Sunday, January 29, 2012

Game Report: Red Deer 3 Tri-City 2 (OT)

Scoring
1. T.C C. Rankin, (13) (A. Hughesman, B. Shinnimin), 8:04
2. T.C Z. Yuen, (7) (N. MacMaster, A. Hughesman), 6:09
3. R.D J. Persson, (17) (T. Elson, C. Inglis), 4:21
3. R.D M. Dumba, (15) (C. Millette, J. Hamilton), 10:52
OT. R.D M. Dumba, (16) (C. Inglis), 0:38

Goalies Tri-City GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Comrie, Eric 3 60:38 38 35 0

Goalies Red Deer GA Mins SH SVS PIM
33 Dubyk, Deven 2 60:38 38 36 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Mathew Dumba D Red Deer - When the game was on the line, he really took over the game and vaulted his team to victory against against a very tough Tri-City team. An arsenal of weapons, fast skater, hard shooter, heavy hitter. He has a pleathora of abilities that can change a game. Defensively, he could still use some work on his reads but when he has the puck, he is always looking to make a play.
2) Patrick Holland RW Tri-City - Tri-City has 5 forwards that are flat out burners and love to score goals. Shinniman, Hughesman, Feser, Rankin and Holland being the 5th. Holland is the biggest of the bunch. He is a very strong skater and fantastic in the transition game. A very heady player that like to push the play with his speed. Recently had his right traded from Calgary to Montreal of the NHL. A 7th round pick that has become a very solid prospect.
3) Devan Dubyk G Red Deer - Really battled hard to keep his team in the game. He was under siege early but held it together enough to allow his team to finish off the come from behind victory. Dubyk is very sound positional goaltender, somewhat stiff in the net. Could use some work on his puckhandling skills, but never gives up on a play.

Friday, January 27, 2012

Game Report: Edmonton 6 Brandon 2

Scoring
1. EDM H. Samuelsson, (3) (T. Foster), 17:45
2. BDN B. Walker, (19) (M. Ferland, M. Stone), 1:04 (PP)
2. EDM M. St. Croix, (32) (M. Gernat, K. Pelss), 2:14
2. EDM C. Lazar, (14) (C. Corbett), 7:04
2. EDM R. Rachinski, (16) (M. St. Croix), 12:25 (PP)
2. EDM K. Pelss, (17) (T. Maxwell, M. Gernat), 18:10
3. EDM H. Samuelsson, (4) (T. Foster, M. Pysyk), 16:40
3. BDN M. Ferland, (26) (B. Walker, R. Miller), 17:24

Goalies Brandon GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Boes, Corbin 1 20:00 15 14 0
35 Honey, Curtis 5 40:00 29 24 0

Goalies Edmonton GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Brossoit, Laurent 2 60:00 27 25 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Henrik Samuelsson C Edmonton - Samuelsson likely had his best game as an Oil King tonight. He has fit like a glove on the Oil Kings team. He's a bigger body amongst the mighty might forwards the Oil Kings have. Had 2 goals tonight, one on a tip and the other on a nice shot. Samuelsson has proved his versatility by playing center of the wing, seems pretty comfortable at either spot. Plays the strong power forward game to a tee.
2) Brendan Walker RW Brandon - Likely the best Wheat Kings player tonight. Plays a agitating, chippy style game. Finishes his checks strong. He reminds me more of Matt Cooke than Matt Cooke does. Chipped in with a goal and an assist tonight. Definitely noticable when he's on the ice. He's in every scrum.
3) Laurent Broissoit G Edmonton - After having a tough game Wednesday against Tri-City, Broissoit bounced back with a strong game. Had to be really good early as Brandon ambushed the Oil Kings early, but he stood tall and turned them away until the Oil Kings found their legs and took the play to Brandon. He looked real composed in the net tonight.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Game Report: Tri-City 5 Edmonton 4 (OT)

