Top Prospects Game: Goaltenders

Bobby Orr improved his record (7-3) over Don Cherry in the Top Prospects game. The game first originated in 1997 and has been a resounding success. The game serves as a platform to display the top 40 CHL prospects and draws the attention of all 30 NHL clubs. In a three-part series broken down by position, McKeen's Chief Correspondent David Burstyn files notes on several top-rated prospects who participated, starting with

goaltenders Olivier Roy and Nathan Lieuwen.

Olivier Roy (2009), G, Cape Breton

Sensational rookie season highlighted with a 27-win campaign including 4 shutouts to lead all rookie goaltenders in the QMJHL .. equally accomplished this year, as he is second in the QMJHL in wins trailing only Riopel (Moncton) with 25 .. small in stature, he opens himself up to make himself bigger in the net .. he understands his size concerns and readily challenges, playing more of a stand-up, angle-cutting style .. his challenging style is powered by his exceptional skating .. due to his focus and balance, he stays centre in his net and almost always square to the shooter .. he holds his ground routinely, often making the shooter commit first .. he complements his stand-up style using the butterfly style on point and with screen shots .. he has active, quick limbs that usually result in him getting a piece of a puck even if it beats him .. makes timely saves that can keep his team in the game .. shows toughness in his crease, will compete and physically assert himself if he feels intimidated .. a true competitor and will give you everything he has, however his size is an immediate concern to withstand the rigours of the NHL .. plays a game very similar to Mike Vernon.

Nathan Lieuwen (2009), G, Kootneay

Lieuwen has assumed the starting duties this year in his second season and has performed admirably given the team in front of him and dealing with the pressure .. lacks a particular style and is very plain in his approach to the game .. big, and blessed with size (6-5, 190), he has yet to fill out but covers a substantial amount of the net .. displays surprising speed when going post-to-post .. a butterfly goalie that drops down far too quickly .. beaten upstairs frequently and did not make adjustments to his game .. plays too deep in his net and is mentally unsure of himself once he allows a goal .. surrendered a few goals in a short period of time illustrating his inability to settle down and mentally focus .. needs to be more aggressive in his crease, and physically abuse players .. can be too passive in all areas of his game .. puck handling skills are ok but not glamorous .. not the most athletic player, he relies primarily on his size, as his reflexes are not razor sharp .. plays a game like Garth Snow.