The Official 2010/2011 WHL/Hitmen/Rebels! thread

[Jagger]

Since nobody has started the dub/Hitmen thread yet I'll guess I'll get the ball rolling, even though I'm a Rebels fan!

Pre-season starts tonight with the Rebels taking on the Hitmen in Airdrie.

I'm really looking forward to this season. The Hitmen should be in full on rebuilding mode but, then again, last season was supposedly a rebuidling year too and we all know how that worked out.

The Rebels should be better, with RNH having a year under his belt and many returning players. If Coetzee gets returned from the Wings then they will be better yet.

Here's a few recent newspaper articles:

"A Battle for the pipes"

http://www.albertalocalnews.com/redd...102434084.html

"Mem Cup star expects to lead Hitmen"

http://www.calgarysun.com/sports/hoc.../15257076.html

"The Return of Cautious Kelly"

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/...345/story.html

"Hitmen goaltending torch passed to Snider"

http://www.calgaryherald.com/sports/...858/story.html

[GrrlGoalie33]

It is going to be an interesting year for the Hitmen for sure! 11-13 new faces on the roster this year. I am confident however, that our returning players can help the new faces get up to speed quickly.

Interesting to see what happens with the goaltending battle between Snider and Holly. I haven't seen Holly play, but I think Snider worked hard enough last year to earn a shot at the starting job this year.

[Flickered Flame]

From the few scrimmages that they have had, I have heard Holly has been much better than Snider. It would not surprise me to see them keep both Snider and Holly around even though they are both 19.

[Trojan97]

Brayden Schenn hurt his knee on Tuesday at Wheat Kings camp. He's scheduled for an MRI on Thursday in LA.

Fingers crossed.

[604flames]

Gonna be an interesting season, now that for the first time in a while Spokane is my closest team. Could never cheer for 'em though.

[604flames]

I also note with interest that Rigby Burgart is now with the BCHL's Quesnel Millionaires.

[Cheerio]

any rebels fans in here know about turner elson? just wondering because hes currently dating one of my buddies sloppy seconds.

[Jagger]

Originally Posted by Cheerio

any rebels fans in here know about turner elson? just wondering because hes currently dating one of my buddies sloppy seconds.

Yeah, pretty good player, improved significantly last season, great penalty killer. He displays a solid work ethic each and every time he's on the ice. There are high hopes for him this year.

I don't know anything about his private life and I don't care to know either.

[Cheerio]

Originally Posted by Jagger

Yeah, pretty good player, improved significantly last season, great penalty killer. He displays a solid work ethic each and every time he's on the ice. There are high hopes for him this year.

I don't know anything about his private life and I don't care to know either.

Oh okay just wondering, thanks for that. might go down to a couple hitmen rebels game to see him play for myself

[Resolute 14]

Was at the Airdrie game - Hitmen had more shots, but Red Deer played a smarter game and won pretty easily.

It's going to be an interesting season in both Calgary and Red Deer.

[Jesse834]

Looks like two of my friends buddies are going to get a crack at staying with WHL clubs this upcoming season RJ Reed (Vancouver Giants) and David Watt (Portland Winterhawks).

[Jesse834]

Calgary has acquried 19 year old Riley Reinbolt from Moose Jaw for a conditional draft pick. http://rodpedersen.blogspot.com/2010/09/dub-trade.html

[boogerz]

The defense looks okay, but the Hitmen are startlingly young on offense. Yikes!

[Berger]

Cant wait for the season to start! Season/Home opener tomorrow night where the team will raise the championship banner. Might be a long season though with such a big turnover this year. My neighbour made the team as a 16 yr old this year so I look forward to watching him play, he's a calgary boy too. Look for Sylvester, Beach, and Royer to have breakout years.

Big News for the Giants as the Bruins have returned Cunningham for his 20 yr old season. He should be in the top 3 for the scoring title this year. I'm also interested to see how Weal does in Regina this year without Eberle.

My guess is the Hitmen fight for a playoff spot till the end of the season an finish 8th. My pick to win the central division this year is Kootney. (puke)

[604flames]

Originally Posted by Berger

Big News for the Giants as the Bruins have returned Cunningham for his 20 yr old season. He should be in the top 3 for the scoring title this year.

My guess is the Hitmen fight for a playoff spot till the end of the season an finish 8th. My pick to win the central division this year is Kootney. (puke)

I figured Cunningham would be back in Vancouver, he's been named captain as well. Question is, will he benefit more as a WHL scoring-title contender, or playing 3rd and 4th line minutes in the AHL, which is probably a role he'll have to adapt to if he wants to make the jump to the big Bruins.

I'm not sold on Kootenay this year, nobody on their roster outside of Brayden McNabb really jumps out at me as a blue-chip prospect.

Watch out for Swift Current in the East as well.

[Resolute 14]

Red Deer is definitely the early favourite for the Central.

It was strange seeing Portland and Red Deer in the top ten, and Chilliwack as an honourable mention in the pre-season ranking given where those three teams were just two years ago. That is one of the best parts of junior hockey.

[Flickered Flame]

The Hitmen are really going to be hard pressed to score goals this year. Lots of pressure on the older kids up front this year, Fiddler, Foucault, Bubnick, Beach and Sylvester. I expect a good year from Justin Kirsch. The kid had so many chances last year but just couldn't buy a break. I am really looking forward to seeing this American kid, Trevor Cheek play. Apparently he is fast.

The strength is on the blue line this year and will be anchored by Matt MacKenzie was he is returned. Stebner, Wilson, Kosterman and Rissling round out the top 5.

If some of the young kids can step up in a big way offensively, I see them Hitmen in the middle of the pack but if no kids step up they might be in a fight for a playoff spot.

[Cowboy89]

Looking forward to tonight. Two of my favorite pass times merge into one game tonight. Cheering for my beloved Hitmen and chanting 'Fire Rich Preston.' I figure I can do both fairly well as I'm behind the Hurricanes bench.

[604flames]

Kootenay and Red Deer unveiled new third jerseys this week as well. Red Deer's are awesome, Kootenay's, not so much.

[Jesse834]

WHL Sucks Major Butt!!!!