QMJHL: Sparling Ignites Sea Dogs

Sydney, Nova Scotia native Ryan Sparling has thrived with the expansion Saint John Sea Dogs and currently sits among the leading rookie scorers in the QMJHL. We have notes on Sparling and some teammates including first-overall pick Alex Grant and a pair of intriguing prospects in '06 draft-eligible winger Alexandre Monahan and former New Hampshire blueliner Jeff Caron.

Alex Grant (2007), D

Looks to be going through an awkward stage in his development, perhaps associated with growing .. having a slow day, displaying below average vision .. passes made you shake your head as they were easily picked off both on the rush and the breakout .. showed he can play the body in open ice, throwing a Scott Stevens style open ice hit at the top of the circle in the defensive zone .. did not have his head in this game.

Martin Bartos (2006), LW

Really slow and awkward on his feet .. must keep feet moving instead of planting himself, as he has a poor first step .. head is always in the game .. good radar, makes passes to teammates the opposition doesn't expect because no one detects them .. not afraid to carry the puck, likes to have possession .. tough to move off puck .. very effective on the cycle.

Jeff Caron (UFA), D

Left the University of New Hampshire after going undrafted to pursue major junior .. a two-way defenseman who has no qualms leading the break from behind the net straight through to the neutral zone .. boasts excellent size and is a splendid skater with strong legs which allow him to glide quickly and deceptively while stickhandling .. displays good hands although not fancy .. can use his size to protect the puck from forecheckers .. jumps into the play in the offensive zone and is willing to take a beating physically .. delivers patient, precise passes .. undressed a few times in the neutral zone (both by Ryan Hillier and Frederik Cabana) because he didn't get his feet moving quick enough on the backcheck.

Jason Churchill (SJ), G

Still showing signs of having trouble stopping pucks in Halifax after being traded by the Mooseheads during the offseason .. is prone to positioning brain cramps, and fighting the puck instead of challenging – probably in an attempt to compensate for poor lateral movement .. in spite of aforementioned movement issues, does not give up on shooter and made several highlight-reel sprawling saves .. seeing through traffic better and is having an easier time with rebounds although much work still needs to be done .. made several saves keeping Saint John in the game .. remains a long shot for the NHL, and would have a difficult transition to pro.

Alexandre Monahan (2006), LW

Dynamic player with impressive hands and lots of moves .. very quick and shifts directions on a dime .. a magnet who fights to get wherever the puck is .. comes out of nowhere to forecheck and seemingly is on every single loose puck .. sees ice and teammates very well .. he and teammate Jeff Caron were the most impressive players on the ice .. defensive side lacks as he is prone to cherry pick by the opposing blue line when the puck is in the defensive zone .. must also improve his strength as he tends to not be that strong on his skates.

Ryan Sparling (2006), C

Saint John's 20th overall choice in the 2005 QMJHL Entry Draft, Sparling has made an instant impact for the expansion Sea Dogs, and sits fifth in league scoring among rookies at the Christmas break .. tied for the team lead with fellow freshman and Import Felix Schutz, who has played five fewer games .. stickhandles very well and has good offensive instincts .. stealthy pivot who hangs out away from the play - often undetected - but will enter the fray if needed .. efficient at slowing the game down when he has possession .. did not show he has a first step, displays a constant, average speed .. at just under 165 lbs. he's easily pushed around.