EHM The Blue Line

After three seasons with Kingston Frontenacs and a Memorial cup - I decided to try a real challenge and attempt rebuilding the WHL expansion Chilliwack Bruins. Just wondering if anyone else has played with them. They don't have a minor league affiliate in year 1 so I was wondering what people did with players who need more ice time because they are not ready for the Bruins yet. I've been loaning them out to teams (non WHL) that have good coaches. Anyone know if they get a minor team affiliation in year 2? Also, their draft pick (#3 in WHL) Howse doesn't look so promising. Does he develop?

IRL Ryan Howse is a stud. He should develop in the game, not to an NHL superstar but to a 3rd liner. I think I have seen him in some of my games in the NHL. Not a star, but did decently well.

I've noticed the WHL is set-up a bit differently than the OHL. For instance, the WHL restricts the number of 15/16 year olds (1990 borns in year 1) that can play in a game to 3 - which doesn't seem to exist in the OHL. Also, the WHL drafts guys a whole year younger (14/15 year old born in 92 for the first draft vs. the OHL's 15/16 year olds born in 91).

This significantly impacted my strategy when playing Chilliwack. Basically, I dumped anything and anybody that could fetch me a draft pick in my first season. I was thinking that some of the plethora of kids I drafted could play in year two. Now I've learned that only three could suit up and they are not really ready because some of them are still only 14 years old.

Season two is looking rough. I'll have to bite the bullet for another year until my draft picks are ready to step up.