WHL [May-06]: Scouting Blake Comeau

Scouting Blake Comeau (posted 5.29.06)

by Ron Jones

Luke Schenn (2008), D, Kelowna

Boasts good mobility and acceleration .. makes a smooth transition from offense to defense .. delivers a crisp breakout pass to clear the zone .. shows improving poise with the puck, especially when retrieving the puck behind his net .. saw very limited time on special teams this season .. does an effective job not only taking the body in front of the net, but tying up the player's stick as well .. conscientious defensively and was named by the Vancouver Giants' colourman, Bill Wilms, as one of the top three 16-year-old defensemen in the BC division .. will pinch in from the point if there is an opportunity. (60gp, 3-8-11)

Lauris Darzins (Nsh), LW, Kelowna

Native of Riga, Latvia uses his speed and mobility to get in quickly on the forecheck .. fairly strong on his skates and can take a hit without too much damage .. generally keeps his feet moving on contact .. displays a willingness to dig for loose pucks in traffic .. can stickhandle past checkers and knows when to move it to a teammate .. his determination to play defense wanes at times, however he does come back to help out .. looked comfortable playing the point on the powerplay .. boasts good vision .. moves the puck well and can catch the opposition off guard with a slap pass from the point .. blessed with slick moves in tight as well as the ability to slip by a defender one-on-one .. very good puck support .. although has nice size, could add some muscle to make the transition to the next level a bit easier. (47gp, 13-20-33)

Blake Comeau (NYI), RW, Kelowna

Part of Team Canada's Gold Medal winning team at the most recent World Junior Championship .. displays poise with or without the puck .. wears an A .. has an ability to get open in the offensive zone even though he has less than elite speed .. is a solid hitter and generally finishes all of his checks .. takes or gives a hit to make a play .. is a mainstay on both special teams .. closes the gaps well on the penalty kill .. a smart player in his own zone as he is solid positionally .. has an active stick on the forecheck .. shows good puck pursuit .. looks comfortable playing either wing .. boasts very good vision and has a high panic threshold .. moves the puck exceptionally well .. the type of player that will be able to play on either a checking or scoring line at the next level. (60gp, 21-53-74)

Gentle Ben (posted 5.25.06)

by Ron Jones

John Negrin (2008), D, Kootenay

Likes to joins the rush as well as pinching in from the point and generally picks his spots .. although not physical he is able to do a decent job marking his man .. even at the tender age of 16, he is already showing that he has a lot of offensive upside .. boasts the confidence to try and beat a defender in the offensive zone instead of always shooting it in .. still prone to the odd rookie giveaway where he tries to force a pass or a shot through traffic .. takes a hit to make a play .. Vancouver Giants' colourman Bill Wilms says that Negrin, along with Luke Schenn and Jonathan Blum, are the three best 16-year-old defensemen in the BC division of the WHL. (55gp, 3-7-10)

Lukas Bohunicky (2006), D, Kootenay

Displays a willingness to compete and loves to take the body .. extremely solid on his skates .. backs up his defensive partner so that he has another outlet to move the puck .. defensively conscientious and usually plays a more defensive role allowing his partner to join the rush .. very effective at using his strength and positioning in traffic to take away time and space of the opposition .. takes his man on the wall and can be counted on to neutralize his opponent .. a mainstay on the penalty-kill or protecting a lead .. does a splendid job standing puckcarriers up that are trying to beat him one-on-one .. not a flashy skater, yet few players have the speed to beat him on the outside or the strength to fight past him on the inside .. limited offensive upside, but whichever team takes him in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft should be happy. (59gp, 2-7-9)

Dalyn Flatt (NYR), D, Kootenay

Does a terrific job taking away an opponent's time and space and has the ability to take the player out hard along the wall .. must be careful about throwing blind passes, most importantly in his own zone .. moves very well and has good footspeed, especially when it comes to mobility .. uses his stick effectively back off the puckcarrier .. few players can slip by him once he has them in his sights .. finishes his checks with gusto .. very strong and is willing to fight for his turf in front of the net .. plays on the PK .. dependable defensive defenseman with limited offensive upside as witnessed by the fact that he has only 27 points (2-25-27) in 183 regular season and playoff games combined in the WHL. (58gp, 0-4-4)

