The 1995–96 WHL season was the 30th season for the Western Hockey League (WHL). Seventeen teams completed a 72-game season. The Brandon Wheat Kings won the President's Cup. League notes The Calgary Hitmen joined the WHL as its 17th franchise, playing in the Central division. The Tacoma Rockets relocated to Kelowna, British Columbia to become the Kelowna Rockets. The WHL divided into three divisions: The East and Central divisions formed the Eastern Conference, and consisted of five teams per division. The West division was made up of the seven B.C. and U.S.-based teams. The playoff format was changed so that the top eight teams in the Eastern Conference and the top six in the West division qualified. The 14 playoff qualifiers all played best-of-seven series in the first round. The East semifinals were best-of-seven affairs, while the highest remaining seed in the West earned a bye. The remaining two West teams played a best of five series. Conference and League final series were best of seven. Regular season Final standings Scoring leaders Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalties in minutes 1996 WHL Playoffs All-Star game On January 23, the Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference 10–7 at Prince George, British Columbia before a crowd of 5,992. Awards All-Star Teams See also 1996 Memorial Cup 1996 NHL Entry Draft 1995 in sports 1996 in sports References whl.ca 2005–06 WHL Guide Western Hockey League seasons WHL WHL