JR HS [Jun-06]: Riding the Busse

USHS Prospects (posted 6.19.06)

by Max Giese

Brandon Busse - Offensive defenseman with a good 6-2 205 frame .. defensively is error prone and tends to play a loose style of hockey often leading to loss of positioning .. is an aggressive player by nature often looking for the home run play at both ends .. hits hard and can line a guy up at open ice, however does go out of his way at times and can get caught up ice .. awkward looking stride but it gets the job done and is especially good moving forward with some momentum .. agility is fine .. moves the puck well, has good vision and distributes effectively, especially making an outlet pass, however lacks the creativity to be a power play quarterback .. has a big shot from the point that gets to the net but lacks accuracy .. has a lot of raw physical ability but defensive positioning needs refinement.

Cole Holmes - His speed doesn't stand out as much at higher levels of play .. has a lively first step with a quick stride but it would be more explosive if he added lower body bulk .. doesn't use his powerful shot enough and on occasion elects to pass up prime scoring opportunities .. boasts the ability to deliver long, beautiful saucer passes to get his linemates behind the defensive coverage .. is very creative offensively and can beat you with his playmaking or scoring ability .. fearless with the puck, however his intensity can waver when he is with out it .. looks completely uninterested defensively, only useful when scoring.

Derrick LaPoint – Blessed with a tall lanky frame and a great reach .. coordinated and is agile in all directions .. blessed with a powerful stride that is long and smooth with a good initial burst of speed, however doesn't use his speed to be an end to end threat .. sees the ice exceptionally well and makes a good first pass out of the zone .. doesn't own a hard shot but does release it quickly and gets it low and on net .. moves the puck well from the point and shows impressive creativity and vision .. has good, not spectacular hands, but can buy himself time and protects the puck well .. good at winning battles for loose pucks .. defense is his specialty as he's tremendous at keeping the play in front of him, great gap control and is a very intelligent defensive player .. maintains positioning at all times and uses his reach to his advantage .. tough to beat off the rush and in close despite not being overly physical .. displays a willingnes to sacrifice himself to block a shot .. a team captain wherever he goes, communicates with his teammates at all times .. possesses the natural athleticism and hockey sense that can't be taught, making him a highly sought after player in the 2006 draft.

Brandon Larson - Has the physical make up of a game changing defenseman but is far from perfect .. an eye catching defenseman that uses his size (6'4-205) to his advantage .. boasts a mean streak and is always physically involved .. looks to make open ice hits and likes to finish his checks .. strong in front of his own net, but can get carried away at times and take an undisciplined penalty .. gifted skater for his size who has good all around mobility, especially when going straight where he can get a full head of steam .. can rush the puck up on his own, has soft hands with some good moves .. Best weapon offensively is his powerful shot which allows him to be an effective player on the power play .. puck movement is below average as he mostly skates up himself or uses the boards .. when he does attempt to move the puck he often makes poor decisions with it .. the physical gifts are there but needs some refinement.

Nic Weight - Signed a tender to play for the Marquette Rangers of the NAHL next season .. strong player, especially with regards to his upper body .. first step needs an upgrade as does his all around stride power, however he is balanced and has a stable base .. plays like a bull, effectively driving through traffic or to the net .. isn't a great playmaker and struggles to find open linemates .. blessed with a nice shooting arsenal with a very good release as well as a hard shot that is mildly accurate .. gets a great snap when he releases it and can catch goalies off guard, the shot packs a powerful punch .. gritty player who is willing to mix it up physically and can lay out devastating hits .. very effective on the cycle and can create scoring chances by taking the puck from the corners to the net .. uses his size to drive to the net and is willing to throw a big check .. his skating and vision raise question marks.

BCHL Players to Watch (posted 6.12.06)

by Ron Jones

Keith Seabrook, D, Burnaby/BCHL

Simply a stud at the BCHL level and being the brother of NHLer Brent

means he has the bloodlines that will get the scouts' attention.

However, it is poise and a solid game on the ice that should get the

most focus on draft day.

Brian Lebler, LW, Penticton/BCHL

Maybe we just saw him on the wrong days, but his skating concerned us a

lot more than that it apparently concerned Central Scouting. Not only

should Lebler not be the first player selected from the BCHL, he

shouldn't be the first selected from his team as that honor should fall

to defenseman T.J. Miller.