Top Prospects Game, Western Style

The Top Prospects Game is set to go on the 22nd of this month. Of the forty players named to the two rosters for the event, thirteen will represent the WHL. Needless to say this is a big game for these young lads as they try to prove to critics that they are really among the best available for the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

Indeed there are some blue-chippers in this mix. Names like Braydon Coburn, Shawn Belle and Brent Seabrook were being mentioned long ago in WHL circles and now they will get a chance to strut their stuff in front of a large audience of scouts and an even larger audience on TV. The pressure will be on, but who’s up to the challenge? Let’s take a closer look at these thirteen intrepid young lads.

Kevin Nastiuk, G, Medicine Hat Tigers

Born: July 20, 1985, Edmonton, Alberta

6’1, 159 lbs, Catches Left

Nastiuk has the daunting task of playing for the Medicine Hat Tigers, a team that has not been known for its stellar play defensively in recent years, even when the team had Jay Bouwmeester patrolling its blueline. Yet Nastiuk has held up well to the challenge, posting an 8-12-1-3 record in split duty with fellow netminder, Brenden Cuthbert. Nastiuk has held his team in games most nights, despite the fact that the Tigers get out-shot by an average of 7.3 per night. However, he is still somewhat of a surprise to be named to the team, as he is only the co-number one in Medicine Hat.

Nastiuk has not always shown up in big games. The team's 3-13-0-2 record in its own division is partly his fault. At a mere 159 lbs., Nastiuk doesn’t cover a lot of the net and must rely on his positioning and reflexes to get the job done. While this may suffice in the WHL, to progress to the NHL he is going to need to bulk up. Challenging shooters with more confidence would also help his game, as he often plays too deep in his crease. His .875 save percentage is cause for concern, though the team in front of him has a lot to do with it.

Overall, he will need to step up to prove that it is valid of the CHL and some NHL scouts to get him named to this game, as he was only the 7th rated goalie in the CHL.

27 Games 1461 minutes 108 GA 872 SA 764 Saves 0.875 Save % 4.43 GAA 8 wins 12 losses 1 tie 3 OTL

Shawn Belle, D, Tri City Americans

Born: January 3, 1985, Edmonton, Alberta

6’2, 211 lbs, Shoots Left

Shawn has been highly touted long before he ever stepped into the WHL. Back in the 2000-2001 season, when the Regina Pats were gearing up for the Memorial Cup as the host team, virtually every WHL franchise was making trade offers for Belle. Even with the Memorial Cup on the line and the opportunity to use Belle to acquire veteran help, Regina was very reluctant to pull the trigger, showing how highly regarded this kid was.

Eventually the Pats caved and he was dealt to Tri-City. Skip ahead two years and the outlook is not nearly as bright. Perhaps so much pressure on such a young player has hurt him or perhaps it’s simply an off year, but Belle’s stock has dropped a long way since his early days with the Pats.

A year ago, Belle was considered a sure fire first rounder, a likely top ten pick, and possibly both the first WHL player taken and the top defenseman taken in 2003. Now, it seems highly likely Belle will fall right out of the 1st round altogether. While Belle is still a good skater with a hard and accurate shot, he has simply not been getting the job done to the satisfaction of most of the scouts around the league.

For someone with his vision and puck moving abilities, his numbers are rather unimpressive. He still possesses a great deal of skill and his work ethic is top notch, but he needs to produce instead of just working hard if he wants to get back into the scouts good graces.

38 Games 3 Goals 9 Assists 12 Points +/- +2 42 PIM’s 2 SHG

Braydon Coburn, D Portland Winter Hawks

Born: February 27, 1985, Shaunavon, Saskatchewan

6’5, 205 lbs. Shoots Left

Coburn is a massive defenseman known for his two-way game. After having an excellent rookie year for the Winter Hawks, much was expected of the hulking blue liner; however, this year has not been what many expected of Coburn.

Struggling to find his offensive game at times has hurt Coburn’s stock in many draft circles. Still, with a massive frame and the ability to move it at an impressive speed for such a big man, scouts are still fascinated, albeit more reserved than before.

