Canadian Junior guide?

[hluraven]

As a change from the NHL I decided to start in the UK and work my way up. I'm now the coach of Brampton in the OHL, but don't really know all the rules on player eligibility. Specifically, I have finished season 2006/07, and have about 8 players who are 19, afaik I will only be allowed to have three of these in my squad next season when they turn 20. Is this true, and what do I do about the other players, can I release them without penalty, do I need to try to find trade partners before the new season starts or am I allowed them in my reserves? If an NHL team loan me a 20 year old when I already have three, what happens then?

Similar question with foreign players, I know I am only allowed two, but is that contracted or in squad or playing? Again if it is only 2 contracted to me, do I need/am I allowed to release players without penalty.

It seems an interesting league to be in, with NHL clubs dropping players down, new teams for me, and the Memorial cup as the target, I'm just a little confused as to some of the fine details.

One extremely odd thing was the number two pick in the draft was only rated as one star the next week, and they accepted a 15th round offer for him. I didn't accept as this was ridiculous but what could cause that? Number two pick to worthless in a week, and as he hadn't been signed by the club I can't see that it was personal problems.

EDIT: More questions sorry! It seems that you cannot trade first round picks, or any pick from the import draft, but I believe you can in real life. Is this an error in EHM, is there a way to do it, or is this true to real life and I'm wrong?

More edit: Is there any way of knowing what leagues under the OHL are better than others, and which I should scout to find UFAs/upcoming draft picks.

[Systemfel]

I've read that import picks are untradeable in EHM. That is all.

[B. Stinson]

Specifically, I have finished season 2006/07, and have about 8 players who are 19, afaik I will only be allowed to have three of these in my squad next season when they turn 20. Is this true

Yes, you can only have three overage players on your team. But it's based on birth year, not age. To check the current overage year, you can check the league info screen. That screen will also give you other info on league rules.

and what do I do about the other players, can I release them without penalty, do I need to try to find trade partners before the new season starts or am I allowed them in my reserves?

The rest of your players are just normal players for now. They can be released with no penalty; you can trade them away if they are worth enough; you can send any of your contracted players to you farm team.

If an NHL team loan me a 20 year old when I already have three, what happens then?

Due to game limitations, these overage players are stuck on your team and connot be traded, offered on loan, sold, etc. But you can, however, send any player to the minors... so if you have too many overagers, and don't want the NHL contracted one that was loaned to you, send him down to the minors.

Similar question with foreign players, I know I am only allowed two, but is that contracted or in squad or playing? Again if it is only 2 contracted to me, do I need/am I allowed to release players without penalty.

You can only have two foreigners contracted at any one time. If you have two, and try to sign another, the game will automatically reject your attempt. Any player on your team can be released with no penalty.

It seems an interesting league to be in, with NHL clubs dropping players down, new teams for me, and the Memorial cup as the target, I'm just a little confused as to some of the fine details.

It can be a really fun league when you get used to it ... I started playing it in EHM 2004, and I have been starting my career there ever since.

One extremely odd thing was the number two pick in the draft was only rated as one star the next week, and they accepted a 15th round offer for him. I didn't accept as this was ridiculous but what could cause that? Number two pick to worthless in a week, and as he hadn't been signed by the club I can't see that it was personal problems.

Could be due to poor scouting the first time around, and now that they've had another look, he's not as good. This happens all the time for me - I get guys in the very late rounds of the draft who are scouted as future key/core players, and then I scout them again before the signing window, and they are nothing more than future depth players.

EDIT: More questions sorry! It seems that you cannot trade first round picks, or any pick from the import draft, but I believe you can in real life. Is this an error in EHM, is there a way to do it, or is this true to real life and I'm wrong?

I don't follow the real league, so I don't know any of this for myself, but I hear that the whole Import Draft is implemented poorly in EHM.

More edit: Is there any way of knowing what leagues under the OHL are better than others, and which I should scout to find UFAs/upcoming draft picks.

I'm sure there are some fans out there that know the leagues and could rate each one, but in the game I have noticed that there really is no one better league. Personally, I never worry about the lower leagues... I just draft the best players I can find.

[Minstrel]

Nice work with that response; lots of great info for people playing the Jrs.

I'd chip in but you've covered pretty much everything I know about the leagues A great source on this subject is Jeff Riddolls; he's the King of the Canadian Juniors when it comes to EHM. Whenever we had Juniors questions regarding the Guide and such I'd always ask him So if you have a rules/regulations question you can't figure or especially an EHM-related question about how to work the Juniors you should drop him a note at SI's Forums or grab his email off his SI profile, I think he has to have his listed as an official SI Admin

[hluraven]

Absolutely brilliant, thanks B.Stinson

[hluraven]

Couple more things!

