Monday, November 28, 2011

Team Canada Selection Camp Roster 2012

Goaltenders
Player Birthdate Hometown 2010-11 Team Pro Status
Tyler Bunz 02/11/92 St. Albert, AB Medicine Hat (WHL) EDM 2010
Louis Domingue 03/06/92 Mont St-Hilaire, QB Quebec (QMJHL) PHX 2010
Mark Visentin 08/07/92 Waterdown, ON Niagara (OHL) PHX 2010
Scott Wedgewood08/14/92 Brampton, ON Plymouth (OHL) NJ 2010


Defence
Player Birthdate Hometown 2010-11 Team Pro Status
Nathan Beaulieu 12/05/92 Strathroy, ON Saint John (QMJHL) MTL 2011
Cody Ceci 12/21/93 Ottawa, ON Ottawa (OHL) 2012
Mathew Dumba 07/25/94 Calgary, AB Red Deer (WHL) 2012
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc 07/30/92 Quebec City, QB Rimouski (QMJHL) BUF 2010
Brandon Gormley 02/18/92 Murray River, PEI Moncton (QMJHL) PHX 2010
Dougie Hamilton 06/17/93 Toronto, ON Niagara (OHL) BOS 2011
Scott Harrington 03/10/93 Kingston, ON London (OHL) PIT 2011
Brenden Kichton 06/18/92 Spruce Grove, AB Spokane (WHL) NYI 2011
Joe Morrow 12/09/92 Sherwood Park, AB Portland (WHL) PIT 2011
Ryan Murphy 03/31/93 Aurora, ON Kitchener (OHL) CAR 2011
Ryan Murray 09/27/93 White City, SK Everett (WHL) 2012
Jamie Oleksiak 12/21/92 Toronto, ON Northeastern (NCAA) DAL 2011
Alex Petrovic 03/03/92 Edmonton, AB Red Deer (OHL) FLA 2010
Mark Pysyk 01/11/92 Sherwood Park, AB Edmonton (WHL) BUF 2010


Forwards
Player Birthdate Hometown 2010-11 Team Pro Status
Michael Bournival 05/31/92 Shawinigan, QB Shawinigan (QMJHL) COL 2010
Brett Bulmer 04/26/92 Prince George, BC Kelowna (QMJHL) MIN 2010
Phillip Danault 02/24/93 Victoriaville, QB Victoriaville (QMJHL) CHI 2011
Phillip Di Giuseppe 10/09/93 Maple, ON Michigan (CCHA) 2012
Michael Ferland 02/24/93 Swan River, MB Brandon (WHL) CGY 2010
Brendan Gallagher 06/05/92 Tsawwassen, BC Vancouver (WHL) MTL 2010
Freddie Hamilton 01/01/92 Toronto, ON Niagara (OHL) SJ 2010
Quinton Howden 01/21/92 Oak Bank, MB Moose Jaw (WHL) FLA 2010
Jonathan Huberdeau 06/04/93 Prevost, QC Saint John (QMJHL) FLA 2011
Boone Jenner 06/15/93 Dorchester, ON Oshawa (OHL) CBJ 2011
Mark McNeill 02/22/93 Edmonton, AB Prince Albert (WHL) CHI 2011
Tanner Pearson 08/10/92 Kitchener, ON Barrie (OHL) 2012
Zack Phillips 10/28/92 Fredericton, NB Saint John (QMJHL) MIN 2011
Ty Rattie 02/05/93 Airdrie, AB Portland (WHL) STL 2011
Max Reinhart 02/04/92 West Vancouver, BC Kootenay (OHL) CGY 2010
Brad Ross 05/28/92 Lethbridge, AB Portland (WHL) TOR 2010
Mark Scheifele 03/15/93 Kitchener, ON Barrie (OHL) WPG 2011
Jaden Schwartz 06/25/92 Emerald Park, SK Colorado College (WCHA) STL 2010
Ryan Spooner 01/30/92 Kanata, ON Kingston (OHL) BOS 2010
Mark Stone 05/13/92 Winnipeg, MB Brandon (WHL) OTT 2010
Ryan Strome 07/11/93 Mississauga, ON Niagara (OHL) NYI 2011
Christian Thomas 05/26/92 Toronto, ON Oshawa (OHL) NYR 2010
Tyler Toffoli 04/24/92 Scarborough, ON Ottawa (OHL) LA 2010

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Top 30 Draft Eligible Quarter Pole 2012 Draft

