QMJHL: Hascak and Pohl check in

A look at how imports’ Petr Pohl and Marek Hascak, along with five other 2004 draft eligibles, have fared in early QMJHL action.

Petr Pohl (2004), RW, Gatineau

Pohl is a good playmaker and displays good vision of the ice … possesses excellent stickhandling skills … although his skating seems a bit choppy currently, he does show good speed and acceleration … has a quick release on his shot … able to work the puck in traffic while looking for open teammates … his defensive game does need to improve as he tends to drift in the neutral zone, waiting for a breakout pass.

Renaud Des Alliers (2004), LW, Gatineau

Shows good determination on the ice … is always moving and looking to gain position in front of the net … just an average skater … needs to improve his acceleration and overall speed … works hard to gain and keep his spot around the crease area … shows very good two-way ability and should continue to progress over the season.

Nick Fugere (2004), LW, Gatineau

Works hard in the corners, looking to get the puck out to his linemates .. makes nice, crisp passes, but still needs improvement in his overall offensive awareness, as he tends to look a bit lost on the ice at times.

Julien Ellis (2004), G, Shawinigan

Considered the top ‘Q’ goalie for the 2004 NHL Draft, Ellis displays impressive poise in the nets … does not panic and stays square to the shooter … has great leg reflexes and is hard to beat down low … sees the puck well through traffic … very agile … keeps control of his rebounds and has a strong glove hand.

Sebastien Gauthier (2004), RW, Shawinigan

Gauthier seems to excel at finding open space on the ice, as well as driving hard to the net ... needs to improve on his passing skills, as he is still somewhat sloppy … has decent skating ability, but tends to look lazy on his feet at times … could also use more work on his speed.

Justin Vienneau (2004), D, Shawinigan

A slow and awkward skater somewhat, however, he does know how to use his size to advantage in the defensive zone … tends to drift around in his own zone and needs to show better hustle and drive … possesses a good point shot, but needs improvement in his overall IQ on the ice.

Marek Hascak (2004), LW, Shawinigan

A very good, fast skater with great acceleration … uses his speed to open up plenty of offensive chances for both himself and linemates … has good hands … is a clean, crisp passer and also displayed impressive hand-eye coordination