Forget the NHL. If you’re looking for some serious gameplay, it’s all about the CHL. The Canadian Hockey League is the top amateur hockey level in Canada, where talent thrives. When you’re tuned in to the Ontario games of the Quebec league, the CHL offers non-stop action. But who are the top players of all time? Who can we thank for the best CHL moments?
If you’re interested in the best of the best, keep reading. We’re delving into the top CHL players of all time, so make sure you’re up to date before you watch the next game.
What is the CHL?
Before we jump into the CHL’s best, we’ll quickly give an overview of this popular league.
Formed in 1975, the CHL has been offering premium entertainment for years. This league oversees three leagues: the Western Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. While the CHL is based in Canada, the Ontario and Western leagues include US teams.
Many are confused between the NHL and the CHL. Though the game is the same, the most significant difference comes from skill level. The Canadian Hockey League is the top level of amateur hockey in Canada, whereas the NHL is for pro players only.
Don’t be put off by the fact the CHL is amateur hockey, though. This is still one of the most-watched forms of hockey worldwide, and the players are extremely talented – those who take part in college hockey often use the CHL as a stepping stone to the NHL.
In fact, the CHL is popular with sports betting too. Canadian fans tune in each week to watch their favourite teams battle for the win, and many enjoy placing a bet or two while relaxing. If you want to get involved, consider a sportsbook or a best paying casino online to make the most of the sports experience.
The top CHL players
So, who are the top CHL players? Let’s see who has cemented their place in the history of this amateur league. We’re exploring this list based on awards, player of the year achievements and all-round talent.
Sidney Crosby
Now a famous NHL player, Sidney Crosby dominated the CHL in 2002. From 2003 to 2005, Crosby was the player of the year, proving his talent and success for the Rimouski Océanic team.
While playing for Océanic from 2004 to 2005, Crosby made 66 goals, 168 points and 102 assists – all during 62 games. This led to him also winning most valuable player, the personality of the year and best offensive player. Crosby then went on to join the NHL, with a host of titles and awards. Since 2005, he has been representing the Pittsburgh Penguins and has won back-to-back Stanley Cup titles – a player to watch to this day!
Alex Lafrenière
Another Rimouski Océanic player, Alex Lafrenière is one of the best CHL players of all time. Like Crosby, Lafrenière has won the player of the year award twice – in 2018 and 2019. Lafrenière scored an impressive 42 goals in his rookie season, placing him as the second-highest rookie goal scorer, just behind Sidney Crosby. This earned him the QMJHL Rookie of the Year award and the RDS Cup.
With an impressive start in the CHL, there’s no surprise that Lafrenière entered the professional NHL in 2020 for the New York Rangers. He has since become the youngest player to win a playoff point. These achievements are even more impressive considering Lafrenière is only 20 years old.
David Ling
It’s easy to focus on the current CHL players, but some of the best players of all time are now thriving in the NHL. For example, David Ling started in the CHL at 14. With a talent for hockey at a young age, this player bloomed when playing for the Charlottetown Abbies and the St. Michael’s Buzzers.
During his time as a CHL player, Ling received the Jim Mahon Memorial Trophy, the Red Tilson Trophy and CHL Player of the Year. In 1994, Ling finished the league with 61 goals, 135 points and 74 assists. After his CHL career, Ling moved on to professional hockey in the NHL. As an in-demand player, Ling boasts a packed team history. He has performed for the Quebec Nordiques, Calgary Flames, Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Dallas Stars, Columbus Blue Jackets and the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he has even played in the Russian Super League.
Joe Sakic
If you’re an NHL fan, you’ll already know Joe Sakic for his impressive career with the Quebec Nordiques and the Colorado Avalanche teams. Known as one of the best team leaders in hockey history, Sakic is one of the best to grace the CHL. Sakic played in the Western Hockey league for the Lethbridge Broncos during the 1985-86 season. He continued with the team after their re-branding as the Swift Current Broncos, and in the next year, he tallied 60 goals, 133 points and 73 assists. This earned him rookie of the year and later CHL Player of the Year.
Since leaving the CHL, Sakic has had an unforgettable NHL career. This long and exciting career includes playing for Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics, earning a spot in the Hockey Hall of Fame and he’s included in the 100 Greatest NHL players list.
Brian Campbell
An Ontario native, Brian Campbell grew up in a hockey-centric community. So, it’s no wonder that when he joined the CHL in 1994, he was already one of the best. Brian Campbell played for the Petrolia Jets in the Western Ontario league in his first year in the CHL.
After playing in the CHL, Campbell was awarded the Max Kaminsky Trophy, the William Hanley Trophy, the Red Tilson Trophy, the CHL Player of the Year and he won the Memorial Cup with his team. Now that’s a full CHL trophy cabinet. Campbell continued to play professional hockey and was drafted to the NHL in 1997. Since then, he’s represented the Buffalo Sabres, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks and the Florida Panthers.
The bottom line
Who is your favourite CHL hockey player? Did they make the list? The CHL is where hockey talent comes to thrive. Many of these players enjoy a promising start to their career in this league before moving on to represent national and international teams. So, the next time you’re looking for a sport to enjoy, consider the CHL.
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