Rank Player Name POS DOB Height Weight Shoots Team
1 Nail Yakupov RW 11/06/1993 5'11" 180 lbs L Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Comments: Goal scoring threat Last Rank: #1
2 Mikhail Grigorenko C 05/16/1994 6'2" 192 lbs L Quebec Remparts (QMJHL)
Comments: Smooth two-way center Last Rank: #3
3 Ryan Murray D 09/27/1993 6'0" 182 lbs L Everett Silvertips (WHL)
Comments: Tempo setting Dman Last Rank: #2
4 Alex Galchenyuk C 02/12/1994 6'1" 185 lbs L Sarnia Sting (OHL)
Comments: Playmaking center Last Rank: #4
5 Jacob Trouba D 02/26/1994 6'1" 183 lbs R USNDT
Comments: Solid at both ends Last Rank: #5
6 Filip Forsberg RW 08/13/1994 6'0" 176 lbs R Leksand (Swe)
Comments: Attacks hard from the wings Last Rank: #6
7 Mathew Dumba D 07/25/1994 6'0" 172 lbs R Red Deer Rebels (WHL)
Comments: Punishing cannon on the point Last Rank: #11
8 Morgan Rielly D 03/09/1994 6'0" 190 lbs L Moose Jaw Warriors (WHL)
Comments: Tempo setting Dman Last Rank: #12
9 Zemgus Girgensons C 01/05/1994 6'1" 182 lbs L Dubuque (USHL)
Comments: Powerful, two-way Center Last Rank: #9
10 Cody Ceci D 12/21/1993 6'2" 203 lbs L Ottawa 67's (OHL)
Comments: Solid at both ends Last Rank: #16
11 Griffin Reinhart D 01/24/1994 6'4" 202 lbs L Edmonton OilKings (WHL)
Comments: Pacesetting Dman that can play big Last Rank: #7
12 Pontus Aberg RW 09/23/1993 5'11" 183 lbs R Djurgarden (Swe)
Comments: Sniping winger Last Rank: #26
13 Sebastian Collberg RW 02/23/1994 6'0" 180 lbs R Frolunda (Swe)
Comments: Offensive wizard Last Rank: #13
14 Olli Maatta D 08/22/1994 6'1" 198 lbs L London Knights (OHL)
Comments: Fire hydrant type Dman Last Rank: #10
15 Brendan Gaunce C 03/25/1994 6'2" 205 lbs L Belleville Bulls (OHL)
Comments: Two-way center Last Rank: #22
16 Radek Faksa C 01/09/1994 6'3" 202 lbs L Kitchner Rangers (OHL)
Comments: Scoring center Last Rank: NR
17 Martin Frk RW 10/05/1993 6'0" 198 lbs L Halifax Mooseheads (QMJHL)
Comments: Thick bodied winger Last Rank: #17
18 Nick Ebert D 05/11/1994 6'1" 195 lbs R Windsor Spitfires (OHL)
Comments: Offensive minded Dman Last Rank: #8
19 Slater Koekkoek D 02/18/1994 6'2" 180 lbs L Peterborough Petes (OHL)
Comments: Mobile Dman Last Rank: #19
20 Henrik Samuelsson RW 02/07/1994 6'2" 192 lbs R Modo (Swe)
Comments: Immovable winger Last Rank #20
21 Tomas Hertl C 11/12/1993 6'3" 187 lbs Slavia Prata HC (Cze)
Comments: Playmaking center Last Rank: NR
22 Derrick Pouliot D 01/16/1994 5'11" 192 lbs L Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Comments: Offensive Dman Last Rank: #15
23 Charles Hudon LW 06/23/1994 5'8" 165 lbsL Chicoutimi Sagueneens (QMJHL)
Comments: Dynamic winger Last Rank: #24
24 Damon Severson D 08/07/1994 6'2" 198 lbs R Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Comments: Two-way defenseman Last Rank: NR
25 Colton Sissons RW 11/05/1993 6'1 189 lbs R Kelowna Rockets (WHL)
Comments: Power forward Last Rank: NR
26 Jordan Schmaltz D 10/08/1993 6'2" 175lbs R Sioux City (USHL)
Comments: Two-way potential Last Rank: #14
27 Tom Wilson RW 03/29/1994 6'4" 195 lbs R Plymouth Whalers (OHL)
Comments: Power forward Last Rank: NR
28 Teuvo Teravainen LW 09/11/1994 5'11" 185 lbs L Jokerit (Fin)
Comments: Crafty winger Last Rank: #25
29 Ville Pokka D 06/03/1994 6'0" 187 lbs R Karpat (Fin)
Comments: Offensive Dman Last Rank: #27
30 Stefan Matteau C 02/23/1994 6'1" 188 lbs L USNDT
Comments: Two-way center Last Rank: #29

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Game Report: Edmonton 5 Lethbridge 2

Scoring
1. EDM T. Maxwell, (12) (M. Gernat, D. Wruck), 13:40
2. LET N. Buonassisi, (8) (P. Tot, A. Henry), 9:31
3. EDM D. Wruck, (6) (C. Corbett, M. St. Croix), 2:55
3. EDM M. St. Croix, (12) (M. Gernat), 4:54
3. EDM T. Maxwell, (13) (M. St. Croix, G. Reinhart), 6:40
3. LET C. Braes, (10) (N. Buonassisi, A. Henry), 8:54
3. EDM M. St. Croix, (13) (D. Wruck), 17:29 (EN)

Goalies Lethbridge GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Ketlo, Damien 4 59:53 37 33 0

Goalies Edmonton GA Mins SH SVS PIM
30 Jarry, Tristan 2 60:00 27 25 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Tyler Maxwell C Edmonton - The Oil Kings needed some offensive punch out of some 20 year olds. So they went and found Tyler Maxwell off of a struggling Everett team. It didn't take long for him to find chemistry with his linemates, St.Croix and Wruck. The line combined for all 5 Oil Kings goals. He's coming in firing, which is a good thing because St Croix and Wruck like to carry the puck. Maxwell coming in will mean less featuring Curtis Lazar in that spot but it will be better overall for the team. Keeps his game simple, a good suveyor of the ice from the center position, will be an eecellent CIS scorer, with some potential to stick with an AHL club.
2) Cody Corbett D Edmonton - Really impressed with Corbett's calm demeanor on the ice, but still has the smarts to make the correct play almost every time. Be it stretch passes, little chip passes, or launching bombs from the point. He really gets the offense going from the backend. At the same time, takes care of things defensively. Becoming more impressive with each passing game.
3) Nick Buonassisi C Lethbridge - Buonassisi was the Hurricanes best option for a goal tonight. Scored on a one-timer and set up a one-timer for the only goals the Hurricanes scored. Lethbridge tries hard but there seems to be a point in the game that just breaks their will, be it an unlucky goal or a bad penalty. It comes with being an unsuccessful team, but Buonassisi is a part of this. Sometimes you just have to keep playing no matter what happens. He has some nice offensive vision but went long stretches of being totally unnoticable.

Game Report: Prince Albert 4 Vancouver 3 (OT)

Scoring
1. VAN T. Makin, (3) (E. Walker), 18:17
2. VAN M. Tvrdon, (14) (N. Manning), 15:15 (PP)
2. P.A M. Winther, (8) (J. Maylan, B. Herrod), 19:48
3. P.A B. Herrod, (9) (J. Maylan, S. Lange), 17:12
3. VAN J. Martinook, (12) (A. Vetterl), 19:17
3. P.A K. Tochkin, (4) (J. Maylan), 19:51
OT. P.A M. McNeill, (9) (K. Tochkin), 3:04

Goalies Vancouver GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Morrison, Adam 4 63:04 35 31 2

Goalies Prince Albert GA Mins SH SVS PIM
29 Williams, Eric 3 62:48 33 30 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Mike Winther C Prince Albert - He's impressive in the sense that he can play in a variety of roles much like a lot of the players on the Raiders. He has some offensive potential but his real value will be in a utility knife type role. He play anything in a pinch and likely do well at it. Solid game for Winther tonight.
2) Marek Tvrdon RW Vancouver - It's the first game I've seen him play this year where he had a bit of a feisty side. He really battled for his ice and scored on a nice low slapper from the point on the power play. At 6'2" 217 lbs, it would be a shame if he didn't play with at least a little bit of an edge. When he plays with some push, he can be a handful to deal with.
3) Mark McNeill C Prince Albert - McNeill played a pretty quiet game until he potted the winner in the end, then everyone knew he was on the ice. McNeill's game is very much a pro style game. Excellant surveyor from the center position, attacks off the edges well, a lot of Mike Modano in his game without the offensive polish as of yet. Plays the PP and PK very well, an excellant special teams player. It's too bad he doesn't have a prolific burner that can score off the wing with him. It's something that's abundantly lacking in Prince Albert.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Game Report: Edmonton 3 Medicine Hat 0

