QMJHL : Canucks’ Bernier Impresses

Marc-André Bernier (Vancouver), RW, Cape Breton

Perhaps no player in the QMJHL has improved his game as much the past three seasons as Marc-André Bernier. His year-to-year improvement has been something to behold, leaving Q followers saying, “he wasn’t doing that in Halifax last season.” Along with Cory Urquhart, the right winger is one of the top power forwards in the league. Although his foot speed has always been brought into question, the other strong points in his game more than compensate for this obstacle. He’s a big, physical presence who goes to the net and is increasingly difficult to knock off the puck. Bernier, who is averaging almost a point per game, can make traffic and throw the big hit. His two-way game is strong and the Vancouver Canucks no doubt are very content with the second rounder from last year.

Jean-Francois Jacques (Edmonton Oilers), LW, Baie-Comeau

You either love him or hate him and it’s safe to say I am an enthusiast. Jacques is dominant physically and is a good skater for a player his size – he knows his role and performs it well. He’s intimidating to the other players on the ice, and plays a clean game. The Edmonton Oilers’ draft pick is a monster, and he is no doubt penciled in to be their enforcer of the future. He also works hard along the boards as well as in the corners. Jacques is a punishing body checker with great anticipation in that regard.

Stanislav Lascek (2004), C, Chicoutimi

Lascek is a stealthy forward who likes to sneak into the slot and is great at being at the right place at the right time. His anticipation skills are very good, and his intuition is strong. However, his lackluster skating skills are quite a drawback. Lascek is not sturdy on his feet and plods at times. He is only an average puck carrier who shows average creativity and rarely rushes the puck. A fan of the North American dump and chase style which is probably why he adjusted to the QMJHL successfully. The Slovakia-born prospect also needs to put on some muscle. He is a natural center but is often played on right wing due to being manhandled on draws. Despite some of the drawbacks, the numbers are there - Lascek is deceptive and can effectively sneak anywhere undetected. He’ll slip into the slot uncovered, where he likes to take a feed and let go his quick and accurate snap shot. Lascek may not like to carry, but he loves to shoot and has good shot selection. If he wants the puck he has no qualms in letting you know by banging his stick. Lascek is never far from the play, as if he were to stray he would have difficulty getting back. He has learned to adjust to his skating shortcomings (or it can be argued that the smaller North American ice surface has compensated for that) but he’ll have to improve in that regard if he hopes to be effective at the professional level.

Romy Elayoubi (2005), RW, Chicoutimi

Elayoubi has a very strong work ethic and exceptional speed and finesse. However, his downfall is that he is so small in stature. He tries his best to play physically along the boards and in the corners but when he goes for a hit he bounces right off his opponent. With his drive, however, it’s not a question of whether he’ll be able to overcome his current limitations, but when.

Loic Lacasse (2004), G, Baie-Comeau

Lacasse may play for a poor team, but his acrobatic style does not seem to harmonize with his assortment of skills. It is almost as if he is this way to make up for his shortcomings. His skating is not strong enough to give him adequate lateral movement, and he tries to compensate by flailing to reach rebounds. Playing for a poor Baie-Comeau club is having adverse effects on the young netminder’s confidence, however. Lacasse is often fighting the puck, since his support is so poor. The 17-year-old is still young and possesses a quick glove and can get up off the ice very fast. But if he doesn’t improve his lateral movement or cut down on the space he leaves the shooter it does not look like Lacasse would be a smart investment for an NHL team.

Alexandre Blais (2004), C, Baie-Comeau

He is listed at 5'4", 162lb but could in fact be even smaller. Blais has talent, but the fact his jersey goes to his knees will unfortunately lead to him being automatically crossed off many NHL scouts’ depth charts without a fair assessment of his skills. He is quick, demonstrates a smooth skating stride, and has above average stick handling skills. Blais also goes to the net, unlike many small players. In his sophomore season he is second on the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in points. The centreman is also tough to hit, as the opposing teams have difficulty checking the little guy. He’s also a willing forechecker, but a sub-par backchecker.

Vitaly Lanochkin (2004), D, Baie-Comeau

Lanochkin is a defenseman who is fun to watch. He’s an excellent, fluid skater who always has his feet moving. He is naturally creative with how he moves the puck around and does everything quickly. His shortcomings lie in that he lacks a physical dimension.

Alexandre Dulac-Lemelin (2004), D, Baie-Comeau

This player’s core attribute is the visible one. The 6’4" Dulac-Lemelin is an imposing figure on the ice, but does not have the talent to merit a draft selection. His hockey sense is below average and every play he makes seems to be a long, arduous process. A slow thinker when it comes to making decisions with the puck and takes much too long to act on them. It is possible he’ll adjust to the speed of play, but his stickhandling and anticipation skills are way off the mark. Dulac-Lemelin is effective at clearing the crease in traffic, and will conceivably develop into a role player in the Q.

Brent MacSween (2004), LW, Chicoutimi

MacSween has been given a role by Chicoutimi head coach Richard Martel and he is adjusting well to it. The Sydney, Nova Scotia, native can be seen creating traffic in front of opposing goaltenders and will improve as he puts on more muscle. He is penciled in on the third line but sees significant power play ice on the Lascek line. MacSween does not look comfortable with the possession of the puck quite yet, but should gain confidence as he matures with age. On one occasion in the neutral zone he tried to jam the puck to a teammate through an opposing player several times in an attempt to get it to a ‘better’ puck handler. MacSween is nothing spectacular, but there is an upside if he works hard on his shortcomings and puts on some weight.

Pierre-André Bureau (Free Agent), C, PEI

An above average skater with getaway speed who is destined to be one of the league’s top 20-year-olds next season. He is a very strong penalty killer who is always right on top of his man. A pest at times and a very hard worker. One of the Rockets’ key players this season, Bureau is not only capable defensively, but puts up solid offensive numbers as well. The center is PEI’s fourth leading scorer at the moment and could be an attractive free agent signing if he continues to hone his solid, grinding all around skills. If he is given a chance, he will be a competitive professional.