WHL: Chipchura Chips Away Opposition

The coach of Prince Albert had to be ecstatic when he found out that the Canadiens would be sending Kyle Chipchura back to the WHL for another season. The Raiders seem poised to have a good year with Chipchura leading the troops as long as they get adequate goaltending . We have notes on the PA captain as well as teammates Mike Gauthier (StL), Jeff May (Det) and A.J. Thelen (Min).

Mike Gauthier (StL), D

Currently has one point (1-0-1) after eight games .. still needs to add some muscle to his 6'3"-185lbs. frame as he can be bumped off the puck too easily .. must improve his mobility .. partnered with Jeff May .. his point shot arrives with some pop and can create chances off of a rebound when he keeps it low .. uses an active stick to close down passing lanes .. at his best when he has some snarl to his game .. ties up his man effectively in front of the net .. although mostly known for defense, he does display a willingness to get involved offensively, especially with going for the long break out pass .. plays on the PK .. wore #2.

Jeff May (Det), D

Tied with Dane Byers for most points on Prince Albert with eight (2-6-8) in the same number of games .. won't hesitate to join the rush or pinch in from the point when appropriate .. moves the puck quickly and generally his passes end up on the tape .. partnered with Mike Gauthier .. uses his terrific skating ability to take advantage of any extra room that presents itself and is especially dangerous in 4-on-4 or odd man situations .. lacks the overall strength and nastiness to punish opposing players in the dirty areas .. blessed with good vision and uses his teammates well .. plays on the power play .. wore #3.

A.J. Thelen (Min), D

Helped shore up PA's defense after leaving Michigan State .. a strong skater, but lacks an elite extra gear that would be helpful to back off the defense .. closes the gaps quickly will jump in from the point .. looks filled out and is solid on his skates .. has the ability to make the long breakout pass, crisply and on the tape .. generally very solid positionally, however can be caught in no-man's land between players as he tries to find the puck .. uses his feet to keep the opponent to the outside .. partnered with Evan Schafer .. supports his defensive partner well .. takes a hit to make a play .. plays on both the PK and PP .. wore #4.

Kyle Chipchura (Mtl), C

Had 32 points (14-18-32) in 28 games last campaign for the Raiders .. is the straw that stirs the rink centering a line of Dane Byers and Aki Seitsonen .. strong on the face-off and does a job of trying up the opposing center .. wears the C .. will take the body and has sandpaper to his game, but is far from being a dominant physical force .. has really grown in to a leadership role with the Raiders .. keeps his feet moving through traffic which draws more than his fair share of opposition penalties .. is willing to get his nose dirty to stick up for his teammates .. helps out on defense and has become a well rounded player that can play in every situation .. his overall skating is very good, but he lacks an elite extra gear that would allow him to stretch the defense as well as being a game-breaker .. takes the pass smoothly at top speed and is very hard to knock off the puck .. wore #17.