Western Hockey League WHL 1996-1997
League naming history:- 1978 - currentWHL (Western Hockey League)
- 1968 - 1978WCHL (Western Canada Hockey League)
- 1966 - 1968CMJHL (Canadian Major Junior Hockey League)
WHL external links
WHL Team Rosters
- Brandon Wheat Kings
- Calgary Hitmen
- Edmonton Oil Kings
Everett Silvertips- Kamloops Blazers
- Kelowna Rockets
- Lethbridge Hurricanes
- Medicine Hat Tigers
- Moose Jaw Warriors
- Penticton Vees
- Portland Winterhawks
- Prince Albert Raiders
- Prince George Cougars
- Red Deer Rebels
- Regina Pats
- Saskatoon Blades
- Seattle Thunderbirds
- Spokane Chiefs
- Swift Current Broncos
- Tri-City Americans
- Vancouver Giants
- Victoria Royals
- Wenatchee Wild
1996-1997
1996-1997 Season
Portland Winter Hawks and Lethbridge Hurricanes finished level at the top of the 1996-97 WHL standings with 97 points. Brandon Wheat Kings (95 points) and Swift Current Broncos (93 points) followed.
1996-1997 WHL Standings
| # | Team | GP | W | T | L | OTW | OTL | GF | GA | +/- | TP | PPG | Postseason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Portland Winter Hawks | 72 | 46 | 5 | 21 | - | - | 300 | 196 | 104 | 97 | 1.35 | Conference QF loss |
| 2. | Lethbridge Hurricanes | 72 | 47 | 3 | 22 | - | - | 342 | 248 | 94 | 97 | 1.35 | Champion |
| 3. | Brandon Wheat Kings | 72 | 47 | 1 | 24 | - | - | 339 | 208 | 131 | 95 | 1.32 | Conference QF loss |
| 4. | Swift Current Broncos | 72 | 44 | 5 | 23 | - | - | 336 | 243 | 93 | 93 | 1.29 | Conference SF loss |
| 5. | Red Deer Rebels | 72 | 43 | 3 | 26 | - | - | 317 | 297 | 20 | 89 | 1.24 | Conference Final loss |
| 6. | Regina Pats | 72 | 42 | 3 | 27 | - | - | 326 | 259 | 67 | 87 | 1.21 | Conference QF loss |
| 7. | Seattle Thunderbirds | 72 | 41 | 4 | 27 | - | - | 311 | 249 | 62 | 86 | 1.19 | Final loss |
| 8. | Moose Jaw Warriors | 72 | 36 | 7 | 29 | - | - | 278 | 240 | 38 | 79 | 1.10 | Conference SF loss |
| 9. | Medicine Hat Tigers | 72 | 39 | 1 | 32 | - | - | 270 | 278 | -8 | 79 | 1.10 | Conference QF loss |
| 10. | Spokane Chiefs | 72 | 35 | 4 | 33 | - | - | 260 | 235 | 25 | 74 | 1.03 | Conference SF loss |
| 11. | Kelowna Rockets | 72 | 35 | 2 | 35 | - | - | 298 | 314 | -16 | 72 | 1.00 | Conference QF loss |
| 12. | Prince Albert Raiders | 72 | 29 | 9 | 34 | - | - | 235 | 262 | -27 | 67 | 0.93 | Conference QF loss |
| 13. | Kamloops Blazers | 72 | 28 | 7 | 37 | - | - | 256 | 285 | -29 | 63 | 0.88 | Conference QF loss |
| 14. | Prince George Cougars | 72 | 28 | 5 | 39 | - | - | 238 | 287 | -49 | 61 | 0.85 | Conference Final loss |
| 15. | Tri-City Americans | 72 | 22 | 7 | 43 | - | - | 225 | 288 | -63 | 51 | 0.71 | Did not make playoffs |
| 16. | Saskatoon Blades | 72 | 18 | 6 | 48 | - | - | 227 | 344 | -117 | 42 | 0.58 | Did not make playoffs |
| 17. | Calgary Hitmen | 72 | 15 | 4 | 53 | - | - | 199 | 360 | -161 | 34 | 0.47 | Did not make playoffs |
