WHL Alumni Heading to the Stanley Cup Final

There are seven Western Hockey League alumni that have a chance to get their names etched onto Lord Stanley’s Cup in June. The list ranges in age and experience, from Penguins rookie Derrick Pouliot to longtime Sharks veteran Patrick Marleau, and includes both San Jose netminders.

Former Brandon Wheat Kings and Washington Capitals forward, now Penguin, Eric Fehr, has tallied two goals and one assist in 17 postseason games so far. Not bad, but nowhere near the 32 points in 24 playoff games he put up for the Wheat Kings back in 2005.

At the other end of the scoring tally is Patrick Marleau, former Seattle Thunderbird and San Jose Shark since the 1997 NHL Draft (#2 overall), who has potted four goals and eight assists on the way to the Stanley Cup Final.

The WHL has the Sharks crease covered too. Back-up goalie James Reimer has seen just shy of half a game so far in the playoffs, but the former Red Deer Rebel is ready if he’s called upon.

Former Calgary Hitmen Martin Jones, though, has been solid between the pipes for the Sharks, posting a 2.12 goals against average and .919 save percentage. Ironically, his save percentage in the 2016 postseason, so far, is exactly the same as his percentage for the final season he played for the Hitmen.

The following is a breakdown of WHL Alumni who are on the playoff rosters listed by name, position, former WHL Club and hometown.

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Player Position Former WHL Club Hometown
Eric Fehr Forward Brandon Wheat Kings Winkler, Manitoba
Derrick Pouliot Defenceman Portland Winterhawks Estevan, Saskatchewan

SAN JOSE SHARKS

Player Position Former WHL Club Hometown
Brenden Dillon Defenceman Seattle Thunderbirds New Westminster, BC
Martin Jones Goaltender Calgary Hitmen North Vancouver, BC
Patrick Marleau Forward Seattle Thunderbirds Swift Current, Saskatchewan
Roman Polak Defenceman Kootenay ICE Ostrava, Czech Republic
James Reimer Goaltender Red Deer Rebels Moreena, Manitoba

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