BCHL: Bradford Lances Coqutilam

The Coquitlam Express home opener (September 10th) had a few notable players that didn't see any action. Keith Seabrook (brother of Brent Seabrook) was a healthy scratch, while Wyatt Russell (son of Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell) was the backup goalie.

However, little did most fans know that this game might be the last opportunity to see highly touted 2005 Prospect Brock Bradford who is now waged in a tug-of-war between the BCHL and USHL over his rights.

Brock Bradford (2005), LW, Coquitlam

Played on a line with Brandon Yip and Matt Allen .. got tied up rather easily behind the net .. crafty with the puck .. doesn’t show much inclination to hit anyone or be physical in any way, which isn’t a big shock given his smallish frame .. has a good awareness of where everyone is on the ice .. on the PK .. excellent mobility and acceleration .. must improve his effort away from the puck .. rushed a point shot that was easily blocked while playing on the powerplay .. his line really lacked the kind of physicality that David Jones brought to it last season .. needs to improve his grit and add some sandpaper to his game .. turned it over on a blind pass that wasn’t even close to being successful .. dished out a sweet touch pass that created a scoring chance on a two-on-one .. drilled a slapshot along the ice and just wide to the far side .. dipsy doodled in the slot and worked his way through a few defenders for a glorious scoring chance .. is counted on by the coach in any situation that the team needs a goal.

Brandon Yip (Colorado Avalanche), RW, Coquitlam

Had a great training camp and preseason, however he appeared to be a little nervous in the home opener .. played on the line with Brock Bradford and Matt Allen .. received a slashing pim .. worked hard to claw his way to the front of the net and just tipped the shot a bit too high .. takes and gives the pass equally well .. sees the ice and usually uses his teammates effectively .. tremendous wheels and superb acceleration .. missed the net on two quality scoring chances .. got himself in trouble by trying to force a play or a pass when there wasn’t a play to be made as proven by his multiple attempts to hit Bradford with a home run pass that generally went for icing .. terrific burst of speed to get in quick on the forecheck .. passed up on numerous opportunities to finish the check .. allowed his man to get a clear shot on goal to put the Express down by two late in the game.

Tyler McNeely (2005), F, Coquitlam

Slight rookie forward is blessed with blazing wheels and pretty good vision .. smallish frame is a concern even at the junior level and he’ll have to work hard to overcome that perceived "handicap".