The Western Hockey League wrapped up its season with last Wednesday’s B.C. Division finale. The Kamloops Blazers defeated the Prince George Cougars 4-0 to cap off their 1st place finish on the season, while a 3-2 final down the road in Kelowna closed out the leagues campaign completely.

East Division – March 12 through April 28
Central Division – February 26 through May 6
US Division – March 18 through May 11
West Division – March 26 through May 12

Some west central hockey talent was featured throughout each division over this past period of bubble hockey; read a short recap of each of their seasons below.

Cade Hayes- Cade Hayes Comments on Sophomore Season in the Bubble

The only featured forward not a rookie is Moose Jaw Warriors forward and Eatonia native Cade Hayes.

Hayes is the veteran of the group, figuring out the WHL game a little more during his second season, and continuing to shoot the puck just as much. 37 SOG in 18 games is good enough for just over 2 put on net a game, a part of his game that could lead to a breakout year in goals if he keeps it up. His 9 points ranked him 8th among Warriors forwards, a group that included recent NHL signing to the Minnesota Wild Daemon Hunt.

He spent some time out of the lineup this year and had to get adjusted back to the speed late, but scored twice and added an assist in his best game back on April 21st against the Winnipeg Ice.

Jhett Larson- Delisle Native Part of Unique WHL Experience

Delisle’s Jhett Larson bounced in and out of the lineup this year for the Red Deer Rebels, picking up 2 points in 16 Central Division games during his rookie season.

The 5’8, 170 lbs forward was probably just happy to be playing whatever hockey he could, and this opportunity with the Rebels as a rookie was one he likely won’t forget. The team chose not to quarantine in a typical fashion like the rest of the league, instead converting the arena’s press boxes to house their junior aged players until the end of the season.

6 PIM’s and a -6 rating don’t exactly provide the most flashy of stat-lines for Larson’s first year, but with the team rebuilding in Red Deer, he certainly hopes to be apart of their future plans.

Logan Linklater- Linklater Excited to Keep Going After WHL Debut

Kindersley’s Logan Linklater dressed in 22 of 24 games for the Prince Albert Raiders this season, scoring 5 points in that stretch. One of his missed games came from a suspension, but other than the lapse in judgment the rookie had a very positive season.

He collected his first two WHL points with assists on March 27th against Moose Jaw, and had an even more eventful night the next game out as he earned his suspension in a game against Saskatoon. Linklater would remain drawing into the lineup consistently and eventually break out for his first WHL goal and another assist against Regina on April 13th, also winning 11/12 face-offs in his first star performance.

Despite being a rookie, Linklater was one of the main face-off takers for Prince Albert. He won just over 50% of his draws on the year, and hopefully showed enough to earn him a spot on next years roster.

Vaughn Watterodt- Rosetown’s Watterodt Not Backing Down in BC Bubble

Last but not least is the only champion of the group, in Rosetown’s Vaughn Watterodt. Watterodt was apart of the B.C. Division Champion Kamloops Blazers, and the forward helped himself to some great experience during this bubble season.

He struggled to draw into the lineup at first, but really established himself on April 11th when he engaged in a scrap with a member from the Victoria Royals. He collected an assist the next game out against Vancouver for his only point of the season, and became a gritty player in the Blazers bottom six over the short period after. His next fight would come on April 27th against Vancouver to bring the young man’s PIM total just under his total of 15 SOG.

Watterodt didn’t save his best game for last, but he was certainly noticeable at times in the Blazers May 12th finale. Watterodt managed to jam in a goal that was quickly disallowed. Kamloops dominated the division going 18-4-0, and Watterodt should hope he showed enough to hopefully continue growing his role with the team next year.

Mac Gross- Radio Only/US Connection

Swift Current native Mac Gross isn’t exactly local, but he joined the Spokane Chiefs in 2019 after a stint with the Kindersley Jr. Klippers.

He was a 3rd round pick by Spokane in 2017, and showed some promise early this season scoring a goal 3 games in. 13 games after without a goal would prove it to be a fluke, as Gross suffered a bit of a rough ending to the season going -11 in 16 total games on the second-last place Chiefs.

The 6’2, 187 lbs defenceman should be back stronger next year for Spokane as they enter a normal year, and although it would be nice to see him back in Klipper green, we should all wish Gross has a spectacular season as he works to establish his game down in the states.

Connor Bedard- SPECIAL(exceptional)

No, Connor Bedard isn’t local.

No, Connor Bedard did not play with any local talent.

Yes, Connor Bedard is exceptional. The 15 year old averaged just under 2 points a game with 28 in 15, giving the WHL’s best impression of Connor McDavid’s 2021 feat of 100 in just 53. He recorded 70 shots in those 15 games, as WHL teams (mostly goalies) were likely very excited to see Bedard leave the bubble early to participate with Hockey Canada in the World U18 Championships.

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Watch two of the above players score their first WHL goal!