The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) and it’s partner leagues – the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and the Western Hockey League (WHL) wrapped-up their 2022-23 seasons this past weekend. And while it’s always sad to see a season end, the good news is that all five of the Capitals prospects playing in the CHL will be advancing to play in the postseason, which begins this Friday.

Alexander Suzdalev and the Regina Pats open the WHL postseason against the Saskatoon Blades on Friday night. Suzdalev dominated in his rookie season, leading all WHL rookies in goals (38), assists (48) and total points (86) and is a lock for the WHL rookie of the year award.

Dru Krebs and the Medicine Hat Tigers face the Winnipeg Ice in the first round of the WHL playoffs. Krebs and the Tigers rebounded nicely this season after a rough going in the 2021-22 season.

Jake Karabela and the Guelph Storm begin their OHL postseason run with a first round series against the Sarnia Sting. Game 1 is set for Friday night in Sarnia. Karabela cooled off quite a bit down the home stretch in the regular season, so hopefully he can reignite the scoring engine in the post season.

Ryan Hofer and the Kamloops Blazers open their WHL first round series against the Vancouver Giants on Friday. Hofer finished the regular season with 40 goals and 28 assists in 66 games played, and inked his entry-level deal with the Capitals on March 1.

And finally, winger Haakon Hanelt and the Gatineau Olypiques open their first round of the QMJHL postseason against the Saint Johns Sea Dogs. Hanelt missed most of the second half of the season with a broken foot, but recently returned to get in a few games before the postseason begins. He will be fighting for a starting spot, as the Olympiques are currently playing great hockey.

THE MEMORIAL CUP

The champions of each of the three leagues will of course advance to the Memorial Cup, this year hosted by the Kamloops Blazers, who get an automatic bid and become the 4th team in the four-team championship tournament.

By Jon Sorensen