WHL: Climbing Mount Everett

Thanks to NHL quality coaching, the expansion Everett Silvertips had a dream season by reaching the WHL final. We look at the performances of four players that participated in the recent exhibition tournament for the host 'Tips.

Zach Hamill (2007), C

Multi-talented offensive center has already started to become a fan favorite in Everett and that should only increase as his talent is allowed to blossom .. looks slightly bigger at the start of this season .. has developed a lot of poise to go with his lightning quick moves and elite stickhandling .. delivered a stiff, but late hit along the wall and received two for charging .. handles the puck like it’s on a string .. supports the defense by coming all the way back to forecheck and cover a man .. has the speed and shows the commitment to get back after leading a rush .. explosive first step .. needs to use his linemates more effectively, however he isn’t selfish and does make the attempt.

Brady Calla (2006), RW

Young winger straight out of the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League looks poised to make the ‘Tips this season .. went down to block a shot and forced the shooter to go high ..active stick on the penalty-kill .. saw some time on the powerplay .. dished out a poor breakout pass in to the feet of his linemate who looked to be open .. will need to add some muscle as he isn’t very strong on the puck .. works hard in traffic, just not very effective .. doesn’t see the ice well .. blazing slap shot .. nice wheels, but nothing spectacular.

Karel Hromas (Chicago Blackhawks), LW

First year Euro winger blessed with excellent skating, especially with regards to his superior mobility and acceleration .. played on a line with Riley Armstrong and Marc Desloges .. played on the powerplay .. moved the puck up with a nice touch pass .. elite hands, proven by his work behind the opposition’s net where he stickhandled in to the open and made a beautiful pass right on to the tape of an open linemate parked in the slot .. skated hard and narrowly missed beating out an icing .. high energy player, that will do what it takes to get open in the offensive zone .. uses his speed and innate ability to find the holes to stretch the defense .. aggressive forechecker, cuts down space and time of the puck carrier .. dished out a hard body check.

Michael Wuchterl (2006), LW

Rugged sophomore winger looks to have taken a big step this season to claiming an everyday spot in the lineup and developing good chemistry with Zach Hamill doesn’t hurt either .. took a defender out hard in front of the net and drew a questionable retaliation penalty .. with increased maturity and confidence has come aggression .. skating doesn’t standout, but it isn’t a drawback.