QMJHL: Pavelec Screaming Eagle

The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles may lack the firepower to run with the 'Q' elite, however they do have a formidable counterweight in Czech sensation Ondrej Pavelec. The Atlanta second-rounder is not only the league's top rookie goalie but also the runaway leader in save percentage (.927), helping the Eagles soar to third in the Eastern Division.

Ondrej Pavelec (Atl), G, Cape Breton

Leads the QMJHL in save percentage (.927) and is third in goals against (2.51) .. giving an average team on paper the confidence to succeed .. displays an unorthodox open-five-hole stance and plays deep in his net, positionally reminiscent of Felix Potvin .. still covers a lot of space and is excellent at playing the angles on shooters .. initial response is to take the angle away and then will stretch his pads across the crease if the opposing puckcarrier moves into point-blank range .. as a result, he shows a tendency to give away the top part of the net whenever he is forced to move .. most vulnerable on high shots especially when he doesn't have the angle .. very cognizant of closing up his five hole and it's perhaps due to a lack of comfort that he tends to drop down as soon as the shot is taken .. rarely leaves the blue crease and sticks to playing along the goal-line most of the time .. could get more involved in front of the net .. best quality may be his demeanour .. exudes a calmness which he exploits to gain a psychological edge over shooters .. impressive mental capabilities .. quick pads as well, quite effective at deflecting rebounds out of harm's way.

James Sheppard (2006), C, Cape Breton

Most efficient player on the ice, particularly in the corners and along the boards .. second on the club with 45 points in 34 games including 14 goals .. a poised and defensively responsible player .. nice grit and toughness to go along with the skills package .. will drop the gloves to protect a teammate and can handle himself with his fists .. outmuscles and outhustles in congested areas .. makes an excellent first pass on the breakout .. spots teammates easily, demonstrating exceptional vision of the entire ice .. possesses remarkable body strength for his age .. deceptively fast when in full flight, however his big feet prevent him from accelerating as quickly as other players of his skill level .. can take the odd restraining penalty against speedier checks .. boasts smooth hands, however the one trait which really boosts his stock is an ability to make intelligent plays while in motion .. takes plenty of abuse but keeps a cool head and doesn't retaliate .. just goes about his business and doesn't lose his temper .. appears to have a spot reserved in the Top 10 for '06, especially if he keeps improving his start-up speed.

Jean-Claude Sawyer (Min), D, Cape Breton

An offensive-oriented defenseman who seems to possess all the natural tools, yet often plays in a haze .. tied for 14th in scoring among league defensemen with 26 points in 37 games (4-22-26) .. usually skates in the third pairing with rookie Jason Swit, and at times lines up as a forward on the power play .. still prone to the occasional puckmoving error as he has a tendency to try and beat the first forechecker, however he is showing a more concerted effort to make safer outlet decisions .. took an unnecessary penalty dragging down an opponent instead of moving his feet and trying to bat the puck away which seemed to be the more logical .. does possess pretty smooth hands for his size, though his passing accuracy can be erratic .. lacks the confidence and, seemingly, the hockey sense to be the force he has the potential to be .. nevertheless, he might still turn into NHL material if the Wild can instill some smarts into his play.

Vladimir Kubus (2006), C, Cape Breton

The shifty Slovak is having the kind of offensive year that many expected last season in his North American debut as an 18-year-old .. fast forward a year and the '86-born forward is now angling toward a possible a minor-pro contract .. currently second on the Eagles in goals (19) and powerplay markers (10), and third in points with 41 .. a quick skater who glides effortlessly on his feet .. isn't the type of player who will tenaciously drive for the net as he would rather make a play at the blueline instead of challenging a defender 1-on-1 .. very smooth with the puck and displays accurate passing skills which make a nice complement to linemates Kevin Asselin and James Sheppard .. not overly creative with the puck, though this may be a concerted effort to concentrate on making safe plays, which he accomplishes .. shows good poise in all situations and always positions himself intelligently.

Jason Swit (2006), D, Cape Breton

An 18-year-old rookie playing on Cape Breton's third unit with J-C Sawyer... sees powerplay time and has racked up an impressive 20 points including 15 assists in 35 games .. sat second on his team in assists earlier last month before being surpassed ... sees his teammates very well when in possession, and isn't shy about using his decent one-timer from the point... not always comfortable defending one-on-one situations however .. shows good offensive instincts as pinched in effectively a few times to bat loose pucks away and sustained the attack.

David Davenport (2006), G, Cape Breton

Early '87-born goalie was overlooked in the last NHL draft and doesn't have it any easier this time around having to play second fiddle to Ondrej Pavelec .. sports a 7-5 record including one shutout and an .888 save percentage in relief work .. benefits from a large frame which takes angles away from shooters .. imposing figure blocks up a lot of space in the crease .. one area that seems to have made good progress is positioning as he no longer gets punished for covering his posts improperly.