Some players have moved on. A few of the league's long-time veterans, like center Chris Ellis, left wing Howie Gamble, and goalie Dave Pratt, have hung up the skates. Others, like defenseman Henrik Ekstrom and right wing Erik Miller simply weren't offered new contracts. Center Valeri Chernyshev returned to Russia, left wing Kyle Richards decided to pursue a medical degree, and defenseman Bart Parenteau has gone back into retirement after a one year comeback attempt. In all, about fifty of last year's players won't be returning for the 2012-13 season.

To take the places of the departed players, a brand new crop of rookies and free-agents has signed on. Some of them are project players, others will have an immediate impact. Soviet super-star Dmitri Tckachenko has been lured to the WHL with a lucrative contract. Finland's Erkki Ahmaoja moves in from the Elite League and will be among your points leaders with his potent stickwork. Minor league star goalie Noah Colagiacomo will instantly improve any league also-ran. And there are many more new faces!

A few names who may ring a bell--players who missed the 2011-12 season for one reason or another--will return to the ice in 2012-13. Center Kenny Hedlund is recovered from his back injury, and will attempt a comeback. Defenseman Craig Morrison helped lead his minor league team to the championship with a stellar year--he's back in the "big-time."

Of course, a large number of 2011-12 WHL players return for the 2012-13 season. As you would expect from a pro hockey league, some of those returning players are showing improved skills, some not so much...

Center Geoff Craig has gotten healthy and is poised for a career year. Defenseman Joona Jokela, though, looks lost on the ice this year, after a solid year last season. Stars like Petr Novy, Francois Fortin, Teppo Toskala, Eddie Cusack and Christiaan Thygessen will continue to perform at all-league levels, while journeymen like Austin Lillico and Mike Abel barely hang onto a roster spot for another year. Twenty year-old Connor Carson continues his ascent as one of the league's top young defensive stars, while forty-one year-old hockey legend Bill Hale will hit the ice for one final season, wrapping up a decorated WHL career. Those are just SOME of the story-lines that will define YOUR league for 2012-13!

Want to learn more about the league? We've created a free WHL Player Profile that includes detail on EVERY player in the league this year, as well as every player from last year who won't be returning. A number of HOCKEY BLAST fans suggested that a publication like this would be helpful in "filling in the blanks" about the league--it's available now!

The new 2012-13 World Hockey League Update for HOCKEY BLAST Pro Hockey Game is available in either printed or PDF formats. The printed version sells for $21 postage-paid, and includes all 320 WHL player cards on easy-to-separate micro-perfed card stock. The PDF edition sells for $13, and is sent right to your e-mail box, so you can print-and-play right away! Your own, personal hockey universe--endlessly entertaining, exciting, and UNIQUE to only you--is just a click away! Order your copy TODAY!