WHL: Connolly Brings Hope

Justin Maylan (2009), C, Prince George

Chosen in the first round (17th overall) by the Moose Jaw Warriors in the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft .. centered a line of Brian Matte and Dale Hunt .. takes the body .. very competent in the faceoff circle .. sports very good mobility and overall speed allowing him to put pressure on the forecheck .. overall skill set pales in comparison to his younger teammate Brett Connolly, but there is some offensive ability there .. on occasion displays an ability to slip away from heavy traffic and then is able to create a play for a scoring chance .. needs to get a quicker release in the scoring areas, because he gets a lot of his shots blocked or tipped by the opposition .. gets limited time on the powerplay. (6gp, 1-1-2)

Art Bidlevskii (2009), D, Prince George

Selected by the Cougars in the third round (54th overall) of the 2006 WHL Bantam Draft .. conditioning could be a bit better as he is known to have trouble early in the game, but if he can get his feet going he is fine .. partnered with Cody Hobbs .. communicates well with his teammates .. not bad at staying with his check, although doesn't always keep him as tied up as he should .. will rush the puck up the ice, however lacks elite speed or vision to do with much with it .. he needs to prove that he is more committed to making the right play and not just lazily throwing it away .. developing vision on the powerplay and is learning to read the play and when to jump up .. needs to be aware of not taking himself out of the play when going for hit .. gets a lot of ice time, including both special teams. (6gp, 0-2-2)

Brett Connolly (2010), LW, Prince George

A former first rounder (10th overall) in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft .. although not eligible for the NHL Entry Draft in 2010 he's already a standout on the top line with Dana Tyrell and Parker Standfield .. takes and gives a hit to make a play .. showcases nice composure on the power play .. will line up a player for a big hit and as he fills out his 6-foot-1, 160-pound frame he will be fairly effective at it .. goes to the front of the net without the puck and will take punishment to stay there .. boasts very good top end speed and gets himself open to take the pass .. uses his excellence top end speed and shiftiness to close in on the forecheck .. does not appear to know he shouldn't appear so poised in all areas .. definitely a player to keep an eye on. (6gp, 2-3-5)

Dale Hunt (2009), RW, Prince George

Third overall selection by the Prince George in the 2005 WHL Bantam Draft has already been passed over in the NHL Entry Draft once .. sports some confidence with the puck .. supports the puckcarrier well .. does a solid job of keeping his check to the outside, however his overall defensive coverage is a bit static .. sees a bit of time on the powerplay .. will go to the net and boasts some edge to his game and has been known to have the odd fight .. played on a line with Justin Maylan and Brian Matte .. needs to bare down when scoring chances occur .. doesn't display any specific trait that makes up you take notice and will once again will be on the outside looking in when the draft rolls around. (6gp, 1-2-3)

Alex Poulter (2009), C, Prince George

In his second season of eligibility in the NHL Entry Draft .. blessed with nice jump out of the blocks as well as good jump out of the blocks .. does a solid job supporting the puck .. closes down time on the pointman .. not opposed to going to the dirty areas for a scoring chance .. uses his average size (6-foot-1, 182-pounds) to get to the dirty areas for scoring chances .. displays some touch with his long passes .. demonstrates a good awareness of where he should be on the ice .. has some poise with the puck when he gets the puck anywhere on the ice .. should come back quicker to lend a hand on defence .. must keep his feet moving without the puck .. sees time on the penalty killing unit. (6gp, 2-3-5)