Scoring
2. EDM D. Wruck, (5) (C. Corbett, L. Brossoit), 1:26
3. EDM M. St. Croix, (11) (D. Wruck, T. Maxwell), 3:57
3. EDM R. Dech, (2) (R. Rachinski), 19:11 (EN/SH)

Goalies Medicine Hat GA Mins SH SVS PIM
30 Bunz, Tyler 2 58:53 29 27 0

Goalies Edmonton GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Brossoit, Laurent 0 60:00 27 27 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Laurent Brossoit G Edmonton - Best game of the year. Wasn't busy early, but really had to battle late to preserve the shutout. He was really square to the puck all night, lateral movement was excellent and had to use all of his limbs to keep the puck out of the net late. Its rare to keep Etem and Shinkaruk scoreless on a net, but Brossoit and the Oil Kings defense held strong. Brossoit seems to be finding his stride now as with the Oil Kings he is playing a heavy workload.
2) Tyler Bunz G Medicine Hat - Bunz was a smidge off tonight, but really battled hard to keep his team in it, especially early when the Oil Kings came out and blitzed the Tigers. Bunz, for my money, is still the leader in being Team Canada's WJHC starting goaltender. He looks mentally tired right now, something he will need to sharpen up on if he gets Team Canada role, because then the pressure will be ramped up ten fold playing in front of his home clubs fans and the world. Should be interesting to see if Bunz can ramp up his play as the tournament gets closer.
3) Dylan Wruck LW Edmonton - Wruck, much like Brossoit, had his best game of the year. He seemed to be able to find a seem that got him some clean looks at Bunz. He scored on one of those chances. Wruck is a diminutive, opportunistic type player. Its good to see some of those chances go in tonight after starting off slow this year. I have always had high hopes for this kid after I had the Oilers drafting him in the 4th round last year in a mock draft. Good to see him come around and start cashing in more frequently.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Game Report: Edmonton 10 Lethbridge 3

Scoring
1. LET B. Sutter, (9) (J. Merkley, M. Erkamps), 2:06 (PP)
1. EDM M. St. Croix, (8) (D. Wruck, R. Dech), 6:12
1. EDM K. Pelss, (11) (R. Dech, C. Lazar), 8:29
1. LET B. Sutter, (10) (B. Ramsay, L. Oslanski), 14:29
1. EDM J. Lazowski, (4) (M. St. Croix, D. Wruck), 14:40
1. EDM K. Wilson, (3) (R. Dech, K. Pelss), 15:51
1. LET J. Merkley, (4) (J. Watson, C. Leverton), 16:38
1. EDM G. Reinhart, (4) (M. St. Croix, J. Lazowski), 17:54 (PP)
2. EDM M. St. Croix, (9) (M. Moroz, D. Wruck), 10:09
2. EDM J. Peddle, (2) (R. Rachinski, K. Wilson), 17:40
3. EDM C. Lazar, (8) (K. Pelss), 6:46
3. EDM M. St. Croix, (10) , 7:30
3. EDM M. Moroz, (3) (K. Lowe, K. Wilson), 16:42 (PP)

Goalies Edmonton GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Brossoit, Laurent 3 60:00 26 23 0

Goalies Lethbridge GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Ketlo, Damien 7 40:00 27 20 0
33 Liston, Liam 3 20:00 14 11 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Michael St. Croix C Edmonton - I feel pretty safe in saying this was St. Croix best game of the year. He was dangerous off the rush all night either scoring or dishing. Really showed some quick hands in tight tonight, waiting until the last moment to make a play and then executing perfectly. He was the catalyst in a 10 goal outburst tonight, with 3 goals and 2 assists. He looked very Ales Hemsky like tonight when Hemsky has things rolling.
2) Curtis Lazar C Edmonton - Lazar is still feeling his through his 16 year old season with the Oil Kings. You see glimpses of a player that could dominate the WHL. Wicked wrist shot, cerebral play, uses body positioning well. His next step is to gain some comfort handling the puck for extended periods of time. For now, he is a puck in, puck out type player, and just keeps the puck moving forward, which is fine because Brett Hull made a great career out of it, but at some point the very great player make plays by holding the puck that extra second and make a play. I think this will come in time, but even if it doesn't, he's perfectly fine the way he is.
3) Jay Merkley C Lethbridge - Merkley had an alright game for himself tonight. It's hard to do better when goals against are flying all over the place. Merkley is their prized 16 year old, drafted one spot after the aforementioned Lazar. He's not an overall flashy player, but a reliable player on a team that could use some reliability. It's going to be hard for Merkley to shine through on this year's version of the Hurricanes, but he's a player that one might want to keep an eye through the next couple of years to see how he ends up. Hopefully, Lethbridge will be able to surround him with some talent.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

WHL Top 20 Quarter Pole 2011-2012 Draft Eligibles

WHL 2012 Draft Eligible Top 20:

1) Ryan Murray D Everett - I'm giving Murray the benefit of the doubt here, because his play has slipped a bit while some other have either been stable or ramped up their play. Murray still has high hockey sense and strong work ethic, but his Everett team has struggled this year. They were not very good with him and terrible without him. Murray is currently out with a high ankle sprain that should keep him out until December. Top pairing capabilities. Last Rank: #1

2) Mathew Dumba D Red Deer - Dumba has stayed on course through the first quarter of the season. A Dman with a penchant for a big play, either through making a rush up the ice, shooting cannons from the point or delivering open ice hits. His hockey sense is still somewhat in question with me and ultimately could hold him back as being a top pairing Dman at the pro level but he is undeniably a highlight reel waiting to happen. Last Rank: #3

3) Morgan Rielly D Moose Jaw - Rielly answered the questioned of whether or not he could bring Moose Jaw out of the doldrums and bring them to the next level. He has been the offensive catalyst for this team from the backend and has really become a tempo setter for the Warriors. Moose Jaw currently sits 3rd in their division and are well within the playoff threshold. Rielly, unfortunately, had his season ended by a torn ACL, he likely won't get the opportunity to be higher than this spot. Last Rank: #4

4) Griffin Reinhart D Edmonton - Reinhart is a player that doesn't have a lot of "wow" factir in his game, but he is solid and steady, someone you want on the ice a lot of the time. As I mentioned in the previous pole, Reinhart was going to have to take one of his skills and make it elite. Reinhart has yet to do that. He started off slowly, got suspended for a knee on knee hit, but now has his game back up to stride. Someone looking for a big minute eating Dman that can contribute at both ends of the ice will look the way of Reinhart. Reinhart slipped only because Dumba and Rielly really upped their games. Last rank: #2