Scoring
1. EDM T. Foster, (19) (K. Lowe, H. Samuelsson), 13:25
2. T.C P. Holland, (20) (T. Rimmer), 1:15
2. T.C J. Feser, (24) (J. Messier, A. Hughesman), 1:54 (PP)
2. EDM G. Reinhart, (10) (S. Legault, T. Maxwell), 12:59
2. EDM G. Reinhart, (11) (D. Wruck), 14:28
3. T.C B. Shinnimin, (28) (A. Hughesman, Z. Yuen), 2:36
3. T.C M. Strömwall, (10) (B. Williams, Z. Yuen), 4:56
3. EDM M. Gernat, (8) (D. Wruck, H. Samuelsson), 7:35
OT. T.C B. Shinnimin, (29) (P. Holland), 4:27

Goalies Tri-City GA Mins SH SVS PIM
35 Rimmer, Ty 4 64:27 46 42 0

Goalies Edmonton GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Brossoit, Laurent 5 64:27 44 39 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Brendan Shinniman C Tri-City - Shinniman brought it tonight. Was a total thorn in the side of the Oil Kings either by skating into them or skating away from them. He's a somewhat diminutive player but played hard tonight. Very impressed with his grittiness and him wanting the puck when the game was on the line. Might be the new "little ball of hate". Scored twice including the OT winner where he skated away from the pressure and created open ice for himself. Fantastic game for him. Pro scouts should be drooling over this kid, he has yet to be drafted.
2) Griffin Reinhart D Edmonton - Likely his best game of the year. made a couple of well timed pinches tonight that resulted in a couple of goals, one right beside the net and the other in the faceoff circle. He was engaged in the game tonight, making good reads, stepping up into the play and defending well. The Oil Kings as a whole might have the best first pass defense in all of hockey. The way they can outlet the puck out of their end in poetry in motion, very few mistakes. Reinhart is a big part of that.
3) Zachary Yuen D Tri-City - Yuen chipped in with a couple of assists tonight. Fleet footed skater from backend is very smooth. Can get the puck out of danger either by passing or skating up the ice. His hockey IQ is off the charts. Defends well and keeps the puck moving forward. Doesn't have a strong shot but its effective. Yuen is a player that always seems to play on the plus side of the ledger. A player that I would have loved to see the Oilers draft but it wasn't meant to be. The Jets ended up using a 4th rounder on him.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Game Report: Moose Jaw 6 Kootenay 5 (OT)

Scoring
1. KTN E. Benoit, (10) (D. McKinlay), 7:29 (SH)
1. M.J K. Miller, (16) (J. Kirsch, Q. Howden), 9:00 (PP)
1. KTN S. Reinhart, (16) (J. Antilla, J. Dirk), 10:31 (PP)
1. M.J A. Johnson, (12) (D. Ehrhardt, C. Beach), 10:35 (PP)
1. M.J E. Arnold, (7) (J. Wyton), 16:43
2. KTN J. Martin, (3) (L. Cable, J. Hubic), 15:28
3. KTN J. Martin, (4) (J. Leach), 3:56
3. M.J K. McFaull, (4) (C. Beach, J. Henry), 13:48
3. KTN B. Montgomery, (14) (S. Reinhart, M. Reinhart), 18:53 (PP)
3. M.J J. Edmundson, (1) (Q. Howden, C. Braes), 19:09
OT. M.J A. Johnson, (13) (J. Edmundson, K. McFaull), 2:27

Goalies Kootenay GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Lieuwen, Nathan 6 62:27 36 30 0

Goalies Moose Jaw GA Mins SH SVS PIM
33 Tremblay, Spencer 5 62:25 30 25 0


3 Players of Note:
1) Sam Reinhart C Kootenay - This kid is a phenom. Isn't draft eligible until 2014. Has phenomenal offensive skills, sround the net, away from the net. Can battle around the net in tight, can make plays in space. Once in the offensive zone, he becomes very dangerous. Like most younger players, has some defensive issues, due to size and experience, but his offensive skill is undeniable.
2) Cam Braes C Moose Jaw - Mentioned before he was highly sought after at the trade deadline and Moose Jaw was the winner in the Cam Braes sweepstakes. Gritty player with some offensive abilities and experience. A good fit for Moose Jaw and for Braes. The line of Howden-Braes-Kirsch were very dangerous all night. Braes gives this team an additional offensive weapon it didn't have before.
3) Jonathan Martin C Kootenay - Martin potted a couple of goals through hard work and paying the price around the net. He doubled his goal output to 4 on the year. As a 16 year old, he already has a pretty filled out frame, it will be interesting to see if he can emerge as an around the net scorer as the years go on.

