WHL: Czeching Out Vincour

Mark Pysyk (2010), D, Edmonton

Chosen by the Edmonton Oil Kings in the first round (3rd overall) of the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft .. possesses superb mobility and is able to move very well both backwards and forwards with the puck to elude the forecheck .. blessed with terrific acceleration and uses it defensively to close the gaps quickly on the puckcarrier .. humble blueliner partners with Henrik Tervonen .. uses his stick to create turnovers and to help back-off opponents .. showcases very good poise and hockey sense for his age .. showcases improving stickhandling ability and vision in the offensive zone .. sees some time on the powerplay and is a regular on the penalty-kill .. has time to add some more muscle to his lean 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft in which he is definitely a prospect to watch. (20gp, 1-4-5)

Tomas Vincour (2009), RW, Edmonton

Brno, Czech Republic native was selected by the Oil Kings with the first overall pick in the 2007 CHL Import Draft .. has very good chemistry on a line with Jeff Lee and Brent Raedeke .. moves the puck well .. listed at 6-foot-2, 205-pounds so it isn't all that surprising that he is quite sturdy on his skates .. boasts the strength and proper technique to protect the puck with his body .. doesn't put a ton of pressure on the pointman .. not one to stay in his lane .. has a reasonably powerful stride, but seems to lack the elite top gear that would move him in to the top 10 prospects for the '09 NHL Entry Draft .. will go to the front of the net and finds the open spots in the defensive coverage .. strong on the puck down low .. sports fairly good mobility for his size .. looks comfortable in traffic .. rarely takes penalties as he just has 42 total minutes in 85 games in parts of two seasons .. sports a heavy wrist shot .. a regular on the powerplay and already has five PPG's early in the season. (20gp, 8-9-17)

Ice Chips: Adrian VandeMosselaer was eligible for the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, but the 6-foot-2, 215-pounder wasn't selected .. producing well offensively, although is currently out with a back injury that may slow his progress. Underage Oil King' backup goalie Cam Lanigan is eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, yet isn't likely to receive many starts in goal with the recent acquisition of Torrie Jung from the Lethbridge Hurricanes which is just as well given the young blueline in front. Jung never did see any game action with the Hurricanes after being traded just days earlier from the Kelowna Rockets.