Definition
The 2017–18 WHL season was the 52nd season of the Western Hockey League (WHL), a major junior ice‑hockey league in Canada and the United States. The season comprised a regular schedule followed by the WHL playoffs, culminating in the championship series.
Overview
- Duration: The regular season commenced in early October 2017 and concluded in early March 2018. The playoffs ran from mid‑March to early May 2018, ending with the WHL Championship series.
- Teams: All 22 WHL franchises participated, divided into the Eastern and Western Conferences, each containing two divisions.
- Games: Each club played a 68‑game regular‑season schedule.
- Champion: The Portland Winterhawks captured the Ed Chynoweth Cup, defeating the Seattle Thunderbirds in a four‑game sweep (4–0) in the championship series.
- Memorial Cup: As WHL champions, the Winterhawks represented the league at the 2018 Memorial Cup held in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Etymology / Origin
The abbreviation “WHL” stands for “Western Hockey League,” a designation adopted when the league was formed in 1966 as the “Western Canada Hockey League.” The term “2017–18 WHL season” follows the conventional naming pattern for sports seasons that span two calendar years, indicating the specific annual cycle of competition.
Characteristics
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Points system | Teams earned 2 points for a win (regulation, overtime, or shootout) and 1 point for an overtime or shootout loss. |
| Standings | Rankings were determined by total points, with tie‑breakers based on number of wins, head‑to‑head records, and goal differential. |
| Playoff format | The top eight teams from each conference qualified. First‑round matchups were intra‑conference (1 vs 8, 2 vs 7, etc.). Series were best‑of‑seven, progressing through quarter‑finals, semi‑finals, and conference finals before the championship series. |
| Awards | Major individual honors included: • Bob Clarke Trophy – top point‑scorer (awarded to Spencer Martin, Calgary Hitmen, 105 points). • Del Wilson Trophy – top goaltender (awarded to Alex Nedeljkovic, Red Deer Rebels). • CHL Player of the Year – recognized league‑wide performance (awarded to Nathan MacKinnon’s successor, accurate information not confirmed). |
| Statistical leaders | Aside from the scoring leader, the league tracked goals, assists, plus/minus, penalty minutes, and goaltending statistics such as goals‑against average and save percentage. |
| Broadcast | Games were televised regionally via Shaw TV, Sportsnet, and online streaming platforms; select playoff games received national coverage in Canada. |
Related Topics
- Western Hockey League (overall league structure and history)
- 2017–18 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) season
- 2017–18 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) season
- 2018 Memorial Cup
- Canadian Hockey League (CHL)
- Junior ice hockey development pathways in North America
All information presented reflects publicly documented records from the 2017–18 Western Hockey League season.