With his ability to accurately make the first pass out of his zone, and his rugged style in front of his own net, he is sure to be a top pick in the June draft. Add in the fact that he has a “never back down”, “take no prisoners” attitude; you can see why most scouts are willing to overlook his struggling offensive game. An invite to the Canadian World Junior Hockey Championship training camp in December shows how much ability this kid truly has. A solid Top Prospects game in January could move him into the top 10 of the draft.

Overall, he could be one of the safest picks in the draft as he brings a wide-ranging list of assets to the table. He could still work on his foot speed and his confidence at times is lacking.

40 Games 3 Goals 15 Assists 18 Points +/- -9 110 PIM 2 PPG

Brent Seabrook, D Lethbridge Hurricanes

Born: April 20, 1985, Delta, British Columbia

6’2, 220 lbs. Shoots Right

Seabrook is a defenseman that scouts have been drooling over for a while now. Built like a rock, he can take anything you dish at him and give it all back. Plays in all situations and logs a ton of ice time.

This year, Seabrook was expected to give us a clear example of his two-way game but it has yet to transpire.

While his offensive numbers are roughly the same as last year, his defensive game has suffered. Sitting at a -12, tied for the second worse mark on the team, Seabrook needs to stop running around in his own zone. Some have gone as far to say he looks lost on the defensive side of the puck.

As a captain he provides excellent leadership and leads by example. Just going by raw talent, this guy is arguably one of the best defensemen in the draft. If Seabrook can nail down his defensive assignments, he might challenge Coburn for top spot in the draft amongst defensemen. As it is, he could fall out of the first round, were someone will be getting a steal.

45 Games 6 Goals 20 Assists 26 Points +/- -12 64 PIM 5 PPG 1 SHG

Mike Egener, D Calgary Hitmen

Born: September 26, 1984, Calgary, Alberta

6’3, 195 lbs. Shoots Left

Egener brings two things to the table: Solid defense and a physical style of play. Rated by Central Scouting as a third round pick for this years NHL entry draft, Egener is viewed as a safe pick. Very little upside, but more of a guarantee to play than some of the other available players in the draft. Currently sitting 4th in the entire WHL in penalty minutes, Egener is not afraid of the rough stuff. In fact, he makes his living off of it. Not a big time fighter, but not afraid to drop the gloves, Egener can be a sparkplug for his team with his crushing style of play in his own zone.

He also possesses a heavy shot, something that gets him a little powerplay time now and then. He needs to develop more consistency in his own zone and play disciplined, something that has troubled him in the past. Still, he looks like a solid investment for the future, and his invite to the Top Prospects Game is a clear indication that he can be more then just a banger.

29 Games 2 Goals 5 Assists 7 Points +/- -8 156 PIM 1 PPG

Dion Phaneuf, D Red Deer Rebels

Born: April 10, 1985, Edmonton, Alberta

6’2, 200 lbs. Shoots Left

Phaneuf is a physical defenseman who is developing a solid two-way game. Already having exceeded his goal total from last year and equalling his point total, Phaneuf is making scouts realize that Coburn might not be the top defenseman in the WHL this for the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. Despite his young age, Phaneuf is getting a prime role with the Rebels, including quality powerplay time. Scouts have been impressed with his poise, positioning and smart play with the puck, thus resulting in him being named the highest rated North American defenseman for the draft at the mid-term rankings according to the Central Scouting Bureau, the official scouting service of the NHL.

Considering that Coburn, Seabrooke and Belle are the competition that is no small feat. Phaneuf is also not afraid to get involved physically, sitting second on the Rebels in penalty minutes. He loves the physical stuff, and is quite willing to drop the gloves and dance. There are few weaknesses in Phaneuf’s game. His positioning could be better at times and his shot could use work. Still, this kid is a sure fire top 15 pick for the draft, and if he continues on this pace, likely top 10.

46 Games 9 Goals 8 Assists 17 points +/- +12 106 PIM 4 PPG

Colin Fraser, C Red Deer Rebels

Born: January 28, 1985, Surrey, British Columbia

6’1, 175 lbs. Shoots Left

The Rebels continue to pump out great players. Fraser is viewed as being a Colby Armstrong type of player. Not overly big but thrives on a high-energy style of play. Quite willing to get physical and take the body. He will need to bulk up to play that style of play in the NHL. Still, he does lead a Sutter team in penalty minutes, which is no small feat given the fact Sutter teams have always had a love affair with a physical style of play and a hard forechecker. He says the best advice he was ever given was “Talent doesn't win if talent doesn't work hard’, and he lives by those words everyday.

