WHL: Buster Keaton

The Kamloops Blazers are hoping they are a team on the rise after a few seasons of problems on and off the ice. We have notes from a recent exhibition game featuring them and a number of players that may play a part in a rosier future.

Brock Nixon (2006), C

Russell, Manitoba native chipped in with 11 points (4-7-11) in 68 games for Kamloops last season .. holds up the opposing center off of the draw .. has a reasonable amount of sandpaper to his game .. displayed a nifty shot and a quick release in the shootout getting it easily past the goalie on the glove hand side .. he has a long way to go to be considered a prospect, however if he continues to get stronger there is a chance.

Keaton Ellerby (2007), D

Lanky defender is still filling out his 6'4" frame as he is only 175lbs. .. had only a single assist in 60 games last season .. with a few notable exceptions, he displays poise above his years .. has some grit to his game and a healthy mean streak .. won't shy away from the fisticuffs .. initiated a fight in which he received five and a game, however he also got a gross for apparently (unconfirmed) stepping on the opponent's ungloved hand .. strong on his skates and takes a hit to make a play .. sometimes tried to force a puck through traffic .. very mobile with decent overall speed and acceleration .. there is no reason that Ellerby can't take the next step in becoming an elite defenseman at the Junior level and definitely a player to keep an eye on for 2007.

Ryan Bender (2006), D

Solid defender displays an ability to search and destroy puckcarriers that don't keep their head up in open ice with bone-crunching open ice hits .. has a mean streak that he needs to keep under control as to not put his team down a man .. will never be a big point producer, but might become a relatively effective defender at the WHL level.

Janick Steinmann (2006), C

Native of Baar, Switzerland .. dishes out crisp passes and can usually be counted on to lead the intended target in to the pass .. displays good hand-eye coordination .. comes back well and supports the defense .. displays a willingness to compete .. has some grit to his game .. supports the puckcarrier .. finishes his checks solidly.

Travis Dunstall (2007), LW

Onoway, Alberta native is a bit undersized albeit he does have time on his side .. displays nice vision and playmaking skills.

Matt Schmermund (2006), LW

Gets an excellent jump from his first few strides .. has the ability thanks to blazing speed and terrific mobility to close the gap quickly on the forecheck and force the defender in to making a play before they're ready .. needs to add some muscle to his six foot frame as he tips the scales at a lowly 160 pounds.

Michael Maniago (2006), G

Moves well side-to-side, although still has to watch his positioning .. flashes a quick glove hand .. doesn't challenge the shooter as much as he will need to in order to make the next step .. good feet with solid recovery skills .. continues to need work on puck control .. minimal effectiveness at handling the puck or leaving the net for that matter.

Kurt Kramer (2007), G

At 6'4" and 170lbs., he has the size that teams are looking for .. doesn't handle the puck that well will need to work on his rebound control .. displays a lack of confidence that goalies must have to play at the Junior level or higher .. too often loses sight of where the puck is after a shot .. over commits on some chances .. definitely a work in progress and not ready to make the jump to Kamloops.