WHL

Following is the Western Hockey League writers’ pre-season poll, listed by rank, team (first-place votes) and total points.

1. Calgary Hitmen (12) 314

2. Vancouver Giants (3) 295

3. Tri-City Americans (1) 276

4. Medicine Hat Tigers 263

5. Kelowna Rockets 255

6. Prince Albert Raiders 250

7. Brandon Wheat Kings 204

8. Lethbridge Hurricanes 189

9. Kamloops Blazers 182

10. Portland Winter Hawks 181

11. Everett Silvertips 163

12. Red Deer Rebels 154

13. Moose Jaw Warriors 107

14. Prince George Cougars 100

15. Kootenay Ice 89

16. Seattle Thunderbirds 87

17. Regina Pats 82

18. Saskatoon Blades 60

19. Spokane Chiefs 40

20. Swift Current Broncos 37

•Poll voted on by the Western Major Junior Hockey Writers Association (WMJHA), comprised of writers in each of the WHL’s 20 cities. A first-place vote is worth 20 points, with 19 for second, etc., down to one point for a last-place vote.