As of October 31st, 2017 there are 42 16-year-olds (born in 2001) on WHL rosters.
The numbers listed under each player is what round they were selected in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft.
The 1st round picks have their overall selection displayed in brackets. eg. 1 (12) is 1st round 12th overall.
WHL 16-Year-Olds – Total 42
Brandon
Schneider, McCartney, Hooker,
1 (12) 2 8
Calgary
Van De Leest, Zimmerman, Campbell,
1 (16) 2 3
Edmonton
Bilous, Robertson, Keeler,
4 1 (7) 1 (22)
Everett
Wolf, Liwiski, Vitelli, Browne,
5 3 4 1 (14)
Kamloops
Zary,
2
Kelowna
Korczak,
1 (11)
Kootenay
Patrick, Krebs,
U 1 (1)
Lethbridge
Cozens,
1 (19)
Medicine Hat
Rybinski, Williams,
2 1 (5)
Moose Jaw
Portland
Hanus, Newkirk,
U 3
Prince Albert
Rhinehart, Pearce,
1 (13) 2
Prince George
Gauthier,
1 (10)
Red Deer
Regina
Muir,
2
Saskatoon
Dach,
1 (2)
Seattle
McNelly, Lee, Savey, Huo,
U 1 (18) U U
Spokane
Feist, Toporowski, Chorney,
U 1 (8) 2
Swift Current
Horning, Barlage,
3 1 (4)
Tri City
Brown, Bouchard, Mutala,
2 8 1 (6)
Vancouver
Byram, Barfoot,
1 (3) 6
Victoria
Fizer,
4
The Numbers
There are three goalies, 13 defensemen and 26 forwards.
There are 22 WHL teams but there were 21 1st round picks made as Portland’s was forfeited from the disciplinary action levied in November, 2012.
Of the 21 1st round selections, 17 are in the WHL.
Round-by-Round
1st – 17
2nd – 8
3rd – 4
4th – 3
5th – 1
6th – 1
7th – 0
8th – 2
Undrafted – 6
In the 2017 NHL Draft there were 28 WHL players selected who came up through minor hockey in Canada and USA.
These are the numbers of WHL players in the 2017 NHL Draft excluding Import players.
As 16 year olds – 21 played in the WHL, 5 AAA Midget, 1 AJHL and 1 MJHL.
Of the 21 who played in the WHL 5 had late birthdays.
Of the 5 who played in AAA Midget 3 had late birthdays.
Of the 2 who played in the AJHL or MJHL 1 had a late birthday.
In the 1st 2 rounds of the NHL Draft 6 of 9 of the WHL players selected played in the WHL as a 16-year-old.
Summary
When looking at the players stats from their 16 year old season in the WHL it shows that each played an average of 50 regular season games. That includes two goalies who played in an average of 25 games. Very impressive numbers that show that if you make the team you will play.
The stat that is unavailable however is average time-on-ice.
For the five players who played in the AAA Midget League and the two players who played in the AJHL and MJHL, the stats show big numbers and it’s easy to presume they were top line players who got lots of playing time.
So, what do all these numbers tell us and does it answer the question what is the best option for a 16-year-old?
As always, you want to do what is best for the players’ development.
Is it better for a player to go back to Midget and dominate and be more ready to play in the WHL as a 17-year-old?
Will another year stifle a players’ development who is ready for higher competitions?
These are similar questions that NHL teams face when they have players who are junior eligible but are close to making their roster.
The numbers show that if you are going to keep a 16-year-old, then play them regularly. The first half of the season can be a learning experience and you can protect them from certain situations. But, by the second half they should be regular contributors. Do this and they will be successful.
The numbers show that if you are not prepared to give the younger players the playing time they need, whether you feel the player isn’t ready or you have a veteran team and don’t see an opportunity for them to play regularly, then it is okay to let them play another year of Midget.
The numbers show the best players will find a way to get noticed and get drafted.