I've noticed a couple of bugs, when I set a scout to search the Import draft there is a roughly 1 in 3 chance of the game freezing entirely and I have to crash out. It doesn't seem to be down to any particular scout, and when I reload I can often do it right. I have to save after each successful attempt at sending a scout to the Import draft and then reloading, trying with the next scout and either saving again if it works or reloading if it crashed.

Other bug is the one that air reported back in January, for the first time I notice one of my players doing 20 or so "weak clearances" per game. The odd thing is that it is only this season, last season he was my best player with over 150 points in league and playoff combined and an excellent centre. This season every single faceoff win and most of his passes are described as weak clearances, even successful faceoff wins, very strange that it only happens to him, and it never once happened last year. All his training and tactical settings are identical.

Now onto the further questions!

The game only tells you at the start of the season who is hosting the Memorial Cup. I thought IRL you knew this several years out to avoid a rebuilding team sucking in the finals but in EHM you seem to have no way of knowing. How is the team picked and is there any way of knowing further out.

When you do the import draft how can you tell if the player will actually sign for you. I filtered the available players by interested = yes, and even then only picked players who specifically said wants to play Canadian Junior Hockey in their profile, and still every player said he didnt want to come to North America because of the language. If the filters and profile don't work, how can you ever know which players will come over?

Lastly (until tomorrow probably) will I be able to jump to the NHL from the CHL or is the AHL a more sensible route in. Is the AHL higher in reputation anyway?

Thanks in advance for all your help guys

[B. Stinson]

When you do the import draft how can you tell if the player will actually sign for you. I filtered the available players by interested = yes, and even then only picked players who specifically said wants to play Canadian Junior Hockey in their profile, and still every player said he didnt want to come to North America because of the language. If the filters and profile don't work, how can you ever know which players will come over?

His current contract status seems to be the only factor in this area. If you get a guy who is playing for someone, he probably won't sign with you no matter how interested he is... at least, I've never been able to do it. They always tell me they are worried about the difference in lifestyle and language, but as soon as they become a free agent, they suddenly have no worries. Kind of odd, but that's how it's always worked for me.

Lastly (until tomorrow probably) will I be able to jump to the NHL from the CHL or is the AHL a more sensible route in. Is the AHL higher in reputation anyway?

With a lot of experience, a high reputation, and some nice championship wins, you might be able to do it... but the NHL is the top dog of the hockey world; Nothing is higher... so don't be suprised if you don't get hired right out of the CHL, and someone who has ECHL/AHL experience gets there before you. So, you aren't required to go to the AHL first or anything, but it would definately help. Also keep in mind, EHM looks heavily at experience and reputation when hiring managers... so you main goal should be to build those as much as possible... which is cool, because that's pretty much how it should work.

Just for fun, here's how I would break down the North American leagues:

By far #1 is the NHL, this is where most of the best players in the world play
#2 is the AHL, this is where most young prospects get sent to improve; these teams are primary affiliates to NHL teams
#3 is the ECHL, this is mostly made up of old washed up vets, and underdeveloped prospects; teams here are also affiliated to NHL teams, but are mostly second class to NHL teams who also have AHL teams.
#4 I would say is the whole Canadian Hockey League, these are the leagues that most NHL draftees comes from
#5 and 6 I think would be the CHL(US) and UHL. I know nothing about these leagues, but they seem to be lesser known versions of the ECHL.

You may have know some of that already, but I'll keep it just in case anyone doesn't

[gollum65]

Sorry to drag up an old thread, but I have some questions I can't find the answer to.

One of my many franchises I run is a "career" mode franchise. I started as the GM of the Norway Junior team, got the promoted to the WJC, then took a job as the GM of the OHL's Erie Otters.

Finished my first season in Erie, then went through the priority selection draft....and here's where the questions come in....

Most of the players I drafted were 15 years old. A few were already 16. Yet I can't make offers to any of them yet, even the 16 year olds. The offer contract button isn't even there for these players.

Curiously however, I was able to trade rights to one of these players, but I can't sign any of them.

So what gives? When can I go after my draft picks?

[Shadd666]

If i remember well, you just have to wait July 1st to be able to offer contracts to your drafted prospects

[Go Stingrays]

I think thats theres a fairly large problem with the import draft, alot of the time it seems the amount of imports is very limited often not enough for all the teams in the draft. That may be a problem with the detail level however.

