it now has to start with David Quennville. Up front, the questions are just as large, though it is possible that the Tigers could keep either or both Cole Sanford and Trevor Cox, who were the team's leading scorers.
The Red Deer Rebels will be hosting the Memorial Cup this season, and though they just traded away Taz Burman, it likely opens the door to Rylan Toth to become the starter in goal. Defensively, they will likely be led by Haydn Fleury and Nelson Nogier while Connor Bleackley and Adam Musil are likely leading the team up front.
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