QMJHL: MAINEiacs in Full Control

Backed by the spectacular goaltending of playoff MVP Jonathan Bernier (pictured), the Lewiston MAINEiacs will represent the QMJHL at the Memorial Cup in Vancouver after steamrolling through the Q-playoffs with a 16-1 record en route to their first President's Cup. It also marked the first time an American-based team won the QMJHL championship. McKeen's reviews several MAINEiacs who made an impact in the postseason.

Jonathan Bernier (LA), G, Lewiston

Good goaltenders make the opposition over-think, and Bernier is that type of netminder .. reliable as his team's last line of defense, he gives a very good team the confidence they need to play to their full potential .. excellent rebound control .. alert goaltender makes very difficult saves look easy .. has the potential to be a star at the NHL level.

Jakub Bundil (2007), LW, Lewiston

Imposing size gives him a presence on the ice .. finishes all his checks, and will work to do so, as he is not a lazy player .. does not change directions well, as his balance is questionable and his turns could use improvement .. has decent speed for a player his size .. would have a much easier time attracting NHL attention in the era preceding the lockout.

Marc-Andre Cliche (LA), C, Lewiston

Lewiston's most dangerous offensive player .. displays elite hands and skating ability for his age, and demonstrates an impressive offensive package .. will undoubtedly begin his pro-career in the AHL, but he should find a place on the first or second line with the Los Angeles Kings after some seasoning.

Chad Denny (Atl), D, Lewiston

A physically mature defenseman capable of throwing open-ice hits comparable with the best to come out of the QMJHL in the past ten years .. sets an imposing physical presence and pairs this advantage with the hardest pointshot in the QMJHL .. his team's "trigger man" on the point .. still a poor risk taker, but is playing much more responsibly with and without the puck than in previous seasons .. quickly taking over as the Atlanta Thrashers' top defensive prospect, he will likely see NHL time as soon as next season .. an adequate skater and stickhandler that can afford to attempt and execute coast-to-coast scoring chances .. decent mobility, but not agile .. moves the puck well on the point .. potential top-2 NHL defenseman if he can show his offensive maturity is conducive at higher levels of competition.

Danick Paquette (2008), LW, Lewiston

Sixteen-year-old forward does not appear out of place .. a pit bull, Tie Domi prototype, although much can still change in his development, as he is one of the youngest players in the QMJHL .. plays with excellent intensity and likes to throw the body… choppy skater, but work ethic compensates .. still guilty of retaliation penalties, which prove he can have a fiery yet undisciplined temper… displays creativity with the puck close to the net .. his style of creating traffic in front of the opponent's crease is a good sign he will score goals .. third-line grinder with offensive upside.

Kevin Marshall (2007), D, Lewiston

A defenseman who assumes the role of the pest, but cannot be accurately described as tough .. excellent at distracting opposing players' attention from the game, but unwilling to support his efforts with any rough stuff, which could harm him physically .. constantly looking behind him in the corners and along the boards to see who is coming .. quick feet, but does not display above average technical skating skills .. pinches often and will take any opportunity to rush the puck .. very anxious with the puck when threatened with pressure .. remain unsold on him as adaptable to the pro game, but could progress if he improves his toughness and backs up the tough talk.

David Perron (2007), C, Lewiston

A smooth skating, offensively gifted player .. silky touch with the puck is among the most elite in the league .. his creative, unconventional style shows he is a thinking player who displays reactions that opponents are unsuspecting of .. he is a good skater with good balance however, he lacks breakout speed or an adequate first step .. for this reason, he cannot beat defensemen in situations when he is outnumbered .. compensates by slowing down the game with his range of other offensive abilities .. not timid to show frustration visibly, and mental game could be much stronger .. little pokes and slashes throw him off .. plays with emotion, and when channeled with his skill, he will be an even greater threat .. will need to get stronger to set up shop in front of the net, as he is pushed around too easily .. plays the point on the powerplay and has a great sense of how to move the puck .. great defensive effort to keep the puck in at the blueline, but not widely recognized for his defensive prowess, as indicated in his lack of time on the penalty kill .. uses body language such as head and shoulder fakes to challenge forecheckers .. quick and accurate release catches opponent's off-guard and jumps on loose pucks instantly .. hockey sense gives him an immediate advantage over other players moving up the ranks, but still has much work to do.