5) Derrick Pouliot D Portland - Pouliot's season thus far has run hot and cold, much like his Portland team. Pouliot got off to a real hot start, but has tapered off a bit as Joe Morrow came back from the Penguins camp to take back his #1 spot on the team. Pouliot has some offensive ability, his real value comes as being a point man on the power play. Pouliot's game at times seems to succomb to indifference at times. He played better when he was the #1 option than being the 2nd fiddle. Pouliot will have to be better to crack the top 4. Last Rank: #5

6) Damon Severson D Kelowna - Severson has had a strong year so far with the Rockets, already within a point of eclipsing his point totals from last year. Severson's points have come in bunches and then will go long stretches without getting anything. Severson's positional play is top notch. He has already established himself as a very dependable defender. Severson is on the cusp of breaking into the top 5. He will have to up the point total to do so. Last Rank: #6

7) Colton Sissons RW Kelowna - Sissons had a feather put in his cap to start the year by naming him captain of the Rockets. Sissons, at the very will least will be an up and down winger that finishes checks and goes to the rough areas. At most, he could become a scoring power forward. Sissons just has that look to his game that scouts love. He's a strapping player that keeps the game simple. He definitely has that Nathan Horton thing going on for him. It will be interesting to see where he ends up. Last Rank: #11

8) Dalton Thrower D Saskatoon - Thrower is a high event defenseman. He embraces the physicality of the game. A typical middle pairing Dman, plays tough, blocks shots, contributes some offense. I don't question his toughness but I question his hockey sense to a degree. He is coming along nicely in Saskatoon and Saskatoon is able to put him roles where he can succeed. A team looking for a high energy Dman, Thrower is that player. Last Rank: #10

9) Tim Bozon LW Kamloops - Kamloops is off to a really strong start this year and Tim Bozon is one of the reasons why. Bozon is a player that has some offense to his game, but brings a real reliable game to both ends of the ice. He is 2nd on his team in plus/minus, 4th on his team in points and has shown himself to be a fine complementary player on the Blazers this season. He's put himself on the radar with a strong start to the year. Last Rank: NR

10) Coda Gordon RW Swift Current - Gordon is having a season much like Bozon is. The difference is the teams they play on. Kamloops is one of the best teams in the Dub, while Swift Current is a team trying to keep its head above water. Gordon is being featured on the top line with Taylor Vause and Adam Lowry. He is managaing to stay on the even side of the ledger while the rest of his team is heavy into the minuses. A strong start from Gordon gets him on the board. Last Rank: NR

11) Cody Corbett D Edmonton - This is my darkhorse that scouts are still trying to get to know. To this point he only has 2 points in 7 games but has a style of game that looks very translatable to the pro level. Thick bodied Dman that can play in a variety of roles. Looks very comfortable with the puck and plays the point on the power play very well. The Oil Kings are very deep on the backend, so I'm not sure how much opportunity will be there for him, but I think he will find a way to break through once he finds some comfort on his team and in his role. Last Rank: NR

12) Brendan Leipsic C Portland - Leipsic has had a season much like his teammate Derrick Pouliot. He has been hot some games, ineffective in others. Unlike Pouliot, Leipsic's predecessor, Ryan Johnasen, has not come back to Portland, forcing Leipsic into some bigger roles, ones that I don't think he is quite ready for. Leipsic is a small, dynamic player. Great hamds, great speed, just not big enough to get to the hard areas of the ice. Leipsic will be a gamble pick by anyone who takes him. Last Rank: #8

13) Troy Bourke LW Prince George - Bourke is likely the player on the list that is having the most disappointing start to his year. I had him ranked as the best forward out of the Dub this year and the numbers are just not coming very frequesntly for him. Prince George, as a team, have the least amount of goals for in the WHL. I believe everyone is missing the contributions of Brett Connelly, a player that stuck with the Lightning. A 17 and 16 year old in Bourke and Forsberg are expected to lead this team offensively, isn't an ideal situation for either of them. Last Rank: #7

14) Dominik Volek LW Regina - Volek is a player that found a niche in Regina and is thriving in a secondary scoring role. He has some nice versatility in his game. I think he's a player that's still adapting to the North American game, but he some nice skills that he has shown off. Quick skater, quick release, very darting type player. It will be interesting to see how he evolves in Regina with a lot of other players also trying to make names for themselves. All being said, a strong start for Volek thus far. Last Rank: NR

15) Brendan Troock RW Seattle - A very slow start for Troock to start the year, but I am still mesmerized by this player becasue there seems to be a big, solid hockey player in there somewhere. The thing that is hurting him the most is his skating, despite his size, his isn't very strong on his skates. He only has 6 points in 17 games and is -10. If someone takes a gamble on him, he is a true project. He has the hockey body, but someone will need to redefine his game and his skating. Last Rank: #17

16) Brandon Magee C Victoria - I love the way Magee plays the game. He's tenacious, play with a high motor and never gives up on a play. The thing lacking in his game is size. The size kind of hurts in battles but it will really hurt him when it comes to durability. He is averaging a point a game to this point for a Victoria team that has been very inconsistant. Last Rank: #12

17) Steven Hodges C Victoria - Hodges plays a decent two-way game, seems to have found an offensive gear this year, already achieving a points high of 19. Hodges seems to be finding a way to contribute secondary scoring on a team that desperately needs it. Hodges is a player that I will be keeping my eye on more as the season progresses. Last Rank: NR

18) Mike Winther C Prince Albert - Winther is having a decent year despite his Prince Albert team struggling to find wins. Winther plays a solid two-way game. Kind of a utility knife type player that can play in a variety of roles. Great skater, reminds me of a Todd Marchant type. Someone looking for this type of player would be wise to look the way on Winther. Last Rank: NR

19) Chris Driedger G Calgary - Goaltenders in the WHL are a tough breed to gauge in their draft years, unless they are total studs like Carey Price. Tyler Bunz, I thought was a stiff of a pick for the Oilers, has turned into one of the best junior goalies in all of Canada. I get an inkling Driedger is on the same curve. Some games he looks great, others he looks blah. The good news for him is he will get a lot of looks in Calgary, a team that is trying to get out of the basement of the WHL, looking for respect. Last Rank: #19

20) Chandler Stephenson LW Regina - Stephenson's year has been one of wild inconstancy. Looks like a first rounder some nights and other nights looks like he doesn't belong in the WHL. It will be interesting to see how Stephenson, Volek, and Klimchuk all push each other thoughout the year. Last Rank: #9

Out of the rankings.
#13 Ryan Olsen Saskatoon
#14 Jaynen Rissling Calgary
#15 Daulton Siwak Red Deer
#16 Tyrel Seaman Brandon
#18 Colton Heffley Kelowna
#20 Reid Gow Spokane

