WHL Eastern & Western Conference Mid-Season Review at whl.ca.
Kootenay ICE
2008-09 record: 37gp 18-14-2-3, 41pts (4th in Div., 7th in Conf.) GF: 116 GA: 118
Top Scorers:
Dustin Sylvester 33gp-19g-20a-39pts
Andrew Bailey 37gp-15g-17a-32pts
Tylan Stephens 37gp-11g-16a-27pts
The Kootenay Ice may be in a transition phase, relying on a lot more younger players than in the past few years, but they’ve managed to remain a competitive team in the tough Eastern Conference. Dustin Sylvester has been the offensive catalyst for the team, leading the Ice in most offensive categories, including a WHL-leading six shorthanded goals, while boasting a solid +16 rating. Veterans Andrew Bailey, Kevin King and Tylan Stephens have also chipped in scoring. Youngsters such as Drew Czerwonka, Jesse Ismond and Max Reinhart have also contributed in their first WHL campaigns. Defensively, the Ice have allowed the second-most goals of any team currently in a playoff position. Veterans John Negrin and Ian Barteaux have logged plenty of time and chipped in offensively, while sophomore Brayden McNabb has shown strong puck skills while providing a physical element as well. Goaltending is one area the Ice will look for improvement. Sophomore Thomas Heemskerk, who is no longer with the team, and rookie Nathan Lieuwen have had troubles with consistency. The Ice acquired Todd Mathews from Lethbridge to fill the hole vacated by Heemskerk.