Top 60 Draft Eligible Mid Term 2012 Draft

1 Mikhail Grigorenko C 05/16/94 6.03 200 L Quebec Creative playmaking center Last Rank: #2
2 Nail Yakupov RW 10/06/93 5.10 190 L Sarnia Speedy dynamic winger Last Rank: #1
3 Alexander Galchenyuk C 02/12/94 6.01 200 L Sarnia Playmaking center Last Rank: #4
4 Jacob Trouba D 02/26/94 6.02 195 R USNTDP Steady two-way defender Last Rank: #5
5 Ryan Murray D 09/27/93 6.00 201 L Everett Smart Puck moving Dman Last Rank: #3
6 Filip Forsberg LW 08/13/94 6.02 181 R Leksand (Swe) Strong skating offensive winger Last Rank: #6
7 Zemgus Girgensons C 01/05/94 6.02 200 L Dubuque Strong two-way center Last Rank: #9
8 Matt Dumba D 07/25/94 6.00 185 R Red Deer Hard hitting offensive Dman Last Rank: #7
9 Morgan Rielly D 03/09/94 6.00 195 L Moose Jaw Smooth skating puckhandling Dman Last Rank: #8
10 Cody Ceci D 12/21/93 6.02 207 R Ottawa Two way defender with leader ability Last Rank: #10
11 Brendan Gaunce C 03/25/94 6.02 215 L Belleville Big Two way center Last Rank: #15
12 Pontus Aberg LW 09/23/93 5.11 195 R Djurgarden (Swe) Speedy offensive winger Last Rank: #12
13 Sebastian Collberg RW 02/23/94 5.11 175 R Frolunda J20 (Swe) Creative offensive winger Last Rank: #13
14 Cody Corbett D 12/14/93 6.00 210 L Edmonton Strong two-way defender Last Rank: NR
15 Griffin Reinhart D 01/24/94 6.04 207 R Edmonton Steady defender Last Rank: #7
16 Radek Faksa C 01/09/94 6.03 202 L Kitchener Creative offensive forward Last Rank: #16
17 Tomas Hertl C 11/12/93 6.02 200 L Slavia (Czech) Big playmaking center Last Rank: #21
18 Henrik Samuelsson RW 02/07/94 6.02 195 R Edmonton Offensive power forward Last Rank: #20
19 Olli Maatta D 08/22/94 6.01 202 L London Thick bodied defensive Dman Last Rank: #14
20 Slater Koekkoek D 02/18/94 6.02 185 L Peterborough Puckmoving Dman Last Rank: #19
21 Charles Hudon LW 06/23/94 5.10 170 L Chicoutimi Playmaking winger Last Rank: #23
22 Ville Pokka D 06/03/94 6.00 195 R Karpat (Fin) Offensive minded Dman Last Rank: #29
23 Colton Sissons RW 11/05/93 6.01 189 R Kelowna Budding power forward Last Rank: #25
24 Damon Severson D 08/07/94 6.01 200 R Kelowna Two way defender Last Rank: #24
25 Teuvo Teravainen LW 09/11/94 5.11 170 L Jokerit (Fin) Offensive minded winger Last Rank: #28
26 Phil Di Giuseppe LW 10/09/93 6.00 175 L Michigan (CCHA) Offensive minded winger Last Rank: NR
27 Derrick Pouliot D 01/16/94 5.11 185 L Portland Offensive minded Dman Last Rank: #22
28 Matt Finn D 02/24/94 6.00 195 L Guelph Two-way defender Last Rank: NR
29 Nick Ebert D 05/11/94 5.11 205 R Windsor Offensive minded Dman Last Rank: #18