Friday, November 18, 2011

Game Report: Brandon 6 Medicine Hat 4

Scoring
1. M.H J. Bettauer, (8) (B. Leier, K. Kessy), 10:06
1. BDN A. Bertaggia, (8) (T. Seaman, D. Favreau), 10:26
1. BDN J. Meilleur, (1) (D. Dziurzynski, P. Ciarelli), 18:59
2. M.H H. Shinkaruk, (22) (E. Etem, D. Busenius), 8:27
2. BDN D. Dziurzynski, (12) (E. Roy, R. Hunter), 9:28
2. M.H H. Shinkaruk, (23) (E. Etem, J. Hart), 19:20 (PP)
3. BDN M. Stone, (20) (M. Ferland, B. Melnychuk), 5:58
3. BDN P. Ciarelli, (7) (D. Dziurzynski, J. Meilleur), 6:22
3. M.H B. Leier, (5) (J. Hart, H. Shinkaruk), 13:11
3. BDN D. Dziurzynski, (13) (R. Pulock, B. Melnychuk), 19:53 (EN)

Goalies Medicine Hat GA Mins SH SVS PIM
33 Cameron, Kenny 5 59:12 36 31 0

Goalies Brandon GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Boes, Corbin 4 60:00 40 36 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Darian Dziurzynski LW Brandon - Strong up and down game tonight from Dziurzynski. Not a lot a lot of flash to his game, just plays a real responsible game and has no problems going to he dirty aread of the ice. A player that gives solid depth on forward for the Wheat Kings. A real leadership type player. A solid pickup by the Wheat Kings from the Saskatoon Blades. Treded as a 20 year old. Drafted as an overage last year by Phoenix in the 5th round.
2) Hunter Shinkaruk LW Medicine Hat - He was amazing tonight. Scored on two breakaways just simply because he and Etem were faster than Brandon's defense. Such an offensive dynamo and does it with such flair. Hands of a gunslinger. And to think he is still a year away from his draft year. If he isn't careful, he might end up catching Etem in goals. He has 23 on the year now.
3) Emerson Etem RW Medicine Hat - Even though he didn't score tonight, which in itself is a rare event, he was still wheeling and dealing. His outside speed was on full display. His ability to get an edge and angle himself around defenders is unreal. He does it at will. It will be interesting to see how he pulls off this move at the pro level. I think he could still pull it off, but he may have to put some variances into it.

Game Report: Edmonton 4 Prince Albert 3

Scoring
2. EDM T. Foster, (8) (M. Gernat, D. Wruck), 3:46 (PP)
2. P.A K. Tochkin, (2) (J. Maylan), 8:46
2. P.A B. Herrod, (8) (M. McNeill), 16:28
2. EDM C. Benson, (1) (M. Geertsen, R. Rachinski), 17:50
3. EDM T. Foster, (9) , 1:00 (SH/PS)
3. P.A T. Vanscourt, (6) , 1:41 (PP)
3. EDM R. Rachinski, (6) (T. Foster), 19:54

Goalies Prince Albert GA Mins SH SVS PIM
29 Williams, Eric 4 60:00 35 31 0

Goalies Edmonton GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Brossoit, Laurent 3 60:00 21 18 0

3 Players of Note:
1) TJ Foster C Edmonton - TJ Foster had a big game again tonight, and without his big game, the Oil Kings don't have a chance to win this game. Everytime I think the well is about to dry up on him, he comes up with a game like this, 2 goals 1 assist, a goal on the penalty shot, and just an all around solid game. I'm not sure how great of a scorer he will be at the pro level, but the kid scores pro level style goals, most coming from his wicked shot. A team looking for a straight up shooter that can play some two-way hockey, Foster is your guy.
2) Mark McNeill C Prince Albert - He was impressive again tonight, coming off a strong game last night against Team Russia. McNeill is a lot like TJ Foster, except he also has the ability to drive the net. He is a very strong skater, straight up shooter, two-way center. He's a player that is all over the ice, but knows where to be at any given time. A very versatile player.
3) Kellen Tochkin RW Prince Albert - I had a chance to see Kellen earlier in the year when he was a member of the Medicine Hat Tigers. He really didn't have muh of a role in MH, just essentially a player that took a shift and made sure he didn't get scored on. In PA, a team that is starved for goals, Kellen Tochkin fits into a more offensive role here. Not sure if he has much of a pro career ahead of him, but he had a nice game tonight generating offense through some shifty board work and cycling. All that being said it was a game where Pysyk and Reinhart were both noticably absent.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Game Report: Team Russia 7 Team WHL 5

Scoring
1. RUS Kartaev, (1) (Knyazev), 2:18
1. WHL Howden, (1) , 5:57 (SH/PS)
1. RUS Kucherov, (3) (Apalkov), 18:49
1. WHL Stone, (1) (McNeill, Yuen), 18:59
2. WHL McNeill, (1) (Ferland), 0:09
2. WHL McNeill, (2) (Stone, Weal), 5:30
2. RUS Kartaev, (2) (Gusev, Gurkin), 7:51
2. WHL Pulock, (1) (Weal), 16:54 (PP)
3. RUS Gusev, (3) (Kucherov, Kulikov), 2:16
3. RUS Kulikov, (2) (Nesterov, Gusev), 2:40
3. RUS Apalkov, (2) (Shavaleev, Potekhin), 9:55
3. RUS Kucherov, (4) (Naumenkov), 14:45

Goalies Team WHL GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Pickard, Calvin 7 58:33 35 28 0

Goalies Team Russia GA Mins SH SVS PIM
20 Makarov, Andrey 5 60:00 35 30 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Nikita Gusev LW Team Russia - For my money, the best player for Team Russia throughout the entire tourney. Small but vision, speed, and a quick shot made the CHL look goofy at times. Really good at catching the trailer on plays. Really impressed with his offensive skills and he really put the puck in good positions for plays to be made.
2) Mark Stone RW Team WHL - Stone is practically a lock for Team Canada at the WJHC. This game cemented it with Team Canada head coach Don Hay looking on. Has a real net presence about him but also plays away from the net just as well. Equally good at passing as shooting. A skilled big man will be something Team Canada will need.
3) Mark McNeill C Team WHL - I haven't seen much of McNeill so far this year. But I'm guessing it was likely his best game of the year. Hasn't had a strong start with Prince Albert this year, but showed why I had him as a top ten pick from last yeasr draft, he went 18th to Chicago. I see him as a Jarret Stoll type with slightly better skating. Kind of an important utility knife type player that can play in various situations.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Game Report: Team WHL 5 Team Russia 2