Really enjoyed playing in the OHL, with Saginaw and Owen Sound with both Ive had huge careers.

[archibalduk]

Speaking of Jeff Riddolls' knowledge of the Canadian Juniors, here's a guide he wrote for EHM 2004. The background information about the league and each team is quite interesting; it's just that the strengths, weaknesses and outlook will be out of date by now. I thought I'd add this to the site because otherwise his guide may never see the light of day again. He let us put it on the site wayyy back when we had just started out as TBL (about two and a half years ago).



WHL Guide for EHM 2004 by Jeff Riddolls

The National Hockey League is by far the best hockey league in the world. But it has to get its players from somewhere, and the Western Hockey League is one of the top providers of young talent to the NHL. Dozens of WHL players are selected each year in the big league’s entry draft, and many of the game’s elite players passed through the arenas of Western Canada in their late teens. The league’s 20 teams, made up of players between the ages of 14 and 20, compete over a 72-game schedule, as well as a playoff that determines which team will move on to Canada’s national junior hockey championship tournament, the Memorial Cup. The top four teams in each of the four divisions make the playoffs.

Geographically, the league is based in the four western Canadian provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, and the American states of Oregon and Washington. Most of the young players in this area with dreams of playing in the NHL aim to make it to the WHL first (although some instead opt to play college hockey in the United States).

WHL teams select the best talent in an annual draft of 15-year-olds, done in reverse order of the previous season’s standings. Most of those players aren’t playing in the league regularly until they’re at least 16, and after that are allowed to play through the year of their 19th birthday. Each team is also allowed to carry three “overage” 20-year-olds, who tend to be players that have been successful at the WHL level, but aren’t quite ready to make the step to the professional ranks yet. Teams are also allowed two non-North American players per team, and many talented European teens come over to experience a style of hockey that some feel better prepares them for the rigors of the NHL.

Since the WHL is developing young players, teams have to deal with the fact that the very best players will often leave for the NHL before their WHL eligibility has ended. Losing superstar 18-year-olds is a frustrating fact of life that poses interesting management challenges.

The WHL's teams are spread across an area the size of Western and Central Europe - an eastern road trip for the Portland Winter Hawks will take them on a trip the equivalent of a drive from London to Belgrade. And a road trip is literally that - all travel is by bus, no planes at this level.

Given those distances, it's not surprising that the league is broken down into regional divisions.


AMERICAN DIVISION

Portland Winter Hawks

In the southwest is the American Division, home of the league's five U.S.-based franchises. Farthest to the south are the Portland Winter Hawks. One of the largest cities in North America without pro hockey, Portland has often been discussed as a likely site for an NHL team to relocate to. But in the meantime the local fans support their junior team enthusiastically, and the Hawks have responded with fairly consistent success.

2003-04 Strengths: Excellent group of defencemen, including top prospects Braydon Coburn and Michael Funk, as well as veteran Richie Regehr. An emerging star at forward in Brandon Dubinsky. Lots of toughness. Great attendance and fan support.

Weaknesses: Scoring drops off a bit after Dubinsky. All that toughness can lead to penalty problems.

Outlook: Contend for the American Division championship, possibly advance further. Acquiring an elite goaltender to replace the inconsistent Krister Toews would make them one of the top teams in the league.


Tri-City Americans

Closest to the Winter Hawks and tucked away in one of the few desert-like areas of the Pacific Northwest are the Tri-City Americans, representing the three Washington State communities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland. The team has been around for fifteen years, but winning seasons have been infrequent and the club is often the subject of rumors that it may move elsewhere. A number of hard-core fans still support the team, but the Americans rarely fill their arena.

Strengths: Team speed, particularly from NHL prospect Shawn Belle, arguably the faster player in junior hockey. A fair amount of toughness. Dependable scoring from veteran Ryan Kinasewich.

Weaknesses: Lack of scoring depth. Average goaltending at best. Mediocre fan support.

Outlook: Being in a weak division gives Tri-City a better chance at doing well this year than they might deserve, but don’t look for them to advance past the second round of the playoffs.


Spokane Chiefs

Also in eastern Washington are the Spokane Chiefs, co-owned by American baseball legend George Brett. The Chiefs receive consistently solid fan support and are usually contenders for the divisional, and occasionally the league, championship.

Strengths: Fairly good depth, hard-working players, and a pair of talented forwards in Brad Schell and Chad Klassen. Decent goaltending from Gerry Festa.

Weaknesses: Lacks an elite goal-scorer, and the makeup of the roster is a bit confusing – are they building for the future or trying to win now?