| 18. | Edmonton Ice | 72 | 14 | 2 | 56 | - | - | 231 | 395 | -164 | 30 | 0.42 | Did not make playoffs |
1996-1997 WHL Player Stats
| # | Player | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Todd Robinson (F) | 71 | 38 | 96 | 134 | 67 |
| 2. | Byron Ritchie (F) | 63 | 50 | 76 | 126 | 115 |
| 3. | Patrick Marleau (F) | 71 | 51 | 74 | 125 | 37 |
| 4. | Peter Schaefer (F) | 61 | 49 | 74 | 123 | 85 |
| 5. | B.J. Young (F) | 63 | 58 | 56 | 114 | 97 |
1996-1997 WHL Goalie Stats
| # | Player | GP | GAA | SVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Chris Wickenheiser (G) | 41 | 2.72 | .913 |
| 2. | Brent Belecki (G) | 27 | 2.72 | .909 |
| 3. | Donovan Nunweiler (G) | 56 | 3.04 | .907 |
| 4. | Brian Elder (G) | 52 | 2.70 | .906 |
| 5. | Jeff Blair (G) | 41 | 3.19 | .905 |
WHL Stories
Insights and analysis from EP Editorial team
1996-1997 WHL Demographics
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WHL Games
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WHL Transactions
| Date | Status | Player | From | To | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Confirmed | Braden Hordichuk (F) | Regina Pats | Saskatoon Blades | ||
| Confirmed |  Alexander Levshyn (G) | Prince George Cougars | Spruce Grove Saints | ||
| Confirmed | Aiden Foster (F) | Prince George Cougars | Brandon Wheat Kings | ||
| Confirmed | Jaggar John (F) | Saskatoon Blades | Warman Wolverines | ||
| Confirmed | Kash Andresen (F) | Moose Jaw Warriors | Prince George Cougars |
Player Nationalities Throughout History
WHL Team Comparison (Averages)
| # | Team | Players | Experience | Height | Weight | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Brandon Wheat Kings | 32 | 3 146 | 6'0" | 194 lbs | 18.81 |
| 2. | Calgary Hitmen | 43 | 3 654 | 6'0" | 192 lbs | 18.47 |
| 3. | Kamloops Blazers | 31 | 3 142 | 6'1" | 198 lbs | 18.71 |
| 4. | Kelowna Rockets | 36 | 3 597 | 6'1" | 196 lbs | 18.75 |
| 5. | Lethbridge Hurricanes | 38 | 7 522 | 6'1" | 198 lbs | 18.79 |
| 6. | Medicine Hat Tigers | 38 | 4 714 | 6'1" | 201 lbs | 19.08 |
| 7. | Moose Jaw Warriors | 31 | 3 510 | 6'0" | 196 lbs | 18.97 |
| 8. | Portland Winterhawks | 27 | 3 396 | 6'0" | 198 lbs | 18.93 |
| 9. | Prince Albert Raiders | 37 | 3 119 | 6'0" | 194 lbs | 18.46 |
| 10. | Prince George Cougars | 33 | 3 632 | 6'1" | 198 lbs | 18.88 |
| 11. | Red Deer Rebels | 34 | 4 103 | 6'1" | 196 lbs | 18.68 |
| 12. | Regina Pats | 33 | 3 475 | 6'1" | 198 lbs | 18.73 |
| 13. | Saskatoon Blades | 36 | 2 635 | 6'0" | 192 lbs | 18.53 |
| 14. | Seattle Thunderbirds | 30 | 3 069 | 6'0" | 196 lbs | 18.86 |
| 15. | Spokane Chiefs | 30 | 3 623 | 6'0" | 196 lbs | 19.13 |
| 16. | Swift Current Broncos | 33 | 4 101 | 6'0" | 196 lbs | 19.15 |
| 17. | Tri-City Americans | 35 | 3 482 | 6'0" | 194 lbs | 18.57 |
| 18. | Wenatchee Wild | 42 | 4 425 | 6'0" | 190 lbs | 18.98 |
Where Are They Now?
