QMJHL: Juniors getting help from Seniors

The Montreal Juniors have slowly but steadily improved their game this season. Some of the reasons mentioned have been the coaching of Pascal Vincent, the team's depth and the overall play of the veterans. McKeen's contributor Rick Springhetti has notes and comments from coach Vincent on five of their drafted players, including recent WJC gold medalist Angelo Esposito.

Angelo Esposito (Atl), C, Montreal

Criticized in the past for his lack of intensity and drive, Esposito has stepped up his play considerably this season .. his best quality is his skating ability, as he is probably one of the fastest skaters in the QJMHL .. he hits his top speed in only a few strides and he can avoid hits with his ability to turn on a dime .. does not only use his skating to create chances offensively, but has played some solid defence by constantly getting to opponents before they even have a chance to make a play .. not as timid as he used to be in terms of physical play, even dropping the gloves a few times .. his hockey I.Q. has improved in the last year, as he is better able to spot his teammates and will even slow down his pace to see what his options are .. has very deceiving moves once he get's near the opposing net where most of his goals come from .. still has to work on his shooting ability from further away, as he does not get much power behind his wristshot .. people who have known him for years have said that they have never seen him as confident as he is now.

Coach's Comments: "Angelo is obviously an important part of the team. He has had to get used to a situation where the pressure is on him more than ever and his handling it very well. His hard work is really starting to pay off."

Jake Allen (StL) G, Montreal

A very consistent goaltender, he always keeps his team in the game .. never seems to get rattled by a bad goal or when being pressured by opposing teams .. quick glove hand .. very quick leg movement .. seems to know exactly when to challenge shooters or stay back .. impressive stickhandler around the net, he helps the team tremendously with their transition game .. quick to pounce on loose pucks around his net .. usually square to the shooter in terms of positioning, but can quickly recover when he is not.

Coach's Comments: "He is a confident goaltender that consistently plays well, never seems to get physically or mentally tired. That is very reassuring to his teammates."

Luke Adam (Buf), C, Montreal

Like last season, he seems to be playing better hockey as the season progresses .. stepped up offensively when Esposito was gone from the team to play for Canada at the WJC .. at his best when he crashes the net to get to loose pucks .. can also fire a very hard one-timer to the net .. skating is not a strong point in terms of speed but he does have good balance, which makes it hard for defenders to knock him off the puck .. would like to see him initiate contact a little more, but he won't back down from the physical play .. does not possess very good vision especially when it comes to spotting his teammates .. many of his passing attempts are too far ahead of his teammates .. could use some improvement in the faceoff circle .. defensive game needs work, as he often loses track of his man in his own zone.

Coach's Comments: "It was not easy for him at the beginning of the season. He moved away from home for the first time ever, lived with billets for the first time ever, had to get used to playing in a new environment, but he is starting to play with more bite. His game has picked up in the last weeks and will give a ton of confidence."

T.J. Brennan (Buf), D, Montreal

Considered a defenseman who is known primarily for his offensive play, Brennan is working hard on his play at both ends of the ice .. excellent skater, he can move around quickly going forwards and backwards .. always has his head up when skating up the ice, looking for a pass .. very hard slapshot, he manages to keep it on the ice but needs to work on getting his shot through, as too many of his shots are blocked by the opposition .. while not a very hard hitter, he can play the body effectively .. still prone to mistakes in the defensive zone, but his play is getting steadier, something coach Vincent hopes this is being noticed.

Coach's Comments: "I hope people don't think that his offensive skills have deteriorated. T.J. is improving his play in his own zone, something that will make him a better player in the long run. The coaching staff is real happy by his progression".

Matt Fillier (LA), LW, Montreal

Team captain, Fillier leads by example .. always does the little things needed for the team like taking a hit to make a play or making sure his defensemen are well supported .. finishes all his checks .. only an average skater, he tries to keep his feet moving .. in the offensive zone, he will pick the right time to drive to the net hard and take the abuse needed to score .. has the sense to know when to attack and when to back up and take care of his things defensively .. will not be intimated by anyone and will drop the gloves to defend a teammate or to try and change the tempo of a game.

Coach's Comments:"He is such a good leader, he shows his teammates what is needed to be a winner. As a coach, I know I can put him in any situation and he will handle himself well."