Outlook: Not one of the Chiefs’ more memorable lineups. Roughly on a par with Tri-City right now. Probably best to decisively choose a direction for the team (acquire good older players and win this season, or rebuild with youth), rather than continue trying to go in both directions.


Seattle Thunderbirds

The division's two remaining teams are based in the western part of Washington. The Seattle Thunderbirds attract decent-sized crowds and occasionally manage some success, but tend to find themselves struggling for local attention in a market dominated by the big city's NBA and NFL teams.

Strengths: Some good prospects, but most of them are a year or two away from having a big impact. Capable group of defencemen.

Weaknesses: Goaltenders are a bit questionable. No real stars on the team, either on forward or defence.

Outlook: After a strong 2002-03 season, the team will probably struggle a bit this year. Anything more than a first-round playoff exit should be considered a major success.


Everett Silvertips

Based just north of Seattle, the Everett Silvertips are the league's newest team, playing their first season in 2003-04. The team is composed of castoffs from the rest of the league, but has outstanding coaching from Kevin Constantine, formerly of the San Jose Sharks of the NHL.

Strengths: An NHL-caliber coach in Kevin Constantine, who's capable of getting much more out of his team than its talent level would suggest. Rock-solid defensively. Fine goaltending from veteran Jeff Harvey and his understudy, Mike Wall, who'll step into the leading role next season. Fan enthusiasm for a new team. An outstanding, but very young, prospect in Zach Hamill.

Weaknesses: As an expansion team, they're made up of everyone else's rejects. Little scoring to speak of.

Outlook: Overachieve this year, mainly thanks to Constantine's coaching skills. Continue to build for the future. Bring Hamill along slowly.


BRITISH COLUMBIA DIVISION

Vancouver Giants

Across the Canadian border is the British Columbia Division, considered by many to be the strongest in the league. In the southwest corner of the province are the Vancouver Giants, who play in the Pacific Coliseum, which was vacated when the NHL's Canucks moved into their new arena. The Giants have steady improved in their first three seasons in the league, and have carved out a solid niche of support in a city fanatical about its NHL team.

Strengths: Very good offensively, led by Adam Courchaine, one of the league’s top players, 16-year-old Gilbert Brule, who’s almost certain to become an NHL star within a few years, and high-scoring defenceman Darren Lynch. In addition to Brule, several other quality young players.

Weaknesses: Smallish forwards, although they’re backed up by a handful of very tough players. Average goaltending. Possible tension between management and coach Dean Evason.

Outlook: A good team, but not quite champion-caliber yet. With the level of talent in the rest of the division, it might make sense to move some of the older players and build around Brule for next year.


Kamloops Blazers

A four-hour drive up the Coquihalla Highway from Vancouver is the city of Kamloops, home to the Blazers, an easy choice as Canada's best junior team of the 1990's. The local fans are perhaps the league's most ardent; one of the first things a visitor to Kamloops notices is a huge Blazers logo painted on big cement pylon in the middle of the Thompson River. The Blazers were national champions three times between 1992 and 1995, but have caused their fans some frustration in recent seasons thanks to repeated playoff collapses and front-office problems.

Strengths: A young group of defencemen that's already good and will continue to improve. Similarly young group of forwards that isn't quite as advanced, but will also get better. Reliable goaltending, with veteran Geoff McIntosh, and the best goaltending prospect in the league, Devan Dubnyk. Well-regarded coach in Dean Clark. Outstanding fan support.

Weaknesses: Ongoing management problems. Lacks first-rate offensive players. Team tends to be very inconsistent, and has disappointed in the playoffs for several seasons now.

Outlook: Not quite talented enough to be a real contender. Let the good young players develop, hopefully find a few more, and make a run at a championship in a year or two.


Kelowna Rockets

Ninety minutes south of Kamloops are the Blazers' bitter rivals, the Kelowna Rockets. Over the last two or three decades, the resort city of Kelowna has grown a little larger and more prosperous than its northern neighbour, but until recently never had a hockey team to match. The former Tacoma Rockets relocated to the Okanagan Valley city in 1995, and since moving into their new arena in 1999 have become one of the league's most successful teams, icing winning teams in front of loud capacity crowds. Blazers-Rockets games in either city are routinely sold out well in advance, even when one side is clearly having a better year.

Strengths: Coach Marc Habscheid, one of the best in junior hockey. One of the steadiest defences in the league, with star goalie Kelly Guard behind them to stop the few chances they allow. Scoring well-balanced amongst the top three lines. Excellent penalty-killing. Good fan support keeps the arena full most games.