Trent Fussi (2008), RW, Kootenay

Fairly solid on his skates and generally does a decent job of protecting the puck .. must be more aware of his linemates as he tends to develop tunnel vision when stickhandling .. needs to build up his strength, yet even so isn't hesitant to work hard in the dirty areas .. doesn't always keep his feet moving, especially after first contact .. moves well, although does look a tad gangly .. possesses surprising jump out of the blocks which helps him get good puck pursuit. (55gp, 1-4-5)

Ben Maxwell (2006), C, Kootenay

Extremely mobile and when he keeps his feet moving can be quite elusive .. looks comfortable patrolling the point on the powerplay .. simply an effortless skater with or without the puck .. passes crisply and generally on the tape .. will take something off his point shot to try and create a rebound or deflection, however possesses the ability to blast a low hard point shot by a goaltender .. has the speed to take away time and space on the forecheck .. needs to get stronger to be more effective in the dirty areas .. finishes his checks and will take the body, however is far from being a threat physically. (69gp, 28-32-60)

Adam Cracknell (Cgy), RW, Kootenay

Calgary draft pick finishes his checks solidly .. gets open in his zone so that his defense can move the puck easier .. one of the first forwards back and is generally conscientious defensively .. displays nice vision and delivers crisp, clean passes .. works hard with or without the puck and can be counted on to backcheck .. possesses the speed, mobility and puckhandling ability to elude checkers and gain the offensive zone .. plays in all situations and is a coaches dream .. moves well with or without the puck .. led his team with a sparkling +29 .. kind of player that doesn't have elite level skill in any one particular area, but his overall game and his determination should be enough for him to have some success at the next level. (72gp, 42-51-93)

Ryan Russell (NYR), C, Kootenay

Smallish pivot led the Ice with 14 powerplay goals this season .. wears the A .. supports his linemates well and takes the pass smoothly at full stride .. boasts the overall speed, mobility and stickhandling ability to back off defensive coverage .. not opposed to dumping the puck and getting his hands dirty on the forecheck .. takes his man, but lacks the strength to staple an opponent to the boards .. uses his stick effectively to block the passing and shooting lanes for the opposition pointmen .. delivers hard, accurate passes to his open teammates .. a regular on both special teams. (72gp, 33-42-75)

Chad Greenan (2006), D, Kootenay

Conscientious defensively and finishes his checks .. doesn't always take the quickest line to get from point A to point B .. not hesitant to blast the puck around the boards to clear the zone on the PK .. possesses the strength and mobility to shut down a hard driving puckcarrier .. moves the puck efficiently to his teammates .. boast a smooth release and a powerful slap shot from the point which makes him somewhat dangerous on the powerplay. (66gp, 4-29-33)

Dustin Sylvester (2007), C, Kootenay

Another one of the young Ice forwards that is defensively conscientious .. very undersized at 5'6 and 165 pounds .. supports his teammates by getting or at least trying to get open .. displays fine mobility and elusive in traffic .. like his young teammate, Trent Fussi, needs to get stronger. (58gp, 2-4-6)

Taylor Dakers (SJ), G, Kootenay

Handles the puck well and usually moves it out of harm's way without too much problems .. boasted a sparkling goals against average of 2.11 and 0.926 save percentage this season .. won't hesitate to come out to challenge the shooter .. does a nice job of staying square to the shooter .. extremely nimble with regards to recovering after dropping to his knees for a low shot .. has a knack of being able to find the puck through heavy traffic .. blessed with a quick glove hand. (30-15-0)

Pats Happy With Kalus (posted 5.23.06)

by Ron Jones

Our continuing look at prospects on the Regina Pats, this time we turn our attention towards their forwards.