Scoring
1. RUS Potekhin, (2) (Apalkov, Shavaleev), 11:20
1. WHL Nicholls, (1) (Franko), 13:58
1. WHL Rattie, (1) (Morrow, Weal), 18:50 (PP)
2. RUS Medvedev, (1) (Kulikov, Isangulov), 10:21
2. WHL Weal, (1) (Ross, Morrow), 17:30 (PP)
3. WHL Reinhart, (1) (Kichton, Sissons), 2:05 (SH)
3. WHL Ross, (1) (Rattie, Siemens), 14:06

Goalies Team Russia GA Mins SH SVS PIM
20 Makarov, Andrey 5 60:00 40 35 0

Goalies Team WHL GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Pickard, Calvin 2 60:00 25 23 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Joe Morrow D Team WHL - The player that did the most to stregthen his spot on the Team Canada junior team. He showed a little bit of edgy side tonight which will only help his cause. He is real smooth on the back end and is an asset at both ends of the ice. A lot like another Penguins player Kris Letang.
2) Ty Rattie LW Team WHL - Another Winterhawks player that helped his cause for the Team Canada junior team. Whether or not he makes the team will mostly have to do with the makeup of the team. If they go with 3 highly offensive lines, then I think he makes it, if they go with more of a defensive responsible type lineup, then he may be on the outside. He has a strong game tonight, dishing and dealing. A really crafty player with the puck.
3) Bogdan Potekhin C Team Russia - A player that has been in shadows of Gusev and Kucherov for the series. He had a nice game shooting the puck tonight. He had success being the third man high on line rushes and got himself a goal out of it. A little bit on the smaller side, much like a lot of his Russian forward teammates. Deserves the kudos from tonight's game.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Game Report: Team OHL 6 Team Russia 3

Scoring
1. OHL Pearson, (2) (Sproul), 3:59 (PP)
1. OHL Heard, (1) (Koekkoek, Hamilton), 5:20 (PP)
1. OHL Spooner, (1) (McKegg), 5:47 (PP)
1. OHL McKegg, (1) (Spooner, Thomas), 10:47
1. OHL Sgarbossa, (1) (Koekkoek), 11:33
2. OHL Thomas, (1) (McKegg, Spooner), 4:40
2. RUS Antipin, (1) , 10:55
2. RUS Kucherov, (2) (Kartaev), 11:20
2. RUS Apalkov, (1) (Shavaleev), 19:27

Goalies Team OHL GA Mins SH SVS PIM
29 Wedgewood, Scott 0 29:56 12 12 0
34 Anderson, JP 3 30:04 13 10 0

Goalies Team Russia GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Kostenko, Sergey 3 54:13 29 26 0
30 Suchkov, Pavel 3 5:47 7 4 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Ryan Spooner LW Team OHL. He was the best player on the ice tonight. Making things happen all over the ice. A high energy player that is riding a hot streak. Shoots and skates at a high level. Really put himself on the Team Canada radar with this game, could be a real good thried or fourth liner for them in a high energy role, while chipping in some offense.
2) Dougie Hamilton D Team OHL. He is impressive as a big bodied Dman. Runs a smooth power play and play well in his own zone postionally and physically. Gets around the ice real well considering his size. Keeps things pretty simple on the backend but always makes the right play to keep things moving forward.
3) Nikita Kucherov RW Team Russia. Pretty quiet on the night for the most part. Scored a dynamic goal, took a nice feed and shot a quick one-timer in for a goal. The more you see this kid, the more he finds different ways to score. A dynamic scorer.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Game Report: Mississauga 4 Barrie 3 (OT)

Scoring
1. MISS Schoenmakers, (9) (Mayer, Brace), 7:27
1. BAR Scheifele, (3) (Behenna, Pearson), 7:58
1. MISS Brace, (11) (Percy, Mayer), 18:32 (PP)
2. BAR Scheifele, (4) , 7:32
3. MISS Corrente, (3) (Carrick, Harris), 6:48
3. BAR Pearson, (14) , 8:44
OT. MISS Schoenmakers, (10) (Wise, Percy), 3:09

Goalies Barrie GA Mins SH SVS PIM
35 Niederberger, Mathias 4 63:09 27 23 0

Goalies Mississauga GA Mins SH SVS PIM
34 Anderson, JP 3 63:09 33 30 0

3 Player of Note:
1) Tanner Pearson LW Barrie - On back to back nights he was either the first or second best player on the ice. Love his intensity and his skill. Just a player that wants the puck and ram it down the other team throat. Fantastic and very effective player all over the ice.
2) Mark Scheifele C Barrie - Scheifele and Pearson were the two best players on the ice in back to back nights. Scheifele and Pearson are very much a dynamic duo. Both love rushing with the puck and crashing crease. They are prett interchangable in the way they play. Barrie has a real solid base to build a fantastic team around.
3) Derek Schoenmakers RW Mississsauga - Played the hero tonight by potting the overtime winner. Had two goals on the night. Plays a very simple yet effective game. Doesn't play a lot with the puck as quickly distributes or shoots when the puck is on his stick. For some players thats the best thing to do. Just an up and down winger that doesn't mind getting his nose dirty either in the corners or in the front of the net.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Game Report: Seattle 5 Calgary 4

Scoring
1. SEA B. Gallimore, (8) (L. Lockhart, C. Pickard), 1:10
1. CAL D. Gayle, (4) (K. Lubin, A. Gogolev), 2:18
1. SEA C. Sanvido, (3) (S. Aschim), 3:58
1. CAL A. Roach, (1) (A. Gogolev, D. Gayle), 7:03 (PP)
1. CAL B. Brassart, (5) , 7:19
1. SEA J. Hickman, (3) (B. Laroque, B. Rouse), 10:05
1. SEA M. Noebels, (8) (B. Gallimore, D. Sutter), 12:10 (PP)
2. CAL A. Gogolev, (5) (D. Gayle), 9:36
2. SEA J. Hickman, (4) (M. Noebels), 19:47

Goalies Seattle GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Pickard, Calvin 4 60:00 27 23 0

Goalies Calgary GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Glover, Brandon 1 18:20 12 11 0
33 Driedger, Chris 4 20:00 15 11 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Alex Gogolev LW Calgary - He had a spring in his step tonight. Looked good on line rushes especially. Had a goal and two assists and created all night for Calgary. A player that plays well in open space but doesn't like the board play much.
2) Marcel Noebels C Seattle - He plays a pretty simple game. Pucks in, pucks out. He also has a nice knack around the net to finish plays. Forced to play on the 1st line in Seattle when he would likely be better of on a 2nd line. Seems a little over his head, but still plays hard and had himself a nice night tonight, a goal and an assist and preserving a lead.
3) Justin Hickman C Seattle - Hickman is an under the radar 2012 draft eligible this year. He picked up a couple of goals tonight to push his total to 7 points in 17 games. Will need to pick up the pace offensively to get noticed. He does have a good overall game, responsible all over the ice and much like Noebels just keeps the puck moving forward. Someone might take a late round flyer on him if someone is looking for a big, strapping, two-way center thats right handed.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Game Report: Team OHL 10 Team Russia 7

