Daily Dose

Daily Dose of the DUB: 20-21 WHL Playoffs canceled, Marleau new NHL all-time games played record holder, and more!

Written by Paul Figler on

Western Hockey League officially cancels 2020-21 Playoffs

Following an unprecedented season in which the WHL teams were only able to commit to a 24-game season, the league announced on Monday that playoffs were inconceivable this season.

Also announced were the 2021 WHL Awards will recognize individual award winners from each WHL Division as opposed to conference-based award winners. The 2021 WHL Awards will be held digitally following the conclusion of the WHL Regular Season.

Marleau becomes NHL’s all-time games played record holder

Forward Patrick Marleau (143GP, 83G, 116A with Seattle ’95-’97) has surpassed Gordie Howe for the NHL’s all-time games played record. With 1768 games under his belt over 23 NHL seasons with the San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Aneroid, SK native was the second overall pick at the 1997 NHL Draft. Marleau is one of three players drafted in the 1990s that remain in the NHL (Joe Thornton and Zdeno Chara are the others).

Maier named WHL Goaltender of the Week

Goaltender Nolan Maier (152GP, 89-47-14, 2.91GAA, .903sv% with Saskatoon) has been named the WHL Goaltender of the Week for the week ending April 18, 2021. Maier led the Blades to a 1-0-0-1 record in his two outings, with a .969 save percentage and a 0.96 goals-against average. Maier’s record improved to 10-1-2 on the season, with a 2.06 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage.

McCartney named WHL Player of the Week

Forward Ben McCartney (201GP, 60G, 85A with Brandon) has been named WHL Player of the Week for the week ending April 18, 2021. McCartney scored four goals and added eight assists in helping the Wheat Kings to a 4-0-0 record. McCartney had a three-goal night on April 14th, to earn his first WHL hat trick. He earned his second-ever four-point night on April 18th as he had four assists. McCartney now has 31 points through 20 games this season on 12 goals and 19 assists.

Desjardins earns all-time franchise record win

With the Medicine Hat Tigers pulling out a 3-2 win over the Red Deer Rebels on Monday night, general manager and head coach Willie Desjardins moved into the lead for all-time wins for the franchise. Desjardins surpassed Shaun Clouston’s 375 wins.

Sillinger unable to participate in IIHF U18 World Championships

2003-born forward Cole Sillinger is unable to participate in the IIHF U18 World Championships being held in Texas from April 26 – May 6, 2021. No reason was given as to why Sillinger will be absent. Sillinger spent the season playing for the Sioux Falls Stampede of the USHL, where he scored 24 goals and added 22 assists in 31 games.

Parsons scores first WHL goal

Medicine Hat Tigers 2003-born defenseman Rhett Parsons scored his first WHL goal in last night’s 3-2 win over the Red Deer Rebels. Parsons’ goal came at 12:36 of the second period and gave the Tigers a 2-1 lead. The Tigers selected Parsons in the fifth round of the 2018 WHL Draft. He was playing in his 16th game.

Wightman scores first WHL goal

Kelowna Rockets 2003-born forward Dylan Wightman scored his first WHL goal in Kelowna’s 7-2 win over the Victoria Royals. The undrafted Wightman’s goal came at 1:50 of the second period and gave the Rockets a 4-1 lead. He later scored his second WHL goal. Wightman was playing in his 14th WHL game.

King loaned to Moose for remainder of the 20-21 season

Defenceman Noah King (199GP, 11G, 48A with Swift Current and Spokane ’16-’20) has been loaned by the Stockton Heat to the Manitoba Moose for the duration of the 2020-21 AHL season. King has played in just one game this season for the Heat. King won the WHL championship with the Broncos in 2017-18 and was a 10th round WHL Draft pick of the team in 2014.

Tendeck reassigned to Rapid City

Goaltender David Tendeck (145GP, 72-54-10, 2.96GAA, .905sv% with Vancouver ’15-’20) has been reassigned from the Tucson Roadrunners (AHL) to the Rapid City Rush (ECHL). Tendeck did not see any game action with the Roadrunners but has appeared in 13 games with the Rush this season. He has a 4-8-0 record, a 2.74 goals-against average, and a .913 save percentage. The Arizona Coyotes selected Tendeck in the sixth round of the 2018 NHL Draft.