WHL/BCHL Player Profiles Part 1

McKeen's Director of Scouting, David Burstyn, has profiles of several WHL and BCHL prospects that were ranked by McKeen's for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and featured in the McKeen's Hockey and NHL Draft Guide. In part 1 of a 3-part series, Beau Bennett, Mark Pysyk, Quinton Howden, Dylan McIlrath and Brett Connolly are featured.

Beau Bennett RW, Penticton (selected 20th overall) Pittsburgh Penguins

No player this year was more valuable to his team than Beau Bennett. His meteoric rise to stardom helped propel the Penticton Vee's to their first ever 100-point season. Bennett scored a staggering 17 points in his final five games to tie for the BCHL scoring title with 120 points. Bennett boasts a lethal one-timer and used it often, which was a key contributor as to why the Vee's powerplay was the best in the league. He was second in power-play goals in the BCHL with 25. Bennett did not only represent himself well at the BCHL level, but also helped Team USA capture a gold medal at the World Jr. A Challenge with four points in five games. Bennett is a highly cerebral player who operates better with additional time and space. He has a knack for finding the open man as his head is always up, surveying his options. He is an accomplished skater in all directions but he must add speed and strength to his stride. Bennett is committed to Denver and NHL teams will appreciate the fact that he will have another three years to physically develop and round out his game.

Mark Pysyk D, Edmonton (selected 23rd overall) Buffalo Sabres

Pysyk was the first player selected in the Oil Kings modern day history, selected 3rd overall in 2007 WHL bantam draft. Pysyk missed a bulk of playing time due to a broken bone in his right foot. The injury cost him a chance to propel the Oil Kings into the playoffs and an opportunity to represent Canada at the U18 in Minsk. Pysyk struggled this year on a team that simply could not score as his team finished last in that department. As a result, the play was often in the defensive zone where Pysyk was often forced to play against the opposition's best. His game is based around his size and his ability to close gaps, getting into shooting lanes and blocking shots. He displays some nastiness to his game, but is an honest player. Pysyk eclipsed his point totals from his rookie campaign but his puck decisions and offensive game are still a work in progress. At 6-foot-2 and 175 pounds, he desperately needs to add weight to his frame, but he has the structure to support at least 40 more pounds of muscle. Pysyk has the tools, but it is simply a matter of putting it together and getting an opportunity to play with better players to take some of the pressure off of him.

Quinton Howden C/W, Moose Jaw (selected 25th overall) Florida Panthers

The Warriors had to complete a series of deals to land the first overall pick of the 2007 bantam draft to secure Howden. Astute general managing and the rapid development of Howden has helped lift Moose Jaw from a basement dwelling team to a playoff one. Unable to help the Warriors in their opening playoff round, he suited up for only the final two games after recovering from a broken collarbone. A silky skater with tremendous acceleration and push off, he can blow by defenders if he gets a step on them. Howden has an accurate shot as he won the accuracy portion at the Top Prospect Game skills competition. He boasts a hard, heavy shot and processes the game well. He played on a checking role during the U18 Hlinka tournament and excelled in that role, which helped him become more defensively conscious. Howden has all the tools to be a successful pro yet does not always play with passion and intensity. He can be guilty of not moving his feet and can disappear for long periods of time. For his size, he should be more dominate down low but due to his unwillingness to pay the price it cripples this aspect of his game.

Dylan McIlrath D, Moose Jaw (selected 10th overall) New York Rangers

Moose Jaw coughed up a 3-1 lead against Calgary to drop their opening round series, but it was a great learning experience for players like McIlrath. Few players available in this draft offer the dynamic that McIlrath brings. He is a throwback player who is a true heavyweight who fought 15 times this season. He had a great Top Prospects Game, disposing of Petrovic in a fight while playing staunch defence. At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, he has the frame to be a menacing figure at the NHL level along the same lines as a Derek Boogaard. His mobility and footwork are impressive, considering his size. At times he can lose his man, but not without trying to take his head off. He flat out intimidates with his style of play and is always trying to assert himself physically. McIlrath can contain forwards in all areas of the ice, especially down low. McIlrath needs to work on his puck skills as he handles it like a grenade. He fails to find his options and relies primarily on the 'glass and out' approach. He does, however, have a great slap shot. McIlrath is a work in progress but oozes character and fulfills a role many NHL teams will covet.

Brett Connolly RW, Prince George (selected sixth overall) Tampa Bay Lightning

Connolly came into his draft year with much fanfare after an incredibly productive offensive rookie season and an outstanding U17 tournament. Sadly, Connolly was never able to fully display his skill set as a freak injury which occurred at the U18 Hlinka tournament sidelined him for all of just 16 games. Connolly injured his right hip during the tournament and due to a lack of cardio training and inactivity, he injured his left hip as well. The injury has been rather costly for Connolly as he was unable to participate in the Top Prospects Game, but should be able to showcase his game at the U18s. Connolly possesses a natural ability with the puck and can stickhandle in the rain without getting the puck wet. He is lethal on the half boards in power-play situations where he can literally pick apart a team's defence. A strong argument can be made that he has the best hands in the draft as he can shoot hard and can also execute moves at varying rates of speed. Connolly struggles with his skating as he lacks explosiveness. Another area of concern is his inability, at this point, to put on additional weight as he is rail thin despite being 6-foot-2.