WHL: Flatter-ing Rebel

The Red Deer Rebels defender John Flatters is not as highly rated as his teammate Paul Kurceba, however, he still rates consideration for the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. We have notes on Flatters and some of his teammates from a recent game.

John Flatters (2005), D

Very mobile and is a smooth skater .. his slap shot has some zip .. partnered with Jesse Zetariuk .. stays alert of his surroundings .. took a shift on the wing on an all defensemen forward line at the start of the second and third period .. delivered a solid hit along the boards while on a forecheck .. solid on his skates and will take a hit to make a play .. lacks much imagination with the puck in the offensive zone .. doesn't seem to get forced in to a rush decision .. uses his stick to close passing lanes .. positionally sound on the one-on-one.

Paul Kurceba (2005), D

Very good hand-eye coordination .. pin point passer .. doesn't seem to have much physicality to his game .. bailed out, or at least slowed up, going for the behind the net when he would likely be hit .. played the PK .. has very good vision and will likely see his numbers improve as he gets more opportunities to be counted on when Phaneuf leaves for the NHL .. supports his defensive partner by giving him someone to move the puck if pressured.

Pierre-Paul Lamoureux (2005), D

Carried the puck out of the zone and lost the handle .. partnered with Shaden Moore .. pretty strong on his skates .. positionally sound, with a bit of sandpaper to his game .. fairly effective at working in the dirty areas .. played the man well on the one-on-one .. missed with his body on a hit along the boards and tried to nail the player with an elbow .. was lucky to get away with a high hit on a puck carrier driving to the net.

Jordan Knackstedt (2007), RW

Choppy skater .. dished out a solid hit along the wall after losing the puck .. using a combination of hooking and hard work he was able to get by the defenders and acquire possession of the puck behind the other team's net.

Karey Pieper (2006), LW

Makes very good cuts .. drew a high sticking penalty by driving hard on the forecheck .. gets a nice burst from his first few strides .. displays effective puck pursuit .. works hard, but needs some added strength .. went down just a tad late trying to block a shot .. closes the gap quickly on the puck carrier .. didn't get much on a wrist shot from the face off dot.