Colton Gillies - The Next Generation
Clark Gillies was the definition of power forward during the New York Islanders' hay days. He was "Jethro" on the "Trio Grande" with Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier. He was a loyal teammate and a physical presence.
Now, prepare yourself for round two: Colton Gillies.
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The nephew of the Islanders' formidable force, may not have the offensive finesse and glamour of fellow draft class members Angelo Esposito or Jakub Voracek but his speed and physical presence may make him the most valuable 18-year-old available this June.
The 6"4' 180-pound Gillies possesses much of the talent, heart and leadership his uncle displayed through his distinguished career.
"Every time I go to the Regina rink I see his banner up in the top. He was a tough guy and I try and be tough like him," Gillies said.
He may not be the fighter that his uncle was in junior hockey but he's always prepared to aid of a fallen teammate.
"He's very unselfish. He's always looking out for everyone. If someone gets laid out he's always the first guy to jump in," said Ryan Menei, his linemate and the Blades' leading scorer this season.
His toughness and grit, alongside his developing offensive gifts will put him in a great position to step out from the shadow of his uncle and form his own reputation.
"I think the scoring part will come with some more experience and him getting a little older and stronger," said Saskatoon head coach Lorne Molleken. "[He's] right at the top as far as players in Canada [for his draft class]."
Gillies played for the Blades last season and had 12 points in 63 games in limited action. Many veterans have since departed and Gillies is being given every opportunity to take a larger role.
"Last year we played him in different situations but [his role] has expanded this year. He's playing anywhere from 24 to 30 minutes a game," Molleken said.
In only his second full season with Saskatoon, Gillies was named an alternate captain and has relished in the role.
"It makes me have to step up that much more. I'm always trying to be a leader out there. I've got to be more of one now," he said.
"He's a young guy that takes the time to listen and at the same time when he speaks, people respect him simply because of the way he carries himself and the respect that he's earned from his teammates," Molleken said.
He was also an alternate captain when he represented Team Canada at the Under-18 Eight Nations Cup this past summer where the team captured the gold medal.
"[The tournament] gave me a lot of confidence coming back to the WHL. It allowed me to read the plays better and make that step," Gillies said.
Although his game can be likened to his uncle's, Molleken compares his speed to that of Mike Modano and his physical play to Eric Lindros, without the concussions.
Gillies said he wants to play like a certain hard-nosed, offensively gifted Calgary Flames leader.
"Iginla…really stepped it up when I was growing up. In bantam I really liked him. He's who I strive to be like right now. He works so hard and his determination is huge," he said.
Gillies is determined to be drafted early in the first round of the 2007 entry draft and has the work ethic to accomplish his goal.
"I want to go top ten in the draft," he said, but he realizes the necessary dedication it will take to play in the NHL.
"I want to start getting more offensive goals and points. I can work on a little bit of everything. Just my shot is the most important thing I want to work on."
Colton Gillies grew up in Surrey, B.C. and played Junior "B" hockey for the North Delta Flyers, as well a brief stint with the South Surrey Eagles of the BCHL before joining Saskatoon full-time in 2005-06.
Besides representing Team Canada at the Under-18 Eight Nations Cup, he also played for Team Pacific at the Under-17 World Hockey Challenge in 2006.
Last season he was named the ICR Blades Hardest Hitter.
"He's a great player. He's a real strong skater. He's always the first guy with the puck, leading the puck up the ice. He like to lay the body a lot. He leads by example. He's a great leader for us and he'll do a great job finishing his junior career," Menei said.