Weaknesses: Lacks a game-breaking top scorer. Smallish forwards may get worked over by a team with big defencemen. Big question mark in goal after the overage Guard plays his last season.

Outlook: Guaranteed Memorial Cup berth as the host team. And as a top contender to win the league championship, the Rockets also have the luxury of not having to sacrifice the future to be competitive at the Cup.


Kootenay Ice

A taxing, but scenic, six-hour drive to the east of Kelowna is the small city of Cranbrook, home of the Kootenay Ice (the southeastern corner of British Columbia is collectively referred to as "the Kootenays".) The Ice moved from Edmonton in 1998, going from a city of 900,000 to one with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants - and became a financial success in the process. The Ice, who struggled in the shadow of the NHL's Oilers in Edmonton, have had a series of excellent seasons since the move, and the fans keep their 4200-seat arena nearly full.

Strengths: Nigel Dawes, one of the most dynamic little forwards in the league, will be around for at least one and possibly two seasons after this one. In fact, almost all of a solid group of scorers will be coming back, and there are some good prospects waiting behind them. Fairly good goalie in Jeff Glass. Excellent fan support for a small city.

Weaknesses: Mediocre defence, with no immediate prospects of improvement.

Outlook: Good, but not a championship contender because of the defensive liabilities. If the defence corps can be shored up a bit, will be a team to watch out for next season.


Prince George Cougars

The remaining B.C. division team, the Prince George Cougars, is located far to the north of the others (over 400 km from Kamloops). Relocated from British Columbia's capital of Victoria in 1994, the Cougars have gradually worn out the patience of the local fans with a succession of mediocre teams. Declining attendance has led to speculation that the team might be ready to make another move.

Strengths: In general, youth. The best of the young players is fast-rising prospect in goalie Justin Pogge, but the team also has several other prospects (particularly centre Eric Hunter) that could break out in the next year or two.

Weaknesses: Lacks an elite scorer. Defenceman Dustin Byfuglien, the heaviest player in the league, could be a major force if he wasn’t also the laziest. Weakening fan interest.

Outlook: Much improved from a very bad 2002-03 team, but not quite capable of a serious post-season run yet. Keep building and develop the young guys carefully.


CENTRAL DIVISION

Calgary Hitmen

To the east, across the Rocky Mountains, is the Central Division. The city of Calgary is home to the league's head office as well as the Calgary Hitmen, named after former co-owner and professional wrestler Bret 'The Hitman' Hart (often spotted in the seats behind the team's bench, even after selling his ownership share to the NHL's Calgary Flames.) The Hitmen have been embraced by Calgarians as a low-cost alternative to NHL hockey, and have been known to draw five-figure crowds.

Strengths: Two superb forwards in Ryan Getzlaf, already a WHL superstar, and Andrew Ladd, who's going to be one. A group of defencemen that's huge even by NHL standards, and is still young, so it'll be even bigger and better in a year or two. Underrated goalie in Barry Brust. Solid coaching by Richard Kromm, and the league's best attendance numbers.

Weaknesses: Not a lot of scoring depth after the first line. Goaltending is a bit of a problem, as this is Brust's last season, and his backup, Scott Bowles, is a question mark.

Outlook: Not quite amongst the top contenders this year, but if the goaltending issue is sorted out, could have a huge season next year.


Red Deer Rebels

Halfway between Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta's two big cities, is Red Deer, home of the Rebels. The Rebels, always well-supported by their fans, have put together some excellent teams in the last few seasons, winning the Memorial Cup in 2002 and repeatedly contending for the league championship.

Strengths: Dion Phaneuf and Derek Meech give the Rebels the best 1-2 defensive combination in the league. Phaneuf, a first-round NHL draft pick, is generally considered to be the top defender of his age in the world. Goalie Cam Ward, another future NHL’er, is regarded by some as the top netminder in the WHL. A number of playoff-proven veterans.

Weaknesses: Very little offensive punch. Besides Phaneuf, surprisingly little toughness.

Outlook: Not quite as good as in the previous two seasons, but still can’t be regarded too lightly. Could still have some playoff success. Phaneuf will likely be gone after this year, so it makes sense to push for a big season before he leaves.


Lethbridge Hurricanes

Playing in southern Alberta are Lethbridge's Hurricanes, who had some outstanding teams in the eighties and nineties. It's been a few years, though, since the Lethbridge fans have had a good club to support.

