In 1993, a young defenceman by the name of Chris Phillips was selected by the Prince Albert Raiders in the first round (5th overall) of the WHL Bantam Draft. A few years later, Dan Hamhuis, another young blueliner eligible for the draft, was never selected.
Looking back on their Western Hockey League careers, both Phillips and Hamhuis shared similar experiences and acclamations, despite their different routes to the WHL.
Chris Phillips, a celebrated defenceman from Fort McMurray, AB, joined the Prince Albert Raiders at the age of 17, while Dan Hamhuis, from Smithers, BC, rather anonymously joined the Prince George Cougars at the tender age of 16.
What would follow for both players were two junior careers that would set a precedent for every young hockey player to try and equal.
Phillips' junior career included being named WHL Defenceman of the Year for his play during the 1996-97 season, while also being named to Team Canada on two occasions (1996 & 1997). Phillips was later selected by the Ottawa Senators first overall in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft.
Hamhuis would not only receive top honours as the WHL Defenceman of the Year in 2001-02, he was also named the leagues Most Valuable Player. Like Phillips, Hamhuis was twice selected to represent Canada at the World Junior Championships in 2001 & 2002. Hamhuis is now playing for the Nashville Predators after being selected in the first round (12th overall) by the Predators in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.
