WHL: Dowzak Index

We take another look at the Kelowna Rockets' Tysen Dowzak. The native of Fergus Falls, Minnesota remains a solid, if unspectacular defenseman on WHL team's blueline. We have notes on Dowzak as well as teammates Kirt Hill, Cody Almond and Troy Bodie.

Kirt Hill (2006), C

In his first full season with the Rockets as he only played 27 games last year .. quickly closes the gaps on the forecheck thanks to exceptional mobility and overall speed .. displays tremendous puck pursuit, although isn't very strong on the puck and would benefit from adding some muscle to his 5'11 frame .. kind of water bug on the ice, always keeping his feet moving .. has enough skill to fill in on the top line, but more suited to an energy role on a line with the likes of Craig Cuthbert and Josiah Anderson .. boasts a solid work ethic and is a major contributor to the Rockets' PK .. doesn't project to becoming an offensive center at the next level, however if he improves his strength he might eventually turn it to a strong two-way player.

Tysen Dowzak (2006), D

Gigantic American blueliner still needs to work on his angles with regards to cutting off the puckcarrier .. displays a willingness to mix it up in traffic and generally arrives in ill-humour .. his offensive game remains stagnant .. displays signs of having decent skating skills, yet his first step often looks a bit slushy .. must be careful about taking himself out of the play when going for a big hit, because he just doesn't have the wheels to recover in time to get back in the play if he misses .. takes a few too many penalties, although his overall discipline is showing improvement .. isn't close to being NHL ready, but given time and patience should still pan out.

Cody Almond (2007), C

Chosen by the Kelowna Rockets in the fourth round (80th overall) of the 2004 WHL Bantam Draft .. sizeable pivot stickhandles adeptly through the neutral zone at full speed .. is still learning how to get open at the right time, although appears to be grasping the concept.

Troy Bodie (Edm), RW

Lanky (6'5-205lbs.) winger wears the C for the Rockets and is most effective when he parks himself in front of the other team's net and won't move .. has the innate ability to take a lot of punishment, but still is able to get his stick free and of the loose puck .. not a pretty skater, yet he gets there and is extremely strong on the puck .. like most goal scorer's appears to get open at the right time .. protects the puck well and stickhandles fine at full speed – which is surprisingly good for his size .. is a mainstay on the powerplay and also sees time on the PK given his condor-like wingspan.