Strengths: Reliable, well-rounded defenceman Brent Seabrook is the team’s best player. Logan Koopmans is an above-average (but just barely) goalie. Several good young players with good potential.

Weaknesses: Abysmal offensively, as the team’s best forwards are still learning. The offensive leader is Nick Tarnasky, a hard-working journeyman who’s never been a big scorer at his three previous WHL clubs.

Outlook: Let the kids develop, hope Seabrook sticks around for a while…but still don’t expect major success anytime soon, because there are going to be better clubs in the division for the foreseeable future.


Medicine Hat Tigers

The final Albertan team is the Medicine Hat Tigers, whose long-suffering fans have finally been rewarded with a decent team in 2003. Several players who would go on to be good NHL'ers passed through 'The Hat' in the nineties, but for most of the last decade the club has struggled to avoid last place in its division.

Strengths: Without a doubt the best offensive talent in the league. Led by veterans Chris St. Jacques and Ryan Hollweg, the Tigers have several players who are just reaching the peak of their WHL careers. Very reliable goaltending from Kevin Nastiuk. Superb defenceman Cam Barker could be the first WHL player taken in the 2004 NHL entry draft.

Weaknesses: After Barker the defence is a little nondescript, but with the scoring this team has they don’t need to be outstanding.

Outlook: One of the best teams in the league, a championship is certainly within reach. And enough talent should be around next year to remain a contender.


Swift Current Broncos

The only Central Division team not located in Alberta is Saskatchewan's Swift Current Broncos. Swift Current, with a population of just over 16,000, is the smallest WHL city, but the team is well-supported and is rarely far from the top of the points standings. Unfortunately, the team has also seen more than its share of trying times. On December 30, 1986, the team's bus skidded off an icy highway and crashed, killing four players. The team rebounded to win the Memorial Cup in 1989, but a few years later their head coach, Graham James - once regarded as a hero for rallying the team after the crash - was convicted of sexually molesting two of his former players over a period of several years.

Strengths: Two brilliant forwards, Tyler Redenbach and Jeremy Williams. A good defensive prospect in Ian White. Good fan support.

Weaknesses: Weak, unsettled goaltending. Lack of scoring depth past the first line.

Outlook: The scoring of Redenbach and Williams will win a few games, but the Broncos will have trouble beating with the better teams in the league. The best players could be leaving after this season, as well, so the future looks a little bleak.


EAST DIVISION

Regina Pats

The league's fourth division is the East, whose teams are scattered amongst the farming provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In the provincial capital of Regina are the Pats (who derive their name from Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry regiment, in turn named for Queen Victoria's granddaughter.) The Pats have been around in one form or another since 1917, and have won a succession of championships in various leagues over the years, their first Memorial Cup coming in 1925 and the most recent in 1974. The last few seasons have been a little trying for their fans, but the team still doesn't want for support.

Strengths: Not many. Brent Hill, who left US college hockey to play in the WHL, is a decent scorer.

Weaknesses: No scoring after Hill, anonymous goaltending, and a general lack of depth. The team is populated with a lot of players who are on their second or third WHL team, rather than progressing along with the Pats.

Outlook: Start rebuilding, and hope the owners and fans don’t run out of patience before you can put together a winner.


Saskatoon Blades

Like the Pats, the Saskatoon Blades play in a city with a long history of good teams. The Blades themselves have existed since 1964, and while they've had some excellent seasons, have never quite managed to secure a national championship. Also like the Pats, they've struggled recently, and the 2003-04 version of the Blades is one of the worst WHL teams in recent memory. Still, there's not much else to do in Saskatchewan in the winter, and the crowds keep coming.

Strengths: Rookie Devin Setoguchi looks like he’ll develop into a WHL star. Forward Tanner Shultz is the league’s most willing fighter.

Weaknesses: Bad goaltending, bad defence, little scoring.

Outlook: Like Regina, rebuild. The presence of Setoguchi and some of the other younger players may make that process a little easier.


Prince Albert Raiders

Northernmost of the Saskatchewan teams is the Prince Albert Raiders. An early version of the Raiders was a Tier II (the next step down from the WHL) powerhouse, and when the team moved up to the WHL in 1982 they established themselves fairly quickly, winning the Memorial Cup in 1985. Consistently strong through the eighties and nineties, the Raiders finally began to fade near the end of their second decade in the league. Several losing years seemed to exhaust the patience of the local fans, who still stayed away even when the club's fortunes began to reverse in 2003. Whenever there's talk of a city wanting a WHL franchise for itself, one of the first names mentioned tends to be the Raiders.

