QMJHL Report: Acadie-Bathurst Titans

The Acadie-Bathurst Titans are one of the more volatile organizations in the QJMHL having made numerous changes in management and hockey operations in recent years. Already this season, owner Leo-Guy Morissette has decided to take over from Sylvain Couturier (father of Sean Couturier), as the general manager. McKeen's correspondent Rick Springhetti looks at a few 2012 prospects for the Titans.

Jacob Brennan (2012), G, Acadie-Bathurst

Born in Halifax, Brennan decided to join the Titans last April instead of playing in the NCAA .. a very aggressive goaltender who is quick to challenge shooters .. should try to control this tendency a little, as he can be taken out of position .. he will also need to better control his rebounds, as his aggressive approach makes him vulnerable when opponents can get secondary scoring opportunities .. not much of a puckhandler .. ok glove hand .. not afraid to battle opponents for position in the crease .. has quick lateral movements.

Jeremie Fraser (2012), D, Acadie-Bathurst

Draft eligible by only a few days, Fraser has worked hard to improve his off-ice conditioning .. not a great backward skater but improving .. does ok going forward but not particularly impressive either .. has a long reach that he uses very effectively in one-on-one situations .. needs to make sure he plays his man conservatively in one-on-one situations, as he can be beat on the outside by opponents .. shows little willingness to engage physically .. too easy to push around .. smart defenseman who does simple things well .. sees the ice well and is aware of where everyone is on the ice, but lacks the creativity necessary to take advantage of this .. won't handle the puck very much preferring to get it to a teammate quickly.

Ludovic Kabambi (2012), LW, Acadie-Bathurst

Big forward (6-3, 202), who is just learning to use his frame .. questionable hockey sense especially in the neutral zone where he's a little hesitant in terms of positioning .. doesn't possess great peripheral vision, prefers instead to barrel through opponents when he has the puck .. skating stride is a little wide but his lower-body is so strong that he still picks up speed quickly .. has to work on his balance so he can fully take advantage of his size, especially along the boards .. makes an effort in the defensive zone but he still has some work to do .. tends to run around a bit .. has a decent shot on net .. attacks the opposing crease with authority, just needs to keep his stick down in position .. has dropped the gloves with limited success .. has interesting physical tools but there is room for development.

Christophe Lalancette (2012), C/RW, Acadie-Bathurst

Smart forward who has started to receive some defensive responsibilities .. smart positionally, he excels at cutting passing lanes.. not afraid to battle along the boards but is rarely successful .. average speed, he has a labored skating stride .. first few steps are especially difficult .. lacks an extra gear to separate himself from opponents .. strong work ethic, he keeps his feet moving at all times .. not afraid to block shots .. has just an average shot on net, which hurts him, as he can become predictable to opponents.