Jason MacDonald (2007), C, Regina

Shows a willingness to work without the puck .. finishes his checks fairly effectively, although is far from being punishing to play against .. looked comfortable when he played on a line with Denis Tolpeko and Jordan Fuder .. has yet to display much vision or offensive upside, but given his age there is still time .. rarely hangs on to the puck for any length of time .. plays on the penalty-kill .. needs to play with more determination picking up his man, especially in his own zone. (40gp, 1-2-3)

Justin Bernhardt (2006), C, Regina

Is developing some touch with his passes and generally uses his linemates well .. has some grit to his game and can shake off big hits .. maturing vision and offensive upside should mean he's in for a nice point increase next season .. plays on the powerplay .. looked fine playing on the top line with Garrett Festerling and Petr Kalus .. must play with more determination without the puck .. at his best when he keeps his feet moving. (61gp, 22-23-45)

Michael Senseman (2006), RW, Regina

Comes back and supports the defense .. finishes his checks, although doesn't have much of a physical presence .. closes down passing lanes and puts some pressure on the puckcarrier .. overall is a solid skater .. an unspectacular player that isn't very noticeable as he knows his role and tends to stay with in it. (50gp, 3-12-15)

Ryan McDonald (2006), C, Regina

Works pretty hard along the boards, but needs to build up his strength to be able to hold off checkers better .. lacks the ability to create time and space for himself or his linemates .. tends to be reactive to the play instead of making things happen .. has little shot of being selected in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. (39gp, 5-3-8)

Petr Kalus (Bos), RW, Regina

Highly skilled, but selfish Czech forward displays terrific closing speed and can pressure puckcarriers in to turnovers .. possesses very good mobility and acceleration .. a mainstay on the powerplay or when ever the team needs a goal .. doesn't shy away from taking the puck to the net .. keeps his feet moving on contact .. likes to try and beat defenders one-on-one .. looks to shoot first and pass second .. pretty strong on his skates .. whether by choice or a lack of playmaker's vision he doesn't use his linemates effectively .. can be quite dangerous near the point in the defensive zone as he's blessed with terrific hand-eye coordination and anticipation and he's always looking to pounce on loose puck .. not always the most disciplined player and will retaliate. (60gp, 36-22-58)

Colten .45 (posted 5.22.06)

by Ron Jones

A look at some of the defensive prospects playing for Regina.

Colten Teubert (2008), D, Regina

First overall pick by the Pats in the 2005 WHL Bantam Draft .. very young defender displays a willingness to get physically involved .. must be careful about when to jump up in to the play to make a hit .. looks pretty solid on his skates .. saw limited action this season at the WHL level, however he'll be a lock to make the team out of training camp next season .. displays tremendous footspeed given his age and size .. possesses the vision to pinch in from the point looking for the pass .. the kind of defender a team can build around as his upside is real bright. (14gp, 0-2-2)

Derek Reinhart (CBJ), D, Regina

Looks composed playing the man and generally makes the high percentage (read safe) play with or without the puck .. does a nice job leading teammates with his passes .. uses his body effectively to push the puckcarrier to the outside .. must be more consistent taking the man instead of going for the puck .. at his best when playing a simple, composed game and on the flipside gets himself in trouble when he starts to try and do too much .. a solid, unspectacular defensive defenseman with limited upside. (49gp, 0-5-5)

Craig Schira (2006), D, Regina

Another solid, if unspectacular Pats' defenseman .. supports the puck well by making sure he's available to receive a pass .. usually passes crisply and on the tape .. moves well on his skates and can hit the open man with a stretch pass .. a nice skater, but lacks the top end speed to back off checkers .. displays a willingness to jump in from the point on the powerplay .. a dependable penalty-killer .. isn't opposed to the simple dump in to gain the zone .. has a shot to be drafted in the later rounds this season. (71gp, 5-28-33)

Nick Ross (2007), D, Regina

Big bodied player that will skate with the puck to get the puck out of his zone, however due to a lack of an extra gear he's not a threat to go end-to-end .. displays some touch on his passes and uses his teammates well .. shields the puck effectively with his body .. would be well served to improve his footspeed as his mobility and acceleration are average at best .. sees some time on the powerplay .. already proving to be hard to overpower physically .. takes the body effectively and with a touch more quickness and nastiness will be not much fun to play against. (62gp, 7-16-23)

Logan Pyett (2006), D, Regina

A versatile and heady defender that is already proving his value offensively .. strong on his skates .. fairly solid taking the man on the one-on-one .. isn't shy about jumping in to the play on offense .. won't hesitate to take the point shot on the powerplay .. puts pressure on the puckcarrier while killing penalties .. might not be the biggest defender around at just under 6'0, however he doesn't back down and generally plays bigger than he is .. takes a hit to make a play .. shows poise when he goes back to retrieve the puck .. supports his defensive partner .. is projected to go later in the draft and could be a hidden gem for the team that selects him. (71gp, 10-35-45)