Played in the league during season
| # | player | season | team | league | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  Matyas Ubl (F) | 2026-2027 | HC Plzen U20 | Extraliga junioru | 14 | 9 | 16 | 25 | 8 |
| 2. | Colin Smith (F) | 2026-2027 | Hannover Scorpions | Oberliga | 9 | 6 | 14 | 20 | 4 |
| 3. | Conner Radke (F) | 2026-2027 | Okotoks Oilers | BCHL | 11 | 6 | 13 | 19 | 6 |
| 4. | Lukas Kral (F) | 2026-2027 | Mountfield HK U20 | Extraliga junioru | 11 | 10 | 8 | 18 | 2 |
| 5. | Chase Valliant (F) | 2026-2027 | Coquitlam Express | BCHL | 11 | 10 | 8 | 18 | 6 |
| 6. | Treycen Wuttunee (F) | 2026-2027 | Waywayseecappo Wolverines | MJHL | 11 | 7 | 11 | 18 | 27 |
| 7. | Jayden Halbgewachs (F) | 2026-2027 | HC Sierre | SL | 9 | 5 | 13 | 18 | 0 |
| 8. | Dru Mushumanski (F) | 2026-2027 | Melfort Mustangs | SJHL | 11 | 4 | 13 | 17 | 47 |
| 9. | Sean Richards (F) | 2026-2027 | Swindon Wildcats | NIHL | 8 | 7 | 9 | 16 | 38 |
| 10. | Dylan Stewart (F) | 2026-2027 | Bristol Pitbulls | NIHL | 9 | 2 | 14 | 16 | 2 |
Regular Season
WHL All-Time Points
| # | Player | GP | G | A | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Brian Sakic (F) | 343 | 186 | 405 | 591 |
| 2. | Glenn Goodall (F) | 399 | 262 | 311 | 573 |
| 3. | Craig Endean (F) | 351 | 230 | 299 | 529 |
| 4. | Rob Brown (F) | 242 | 179 | 343 | 522 |
| 5. | Brian Propp (F) | 213 | 219 | 292 | 511 |
WHL All-Time Goals
| # | Player | GP | G | A | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Glenn Goodall (F) | 399 | 262 | 311 | 573 |
| 2. | Ron Chipperfield (F) | 252 | 261 | 209 | 470 |
| 3. | Bill Derlago (F) | 209 | 234 | 203 | 437 |
| 4. | Craig Endean (F) | 351 | 230 | 299 | 529 |
| 5. | Dale Derkatch (F) | 204 | 222 | 269 | 491 |
WHL All-Time Assists
| # | Player | GP | G | A | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Brian Sakic (F) | 343 | 186 | 405 | 591 |
| 2. | Rob Brown (F) | 242 | 179 | 343 | 522 |
| 3. | Greg Hawgood (D) | 310 | 147 | 326 | 473 |
| 4. | Todd Robinson (F) | 317 | 144 | 325 | 469 |
| 5. | Glenn Goodall (F) | 399 | 262 | 311 | 573 |
WHL All-Time Penalty Min.
| # | Player | GP | G | TP | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Derek Davis (D) | 200 | 21 | 84 | 1406 |
| 2. | Doug Lecuyer (F) | 302 | 177 | 362 | 1317 |
| 3. | Randy Ponte (F) | 300 | 36 | 81 | 1234 |
| 4. | Ted Olson (F) | 192 | 48 | 116 | 1213 |
| 5. | John Badduke (F) | 261 | 27 | 65 | 1149 |
WHL All-Time Games Played
| # | Player | GP | G | A | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Glenn Goodall (F) | 399 | 262 | 311 | 573 |
| 2. | Rob Dumas (D) | 372 | 42 | 115 | 157 |
| 3. | Nick Marach (F) | 370 | 80 | 70 | 150 |
| 4. | Brad Moran (F) | 357 | 204 | 246 | 450 |
| 5. | Brent Ascroft (F) | 355 | 134 | 231 | 365 |
WHL All-Time Points Per Game
| # | Player | GP | G | TP | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  Tony Hand (F) | 3 | 4 | 8 | 2.67 |
| 2. | Bobby Clarke (F) | 117 | 102 | 305 | 2.61 |
| 3. | Gerry Pinder (F) | 55 | 78 | 140 | 2.55 |
| 4. | Chaz Lucius (F) | 6 | 5 | 15 | 2.50 |
| 5. | Ron Matsalla (F) | 2 | 2 | 5 | 2.50 |
WHL All-Time Points Per Season
| # | Player | Season | League | GP | G | A | TP | PPG | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rob Brown (F) | 1986-1987 | WHL | 63 | 76 | 136 | 212 | 3.37 | 101 |