1. RUS Kulikov, (1) (Naumenkov, Telegin), 4:57
1. OHL Pearson, (1) (Ceci, Toffoli), 7:59 (PP)
1. OHL Hamilton, (1) (Spooner, Ceci), 12:33 (PP)
1. OHL Chiarlitti, (1) (Strome, Silas), 18:51
2. RUS Telegin, (1) (Naumenkov, Yakupov), 1:45
2. OHL Hamilton, (2) (Spooner, Hamilton), 3:41
2. RUS Khokhlachev, (1) (Yakupov, Telegin), 4:44
2. RUS Gusev, (2) (Namestnikov, Kucherov), 14:01
2. RUS Telegin, (2) (Nesterov, Karavaev), 15:42 (PP)
3. RUS Shavaleev, (1) (Rukavishnikov), 2:35
3. OHL Hamilton, (3) , 2:51
3. OHL Scheifele, (1) (Griffith), 4:13
3. OHL Strome, (1) (Hamilton), 5:14
3. OHL Strome, (2) (Hamilton, Spooner), 11:19 (PP)
3. OHL Griffith, (1) (Toffoli), 12:51
3. OHL Scheifele, (2) (Griffith), 18:22
3. RUS Shavaleev, (2) (Potekhin, Apalkov), 19:00

Goalies Team Russia GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Kostenko, Sergey 7 38:55 24 17 0
30 Suchkov, Pavel 3 21:05 15 12 0

Goalies Team OHL GA Mins SH SVS PIM
29 Visentin, Mark 3 30:47 16 13 0
30 D'Agostini, Andrew 4 29:13 27 23 0

3 Players of note:
1) Mark Scheifele C Team OHL - Big bodied centered that has a pretty versatile game be it going in on the rush or causing havoc on the crease. Was very effective once inside the blueline. Winnipeg Jets has themselves a very nice player here. All that being said, the defense and goaltending on both sides was pretty undesirable.
2) Tanner Pearson LW Team OHL - Rode shotgun with Scheifele and Toffoli tonight. Judging by his stats he has realized his potential this year. Liked his game in that he really battled hard around the net and battled for his ice. This line cycled well and had the puck a lot when they were on the ice. Pearson has a little bit of a Jamie Benn type style to him.
3) Ivan Telegin LW Team Russia - This was a game of net presence and both teams had it in droves. The key presence for Team Russia was Telegin. Really stuck his nose in the crease and rarely was turned away. Good at getting position in front of the net and daft at tips and deflections. It was a game where bigger bodies had the upper hand tonight.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Game Report: Vancouver 4 Edmonton 1

Scoring
1. VAN C. Franson, (6) (T. Makin), 13:17
1. VAN J. Houck, (3) (T. Makin, J. Henry), 15:38
2. EDM G. Reinhart, (3) (M. St. Croix, D. Wruck), 11:01
3. VAN J. Martinook, (10) (J. Houck, T. Makin), 7:38
3. VAN N. Burns, (4) , 18:54 (EN)

Goalies Edmonton GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Brossoit, Laurent 3 60:00 33 30 0

Goalies Vancouver GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Morrison, Adam 1 60:00 23 22 0


3 Players of Note:
1) Taylor Makin LW Vancouver. Judging by his stats, this kid may have the game of his life tonight. Dished out three assists and had a spirited scrap with Keegan Lowe. Just a tenacious in your face type pest tonight. He's a support player on Vancouver, but his line ate up the Oil Kings defense. He, with Matinook and Houck were tough for the Oil Kings to handle tonight.
2) Brendan Gallagher RW Vancouver. Gallagher is one entertaining player to watch. He is relentless in his approach to offense but still plays the game with the right amount of control. The OilKings staunch defense had heavy legs tonight and Gallagher was blowing by them every chance he got. Vancouver did a great job of hemming Edmonton in their own zone most of the night.
3) Laurent Broissoit G Edmonton. On paper, not a great night for him. But he battled hard in back to back nights to give his team a chance to win. He had some bad luck in the first period where a couple of goofy goals found the back of the net. It would have been easy to fold tent, but he came back strong. The Oil Kings had very little offense tonight. They battled the Giants and a lot of heavy legs.

Game Report: Team Russia 5 Team QMJHL 4 (SO)

Scoring
1. RUS Kucherov, (1) (Gusev, Grigorenko), 0:55
2. QMJH Bissonnette, (1) (GĂ©linas, O'Brien), 2:01
2. QMJH Hudon, (1) (Brouillard, Beaulieu), 8:00
3. RUS Galimov, (1) (Isangulov, Gurkin), 6:12
3. RUS Grigorenko, (1) (Gusev), 8:14
3. QMJH Bissonnette, (2) (Ouellet, Pageau), 12:31
3. RUS Gusev, (1) (Grigorenko, Kucherov), 12:39
3. QMJH Bissonnette, (3) (Hudon), 19:45

Shootout:
QMJHL 28 Nathan Beaulieu Goal
QMJHL 9 Nikita Kucherov Goal
QMJHL 14 Daniil Apalkov Goal

3 Players of Note:
1) Matthew Bissonnette QMJHL - A 19 year old player that is undrafted having the year of his life. Already has a career high in points and its only November. I'm guessing he is having fun riding shotgun for for Zack O'Brien, both of them being the 2nd and 3rd leading scorers in the Q. The QMJHL team had a lack big body presence in front of Russia's net and Bissonette applied himself in this game to be that guy. AT 6'4", he's a player I'm sure that scouts were doing a double check on, his skating is a little questionable, but his hands around the crease area are undeniable.
2) Nikita Gusev Russia - Another undrafted player, that really made a name for himself being the guy that sprung Nikita Kucherov on endless breakaways throughout the 2 game set. Potted one himself tonight. Is very much a new age Russia type player. Thick bodied, excellant puck distributor, and just takes whats given to him, doesn't try to force the play. This is a player that some NHL team will be giving a phone call to. He has some NHL calibre skills in his game.
3) Mikhail Grigorenko Russia - Grigorenko is flat out sublime. He's got this Mario Lemieux-esque type aura where the game and everything around him develops in slow motion. His game is pure suspended animation. Excellent vision. Scored on a breakaway tonight that no goaltender in the world would have stopped. Kid's got hands and knows how to make plays unfold. Very deliberate in his approach. I look forward to seeing more from him. I'm calling that he is a top 2 pick come this June.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Game Report: Team Russia 2 Team QMJHL 0

Team Russia Goals:

