Two prominent polls about the Western Hockey League were released last week.
The Kamloops Daily News released the first ever WHL Power Poll, in which league insiders determined the 25 most-influential individuals associated with the WHL.
Then the Tri-City Herald released its annual Best of the West Poll, in which the teams voted on the standout players in the Western Conference.
In the Power Poll, Ed Chynoweth, the league’s former president and the current governor and president of the Kootenay Ice, was ranked No. 1. Chynoweth has been a major player ever since the league first began its current format, serving as league president from 1972-96 (with the exception of one season as general manager of the Calgary Wranglers). Chynoweth, as much as anyone, set the direction of the league.
Kelowna owner/president/general manager Bruce Hamilton, Brandon governor/general manager/head coach Kelly McCrimmon, Spokane governor/general manager Tim Speltz and Vancouver governor Ron Toigo round out the top five.
The only member of the Everett Silvertips organization to crack the top 25 was governor Bill Yuill, who came in at No. 18. The article had the following to say about Yuill: “Is far more involved as a governor since he sold the Seattle Thunderbirds and purchased the Silvertips, a franchise that is in its fifth season. ‘He’s a self-made multi-millionaire and a very interesting guy,’ one governor said. … Would have even more influence if he could put aside his differences with the commissioner. … ‘It’s just personalities,’ one person said. ‘He means well but I don’t think he understands the making of a league.’”
Perhaps the most curious selection was the listing of Everett winger Kyle Beach as one of the individuals on the cusp. Beach was the only player mentioned, while numerous general managers and coaches (including Everett’s Doug Soetaert and John Becanic) were not. One can only surmise that Beach was ranked based on his power to infuriate opposing players, coaches and fans.
As for the Best of the West, Everett found itself atop two of the 21 categories. Right wing Dan Gendur won for the hardest shot, and Everett once again topped the best fans category.
The other category winners were: top executive: Scott Bonner (Vancouver); top referee: Andy Thiessen; top coach: Don Nachbaur (Tri-City); most valuable to team: Oscar Moller (Chilliwack); best stay-at-home defenseman: Luke Schenn (Kelowna); top rookie: Jamie Benn (Kelowna); top defensive forward: Mario Bliznak (Vancouver); best overage player: Colton Yellow Horn (Tri-City); most irritating player: Garet Hunt (Vancouver); best pro prospect: Moller; most underrated player: Colin Long (Kelowna); most overrated player: Tyson Sexsmith (Vancouver); most improved player: Long; best skater: Thomas Hickey (Seattle); most accurate shot: Yellow Horn; best 16-year-old: Tyson Barrie (Kelowna); top faceoff man: Bliznak; best goaltender: Chet Pickard (Tri-City); toughest player: Benn Olson (Seattle).
Around the WHL: The Eastern Conference had four teams clinch playoff berths last week as Regina, Lethbridge, Kootenay and Medicine Hat joined Calgary in securing a postseason berth. … Prince Albert center Justin Bernhardt was named the WHL Player of the Week. Bernhardt had four goals and two assists as the Raiders went 2-0.
League leaders: Points — Colin Long (Kelowna) 88; goals — Colton Yellow Horn (Tri-City) 45; assists — Long, Mark Santorelli (Chilliwack) 63; penalty minutes — Scott Gabriel (Portland) 211; wins — Chet Pickard (Tri-City) 38; goals against average — Tyson Sexsmith (Vancouver) 1.98; save percentage — Dustin Tokarski (Spokane) .920.
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