The Canadian Hockey League is producing young stars

By Olivia Lawrence 

RP Show Intern

Canada is home to the largest developmental hockey league in the world—the Canadian Hockey league (CHL). The league consists of 52 Canadian and eight American teams participating in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), and the Western Hockey League (WHL).  Rod Pedersen invited Junior Hockey Analyst Sam Cosentino from Rogers Sportsnet onto The Rod Pedersen Show to talk about the amount of talent that is being developed within this league. 

“HOW ABOUT COLE SILLINGER?!” said Rod Pedersen on Monday’s episode. 

Sillinger at just 18, scored his first NHL goal against the Colorado Avalanche on Nov. 6. 

He is the son of NHL alumni Mike Sillinger, and previously played in WHL for the Medicine Hat Tigers. Now he is playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, a 12th overall pick in the 2021 NHL draft. 

“It is funny because every time you look around, Columbus is sort of wanting to get rid of him, but they can’t, he’s been that good, that responsible,” said Cosentino.  But when you come from that background that’s hyper competitive, you’re not wowed by what the NHL has to offer. I couldn’t be happier for the kid, awesome to see his smile, the celebration, the first goal, really, really good stuff.”

“It seems a little ahead of schedule, we knew that he had it in him, but at 18, what he’s doing is just insane,” said Rod Pedersen.

Sillinger is not the only young star from the Canadian Hockey League with potential, the bulk of the standouts in the WHL right now are young players, and Cosentino said a similar trend exists in the OHL and QMJHL. 

“I do like this 04 draft, but I think everyone is excited for the 05 group,” said Cosentino. 

Regina Pats standout Connor Bedard, is one of the players in the 2005 age group. Consentino originally thought Bedard was going to be the “lone ranger” and a “shoo-in” to be the first overall pick of the 2023 draft, but with all this talent appearing, he does not think it will be as easy for him. Brayden Yager with the Moose Jaw Warriors for example, scouts are calling him the next Nathan MacKinnon!

“I think the ‘05 group is deeper and a little more high-end than what we’re seeing with the’ 04’s,” said Consentino. So super pumped about that of course, but I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself and not forget, and give to that 04 group led by Shane Wright.”

Center Shane Wright from the Kingston Frontenacs (OHL), is number one in the NHL Draft prospect rankings for 2022. 

The CHL is no doubt building the NHL stars of tomorrow.