30 Stefan Matteau C 02/23/94 6.01 210 L USNTDP Two-way center Last Rank: #30
31 Tanner Pearson LW 08/10/92 6.00 200 L Barrie Griity scoring winger Last Rank: NR
32 Jordan Schmaltz D 10/08/93 6.02 190 R Green Bay Offensive minded Dman Last Rank: #26
33 Andrei Vasilevski G 07/25/94 6.03 205 L UFA (Russia) Butterfly goaltender Last Rank: NR
34 Daniil Zharkov LW 02/06/94 6.03 200 L Belleville Scoring winger Last Rank: NR
35 Martin Frk RW 10/05/93 6.00 204 R Halifax Thick bodied winger Last Rank: #17
36 Raphael Bussieres LW 11/05/93 6.01 195 L Baie-Comeau Offensive minded winger Last Rank: NR
37 Malcolm Subban G 12/21/93 6.01 188 L Belleville Athletic goaltender Last Rank: NR
38 Nicolas Kerdiles LW 01/11/94 6.02 201 L USNTDP Power forward Last Rank: NR
39 Tim Bozon LW 03/24/94 6.00 185 L Kamloops Two-way energetic winger Last Rank: NR
40 Michael Matheson D 02/27/94 6.01 180 L Dubuque Two-way defender Last Rank: NR
41 Matej Beran C 11/11/93 6.04 215 L PEI Big two-way center Last Rank: NR
42 Brady Skjei D 03/26/94 6.03 200 L USNTDP Two way defender Last Rank: NR
43 Tom Wilson RW 03/29/94 6.04 205 R Plymouth Raw power forward Last Rank: #27
44 Cristoval Nieves C 01/23/93 6.03 185 L Kent (HS-CT) Budding offensive center Last Rank: NR
45 Dalton Thrower D 12/20/93 5.11 190 R Saskatoon Rugged defender Last Rank: NR
46 Tomas Hyka RW 03/23/93 5.11 160 R Gatineau Slender offensive winger Last Rank: NR
47 Scott Laughton C 05/30/94 6.00 175 L Oshawa Two-way center Last Rank: NR
48 Jon Gillies G 01/22/94 6.05 210 L Indiana Butterfly style goaltender Last Rank: NR
49 Coda Gordon LW 08/04/94 6.01 175 L Swift Current Heady two-way winger Last Rank: NR
50 Mike Winther C 07/09/94 5.11 175 R Prince Albert Speedy two-way center Last Rank: NR
51 Adam Pelech D 08/18/94 6.02 210 L Erie Comments: Defensive Dman Last Rank: NR
52 Ludvik Bystrom D 07/20/94 6.01 208 L Modo J20 (Swe) Offensive Dman Last Rank: NR
53 Nikolai Prokhorkin LW 09/17/93 6.02 185 L CSKA (MHL) Offensive winger Last Rank: NR
54 Matia Marcantuoni C 02/22/94 6.00 189 L Kitchener Speedy offensive center Last Rank: NR
55 Lukas Sutter C 10/04/93 6.01 202 L Saskatoon Gritty two-way center Last Rank: NR
56 Brady Vail C 03/11/94 6.00 200 L Windsor Two-way center Last Rank: NR
57 Hampus Lindholm D 01/20/94 6.02 200 L Rogle (Swe) Two-way defender Last Rank: NR
58 Robert Baillargeon C 11/26/93 6.00 175 L Indiana Offensive minded forward Last Rank: NR
59 Oscar Dansk G 02/28/94 6.02 185 L Brynas J20 (Swe) Butterfly goaltender Last Rank: NR
60 Gemel Smith C 04/16/94 5.10 160 R Owen Sound Small offensive center Last Rank: NR

