QMJHL: Knotek Pivot-al Mooseheads Rookie

The Halifax Mooseheads and St. John's Fog Devils recently played a two-game set at Mile One Center. The Mooseheads and Fog Devils split the two-game set. The Mooseheads 2008 draft-eligible hopeful Tomas Knotek, along with 2009 hopefuls Travis Randell and Gabriel O'Connor were all in action. McKeen's was one hand and files this report.

Tomas Knotek (2008), C, Halifax

The 6-foot-1, 171-pound Kladno, Czech Republic native was selected by Halifax coach Cam Russell for the RDS Rookie Excellence Mid-Season Award back on 2007-12-18 .. Knotek currently leads all QMJHL rookies in scoring with 50 points in 51 games on the strength of 18 goals (second among rookies) and 32 assists (leads all rookies) .. was in the starting lineup for both games against the Fog Devils .. centered the second line in both games between NHL draftees LW Logan MacMillan (Ana) and RW Jakub Voracek (CBJ) .. took a regular shift and played four-on-four in both games .. received powerplay time in game two (displayed good patience, decision-making and puck movement on the powerplay) .. no time on the penalty kill .. excellent skater, no points for style, but definitely effective .. demonstrated ability to distribute the puck, both standing still and at top speed with accurate passes on the forehand and backhand .. displayed strong ability to stickhandle in open ice and in traffic .. passed up a number of opportunities to shoot the puck in this series and displayed a slow release on a number of occasions .. mainly focused on finding linemates, especially fellow countryman and linemate Jakub Voracek .. worked well with his wingers in the offensive zone, displayed good chemistry, able to read and react off each other .. used linemates effectively overall, but was too unselfish at times .. willingness to play without the puck was evident, although he did release early on a few occasions .. showed great hustle to break up a couple of potential scoring chances .. clearly aware of his responsibility with and without the puck .. read the ice well, sees the play develop and unfold .. not overly physical, but did display solid puck-protection skills and strength leaning on opposing players .. definitely competed, was involved, worked hard and kept his feet moving .. tried to win most of the faceoffs on his backhand and was strong positionally after losing a draw .. was quick eluding the check on faceoffs won .. finished the two-game set with no points, a minus-one rating, one shot on goal and won 11 faceoffs on 25 attempts (44%).

Travis Randell (2009), C, Halifax

Selected in the second round, 28th overall, in the 2007 QMJHL draft by the Halifax Mooseheads .. the 5-foot-11, 184-pound pivot hails from Twillingate, NL .. was named captain of Team Atlantic at the World Under-17 Hockey Championship played in London, Ontario this past December .. listed as a center, but skated on the left wing on the fourth line in game one with center Yuri Cheremetiev and resident tough guy RW David Bouchard .. was a healthy scratch in game two, as the Mooseheads decided to go with seven rearguards and 11 forwards .. limited icetime overall (regular shift, powerplay and penalty kill) .. skated well, short strides, good speed .. moved the puck well, made good decisions with the puck and never forced the play .. showed ability to stickhandle in open ice and in traffic, as he made some nice, quick moves to avoid having the puck knocked off his stick .. worked hard every shift, never took a shift off .. strong work along the boards, in the corners, in front of the net and in the slot .. strong puck pursuit .. was strong defensively .. chipped pucks out effectively and covered his assignments each time .. definitely understood his role and responsibility in all three zones .. showed willingness and ability to take a hit to make a play .. blocked a number of shots, forced a number of turnovers and was involved in scrums .. leadership skills are evident .. with more experience and icetime, he should be a solid contributor at the Q level .. finished the series with no points.

Gabriel O'Connor (2009), D, Halifax

The 6-foot-3, 196-pound rearguard hails from Beloeil, QC .. selected in the second round, 23rd overall, in the 2006 QMJHL draft by the Halifax Mooseheads .. was a healthy scratch in game one .. inserted into the lineup for game two, paired on the third defense unit with Nicholas Goyens .. limited icetime at even strength and on the penalty kill, no powerplay time .. size and strength evident .. ok skater, strong on his skates and has good balance, but lacks foot speed and mobility .. moved the puck well at times, but rushed the play on more than one occasion .. used wristshots from the point, not much on his slapshot .. failed to display much in the way of offence, but did show some signs of offensive instincts (jumping off blueline, moving into the high slot, giving forwards another option) .. played more of a stay-at-home style, aware defensively, good recognition, strong presence defending in front of his net .. not overly physical, played well along the boards and in one-on-one coverage .. made safe plays for the most part, used the glass and boards effectively, stood his ground and pinched at the right times .. robotic movement at times .. did not challenge attackers or close the gap well .. was beaten to the outside on a few occasions .. exceptional communication skills with defense partners and forwards .. strong, loud and quick with directions .. finished the series with no points and a minus-one rating.