AHL: Sipotz Towers

Second-year pro Brian Sipotz is quietly developing into an NHL prospect. The 6-foot-7, 250-pound rearguard out of Miami-Ohio University is featured in this report along with Wolves' mates and former NCAA competitors Colin Stuart (Colorado), Stephen Baby (Cornell), and Jeff Dwyer (Yale).

Brian Sipotz (Atl), D, Chicago

Steadily climbing Atlanta's organizational ladder .. overshadowed by the likes of Bouwmeester, Corvo, Coburn, Roche, Hawgood last year with the Wolves but is getting minutes this season .. at 6-foot-7 and 250 pounds, it's obvious what his strength is .. more than just a big body however .. to his credit, has learned how to apply his massive frame .. uses enormous reach effectively in all zones to break up plays, and protects the puck adequately enough to get away his low hard shot .. fairly accurate shooter though not dangerous by any means .. seems timid to fire away .. excels at holding the offensive zone, using his physical superiority (size/reach) to beat opponents to loose pucks .. add his real value defending however .. suffocates opponents as he knows how to play the body well and dishes hits with authority .. only hits on occasion though, opting to utilize his big stick instead mostly .. likes pokechecking yet also can add lethal physicality to the mix .. displays impressive closing speed for a big man .. overall his skating has come a long way - now a solid all-around skater for his size .. closes down puckcarriers in a hurry .. agile as well, moves swiftly both laterally and backwards which is catching opponents by surprise .. should get an audition at some point .. no offensive upside to speak of though, so is more a potential No. 6 .. just a big mobile presence who stays at home and keeps it simple.

Colin Stuart (Atl), LW, Chicago

Skating and work ethic jump out as best traits .. sneaky skating ability, can turn on a dime and go from zero to 60 with minimal effort .. doesn't use his mobility as well as teammate Karl Stewart however .. needs to learn how to better exploit his skating to create offensive opportunities .. has a great burst of speed and can get outside, also drives the net hard and isn't afraid of getting his face dirty .. plays with lots of heart, though not overtly physical .. takes punishment, especially in front of the opposition net when trying to make plays .. skates hard every shift and gives equal effort at both ends of the rink ..used on the Wolves top PK unit .. very active stick and clogs lanes well, will also lay down to block a shot .. needs to stay healthy after injury-plagued `04-5 campaign .. offers some good intangibles yet nothing really extra special .. may be a `tweener as a result.

Stephen Baby (Atl), RW, Chicago

Towering forward .. blessed with giant reach and uses it well .. able to dominate the corners as he is hard to push around .. shows a good touch on the puck and can make nice soft passes or some that really zing .. seems to lose focus at times however, taking too long to decide what he's going to do with the puck .. while he boasts an accuracy shot, it's not as hard as one might expect given his size .. seems to lack some creativity and offensive imagination and can be slow making plays .. fails to recognize open passing lanes and will try to force things .. does possess impressive hands though: quite soft for such a big man .. can dangle and use his reach to get around defenders .. adequate skater, footspeed but nothing special .. shows decent leg strength and gets a good push from his stride .. given his prodigious frame and other assets, it's obvious why the Thrashers still hold out some hope for him .. however, he seems to be missing the processing speed and instincts to be a solid NHLer .. the pro road likely ends here for Baby.

Jeff Dwyer (Atl), LW/D, Chicago

Converted defenseman has been moved up front .. shows good offensive instincts, knows how to get open and plays a smart game without the puck .. impressive skater, good speed and a fine first step .. stride is ideal, quite agile at full flight as well .. only lacks that elite separation gear .. appears shy and timid and displays virtually no physical edge to his game. avoids contact in fact .. steers away from situations requiring contact .. instead attempts to go around the play to avoid the hit .. won't pay the price .. defensive awareness is clearly evident though .. backchecks hard and picks up his man, very alert and makes consistently heady decisions in his own zone .. pretty ineffective with the puck on the other hand .. lacks elusiveness and creativity in possession, avoids 1-on-1 challenges .. a good versatile skater with hockey sense however his lack of apparent grit and character will be obstacles to taking his game any further.