Friday, January 13, 2012

Game Report: Tri-City 11 Vancouver 4

Scoring
2. T.C J. Feser, (19) (P. Holland), 0:29
2. T.C J. Feser, (20) , 3:35
2. T.C A. Hughesman, (27) (M. Wilgosh, D. Ryckman), 5:15
2. T.C B. Williams, (5) , 6:23
2. T.C J. Messier, (15) , 10:33 (PP)
2. T.C J. Messier, (16) (B. Shinnimin), 18:18
3. T.C J. Feser, (21) (P. Holland, E. Comrie), 0:28 (SH)
3. T.C A. Hughesman, (28) (B. Williams, Z. Yuen), 1:51
3. VAN R. Kieser, (1) (A. Kuvaev, C. Franson), 3:55
3. VAN M. Tvrdon, (16) (J. Martinook), 8:54
3. VAN C. Franson, (16) , 9:48 (PP)
3. T.C N. MacMaster, (5) (M. Topping, M. Messier), 11:52 (PP
3. T.C B. Shinnimin, (25) (Z. Yuen, A. Hughesman), 14:58
3. T.C J. Mychan, (5) (B. Shinnimin), 16:26
3. VAN A. Ast, (3) (C. Franson), 16:38

Goalies Tri-City GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Comrie, Eric 4 60:00 26 22 0

Goalies Vancouver GA Mins SH SVS PIM
1 Morrison, Adam 5 30:33 18 13 0
35 Whistle, Jackson 6 29:27 17 11 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Justin Feser LW Tri-City - Pint-sized forward that pakcs a punch in that small frame. Shoots cannons, has a heckuva one-timer, darts around in very quick fashion. Just one of many players on the Tri-City team that applies pressure through speed. Feser was the player that stood out more on this night as the Americans were all over the Giants tonight. Impressed with Feser as a player I have heard very little about until tonight.
2) Brendan Shinnimin C Tri-City - Shinniman only a goal and one assist but was electric tonight. His one assist was a doozy as he stickhandled around and through and behind the entire Giants defense to setup Jordan Messier. Reminds me a lot of Brendan Gallagher in his ability to create space with his speed and stickhandling.
3) Adam Hughesman LW Tri-City - Hughesman does a lot of the grunt work on this team that has a lot high flyers. That being said he has the ability to make plays when the puck is on his stick. Scored a goal in close and score one from the outside tonight. All these players complement each other so well. Just playing attack style, straight forward hockey. Fantastic hockey IQ right across the board. I'd expect all three of these players to be hounded by pro scouts in the offseason.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

WHL Top 20 Mid Term 2012 Draft Eligibles

WHL 2012 Draft Eligible Top 20:

1) Ryan Murray D Everett - Ryan Murray spent most of the 2nd quarter on the IR due to a high ankle sprain. He did make Team Canada at the U-20s WJHC. He faired alright for an underager. Had some flaky moments but all in all was a stabilizer for the Team Canada defense, which will help his cause. Murray is back in Everett, who continues to be the worst team in the WHL. It will be interesting to see what kind of numbers he can put up to finish the year. His ranking in the #1 spot is tenuous. He should be the best two-way option in the draft from the back end. Last Rank: #1

2) Mathew Dumba D Red Deer - Dumba continues to be what he is, looking to make a big impact all over the ice, either through big hits, big shots or making crisp break out passes. I continue to worry about his defensive play as well as his ability to stand up to the rigor considering his style of play. Dumba is a bundle of energy that some team will have get focused. Very much an improvisor on the ice. Last Rank: #2

3) Morgan Rielly D Moose Jaw - Continues to rehab from a torn ACL that ended his season back in November. Offensive dynamo that can skate miles from the backend. Excellent surveyor of the ice that has a great feel for how to set the tempo for his team. Defensive play may be questionable due to a shorter stature, but makes up for it with quick footwork. Last Rank: #3

4) Cody Corbett D Edmonton - I'm cashing in my darkhorse here. Corbett, since he has arrived in Edmonton, has grown exponentially as a player. Lately has formed a top pairing with Mark Pysyk that may very well be the best pairing in the WHL. Corbett is everything that his teammate, Griffin Reinhart is, except he brings a more consistant physicality to his game. Corbett owns a cannon from the point, runs a power play really well, plays tough in the corners and doesn't get caught out of position often. I expect a big 2nd half from Corbett and his name to become more apparent from draft sources. Last Rank: #11

