Zac Funk had a huge 2023-24 season for the WHL’s Prince George Cougars and has racked up several accolades since wrapping up his junior duties. The Washington Capitals prospect was previously named a finalist for WHL Player of the Year, selected to the WHL’s first All-Star team, and has now received CHL honors.
The CHL revealed its First All-Star Team on Sunday and Funk was one of three WHL representatives to join the six-man unit. Funk exploded for a CHL-leading 67 goals in 68 games to become just the 10th skater since 2000 to score more than 65 goals in a single CHL season.
Introducing your CHL First-All Star Team as chosen by @NHLCentralScout! 👏🏻 #CHLAwards | @CCMHockey
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 2, 2024
Funk’s 123 total points ranked second in the WHL and he was one of just two players in Canada’s three major junior leagues to eclipse the 120-point mark.
The 20-year-old winger chipped in an additional 18 points (8g, 10a) in 15 playoff games for the Cougars. His 67 goals were the new, all-time franchise-high for Prince George, besting a record set by Quinn Hancock (54) back during the 1997-98 campaign. Funk also recorded eight hat tricks after having zero in his career coming into the season and led the WHL with 31 powerplay goals.
The Capitals announced they signed Funk to a three-year, entry-level contract in early March. He got his first taste of the Capitals’ organization in mid-May when he signed an amateur tryout agreement to practice with the AHL’s Hershey Bears during their still ongoing playoff run. Funk was released from that agreement to start his offseason last week.
Funk could return to the DC area in the summer and suit up for the Capitals’ Development Camp which usually occurs in late June or early July. He’s likely pegged for his rookie pro season with the Bears next year.
Here’s the WHL’s press release:
Firkus, Funk, and Mateychuk named to CHL First All-Star Team for 2023-24
Saginaw, Mich. – Three Western Hockey League players have been named to the CHL First All-Star Team for the 2023-24 season.
The CHL All-star and all-rookie teams were selected by NHL Central Scouting based on regular-season play along with all-star selections and award winners from across the CHL’s three member leagues: the Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL), and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
Jagger Firkus, Moose Jaw Warriors
Even fans of opposing teams flocked to their local rinks when the Firkus Circus came to town.
Firkus, who captured WHL and CHL Player of the Year honours, led all CHL skaters with an astonishing 126 points in 2023-24.
The Seattle Kraken prospect put up a career-best 61 goals and 65 assists in 63 games, tying for second in the league with 10 game-winning goals.
Moose Jaw’s alternate captain had more games where he scored a hat trick (six) than games where he was held off the scoresheet (four) in 2023-24.
He also owns the WHL’s most impressive scoring streak this season, racking up 19 goals and 32 assists for 51 points in 26 straight games from November 25, 2023, to February 17, 2024.
Zac Funk, Prince George Cougars
The CHL regular-season goals leader continues to pile up the accolades after an unforgettable season with the B.C. Division Champion Prince George Cougars.
Funk erupted for a CHL-leading 67 goals and a career-high 56 assists for 123 points a league-leading +56 rating- not to mention high league-best eight hat tricks.
He also led the WHL with 31 powerplay goals and, along with Firkus, became the only two players nationwide to eclipse 120 points.
The 20-year-old’s dominant play also earned him a three-year, entry-level contract with the NHL’s Washington Capitals, who signed Funk as an undrafted free agent.
The WHL B.C. Division First Team All-Star finished the regular season on a 14-game point streak that saw him record 16 goals and 17 assists, helping Prince George complete the winningest season in the team’s history.
Denton Mateychuk, Moose Jaw Warriors
The reigning WHL Defenceman of the Year helped keep the puck out of the Moose Jaw net while posting offensive numbers most forwards would be jealous of.
Mateychuk tallied 17 goals and 58 assists for 75 points and a +35 rating through 52 regular-season games, leading all WHL defencemen with a 1.44 points-per-game average.
The Columbus Blue Jackets prospect also set a new franchise record for points by a defenceman this season, growing his career total to 41 goals and 174 assists for 215 points in 203 regular-season games with Moose Jaw.
Mateychuk found a new gear in the postseason, finishing second in scoring with 30 points en route to lifting the Ed Chynoweth Cup for the first time in his team’s history.
