To get fans excited for the start of the regular season, we put together what we think are the all-time teams based by division.
The four divisions we used were BC, USA, Alberta, and Saskatchewan/Manitoba. You can use any player from any era but the main rule is that they had to play the majority of the time in that division. That means if a player played in BC for three years and Alberta for two, they would count towards the BC team. Each team is compiled of 12 forwards, six defencemen, two goalies, and a head coach. Is there a player you think should have made the team? Which team do you think is best? We want to know what you think of these teams. Let us know your thought on our all-time team selections in the comment section.
TEAM BC:
ASSEMBLED BY- CHRIS ROY AND ADAM KIERSZENBLAT
Head Coach
Don Hay- Kamloops, Vancouver
1992-1995, 2004-2018- 3 X Memorial Cup Champion
1,369 Game Coached, 750-495-27-84
Captains:
Captain- Barry Beck
Assistant- Darcy Tucker
Assistant- Stan Smyl
Analysis:
Team BC has a great mix of skill and size. Led by the all-time greatest coach in WHL history Don Hay, this is a team that can take on anyone. With 10 Memorial Cup Winners and seven players with over 300 career points, this team would be hard to stop.
TEAM USA:
ASSEMBLED BY: LIZZ CHILD
Head Coach
Mike Johnston- Portland
2008-2014, 2016- Current
597 Games Coached- 360-200-37
Captains:
Captain- Cam Neely
Assistant- Shea Theodore
Assistant- Brian Sakic
Analysis:
Although they only have six Memorial Cups between them, don’t underestimate this USA team. They have a solid defence and have one of the best goaltending tandems the WHL has ever seen. They are strong up front with seven 300 point scorers and are led by a great coach in Mike Johnston. The USA is here to play and won’t go down easy.
TEAM ALBERTA
ASSEMBLED BY: PAUL FIGLER
Head Coach:
Brent Sutter- Red Deer
1990-2007, 2013-current – 1 X Memorial Cup Champion
955 Games Coached, 500-378-40-57
Captains:
Captain- Brad Moran
Assistant- Shane Peacock
Assistant- Matt Kinch
Analysis:
Led by Brent Sutter, Team Alberta has the ability to not only score but be extremely physical and wear opponents out. The defence is one of the toughest out there, and the offence can rack up the goals with ease. If you can get by their defence, you are in for a rude awakening with two rock-solid goaltenders defending the crease. This is a team any Albertan would be proud of.
TEAM SASKATCHEWAN AND MANITOBA
ASSEMBLED BY: KEVIN SHAW
Head Coach
Terry Simpson- Prince Albert
1982-1986- 1X Memorial Cup Champion
288 Games Coached, 167-112-9
Captains:
Captain: Dan Lambert
Alternate: Dan Hodgson
Alternate: Cam Plante
Analysis:
The Saskatchewan and Manitoba team has some of the greatest offensive weapons the WHL has seen. They feature 12 players with at least 300 points, with three of those guys playing defence. Led by legendary coach Terry Simpson, this team has the capability to put up a lot of goals. When you have six players who scored at least 400 points, you are going to be a problem for any team.