Strengths: Two excellent veterans, forward Seth Leonard, who’s coming into his own as one of the league’s top players, and underrated offensive defenceman Mark Ardelan. They’re complemented by young Kyle Chipchura, a good NHL prospect with a very well-rounded game. Goalie Rejean Beauchemin is one of the better ones in the league.

Weaknesses: No real glaring weaknesses, other than the fact that they’ll lose several key players to graduation after this season. Some question the ability of head coach Peter Anholt.

Outlook: A legitimate championship contender, and an interesting challenge – can you sustain success long enough to win the fans back?


Moose Jaw Warriors

The remaining Saskatchewan team is the Moose Jaw Warriors, who have long frustrated their fans with their inability to advance in the playoffs. As with Prince Albert, they now have a fairly good team but still tend to get mentioned when relocation rumours crop up.

Strengths: Czech forward Tomas Fleischmann is one of the league’s most skilled players, and is complemented by veteran star Kyle Brodziak. Good scoring depth behind them. Excellent group of defencemen, led by big Johnny Boychuk and including the enormous (6’9”/206cm) Lane Manson.

Weaknesses: Goalie Mike Brodeur is in his first WHL season and is a bit of a question mark. Could probably use one more big scorer.

Outlook: Contend for the divisional title, and, with a little luck, the league championship. One or two good player moves could put this team over the top.


Brandon Wheat Kings

The final East Division team, and the league's lone entry from the province of Manitoba, is the Brandon Wheat Kings. The Wheaties’ teams of the late 1970's are legendary, and the 1978-79 squad posted a record of 58 wins against five losses and nine draws, while averaging an amazing 6.8 goals scored per game. There have been a few rough spots since then, including this season, but most years Brandon has a contending team supported by a solid fan base.

Strengths: Arguably the best goaltender in the league in Josh Harding. Very good scoring, and the team's top forward, Eric Fehr, will be around for at least one more season. Decent coach in Kelly McCrimmon. Good fan support.

Weaknesses: Unimpressive group of defensemen that'll be even more inexperienced next year, after half of them graduate.

Outlook: Win now, before most of your team leaves in the 2004 off-season.

[Finny]

Well the OHL is my niche, that is all I have ever played on Eastside, can you believe it I haven't even played NHL. Maybe I should put my knowledge in a guide to help some people out. I'm a better scout then the actual technical side of the leagues such as rules so that is where I can provide the most help.

I turned Owen Sound from 3rd worst rated team to 2nd highest in one season, just takes a bit of player movement, a good coaching staff, and of course tactics suited to your team makeup.

Let me know Minty or Arch how I can help.

[flea]

Yes, I know what u mean Finny!!

I have started three careers in EHM07: one I started unemployed, but got an offer from Prince Albert in the WHL.
The second with the Belleville Bulls in the OHL.
And the third one with the Halifax Mooseheads in the Q.

I still have to start one with my beloved Bruins, but I will do it probably when the next patch comes out...

Archie: nice read about the WHL!!!!
Are there also guides from the OHL or the Q somewhere??? Just wondering!!!

Greets

[Minstrel]

Let me know Minty or Arch how I can help.

Certainly If you type something up and either just post it or message it to Archi or I we'll also add it as a Guide in our Knowledge Base too

[Finny]

I will see what I can do in my spare time which is not much time. Regardless in the mean time if anyone has questions surrounding the OHL don't be afraid to post as I don't mind helping out.

[Xavier's Crown]

I'm pretty new to EHM and I've been figuring the game out via the OHL. I'm currently playing my third season with Kingston. I'm trying to get a feel for when players graduate to the NHL.

I was really confident at the start of my second and third season, only to see my hopes dashed when NHL teams signed my 18 years olds and never returned them to Juniors. Now I understand that some of my 20 year olds will be moving on and even the odd 19 year old. I just wish I could gauge the whole graduation process a bit better. In august, I'm able to trade some of these players for great returns, but come September they become worthless because some NHL team signs them and keeps them.

Have you figured out a way to know which players might be coming back and which are goners?

Also, any tricks for drafting import players (I have bad luck being able to sign them)?

[ElQuapo]

I'm pretty new to EHM and I've been figuring the game out via the OHL. I'm currently playing my third season with Kingston. I'm trying to get a feel for when players graduate to the NHL.

I was really confident at the start of my second and third season, only to see my hopes dashed when NHL teams signed my 18 years olds and never returned them to Juniors. Now I understand that some of my 20 year olds will be moving on and even the odd 19 year old. I just wish I could gauge the whole graduation process a bit better. In august, I'm able to trade some of these players for great returns, but come September they become worthless because some NHL team signs them and keeps them.