Not the most gifted player in the draft, Fraser would likely be watching the Top Prospects Game from home if not for his work ethic. As one scout said, “If your drafting based on talent, he’s likely in the third round. If your drafting based on determination and work ethic, he’s likely a top 5 pick overall”. Should be an excellent penalty killer at the NHL level who can play on the second line, chip in offensively and be a sparkplug for his team.

46 Games 11 Goals 28 Assists 39 Points +/- +19 115 PIM 1 PPG 1 SHG 1 GWG

Ryan Getzlaf, RW Calgary Hitmen

Born: March 10, 1985, Regina, Saskatchewan

6’3, 185 lbs. Shoots Right

The second Hitmen at this year’s top prospects game, Getzlaf is being touted as a potential power forward. By the time he hits the NHL, he should be at a playing weight of around 215 lbs and he isn’t afraid to throw it around either. He is hard to handle in the corners, digs for loose pucks and drives the net hard. Is willing to take a pounding in front, whether it is so he can screen the goalie or poke home rebounds. He has bulked up considerably since last year and has found a new determination in his draft year. He has taken his game to a whole new level this year offensively and defensively. Last year he did little offensively, and even less to deserve getting more of an opportunity. Now he is just off the team lead in scoring and is picking up steam.

Finally using his size and reach to his advantage; Getzlaf must prove that his work ethic is here to stay, and not just a draft year bubble. His transformation in the defensive zone has been the most remarkable, and as a result is getting more penalty killing time. And he is rewarding the team for that with some timely goals, as he sits 3rd in the WHL in shorthanded goals. A solid possibility to go in the first round of the draft this year.

44 Games 20 Goals 27 Assists 47 Points +/- +4 81 PIM 7 PPG 5 SHG

Jeremy Colliton, C Prince Albert Raiders

Born: January 13, 1985, Blackie, Alberta

6’2, 195 lbs. Shoots Left

Colliton is "Mr. Everything" in Prince Albert. Top powerplay unit, top penalty killing unit, top line most nights. While the team will not likely make the playoffs again this year, you can’t blame this kid. Already a solid body at 6’2, 195, Colliton is another budding power forward who is willing to use his size to make plays happen. Despite playing on a team that has been outscored by over 40 goals this year, his +/- of -4 is truly remarkable and a statement to his solid two-way game. Still, most scouts are eager to know what he can do on a team where he isn’t giving every opportunity to succeed, like Prince Albert, and is instead on a team where he has to earn his playing time.

In Prince Albert, Colliton can have an off game and still find himself as “Mr. Everything” the next night. Some scouts seem to think he wouldn’t be as well off on a team where he’d have to fight for ice time, while others think it would do him good. His skating could use some work and he still needs to work on his shot, which isn’t overly powerful.

46 Games 19 Goals 24 Assists 43 Points +/- -4 70 PIM 5 PPG 3 SHG

Jonathan Filewich, RW Prince George Cougars

Born: October 2, 1984, Sherwood Park, Alberta

6’2, 200 lbs. Shoots Right

Filewich is a solid forward. Quite similar to Colliton in many ways, just not as physical. However, Filewich’s defensive game is above average and he is creative with the puck. A bit more of a natural goal scorer then playmaker, Filewich will be likely a second line forward at the NHL level capable of putting the puck in the net. Most of his assists come from digging out loose pucks along the boards and getting the puck in front to an open teammate. Very responsible defensively, some have said that Filewich needs only to improve his work ethic and skating to get into the first round of the draft in June.

Still, he does lack that fire some nights and a poor showing at the Top Prospects Game could really hurt his stock. If he’s not up for this game then that speaks volumes about his desire. Still, he did put forth a very good effort at the Under-18 Slovakia Challenge during the 2001-2002 season. A very fine all around player who will be a steal in the second round.

