QMJHL: Good start for Liska

The first installment of player notes from early QMJHL regular-season action.

Marc-Andre Cote – RW – Bathurst - 1987-02-26 - 6'00" – 180 - Montréal, QC

Cote is a strong, smart-playing forward with great vision and skills. Does not shy away from the physical game and plays the body well, which in turn creates scoring chances. Looks to have all the makings of a scoring threat in the future.

Mathieu Roy – LW - Bathurst - 1986-11-14 - 6'00" – 185 - Amos, QC

Roy is a speedy offensive forward with soft hands and a scoring touch. Has great vision of the ice and is an excellent playmaker.

Juraj Liska – D – Acadie-Bathurst – 1985-10-03 – 6’02” – 195 – Slovakia

Liska is a solid two-way defenseman with excellent offensive awareness. He plays the puck and the body well, while his large frame is a bonus on the blueline. Still looks to be adjusting to the North American game, but should bloom into a premier blueliner in the league.

Mathieu Carle – D – Bathurst – 1987-09-30 – 6’00” – 220 – Gatineau, QC

Not eligible until the 2006 NHL Draft, Carle is possibly the top player from his QMJHL age group. The hulking rookie defenseman plays likes a veteran, and is very smart on the defensive end with a physical side to boot. Carle will certainly be a treat to watch develop.

Martin Karsums – LW – Moncton – 1986-02-20 – 5’11” – 175 – Latvia

Karsums is a hard-working forward, who gives it his all. He has good speed and is a well-balanced skater. Also impressive is his shot, which is both low and hard. The only knock is his size. He will have to add some weight if he wants to make it to the next level.

Justin Saulnier – C - Halifax – 1987-04-16 - 5'10" – 170 – Halifax, NS

A tough, gritty forward with above-average skating skills and offensive awareness. Loves the physical game and is very willing to drop the gloves at any time. Doesn’t see much ice, but makes the most of it every shift and makes his presence felt.

Martin Houle – G – Cape Breton – 1985-02-12 – 5’11” – 170 – Montreal, QC

A superb goaltender that played backup to M-A Fleury in 02-3 and was overlooked in the 2003 NHL Draft. Houle is a top-notch goalie and very capable of carrying a team. Plays the angles well and also has a sharp glove and quick reflexes. If Fleury doesn’t return to the QMJHL, look for Houle to be among the top goalies in the league and help guide Cape Breton to a possible championship season.

Jean-Claude Sawyer – D – Cape Breton – 1986-08-12 – 6’02” – 195 – St.John, NB

A big, solid defenseman, Sawyer will be among the top QMJHL players for the 2004 NHL Draft. Sawyer plays a solid defensive game in his own end, takes the body well and is not shy about physical play.