QMJHL: Levasseur Under Fire

Could J.P. Levasseur be the next great netminder to come out of the QMJHL? So far we’re very impressed with Rouyn Noranda’s prized rookie. Also, Mooseheads’ forward Justin Saulnier is earning positive reviews for his giddyup.

Jean-Philippe Levasseur (2005), G, Rouyn-Noranda

Don’t let his numbers fool you, the goals-against average that eclipses 3 and a save percentage of .902, Levasseur is beginning to settle into a groove for the defensively challenged Huskies .. has been getting pummeled with oodles of shots game after game and his confidence is growing steadily .. excellent pure technique; fluid, composed and balanced .. a butterfly-style goalie .. very competitive, aggressive in the crease with nice size to boot .. excellent dexterity and a lively right glove hand .. very focused with elite vision of the play .. plays square to the shooter with a well-balanced, firmly planted stance .. exceptional lateral movement, quick lower body limbs really shut the door down low .. rebound control is the Achilles heel at this time .. strong recovery and makes the initial save .. mentally tough and has come up with some clutch performances this season including a 53-save effort in a 3-2 win against Halifax .. elite mental makeup.

Francois-Pierre Guenette (Van), LW, Halifax

Showing little to no intensity after glimpses of promise last year .. consistency is the missing factor and the expected sniper instincts are not there, nor are his hands as good as we expected .. positional aspects of his game are scattered and confidence is down .. poor passes location-wise and showing no zip .. shooting game has not improved since last year; release is not impressive .. failed to add requisite bulk in the off-season and has been getting bumped off the puck consistently .. not moving as well as last year; his before-seen quickness has been strangely absent .. needs to move his feet better and drive the net with authority, but has been invisible instead.

Sidney Crosby (2005), C, Rimouski

Making considerable strides defensively .. a better all-around worker; stronger along the boards and in the corners, winning a great bulk of board battles .. excellent lower body strength for a kid his size .. comes out of traffic areas with the puck due to quick feet, hands and a fearless attitude .. has a powerful stride and a great chance of pace to keep opposing defenders off balance .. makes elite plays with the puck in full flight; excellent set-up instincts .. best junior in North America.

Dean Ouellet (2005), C, Cape Breton

Smooth skater but lacks a quick first step.. excellent playmaking instincts and nice vision .. a crafty finesse type .. soft hands and nifty moves in fast-break situations .. needs to bulk up .. should develop better balance on his feet .. inconsistent all-around effort .. a good stickhandler with above-average puck protection skills.

Justin Saulnier (2005), C, Halifax

A competitive, combative player .. if there is a forward worth seeing on Halifax, it’s him .. does not need a bodyguard .. it is refreshing to see a guy like him to who can up the points and defend himself at the same time .. takes the body and stands his ground in traffic .. does not excel at any particular aspect of the game, but is above-average at all key aspects .. a strong finisher .. above-average creativity with the puck .. can throw the big hit and will drop the gloves from time to time .. good vision and impressive awareness as to the location of the puck .. works hard in the corners and comes up with the puck more often than not .. foot speed needs an upgrade, but still an above-average skater .. the kind of guy coaches love.

Roger Kennedy (2006), G, Halifax

16-year old netminder could be among the league’s elite in the future .. plays with poise and confidence .. very enthusiastic, but sometimes gets overly excited in his movements, leading to mistakes .. not afraid to play the puck and does it well .. cuts down the angles effectively .. very quick laterally; fast, elastic legs .. strong glove hand.

Slava Trukhno (2005), LW, PEI

Loves to carry the puck (a lot) .. does not pay attention to his teammates at all at times .. selfish, but very smooth in possession .. tried to stickhandle around the opposition several times to no avail; a lot of failed opportunities .. there is a lot to like, but he needs to smarten up.

Kenzie Sheppard (2006), LW – Halifax

Started the season playing with fire and moxie, but has cooled down big time since .. has a big-time shot, but has not been able to get it off much lately .. looks a bit frustrated as the puck is not following him as much as he’d like .. needs to pursue high traffic areas better and use his body to a greater degree .. mostly invisible so far.