Quebec Midget AAA Report: Saint Eustache Vikings

The Saint-Eustache Vikings had a good season finishing in fourth place in the Quebec midget AAA league standings during the regular season. Led by some good young talent, they battled hard in the playoffs before falling to the Lac Saint Louis Lions in the semifinals. McKeen's correspondent Rick Springhetti reports on a few of their players.

Anthony Deluca (2013), RW, Saint-Eustache

Pure goal scorer .. has a bullet of a shot and he's not afraid of using it .. wants the puck on his stick at all times in the offensive zone but takes it to the extreme at times, as he tends to not use his linemates as much as he should .. when he does so, he can be an effective passer .. stocky build makes it hard for opponents to knock him off the puck .. ok straight-ahead skater but work to be done on his first few steps .. not used as much as one would think due to serious issues in his defensive play .. most of his mistakes happen at centre ice especially when he tries to create plays when none are possible .. too often, he doesn't backcheck hard enough to support his teammates in the defensive zone .. has committed to the University of Vermont.

Mathieu Lemay (2013), C, Saint-Eustache

Drafted by Rouyn-Noranda at the last QJMHL entry draft .. excellent skater with a nice skating stride .. able to pick up speed very quickly .. pivots very well and effortlessly .. gives a solid second effort and doesn't quit on the play .. willing to block shots if need be .. quick to pressure the opposing puckcarrier giving him the opportunity to break up plays .. some work needs to be done on his shot, both his release and his aim .. able to corral passes well - even when using his feet due to his capacity to keep his balance at all times .. has to be more aware of what is going on around him .. tendency to go for some high-risk plays at center ice .. vision has to catch-up with his speed.

Marc-Olivier Roy (2013), C, Saint-Eustache

Drafted by the Montreal Juniors at the last QJMHL entry draft .. two-way center who puts the effort in both ends of the ice .. smooth skater but his turns could be sharper .. needs to work on lower-body strength to improve his overall speed .. has a solid wristshot .. sees the ice well and is able to react quickly when he sees an opportunity with the puck .. effective in the faceoff circle .. continuously blocking shots .. good anticipation, he's effective at cutting passing lanes .. smart player who sees a lot of time on special teams .. has the confidence of the coaching staff who regularly use him in important situations.

Justin Vanier-Guenette (2013), D, Saint-Eustache

Seeing top minutes with his team .. plays in all special teams .. defends well in one-on-one situations .. intelligent player when he keeps a cool head, which is still a bit of a challenge for him .. intense player who tends to breakdown a little as the game wears on so learning to preserve his energy will be important for him .. fine skater overall, still some work to do when going backwards .. battles along the boards and in the corners.. constantly engaged physically .. protects his crease well .. doesn't over-commit to the puckcarrier defensively .. can be a secondary option to play the point on the powerplay .. shot is a little erratic at times but he does get some power behind it .. moves the puck well when given a little bit of time .. very vocal on the ice.