WHL: Dion is Phantastic

Notes from a recent game with the Red Deer Rebels featuring drafted players Cam Ward and Dion Phaneuf who were selected by the Carolina Hurricanes and Calgary Flames respectively.

Cam Ward, 30, G, (CAR)

Starter.. excellent kick save .. quick glove .. play his angles well .. very confident .. deflects most pucks to the corners .. swallows up most shots and gives away few secondary scoring chances .. very solid in net.

Derek Meech, 2, D (DET)

Wears a C .. on power play and penalty kill .. moves the puck effectively .. threw a puck right up the middle which was intercepted for a scoring chance .. displays a willingness to pinch .. hits with

Dion Phaneuf, 3, D (CGY)

Named the game's first star .. wears an A .. communicates with his defensive partner .. moves the puck crisply .. looks poised .. on both special teams .. hard accurate slap shot .. displayed an elite skill level in all areas of the ice .. dangerous most times he’s on the ice .. has excellent awareness and finds the open man .. explosive first step quickness and overall top speed .. Bill Wilm (Vancouver Giants' colourman) states best WHL defenseman he’s seen .. hits with authority.

Mikko Kuukka, 6, D (2004)

Lacks a physical presence .. good, but not great skater .. doesn’t look willing to go into high traffic areas .. pinching in a bit more in the second period as well as showing a bit more grit .. played on the back half of a five minute advantage .. half-hearted attempt at a hit .. drilled a shot off the post.

Masi Marjamaki, 8, LW (BOS)

Starter .. moves the puck confidently played right wing on a line with Colin Fraser and Jared Walker .. goes to the net with passion .. on PP .. surprising acceleration and overall speed .. solid on his skates .. has since been traded to the Moose Jaw Warriors.

Colin Fraser, 11 C (PHI)

Starter .. selected the game's second star .. wears an A .. on PP and PK .. vigorously finishes his checks .. holds up the opposing center on a face off .. back checks hard .. displays leadership .. likes to play with an edge and stir things up .. showing more discipline this season .. not a lot of finish .. willing to take a hit to make a play.

Jared Walker, 15, C, (2004)

Starter .. played left wing with Colin Fraser, then went back to playing center on a different line .. likes to cycle the puck .. drives to the net .. positionally sound.

Stuart Kerr, 20, LW, (OA)

A former draft pick of the Carolina Hurricanes .. on PP .. solid on his skates and big .. wicked slap shot .. drilled a wrist shot well over the net .. communicates with his linemates .. decent quickness and overall speed.