42 Games 22 Goals 23 Assists 45 Points +/- -1 41 PIM 8 PPG 1 SHG

Stefan Meyer, C Medicine Hat Tigers

Born: July 20, 1985, Fox Valley, Saskatchewan

6’2, 200 lbs. Shoots Left

Meyer started the season off well, but has since gone on a bit of a slide. He has great size, is very athletic, has good mobility and lateral movement, and his skating is above average. He is on pace for a 40 goal season. However, one thing that is worrisome about his stats is the fact he has only eight assists all year. For someone who can play center, and has repeatedly this year, that isn't good. Also, his play on the power play in Medicine Hat has been dreadful at times, though the whole team has been struggling for the most part in that area all season.

Meyer does possess a high skill level that he does seem to flash at least once a game. He has great hands in around the net and is quite willing to go to the front of the net to dig for loose pucks. His biggest weakness is the lack of a defensive game. Some games he seems to literally refuse to go back in his own end. Two other problems are a lack of consistency and a lack of patience; something’s which go hand-in-hand. When he struggles early in a game, it seems to throw Meyer off for the rest of the game as he doesn't have the patience to stick it out. And then he seems to carry some of that over into the next game, which is when it begins to affect his consistency. However, he is still young and not accustomed to having to struggle so much to score. With maturity, he can hopefully turn around all his problems, as all can be corrected with hard work.

43 Games 24 Goals 8 Assists 32 Points +/- -8 54 PIM 8 PPG 1 SHG

Eric Fehr, RW, Brandon Wheat Kings

Born: September 7, 1985, Winkler, Manitoba

6’3, 183 lbs. Shoots Right

Fehr first made headlines for scouts last year when he played himself onto a scoring line, bumping Lance Monych down to a checking line. Since then, Fehr has done nothing but excel. Already well ahead of last years scoring pace, Fehr is slowly evolving into a power forward. He is also, widely praised for his steadiness in his own zone, as even on nights when he doesn’t hit the score sheet he is often in the plus. One of the few drawbacks he has is not being very consistent in the offensive zone, as he can go long stretches without getting a goal.

He could use his shot more and try and pick a corner once in a while as opposed to just burying his head and shooting away. He should also use his size more and protect the puck better. Still with his commitment to the defensive zone being very admirable for a young player and his drive for success, Fehr should be a solid pickup for any team. Likely an early second round draft choice.

45 Games 17 goals 20 Assists 37 Points +/- +15 52 PIM 9 PPG 1 SHG

Ryan Stone, LW, Brandon Wheat Kings

Born: March 20, 1985, Calgary, Alberta

6’1, 201 lbs. Shoots Left

Ryan Stone has shot up the draft charts all over the place thanks to his stellar play this season. Originally viewed as being just a second rounder do to the depth of the draft and his limited upside offensively, Stone is now being touted as someone who right now has the edge on being a late first round pick.

However, Like Fehr, Stone needs to develop some consistency in his game. He has taken some steps in that regard, going no more than one game without a point since the end of November, firing along at a point-per-game clip over that stretch. However defensively, Stone needs to shore up. He is only a plus two over that same stretch since the end of November and a plus 9 overall. If not for three games where he was a plus 3 or higher this year, Stone would actually be a minus player on one of the best teams in the league. A cause for concern.

Stone plays a very physical brand of hockey, is quite willing to drop the gloves, and is willing to do all the mucking in the corners and along the boards is good enough in some scouts eyes. With good leadership skills and a powerful work ethic, some see Brian Sutherby in Ryan Stone.

44 Games 13 Goals 24 Assists 37 Points +/- +9 126 PIM 3 PPG 1 SHG

As always, The Top Prospects Game will be a focal point of young talent and many scouts and general managers will be in attendance. While this game will not make or break you at draft time, it can have an impact. A poor performance will likely drop you a few spots on most peoples list; where as a good performance could boost you just as much.

In reality, it will be the way these kids play over the length of the season and playoffs that will be a more accurate measure of their talents and skill level.

Basically, these kids are yanked out of their team, flown half way across the country, put down in a brand new team where none of the players have played together at all in most cases and then expected to play the equivalent of an all-star game on live TV in front of powerful hockey minds who could make or break their careers down the road at draft day.

Trying to deal with all that at the age of roughly 18 is difficult to say the least and when we watch these young men take another step along that road towards NHL stardom, we need to remember what they are going through that night. Still, it’ll be a treat to watch.