Kirill Rasskazov
Bogdan Potekhin

Team QMJHL Goals:

None

Shots on Goal - Team Russia 12 Team QMJHL 42

3 Players of Note:
1) Sergey Kostenko G Russia - He was brilliant and flawless. Not the most gifted athlete but his positioning is very sound and was never caught out of position. Made great saves, routine saves and rarely gave out any rebounds. I'm sure NHL scouts were trying to find out anything they could about this player. Was busy but didn't break at all under the pressure.
2) Nathan MacKinnon C QMJHL - My first look at the prodigy, Nathan MacKinnon and he came as advertised. Really pushed the play and attacked the net with speed and power. Sidney Crosby is a natural comparison but he has more of an attacking style where Crosby will dissect you through vision and finesse. He's a very intriguing player as he has a very wide set of skills. Should easily be a top 5 pick in the 2013 NHL draft.
3) Jerome Gauthier-Leduc D QMJHL - This player's skillset blew me away tonight. Amazing poise and vision. Shoots bombs from the point. Was in the play all night, trying to create but ultimately could not get the puck into the net, much like the rest of his team. Just not a lot of puck luck in general for Team Q tonight. I look for Gauthier-Leduc to be on Team Canada U20 Junior team come Xmas time.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Game Report: Edmonton 4 Seattle 1

Scoring
1. EDM K. Pelss, (7) (K. Lowe, T. Foster), 4:58
1. EDM J. Peddle, (1) (S. Legault, M. Pysyk), 10:32
1. EDM M. Pysyk, (1) (M. St. Croix, D. Wruck), 19:59
2. SEA C. Sanvido, (2) (B. Rouse), 5:18 (PP)
2. EDM C. Lazar, (5) (M. St. Croix, J. Lazowski), 18:34 (PP)

Goalies Seattle GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Pickard, Calvin 4 60:00 44 40 0

Goalies Edmonton GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Brossoit, Laurent 1 60:00 25 24 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Kristians Pelss - Pelss is having himself a nice string of games, especially in the battle level, pushing and being pushed. He has some nice skills that could make him a bottom 9 forward at the pro level, but this new found battle level need to continue. Scored the first goal for the Oil Kings that really set the pace for the rest of the game.
2) Mark Pysyk D - Solid game from Pysyk at both ends of the ice. Shutting everything down on defense and chipping in with a goal and assist on the offense. This was the type of game Pysyk needed to get noticed by the Team Canada junior brass. I'm sure he'll be right in the thick of the conversation to get one of the defense spots.
3) Calvin Pickard G - Pickard is one enigmatic goaltender, loves making the really hard saves but lets in a cheesy one that deflates his club. Pickard gets off the hook because his teams' defense is pretty porous. Seattle routinely gives up 40 shots a night and Pickard is right in the thick of it. It would be interesting to see Pickard on really good club if his stock would go up.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Game Report: Saskatoon 4 Calgary 1

Scoring
1. SAS D. Dietz, (3) , 5:15
1. SAS M. Stransky, (8) (J. Nicholls), 17:23
2. SAS J. Nicholls, (11) (M. Stransky), 16:15
3. SAS L. Sutter, (4) (J. Paradis), 5:07
3. CAL C. Clayton, (1) (G. Chase, C. Brooks), 10:14

Goalies Calgary GA Mins SH SVS PIM
33 Driedger, Chris 4 59:39 30 26 0

Goalies Saskatoon GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Makarov, Andrey 1 60:00 40 39 0


3 Players of Note:
1) Andrey Makarov G Saskatoon - A nice find by Saskatoon plucking this kid out from Lewiston. Very composed in the net, doesn't get rattled easily. An undrafted 19 yr old that I'm sure scouts are keeping their eyes on. He has nice laterel movement and very square to the shooters. Really does well to battle for crease position and doesn't get pushed around. Solid showing from him tonight and all year.
2) Matej Stransky RW Saskatoon - A solidly built, push the pace type winger. He really puts the pressure on a defense though his skating and vision. Very confident with the puck and didn't shy away from the contact. A solid player for a team that likes to attack from the wings. Quick release. A full array of offensive skills.
3) Darren Dietz D Saskatoon - Scored a goal on a puck scramble. Showed good poise to gets pucks into good shooting postions. Plays positionally sound and gets into shooting lanes. He's one of many effective defenders on the Blades hockey team. Siemens, Cox and Thrower all had strong defensive games.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Predictions for Team Canada WHJC U-20 Team

Jonathan Huberdeau(QMJHL)-Zack Phillips(QMJHL)-Mark Stone(WHL)
Jaden Schwartz(WCHA)-Ryan Strome(OHL)-Brendan Gallagher(WHL)
Quinton Howden(WHL)-Mark Scheifele(OHL)-Tyler Toffoli(OHL)
Philip Danault(QMJHL)-Kevin Sundher(WHL)-Brad Ross(WHL)
Ty Rattie(WHL) Michael Bournival(QMJHL)

Brandon Gormley(QMJHL)-Dougie Hamilton(OHL)
Jamie Oleksiak(OHL)-Ryan Murphy(OHL)
Joe Morrow(WHL)- Mark Pysyk(WHL)
Jerome Gauthier-Leduc(QMJHL)

Tyler Bunz(WHL)
Louis Domingue(QMJHL)

Rundown:
- Ultimately I think Team Canada will have a hard time keeping the Phillips/Huberdeau tandem apart, especially considering most of the centers (Nugnet-Hopkins, Couturier, Johansen) are still in the NHL. If there in some place Team Canada might suffer, it is at center play. Kevin Sundher is one who has come out of nowhere, he has this Doug Gilmour type game going on for him right now that has helped him take the lead in WHL scoring. He's a good two-way option that they can use up and down the lineup. Underager prodigies, Nathan MacKinnon and Sean Monahan will be in tough to crack this lineup, Since it doesn't have the high end talent other years have had, I don't think they will have the chance to break in someone here. They will need all hands on deck this year. Danualt and Ross make the team because of their ability to PK and play tenacious, high energy type hockey. The defense is the strength of the team this year. Lots of options and plenty of types to choose from. Some very good players will be left off the team but I think the 7 I have listed up top have the best blend of abilities to make this team work. I had a tossup between Pysyk and Dylan McIlrath, but ultimately I think Pysyk's versatility wins out over McIlrath's toughness. Bunz and Domingue are the two hottest goaltenders in all of junior Canada right now, so I think the dispute is limited however I could understand why Team Canada would want incumbant Mark Visentin, but he hasn't had as good of a year as these two have. Goaltending is usual about going with the hottest guy, especially in tournament format. It will be interesting to see how the team unfolds this year. I will post a follow up of the real team and how it compares to my team above.