Un-Amazing Gracik (posted 5.18.06)

by Ron Jones

Nicolaus Knudsen (2006), D, Tri-City

Takes the body and finishes his checks effectively, but is far from being a physical presence .. doesn't display much vision moving the puck .. will pick up his man if he's in position, however he can get caught wandering at times .. usually gets his point shots through .. the fact that he plays on both special teams says more about his team's lack of depth on the blueline .. a stable, all around defenseman at the WHL level, yet there doesn't seem to be much upside. (73gp, 2-11-13)

Jarrett Toll (2007), D, Tri-City

Needs to get a lot stronger so that not only can he be more of a physical presence, but also so that he doesn't get bounced around as much .. boasts good mobility and acceleration .. will pinch in when the opportunity is there, yet turns back at the first sign of trouble .. shows some "jam" in traffic and looks willing to take a hit to make a play .. does a nice job containing the puckcarrier .. closes the gaps and passing lanes well on the PK .. generally takes his man efficiently and works hard in the dirty areas .. can still get caught flat-footed trying to stand and opponent up at the blueline as the player beats him on the outside .. Tri-City should have a very solid defender on their hands next season as he makes push to be drafted. (40gp, 1-2-3)

Joel Broda (2008), C, Tri-City

Young pivot must be more consistent finishing his checks when given the opportunity .. displays some grit and a good level of compete in traffic .. does a nice job supporting the puck .. a pretty good skater with room to improve, especially in regards to his acceleration, as he will need to build up his strength to get a better jump out of the blocks .. gets in on the forecheck pretty well thanks to his mobility and overall speed. (51gp, 3-1-4)

Matt Schneider (Cgy), C, Tri-City

Sluggish looking skater that can, due to his long strides and huge wingspan, cause problems on the forecheck .. wears the C .. lacks mobility and elite acceleration, however his top end speed in a straight line is a bit deceptive .. doesn't possess much vision and doesn't have the playmaking ability to use his linemates as much as he should .. boasts a lethal wrist shot that can fly over a goalie's shoulder .. takes the body and can rock an opponent with a stiff bodycheck .. can be a handful in front of the net when he uses his ample size and strength .. is a regular on the powerplay .. a mediocre stickhandler, although he does use his body to shield the puck. (58gp, 25-13-38)

Chris Inglis (2006), LW, Tri-City

Had some concussion problems this season which limited his effectiveness on return .. can get caught trying to force the puck through traffic .. no part of his game stands out, in fact it is hard to notice him unless you're deliberately looking .. isn't much more than a third or fourth liner at the Junior level and besides size doesn't yet possess the tools to be selected in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft. (55gp, 4-1-5)

Riley Emmerson (Min), D, Tri-City

Like most gigantic players, 6'8 and 230lbs, mobility and acceleration are liabilities for him hoping for a crack at the "new" NHL .. gets caught flat-footed and is a bit of a liability against quick teams that move the puck well .. although he is strictly a defensive defenseman, he still needs to become even more aware of the open man in his zone. (66gp, 1-1-2)

Juraj Gracik (Atl), RW, Tri-City

When he's determined he displays some strength fighting to get past checks .. played on the top line with Ian MacDonald and Jason Beeman .. does a fairly effective job closing down passing lanes .. although a very good overall skater he appears to lack an explosive top gear .. isn't known for taking the body with much desire, instead chooses to take away time and space .. a regular on both special teams .. conscientious in his own zone and will come back to help out .. can be dangerous in or around the neutral zone as he has a bit of a knack for creating turnovers .. boasts soft hands, yet isn't an elite sniper .. needs to play with more fire as he can be guilty of shutting it down if things aren't going well early. (53gp, 22-23-45)

Aaron Boogaard (Min), RW, Tri-City

A stiff looking skater who lacks even average acceleration and mobility .. finishes his checks well when given the opportunity and is strong enough to knock an opponent off his feet .. takes a hit to make a play .. might be overdoing it to suggest he has hands of stone, however his offensive upside is severely limited .. can be successful in tight spaces due to his size, 6'2-225, and strength .. will not shy away from the physical game and has been known to throw'em as his 211 penalty minutes would attest. (65gp, 6-4-10)