Have you figured out a way to know which players might be coming back and which are goners?

The price of succes.

The better you (or your players are), the more likely they will get signed into the NHL. Unfortunately there is not much to do about it.

Also, any tricks for drafting import players (I have bad luck being able to sign them)?

I try sticking to players who state that their aim is to play canadian major junior hockey, and who only have 1-2 years left of their current contract. They will almost allways sign when becoming free agents then.

You could also draft players that are likely to get signed by NHL clubs. That way you own their rights and the NHL club can send them down to you at times.

[B. Stinson]

Have you figured out a way to know which players might be coming back and which are goners?

The only answer I have found to this question is: "Experience." If you keep playing in the junior leagues and really pay attention to it, you'll eventually get a feel for who fits where, who's too good to be true, and who has no place in the league. This is also one good reason why it can pay off quite a bit to play through small leagues before jumping into the bigger leagues, like the NHL - you'll develop a feel for where each talent level fits, giving you the handy ability to almost know exactly what to do with your prospects.

Also, any tricks for drafting import players (I have bad luck being able to sign them)?

I'm with you on this question. I have been doing CHL Imports since EHM 2004, and I still have no clue what I have to do to get foreign players to sign. The obvious path would be to get guys who have no team, but even then the excuse I'm always given is that the player is afraid of the difference in language and lifestyle. In fact, I just drafted a Finnish goalie yesterday who knows basic English(the main reason I drafted him)... and he's still concerned about the difference in language and blah blah. I'm to the point where I mostly just ignore all foreign players anymore.

[flea]

Also, any tricks for drafting import players (I have bad luck being able to sign them)?

I'm with you on this question. I have been doing CHL Imports since EHM 2004, and I still have no clue what I have to do to get foreign players to sign. The obvious path would be to get guys who have no team, but even then the excuse I'm always given is that the player is afraid of the difference in language and lifestyle. In fact, I just drafted a Finnish goalie yesterday who knows basic English(the main reason I drafted him)... and he's still concerned about the difference in language and blah blah. I'm to the point where I mostly just ignore all foreign players anymore.

I usually draft only players who have the phrase "aims to play canadian junior mayor hockey" (or something like that) in the information screen!!

This doesnt means that the player will sign, but it makes it easier I guess...

[hluraven]

You can sort the draft by Interested = Yes (If not the draft itself, the scout reports on it, I can't remember which) There are a lot less players but they will all want to join your team. It is an excellent way to do it. Other than that, sorting by speak English, free agent, wants to play CHL is a good idea

[Xavier's Crown]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

One more question: Am I correct in assuming that a CHL player that plays more than 10 games at the NHL level will not be returned to his Junior team (I've been releasing their rights after they play their 10th game in the NHL). Also, if this is the case, can an 18 year old who plays 10 games in the NHL one season be eligible to return to his CHL team the following season?

[batdad]

Yep. Kind of. I believe in real life they can be sent back at any time, but if they play more than 10 games, their contract season 1 is done. In EHM, I am not sure...never let one play past 10 games. YEAH! That was helpful. But my post count goes up by one.

[hluraven]

10-game rule is not in EHM in any way.

Players can be sent back after 10 games in EHM but it is very rare for the AI to do this.

[Xavier's Crown]

Good news on the 10 game rule. Unfortunately, it's hard for me to keep my reserve list under 50 so it'll be even tougher to keep a spot for a player who might never be returned.

I'm currently wrapping up my third season at Kingston. I coached the Canadian U20 to gold and won the OHL championship. I was up 3 games to 1 when my top two d-men got signed by their NHL clubs and poof... they were gone. Kitchener came back and forced a game 7 and luckily I took it at home. I'm off to the Memorial Cup.

Tough part is the timing of the OHL draft. All of sudden I have more than 50 players again and I can't drop my three 20 year olds to make room because I still need them to make a run at the cup. Also, there's a no-trade thing going on until June 1st. Does the OHL really draft before the Championship finals and the Memorial Cup. Timing seems naff to me. I had to release some of my draft picks to stay under the 50 rule.

Do any of you guys have trouble keeping your roster under 50?

[B. Stinson]

Do any of you guys have trouble keeping your roster under 50?

So far I've done well with this. Usually, it's just a matter of going through an cutting away any of those older guys who you're unlikely to sign before they're too old, as well as any prospects who didn't turn out as expected(which adds significant importance to scouting all of your prospects on a fairly regular basis).