April 26, 2024: Three WHL Recruits
Thus far there are no official announcement at GoBisons.ca. However, Elite Prospects lists three new Bisons, all with WHL experience. There are not many other recruits in the CW. In fact, there are more announcements of players departing for pro careers thus far. Here we go!
DEXTER WHITTLE - D - Everett (WHL)
Whittle is just 5' 9" and is one of two Virden boys recruited to the roster. As a bonus, he shoots right. He is unfortunately known for being on the receiving end of a vicious hit-from-behind which cost him most of last season. He played just two games after a lengthy hospital stay. His assailant received a 25-game suspension. There are several linked stories and videos of the incident.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Dexter Whittle Career Stats
➤ CHL.ca: 2023-24 Player Profile
➤ Brandon Sun: WHL NOTEBOOK: Dexter Whittle makes his way back
➤ BVM Sports: 2023-24 Player Profile
➤ Hockey Unplugged: Player suspended 25 games after putting opponent in hospital for 3 days with dirty hit
➤ Hockey Feed: WHL forward suspended 25 games for hit that sends opponent to hospital
➤ Victoria News: Victoria Royals forward suspended 25 games for hockey hit from behind
➤ Empire Advance: Whittle has gone from Wheat Kings fan to foe
➤ YouTube: Edwards hit on Whittle - Tough Call Breakdown
➤ YouTube: Alex Edwards drives Dexter Whittle into the glass
GRADY LANE - F - Victoria (WHL)/Virden (MJHL)
Lane played three seasons for the Spokane Chiefs in the WHL, and wore an “A” in his final season there. He then split his overage season between the Victoria Royals in the Dub, and his hometown Virden Oil Capitals in the MJHL. He is a 6' 2", 192 lbs winger, shoots left, and apparently likes to scrap. The offensive numbers in the WHL aren’t much (137 GP, 8-15-23, 250 PIMS), but his junior denouement in the MJHL was better (41 GP, 14-16-30, 155 PIMS). The Bison shopping list has two big items up front: scoring and grit. Lane appears to cover the latter fairly well.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Grady Lane Career Stats
➤ Empire Advance: Lane excited to play for WHL’s Royals
➤ Empire Advance: [url=Lane helps hometown team in many ways] Lane helps hometown team in many ways
➤ CHL.ca: Player Profile
➤ RoyalsFan.ca: Grady Lane, Hockey’s Swiss Army Knife
➤ Facebook Video: rady Lane (03) puts home the nice feed from Braeden Lewis (03)
➤ BVM Sports: Royals Acquire Grady Lane in exchange for an 8th Round Pick
CADE ZAPLITNY - F - Everett (WHL)
Zaplitny is a Winnipeg boy, coming home from the west coast. He is 6' 1" and 190 lbs and shoots left. After splitting 2021-22 between the Winnipeg Blues and Everett Silvertips, he then played two full seasons in Everett with decent enough numbers (101 GP, 23-22-45, 92 PIMS). So a bit of scoring and a bit of grit.
Links:
➤ Elite Prospects: Cade Zaplitny Career Stats
➤ CHL.ca: 2023-24 Player Profile: Cade Zaplitny
➤ Winnipeg Blues: CADEN ZAPLITNY STAYING WITH SILVERTIPS IN WHL
➤ Our Sports Central: 2023-24 Player Profile: Cade Zaplitny