Memorial Cup: Whalers Get Beached

The Plymouth Whalers best player was not surprisingly James Neal. He lead the team and the Memorial Cup in goals with five. Thanks to the in and out goaltending of Michal Neuvirth the OHL representative were only able to make it to the Semi-Final game where they were spanked 8-1 by the Vancouver Giants.

The Whalers have a few draft prospects and even one that has a decent chance of hearing his name called in the only round on the first day, that being goaltender Jeremy Smith. Unfortunately for draft junkies, Smith only made two appearances and both were in relief of the shaky Neuvirth.

Brett Bellemore (2007), D, Plymouth

Ranked 143rd in McKeen's Draft Rankings for May .. usually won't try anything to fancy when moving the puck .. uses his stick to back off defenders, but lacks the elite mobility and backwards speed to not get beaten .. at his best when not chasing the puck and letting the play come to him .. can be inconsistent delivering head-manning passes to break a teammate wide open .. generally doesn't display much offensive imagination .. was a regular on the penalty-kill .. seemed to have nice chemistry with his defensive partner, Zack Shepley .. didn't score a single goal this season in 75 total games including the OHL playoffs and Memorial Cup, however remains a solid defensive defenceman. (5gp, 0-1-1)

Chris Terry (2007), C, Plymouth

Shows defensive awareness by coming back in support the defense .. at times a lack of discipline was harmful to his team .. would be well advised to add some muscle to his 5'10-193lbs. frame so that he can compete more successfully in the physical game he seemingly likes to try and play .. Ranked 92nd in McKeen's May Draft Rankings .. was not very noticeable in the opponents zone and appeared to lack imagination with the puck although saw time on the powerplay .. a solid skater, but nothing spectacular. (5gp, 0-0-0)

Jeremy Smith (Ply): 4.63 GAA, 0.883

In 91 minutes over two appearances, he allowed seven goals with the majority coming in the Whalers last game in which the team was getting smoked so we'll give him a bit of a pass on that one .. showcases a sizzling glove hand and reflexes that are near cat-like .. possesses elite athleticism .. received a 25th overall ranking in our May Draft Rankings .. boasts the one intangible all elite goalies have and that is an unflinching confidence even when things aren't going well .. he's almost a sure bet to be the first goalie selected in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft.

DEFENCEMEN POWER RANKINGS

1. Kris Russell (CBJ), Medicine Hat: (4gp, 0-1-1)

Although didn't put up the points with only a single assist to show for the Memorial Cup, he was simply outstanding in all areas of the ice. Doesn't get enough credit for his defensive zone play, especially his ability to win puck battles even against much bigger opponents.

2. Cody Franson (Nsh), Vancouver: (5gp, 1-1-2)

Can be a force on the powerplay, but has grown in his defensive play. Still not the most physical blueliner out there, yet makes up for it with terrific positioning.

3. Brett Festerling (Ana), Vancouver: (5gp, 0-0-0)

A solid defender that the Giants used to shut down opponents. Reliable in all zones and has grown so much in his one-on-one play under the coaching of Don Hay.

4. Michael Sauer (NYR), Medicine Hat: (4gp, 0-0-0)

It's not his fault that he often gets overshadowed by the sparkling play of his defensive partner Kris Russell. Didn't look at all out of place on the best defensive pairing in the Memorial Cup.

5. Chad Denny (Atl), Lewiston: (4gp, 0-0-0)

Simply a wide load at 6'3-225lbs, yet still needs to get more out of his ample size and is simply.