WHL: Cool-hand Luke

Special thanks to Colin Tiggelaar for help in putting the notes together.

Mike Gauthier (2005), D

Rugged, undisciplined blueliner partnered with Jeff May to start the game .. took a high sticking penalty to extend the time his team would remain on the two-man disadvantage .. looked good throwing the fists in a fight .. didn’t stand out other than the previously mentioned fight .. didn’t hesitate to twice jump in to the slot .. played on the PK .. lacks the vision to lead the play and not cost his team when doing so .. went for a bit hit and took himself out of position .. has the skills and temperament to be an intimidating presence, but must learn to pick his spots .. he is a work in progress and will test the patience of the NHL team that drafts him, however, he might prove to be worth the wait.

Jeff May (2005), D

Put his team down two men when he took a cross-checking penalty while on the PK .. crisp pass right on the tape .. displayed terrific wheels catching up to a player on a bit of a breakaway and stripping the puck away from him .. used great hand-eye keeping the puck in on a powerplay .. used amazing vision when he found a winger through traffic for a scoring chance .. lost the handle at the point .. left his man in front .. not the most physical player, but uses his angles to steer the puckcarrier to the outside .. weak shot from the point .. smartly waited out a forechecker and then got a wrist shot through traffic .. lacks the size to compete physically in heavy traffic, especially with regards to clearing the front of the net .. scored a powerplay with a seeing-eye shot that found the twine through a maze of players.

Evan Schafer (fla), D

Tough as nails defender partnered with Chris Schlenker .. communicates with his defensive partner .. maintains good position in front of the net .. got a little testy in the crease after the whistle .. got in a scrap and lost the decision .. active stick on the penalty-kill .. fearlessly blocked a shot .. foolishly swung at a bouncing puck at the point and missed, forcing him to haul the opposition player that was in the clear .. doesn’t make going to the net or hanging out in the crease an enjoyable experience for any that dare .. solid on his skates, but is a good, not great skater.

Luke Fritshaw (free agent), D

Former Anaheim draft pick and current free agent occasionally steps over the line when clearing the crease .. was a mainstay on the PK .. his failure to get the puck out while attempting to kill off a two man disadvantage led to a powerplay goal .. took a penalty by not keeping his feet moving .. played a lot of minutes as he was basically on the ice every other shift late in the game .. especially effective keeping the front of the net free of the opposition .. wins most battles for loose pucks .. has a good old fashion mean streak.

Scott Doucet (2006), RW

Speedy winger can stickhandle at top speed .. not afraid to play the body .. will drive hard to the net and make sure that he is ready to accept a pass if one comes his way .. on the PP .. works hard without the puck .. displays good vision in the neutral zone .. will take a hit to make a play .. tends to be around the puck in the offensive zone.

Josh Elder (2007), LW

Huge winger isn’t eligible for the NHL draft until 2007 .. battled hard for a loose puck in the corner .. displays good work habits without the puck .. given his age it isn’t surprising that he looks a little lost at times, but the coaching staff is doing a nice job nursing him along slowly as to not overwhelm him.