USA Prep Hockey: In the Nik of Time

Northwood ended the 2007-08 season on a winning note, capturing the Midwest Prep Invitational Championship with a 4-3 victory over Culver Military Academy. Two of Northwood's players, Nik Pokulok and Julien Cayer, are potential mid-to-late round picks in this year's NHL Entry Draft. McKeen's correspondent Kevin Hopson provides notes on Pokulok and Cayer, as well as 2009 draft-eligible player Alex Chiasson.

Nik Pokulok (2008), D, Northwood School

Pokulok plays the type of game one would expect with a six-foot-five, 220-pound frame .. he is a brutish defenseman who demolishes opponents around the net and in the corners .. it is common to see players laying face-first on the ice after Pokulok gets done with them .. in addition, he will occasionally attack the blueline and layout an opponent with a bone-crushing, open-ice hit .. as a result, he is extremely effective at pushing opponents off the puck and gaining possession of the rubber .. Pokulok moves well for a big man and shows adequate recovery speed .. additionally, he does a good job of staying low in his stance when opponents attempt to go 1-on-1 with him .. this allows Pokulok to cut down the angles and either keep his man in front of him or force him to the outside .. at times, he will even lay flat on the ice to obstruct shooters .. however, Pokulok can give this intention away, allowing opponents to adjust their shot (i.e., go high on the net-minder) at the last second .. he would be more successful just standing his ground, as it would take away more space .. furthermore, Pokulok needs to improve his distribution game, particularly in his own end, as some of his passes can be forced or off the mark.

Julien Cayer (2008), C, Northwood School

Cayer was an alternate captain for the team last season .. though not lightning quick, he possesses a good combination of size and speed .. Cayer can be slick with the puck, especially when isolating defenders and attacking them 1-on-1 .. Cayer also plays a physical game, particularly in neutral ice, as he will throw bodychecks and skirmish along the boards in an attempt to wrestle away the puck .. Cayer's responsible play in the defensive end makes him an efficient worker in all three zones, which is why he saw substantial icetime on special teams.

Alex Chiasson (2009), C/RW, Northwood School

Chiasson is not draft-eligible this year due to his late birth date .. however, given his quality all-around game, he will likely hear his name called in 2009 .. Chiasson does not possess exceptional straight-ahead speed but he does display sound lateral movement .. he also owns reliable hands, which allow him to overcome defenders, maneuver the puck in traffic and make clean tape-to-tape passes .. Chiasson enjoys a quick and accurate wristshot and has a high success rate in the circle .. furthermore, he is an aggressive and vicious forechecker .. Chiasson's willingness to pursue the puck, along with his ability to hold up opponents along the boards, makes him an effective contributor on the PK and man advantage.