| 2. | Cliff Ronning (F) | 1984-1985 | WHL | 70 | 89 | 108 | 197 | 2.81 | 20 |
| 3. | Brian Propp (F) | 1978-1979 | WHL | 71 | 94 | 100 | 194 | 2.73 | 127 |
| 4. | Ray Ferraro (F) | 1983-1984 | WHL | 72 | 108 | 84 | 192 | 2.67 | 84 |
| 5. | Jock Callander (F) | 1981-1982 | WHL | 71 | 79 | 111 | 190 | 2.68 | 59 |
WHL All-Time Goals Per Season
| # | Player | Season | League | GP | G | A | TP | PPG | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ray Ferraro (F) | 1983-1984 | WHL | 72 | 108 | 84 | 192 | 2.67 | 84 |
| 2. | Bill Derlago (F) | 1976-1977 | WCHL | 72 | 96 | 82 | 178 | 2.47 | 63 |
| 3. | Brian Propp (F) | 1978-1979 | WHL | 71 | 94 | 100 | 194 | 2.73 | 127 |
| 4. | Jim McGeough (F) | 1981-1982 | WHL | 71 | 93 | 66 | 159 | 2.24 | 142 |
| 5. | Ron Chipperfield (F) | 1973-1974 | WCHL | 66 | 90 | 72 | 162 | 2.45 | 82 |
WHL All-Time Assists Per Season
| # | Player | Season | League | GP | G | A | TP | PPG | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Rob Brown (F) | 1986-1987 | WHL | 63 | 76 | 136 | 212 | 3.37 | 101 |
| 2. | Bruce Eakin (F) | 1981-1982 | WHL | 66 | 42 | 125 | 167 | 2.53 | 120 |
| 3. | Brian Sakic (F) | 1990-1991 | WHL | 69 | 40 | 122 | 162 | 2.35 | 19 |
| 4. | Dan Hodgson (F) | 1983-1984 | WHL | 66 | 62 | 119 | 181 | 2.74 | 65 |
| 5. | Ray Whitney (F) | 1990-1991 | WHL | 72 | 67 | 118 | 185 | 2.57 | 36 |
WHL All-Time Penalty Min. Per Season
| # | Player | Season | League | GP | G | A | TP | PPG | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Brent Gogol (F) | 1977-1978 | WCHL | 67 | 13 | 14 | 27 | 0.40 | 511 |
| 2. | Mel Hewitt (F) | 1977-1978 | WCHL | 68 | 21 | 19 | 40 | 0.59 | 508 |
| 3. | Kerry Toporowski (D) | 1990-1991 | WHL | 65 | 11 | 16 | 27 | 0.42 | 505 |
| 4. | Derek Davis (D) | 1980-1981 | WHL | 69 | 9 | 33 | 42 | 0.61 | 496 |
| 5. | Al Tuer (D) | 1981-1982 | WHL | 63 | 2 | 18 | 20 | 0.32 | 486 |
List of WHL Champions
WHL Awards
- WHL (BC) First All-Star Team
- WHL (BC) Second All-Star Team
- WHL (Central) First All-Star Team
- WHL (Central) Second All-Star Team
- WHL (East) First All-Star Team
- WHL (East) Second All-Star Team
- WHL (US) First All-Star Team
- WHL (US) Second All-Star Team
- WHL (West) First All-Star Team
- WHL (West) Second All-Star Team
- WHL Best GAA
- WHL Best Plus/Minus
- WHL Best SVS%
- WHL Champion
- WHL Coach of the Year (Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy)
- WHL First All-Star Team
- WHL Humanitarian of the Year (Doug Wickenheiser Trophy)
- WHL Most Assists
- WHL Most Assists by Defenseman
- WHL Most Assists by Rookie
- WHL Most Goals
- WHL Most Goals by Defenseman
- WHL Most Goals by Rookie
- WHL Most Penalized Player
- WHL Most Points (Bobby Clarke Trophy)
- WHL Most Points by Defenseman
- WHL Most Points by Rookie
- WHL Most Sportsmanlike Player (Brad Hornung Trophy)
- WHL Player of the Year (Four Broncos Trophy)
- WHL Playoffs Most Assists
- WHL Playoffs Most Goals
- WHL Playoffs Most Points
- WHL Playoffs MVP
- WHL Rookie of the Year (Jim Piggott Trophy)
- WHL Scholastic Player of the Year (Daryl K. Seaman Trophy)
- WHL Second All-Star Team
- WHL Top Defenseman (Bill Hunter Trophy)
- WHL Top Goaltender (Del Wilson Trophy)