5) Griffin Reinhart D Edmonton - Reinhart continues to be a prospect that you wish just could be physical more often. Alas, he is not that player, but he brings a pleathora of other tools that make him a very effective player on the ice. Much like Corbett, he owns a cannon from the point, makes good first passes and is equally effective in the offensive and defensive ends. The only thing in question is whether or not his head is into every play. Last rank: #4

6) Henrik Samuelsson LW Edmonton - A newcomer to the list, Samuelsson completes the trifecta from the Oil Kings. Samuelsson is a mid season pickup for the Oil Kings from Sweden. American born player that doesn't hurt the import ratio. A stellar find for the Oil Kings. Very much a mule type player that does a lot of heavy lifting on the ice. Does his best work from below the hashmarks and around the net. Anyone looking for an around the net type scorer that competes physically should look the way of Samuelsson. Last Rank: NR

7) Damon Severson D Kelowna - Severson is very much cut of the Mark Pysyk mould where he is very dependable at both ends of the ice. As he continues to get more experience, he should become a top flight Dman in the WHL. Not a flashy player, but he just does the right things on the ice, including sticking up for teammates. A very good all around player. Last Rank: #6

8) Colton Sissons RW Kelowna - Sissons continues to score and be a power forward type. His ceiling will be dependent on how much he scores. He leads his Kelowna team with 21 goals but also is a team worst -15. Getting first line time in Kelowna, so he may be in over his head at the moment but there is room for him to develop. Fearsome hitter on the forecheck. Should be highly sought after come draft day. Last Rank: #7

9) Derrick Pouliot D Portland - Pouliot, once considered part of the "big 5" has slipped into the second tier of WHL players, in my eyes. An offensive dynamo, especially on the power play, where he can put up big chunks of points on the back end. Pouliot's defensive play is a little lacking. Misreads and s general lack of strength is causes for concern in the defensive end. Pouliot is starting to turn into a project for the team that drafts him. Last Rank: #5

10) Dalton Thrower D Saskatoon - Thrower has really added some offensive dimension to his game over the 2nd quarter. Has 31 points over 41 games. Continues to be a tough as nails, take no guff type defender. Throws big hits and is constantly in scrums. Still needs to mentally mature as a defender and understand whats needed to become successful. Needs to improve hockey IQ. Last Rank: #8

11) Tim Bozon LW Kamloops - Bozon continues to be a strong complementary player on a strong Kamloops team. Bozon continues with his above average two-way play. Not a lot of flash in his game but beings solid work ethic and a penchant for making the right play. Knows what to do with the puck when he is around the net. Bozon will be a solid early to mid draft pick for anyone looking for an all around player. Last Rank: #9

12) Coda Gordon RW Swift Current - Gordon plays a pretty similar game to Bozon, not flashy, relatively safe player that is dangerous around the net. Bozon plays with a little more tenacity in his game than Gordon does. Gordon is more of a surveyor on the ice that reacts to plays. Reads the ice really well. There is not a lot separating Bozon from Gordon. Last Rank: #10

13) Troy Bourke LW Prince George - Bourke continues to struggle on this year on a struggling Prince George team. Bourke is a highly skilled player that does not have much of a supporting cast. Bourke has drawn comparisions to a Zach Parise type, a shifty player that makes plays happen in the offensive zone. There is a pretty good player here but one that clearly cannot carry a team. Last Rank: #13

14) Lukas Sutter C Saskatoon - Sutter is the other newcomer to the list. Plays like a typical Sutter, tenacious and in your face. Has really picked up his offensive game this year, achieving nearly a point per game over this half season. Plays in a variety of roles with the Saskatoon team. Built like a fire hydrant and can handle the rigors of the long haul. Has really put it all together this year. Last Rank: #NR

15) Mike Winther C Prince Albert - Winther has really picked up his offensive player over the 2nd quarter of the season. Has established himself as an offensive go to player for a mediocre Prince Albert team. Winther is a dynamite skater that has done a better job of picking up pucks around the net, a big reason for his goal totals being up. I look for Winther to climb these charts as the season goes on. A solid two-way type, but a bit undersized. Last Rank: #18

