High on Hynes

The Victoriaville Tigres are one of the oldest franchises in all of the QJMHL and one with a history of success. Although they are considered one of the smaller markets in the QJMHL, the current management group has put together a group of players that they feel should compete in the upcoming years. McKeen's correspondent Rick Springhetti looks at Brandon Hynes and other prospects of the Victoriaville Tigres.

Yannick Dube (2010), LW, Victoriaville

Smart winger who does all the little things needed to help a team win .. skating speed is average but good enough to keep up with the play .. has a bit of a choppy stride that affect his turns .. not a great stickhandler but hard on the puck .. most goals are scored from the slot .. defensively, his understanding of positioning and ability to anticipate opponents plays gives the coaching staff every reason to assign him important defensive missions .. tireless worker who will make life difficult for opponents every time he is on the ice .. finishes his checks with authority without getting penalties .. mature attitude on the ice and keeps his composure when facing heavy pressure from opponents .. could be one of the more underrated youngsters in the QJMHL this season.

Yanni Gourde (2010), C, Victoriaville

Undersized player who tries to compensate by keeping his feet moving at all times .. has good speed and the ability to make sharp turns which has helped him avoid a lot of hits .. also helps him draw a lot of penalties .. won't be intimated by the rough stuff .. what he lacks is some explosiveness in his first few strides .. very good peripheral vision, he seems to be able to see the whole ice .. due to size, he will often lose physical battles if opponents are playing him tight .. causes a lot of mistakes for opposing defensemen due to his aggressive forechecking .. needs to work on his faceoffs .. 44 percent just won't cut it for a player his size .. shot also needs to get better, as it lacks velocity.

Brandon Hynes (2010), LW, Victoriaville

Pure sniper with a lightning quick release .. has a wicked shot that he can place where he wants and is willing to use it a lot .. will even go in the crease for second chances .. was used a little on the point on the powerplay, but lacks the vision needed to move the puck well.. lacks commitment in his own end of the ice .. defensively, he is too passive and doesn't cut the passing lanes very well .. has a tendency to stay high up and wait for his teammates to get possession of the puck .. is not a quick enough of a skater right now to fully take advantage of his offensive talents.

Phillip Danault (2011), LW, Victoriaville

Very high hockey IQ in all three zones .. good anticipation and speed keeps him involved in the play constantly .. due to small size, he will use his quick hands and feet to come out with the puck, but gets in trouble if he is pinned along the boards .. keeps his stick well positioned giving him the opportunity to steal the puck .. used often on the PK, which is surprising considering his age and the amount of veterans on the team .. picks up speed rather quickly .. puck protection is very good .. needs to work on his shot, especially his release and shot strength.

Philippe Maillet (2011), LW, Victoriaville

Thinks the game very well .. started going to the net hard more than he had at the beginning of the season .. choppy stickhandler .. has a bit of a lumbering skating style .. doesn't give up on scoring chances .. works very hard along the boards .. uses his feet well to get his team control of the puck .. really stepped up his play during the playoffs where he provided some welcomed secondary scoring.