BCHL: The Krogh Principle

Curtis McKenzie (2009), F, Penticton

6-foot-1, 190-pound native of Golden, British Columbia moves well on the ice and is very mobile .. already is starting to use his size well by being able to deliver hard hits .. a player to keep an eye on for the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft. (33gp, 1-6-7)

Devon Krogh (2008), D, Penticton

West Vancouver product is committed to Ohio State for the 2008-09 season .. does a nice job cutting down the opponent's time and space .. boasts the speed and stickhandling ability to carry the puck up the ice .. keeps his head on a swivel when he doesn't have the puck .. generally moves the puck efficiently to the forwards .. communicates well with his defensive partner .. his defensive cover is still improving, but he is trustworthy enough to even play on the penalty-kill .. sees quality minutes on the powerplay .. must be careful about trying to force passes cross-ice while at the point .. won't hesitate to jump up in to the slot if there is a scoring chance .. lacks the power to his slap shot that can handcuff a goalie .. delivers a crisp, accurate first pass .. is effective at keeping the puckcarrier to the outside .. fairly sturdy on his skates. (36gp, 1-14-15)

Austin Smith (Dal), C-LW, Penticton

Smallish forward was selected by the hometown Dallas Stars this past draft .. is committed to Colgate for the next season .. boasts a heavy slap shot .. has breakaway top end speed, however doesn't look particularly strong on the puck .. puts in a good effort pressuring the defender on the forecheck .. a fixture on the powerplay .. is generally able to avoid the big hits thanks to his superior mobility, but when he does get nailed is able to shrug them off .. displays good vision and is able to find the open man with the pass or get open himself .. very elusive skater that likes to dart in and out of traffic and give and go with the puck. (40gp, 22-26-48)

Brett Hextall (2008), C, Penticton

Son of former NHL goaltender Ron Hextall .. is committed to North Dakota for the 2008-09 season .. wears the C in his second year with the Vees .. plays on both special teams .. has a dangerous shot .. makes a quick transition from defense to offense after a change of possession .. very mobile and bounce right back up after a hit .. needs to recognize danger areas and not force passes in to areas where they'll be turned over .. although not hesitant to play the body, he isn't strong enough to be a physical threat even at this level .. still prone to being knocked off the puck by larger opponents .. displays some of the Hextall feistiness and isn't above beaking-off at the officials. (34gp, 14-29-43)

Trevor Nill (2008), , Penticton

A late selection by the St. Louis Blues in the past NHL Entry Draft .. has committed to go to Michigan State next season .. plays on the penalty-kill .. thick-bodied pivot and son of former NHLer Jim Nill .. needs to improve his ability to do everything at a higher speed .. does a solid job tying up the man on the draw .. boasts pretty good overall speed once he gets going .. probably should get a bit more out of his 6-foot-2, 185-pound frame than he currently does .. seems to lack the elite vision with the puck that would allow him to be able to distribute the puck better. (34gp, 4-5-9)