16) Dominik Volek LW Regina - After a strong start, the numbers tailed off in the 2nd half for Volek much like the hot start of his team. Volek is still a solid prospect that looks to have hit a wall, with the grind that the schedule brings to most of the import types. Volek is a graceful skater with a quick release when he on his game. Doesn't mind mixing it up, but I'm not sure if he has the body type to handle it over the long haul. Last Rank: #14

17) Brendan Leipsic C Portland - Leipsic. much like his Portland team, has had a lot of ups and downs this year. When he's on, he's great, when he's off, he's invisible. Pint-sized offensive wizard that can really skate and handle the puck, but lacks strength to handle the corners or the front of the net. Leipsic looks to be more of a gamble as the season goes on. Leipsic is a player that is really missing the abilities of Ryan Johansen. Last Rank: #12

18) Brendan Troock RW Seattle - Troock's season lays at a stand still. He missed four weeks in December with a broken rib. A player that just can't get his season going with any momentum. His team has been mostly cold for the season and Troock has only made limited contributions to his team. All that being said, he very much has the look of a power forward. Needs to work on strength and smarts but the frame and speed is there. Will be very much a project for the team that drafts him. Last Rank: #15

19) 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's nearly at a point a game for a Victoria team that has been very inconsistant. Last Rank: #16

20) Chandler Stephenson LW Regina - Stephenson's year has been one of wild inconstancy. He has a better 2nd quarter offensively after a very slow start to the year, getting him back near a point a game pace. Stephenson is a very good offensive player but one questions his dedication at times. Smallish player that is built like a fire hydrant. As Regina has cooled off, his play has picked up, a good sign for Stephenson. Last Rank: #20

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Game Report: Edmonton 5 Swift Current 3

Scoring
1. S.C C. Gordon, (17) , 14:38
2. S.C A. Blanke, (1) (A. Rossignol), 1:37
2. EDM K. Pelss, (14) , 5:37
2. EDM T. Maxwell, (21) (M. St. Croix, D. Wruck), 15:30
2. EDM M. Pysyk, (3) (C. Corbett, M. St. Croix), 18:15
3. S.C D. Reum, (5) (C. Gordon, R. Nedomlel), 9:53
3. EDM G. Reinhart, (9) (T. Foster, K. Pelss), 10:42
3. EDM C. Lazar, (11) (T. Foster, K. Pelss), 13:14

Goalies Swift Current GA Mins SH SVS PIM
30 Groenheyde, Jon 5 60:00 42 37 0

Goalies Edmonton GA Mins SH SVS PIM
30 Jarry, Tristan 3 60:00 17 14 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Kristians Pelss LW Edmonton - Pelss left Edmonton to go play for Latvia at the WJHC tourney a player on the rise. He comes back with even a more new and improved version of himself. Pelss struggled to find his niche with Latvia on the first line as they generally struggled to score goals at all. With the Oil Kings, he can play a 2nd or 3rd line role and be tenacious on the puck all while showing glimpses of his offensive ability. The Oilers have a player here, hard to say exactly what, but he clearly needs to better players around him in order to function.
2) Cody Corbett D Edmonton - Corbett's game is starting to make an impact at both ends of the ice. Plays tough in his own zone and launches bombs in the offensive zone. Since coming to the Oil Kings, he started off slow, but now being paired with a returning Mark Pysyk, those two could very well be the best pairing going in the WHL. Fantastic acquisition by the Oil Kings as it added some serious depth to an already deep blueline. I strongly feel Corbett should be a first rounder come the 2012 draft.
3) Coda Gordon LW Swift Current - My first live look of the year of 2012 draft eligible Coda Gordon and he was impressive tonight. Strong hockey IQ and good finish around the net. May not always be in the play but he is never out of the play, a good surveyor of the ice. Would be an interesting experiment to try him at center. Not sure he'll be offensive enough to be a first liner at the next level but will surely find a way to contribute to some team.