Taylor Procyshen (2006), RW, Tri-City

Smallish winger, 5'9-170lbs, plays with some spark without the puck .. has trouble fighting through checks and gets neutralized fairly easily along the wall .. closes the gaps well on the penalty-kill .. comes back to support the defense .. generally keeps his feet moving with or without the puck .. does a sold job supporting the puckcarrier and will drive to the net, although isn't overly effective in that role .. boasts good mobility and acceleration, yet not enough to stretch the defense or to make him an offensive threat most nights. (68gp, 11-12-23)

Steinmann, Swiss Missed (posted 5.16.06)

by Ron Jones

Keaton Ellerby (2007), D, Kamloops

Strong on his skates and surprisingly nimble .. has a high compete quotient .. active stick on the penalty-kill, which allows him to close the lanes .. at 6'4 and 174lbs. he is still quite lanky and he has plenty of room on his large frame to add 20-30 pounds .. communicates well with his defensive partner .. boasts the overall speed and vision to carry the puck and gain the offensive zone, however he still needs to learn how to finish off the play .. is a willing fighter, but isn't particularly feared by the older more experienced heavy-weights around the league. (68gp, 2-6-8)

Janick Steinmann (2006), C, Kamloops

Was eligible, but went undrafted in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and is very likely to suffer the same fate again this year .. lacks elite acceleration or top end speed .. not overly physical, however he does put in a good effort along the wall and high traffic areas .. displays nice mobility .. the Blazers were likely hoping for more from their Swiss import and it wouldn't surprise anyone if they don't have him back next season. (55gp, 3-15-18)

Spencer For Hire (posted 5.12.06)

by Ron Jones

Jonathan Blum (2007), D, Vancouver

Strong on his skates and usually shields the puck well .. plays on the powerplay .. displayed nice chemistry with veteran Mark Fistric .. moves the puck crisply at the point .. sees some time on the powerplay and will likely be a mainstay on it next time .. like many younger defensemen is prone to the odd turnover under pressure .. has progressed nicely since the start of the season with the physical aspects of the game .. starting to make more opponents pay a price .. will pinch in from the point if given the opportunity. (61gp, 7-17-24)

Jason Reese (2006), C, Vancouver

To date his WHL career has been marred by an inability to remain healthy, although he has been able to play in every playoff game this season for the Giants .. still gets knocked off his feet a bit too easily in heavy traffic .. more of an energy-grinding type of forward .. must get stronger .. a solid third-liner that rarely hurts the team .. no part of his game stands out, especially offensively .. can be a bit of an agitator, but doesn't have the size to be very effective at the power game .. plays on the penalty-kill. (47gp, 7-19-26)

Spencer Machacek (2007), RW, Vancouver

His game has really taken off since the start of the season thanks in large part to gelling with Gilbert Brule .. plays on both special teams .. would benefit from adding some strength to become more of a force in traffic .. must release quicker as he gets too many of his shots blocked .. coaches tend to use him more when they need a goal .. displays an increasing willingness and confidence in getting physically involved, especially with regards to protecting a teammate .. a surprisingly dangerous scrapper when called upon .. will drop down to block a shot .. shows a good work ethic, even skates hard to get off the ice .. some have questioned his offensive upside, but thanks to a late birth date he has another year to impress scouts. (70gp, 23-22-45)

Mitch Czibere (2007), LW, Vancouver

Not the slickest of stickhandlers around as he looked like he was handling a grenade instead of a puck .. has been a non-factor in the playoffs since the return of Tim Kraus and has only played in three games .. didn't look out of place at the Junior level and was minimally effective this season, however should be much improved next season with a year under his belt. (62gp, 3-10-13)

Mario Bliznak (Van), C, Vancouver

Doesn't catch your eye offensively and is mediocre at best in prime scoring areas .. will join the rush and has above average wheels .. plays a safe style and definitely thinks defense first .. isn't shy about going in to traffic .. will get an infrequent shift on the powerplay more as a message to the regulars that might be underperforming .. sticks up for his teammates when called upon, although is far from a physical threat .. a solid penalty-killer .. is comfortable filling a defensive role .. needs to add some muscle to be stronger on the puck .. a lack of vision really curtails his production. (69gp, 9-12-21)

