WHL: Erik the Great

Notes from a recent game with the Kamloops Blazers featuring Erik Christensen who was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft.

Devan Dubnyk, 30, G, (2004)

Starter .. gets up and down amazingly well for a big man .. very vocal in nets, barking out instructions and information to his players .. hard to beat low to the corners due to quick feet and long legs .. was beaten far side on a screen .. a little careless handling the puck which lead to an excellent scoring chance.

Roman Tesliuk, 2, D, (2004)

Starter .. makes pinpoint passes .. dished out a solid hit along the wall .. iced the puck when he got in trouble in his own zone .. shows some physicality.

Max Gordichuk, 6, D, (2004)

Heavy wrist shot .. on penalty kill .. lacks mobility and has a poor first step .. communicates with his defensive partner .. failed to clear the front of the net on the first goal against .. on the ice killing a 5 on 3 disadvantage .. underrated passing skills and hands.

Josh Morrow, 7, D, (NSH)

Has since been traded to the Kootenay Ice along with Casey Lee .. on both special teams .. good speed and acceleration .. elusive slap shot.

Jonas Johansson, 10, RW, (WSH)

Arguably has one of the most dangerous shots in the "DUB" .. can thread the needle with his passes to the open man .. can do everything at top speed .. created a turnover by pressuring the point man .. great hand-eye coordination .. on power play .. exceptional stickhandler, most noticeable in tight quarters .. defensively conscientious.

Nathan Grochmal, 11, RW, (2004)

Starter .. above average agility .. decent acceleration.

Cam Cunning, 12, LW, (CGY)

Played on both special teams .. works hard, keeps his feet moving .. prototypical checking forward .. looks for the holes .. solid on his skates .. reasonably mobile which helps him close gaps with the puck carriers.

Kris Hogg, 14, LW, (2004)

On penalty kill .. good first step .. keeps his feet moving .. took a stupid penalty .. not very creative offensively.

Casey Lee, 15, LW, (2004)

Starter .. excellent speed and mobility .. strong on his skates .. will take a hit to make a play .. coughed up the puck in the slot forcing Morrow to take a penalty to nullify a scoring chance .. has since been traded to the Kootenay Ice along with Josh Morrow.

Erik Christensen, 16, C, (PIT)

Effortless wrist shot that explodes off his stick .. exceptional hand-eye coordination .. has the ability to take a puck off his skates and kick it up to his stick without missing a beat .. wears and A .. finds the open man .. on PP .. picked the top corner with a lethal slap shot from the left face off circle .. playing a bit meaner than last season .. has deceptive overall speed and agility .. knows how to get open.

Paul Brown, 22, RW, (NSH)

Heavy wrist shot .. wears an A .. on the PK and PP .. was about to get in to a fight, but didn't once he realised that there was a delayed PIM on the opposition .. aggresive penalty killer .. most effective when he plays with a bit of a snarl .. finishes his checks .. a prototypical power forward .. has a mean streak.

Conlan Seder, 23, D, (2004)

Starter .. played on both special teams .. productive shot from the point .. needs to bulk up as he tends to get knocked off the puck.

Tyler Boldt, 24, D, (ATL)

On PK/PP .. solid on his skates .. willing to block shots .. clears the front of the net .. looks for the open man .. decent hands for a defenseman.

Raymond Macias, 28, D/RW, (2005)

Starter .. poised for his age .. led all Blazer' rookies in scoring with 10 points (5-5-10) after his first 17 games .. a mainstay on the power play .. doesn't panic when pressured .. versatile, generally plays forward at even strength and defense on the power play .. extremely fast and terrific overall speed .. moves the puck to the open man .. when on defense displays good judgement by only pinching when the opportunities present themselves .. chosen the game's third star.

Moises Gutierrez, 29, RW, (2004)

Deceptively fast for his size and decent first step .. gives a pass with ease .. chips the puck off the boards to clear the zone .. very strong on his skates and uses his body to protect the puck .. mediocre stickhandler and has limited offensive ability.

Reid Jorgensen, 34, C, (2004)

On PK .. holds up the opposing center on faceoffs .. picks up his man in the defensive zone .. finishes his checks .. impressive speed and agility helps him close gaps on the puck carrier .. strong enough to hold off a checker .. comes back and supports his defense.

Aaron SorochanClick NOTABLE VANCOUVER GIANT:Here to view this Link., 30, G, (2004)

Starter .. exceptional reflexes, especially a dart-like glove hand .. proving he deserves to be given the knod as the number one guy over the sometime erratic Jordan McLaughlin .. displays sound athleticism moving side to side .. doesn't allow too many rebounds .. focused .. challenges the shooter .. selected game's first star.