Friday, January 6, 2012

Game Report: Lethbridge 3 Medcine Hat 1

Scoring
2. LET P. Tot, (5) (G. Hood, B. Sutter), 2:35 (PP)
3. M.H E. Etem, (31) (M. Konan, J. Bettauer), 1:18 (PP)
3. LET D. Johnston, (2) (J. Merkley, N. Buonassisi), 6:30 (PP)
3. LET C. Braes, (23) (G. Hood, L. Oslanski), 18:33

Goalies Medicine Hat GA Mins SH SVS PIM
30 Bunz, Tyler 3 60:00 37 34 0

Goalies Lethbridge GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Ketlo, Damien 1 60:00 32 31 0

3 Players of Note:
1) Damien Ketlo G Lethbridge - Had a real strong game between the pipes. Medicine Hat brought it early and he stood tall to keep the game close. Ketlo had a strong 1st period to the game against Edmonton, but fell apart in the 2nd period. Here, he sustained his play for 60 minutes. Ketlo isn't the most athletic goaltender but makes up for the battle level. He's a bigger goaltender that doesn't give up on the puck and stays real square to his shooters.
2) Tyler Bunz G Medicine Hat - Also, played well. He is an athetic goaltender who moves better side to side than Ketlo does. Bunz playes goal with a lot of poise. Doesn't over pursue the puck and plays his angles well. Also, plays the puck real well. It's usually broken plays that end up beating Bunz. For my money, he is the best goaltender in the WHL right now.
3) James Bettauer D Medicine Hat - If I was to sculpt a Dman, he would look a lot like James Bettauer. Thick bodied Dman, that make good reads and shoots cannons from the point. Bettauer plays defense with a lot of poise and maturity. Has come out of nowhere to blow away career high in goals (15) and points (34) half way through the season. Some pro team will be looking to add this 20 year old their organization.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Game Report: Edmonton 6 Lethbridge 3

Scoring
1. LET C. Braes, (22) (N. Buonassisi), 9:29
2. EDM K. Wilson, (7) (J. Peddle, G. Reinhart), 0:44
2. EDM T. Foster, (17) (S. Legault, K. Lowe), 1:34
2. LET R. Duke, (2) , 2:47
2. EDM C. Benson, (3) (M. St. Croix, T. Sieben), 8:48
2. EDM M. St. Croix, (25) (C. Corbett, D. Wruck), 14:42
2. EDM D. Wruck, (15) (M. St. Croix, C. Corbett), 18:19
3. EDM M. Moroz, (9) (S. Legault, T. Foster), 12:03 (PP)
3. LET L. Oslanski, (5) (B. Sutter, C. Braes), 16:09 (PP)

Goalies Lethbridge GA Mins SH SVS PIM
31 Ketlo, Damien 5 40:00 31 26 0
33 Liston, Liam 1 20:00 10 9 0

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

3 Players of Note:
1) Michael St. Croix RW Edmonton. The hottest player in the WHL was back at it again. Creating offense all over. Had a goal and 2 assists. His vision and passing skills were on full display tonight. Creates a lot of his offense like Ales Hemsky does of the Edmonton Oilers. Is able to change passing lanes with great agility and able to catch trailers on the play with tape to tape passes. The Rangers found a gem in this player. Not sure what his ceiling will be, but a very creative player nonetheless. Will likely have to be a top 6 forward.
2) Cam Braes C Lethbridge. Chipped in with a goal and an assist. Tenacious, built like a fire hydrant. Creates most of his offense around the net. With the WHL trade deadline approaching, I figure he will be a highly sought after player. Plays typical playoff hockey. Hard nosed player with some offensive team. Would be a good depth player for a team looking to make a long run.
3) TJ Foster RW Edmonton. With the first line of the Oil Kings running as hot as it is, Foster and the 2nd line are chipping in at a nice rate as well, which is making the Oil Kings very formidable these days. Foster just keeps doing what he does, shoots the puck, plays heady and plays within himself. A very reliable player to have on the ice in any situation. Derek Laxdal is getting the most out of his players and Foster is case in point.