Me & Mr. Jones (posted 5.9.06)

by Ron Jones

Blair Jones (TB), C, Moose Jaw

The Lightning have to be happy with the progress that Blair Jones has made since they drafted him with the 102nd pick last season .. centered the top line of Riley Holzapfel and Troy Brouwer .. accepts the pass smoothly, in fact few players at the Junior level take a pass better .. on the first line, but he isn't hesitant to get his nose dirty in traffic .. takes the body effectively .. although not a speed-demon, Jones boasts enough elusiveness to slip checks behind the net or in traffic while still being able to find an open linemate with a beautiful saucer pass for a scoring chance .. blessed with a deadly accurate slap shot .. comes back to support the defense .. can be guilty of the odd retaliatory penalty and he must show more control in that area .. third in Moose Jaw scoring in the regular season, but has stepped it up in the playoffs to lead the team with 21 points (21gp, 9-12-21) .. not afraid to lay the lumber on an opponent .. plays in all situations. (72gp, 35-50-85)

Riley Holzapfel (2006), C, Moose Jaw

listed as a center but played on the left side on the Blair Jones/Troy Brouwer line .. effortless skater that gets in on the forecheck quickly .. needs to be more alert without the puck, especially in his own zone .. has produced well in the playoffs with 16 points (21gp, 7-9-16) so far, however still lacks the game-to-game consistency that has some scouts concerned .. must keep his feet moving to capitalize on his superb skating ability .. a bit undersized and lacks the strength to play a power game .. played the point on the powerplay, but was far from smooth handling the puck and could be pressured in to turnovers. (64gp, 19-38-57)

Moose Jaw Line Combinations (posted 5.9.06)

Moose Jaw's lines for game 2 of the WHL Championship Series in Vancouver where the Warriors lost 7-5 thanks in large part to Gilbert Brule's 6 points (3-3-6).

Riley Holzapfel .. Blair Jones .. Troy Brouwer

Steven Gillen .. Dustin Boyd .. Kenndal McArdle

Andre Herman .. Brennen Wray .. Bjorn Svensson

Ian McKenzie .. Carter Smith .. Garrett Robinson

Kyle Fecho .. Matthew Hansen

Dylan Chapman .. Cole Simpson

Jesse Zetariuk .. Martin Grundling

Joey Perricone

Andrew Leslie

WHL 2005-06 Award Winners (posted 5.3.06)

Calgary, AB - The Western Hockey League today announced the 2005-06 Winners of the Annual Year End Awards for the WHL at a Luncheon held in Calgary.

Player of the Year:, Four Broncos Memorial Trophy

WINNER - Justin Pogge (Penticton, BC), Calgary Hitmen

RUNNER-UP - Justin Keller (Summerland, BC), Kelowna Rockets

Rookie of the Year, Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy

WINNER - Peter Mueller (Bloomington, MN), Everett Silvertips

RUNNER-UP - Brandon Sutter (Red Deer, AB), Red Deer Rebels

Goaltender of the Year, Del Wilson Trophy

WINNER - Justin Pogge (Penticton, BC), Calgary Hitmen

RUNNER-UP - Dustin Slade (Penticton, BC), Vancouver Giants

Defenceman of the Year, Bill Hunter Memorial Trophy

WINNER - Kris Russell (Caroline, AB), Medicine Hat Tigers

RUNNER-UP - Paul Albers (Melville, SK), Vancouver Giants

Scholastic Player of the Year, Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman Trophy

WINNER - Brennen Wray (Moose Jaw, SK), Moose Jaw Warriors

RUNNER-UP - Matt Kassian (Sherwood Park, AB) Kamloops Blazers

Most Sportsmanlike Player of the Year, Brad Hornung Trophy

WINNER - Kris Russell (Caroline, AB), Medicine Hat Tigers

RUNNER-UP - John Lammers (Langley, BC) Everett Silvertips

Humanitarian of the Year, Doug Wickenheiser Memorial Trophy

WINNER - Wacey Rabbit (Calgary, AB) Saskatoon Blades

RUNNER-UP - Ryan Gibbons (West Vancouver, BC) Seattle Thunderbirds

Top Scorer – Bob Clarke Trophy

WINNER - Troy Brouwer (Delta, BC), Moose Jaw Warriors