WHL: Non-Stop McArdle

Florida's decision to trade up at the 2005 NHL Draft to select speedy Kenndal McArdle appears to be a wise one. McArdle leads a team of veterans in Moose Jaw along with Calgary Flames prospect Dustin Boyd. We have notes on McArdle, Boyd, Blair Jones (TB) and a pair of 2006 draft hopefuls in Riley Holzapfel and Brennan Wray.

Kenndal McArdle (Fla), LW

Plays on a line with Dustin Boyd and Bjorn Svensson .. used in all situations and is a regular on the PK with Boyd .. his speed can be deceiving; one of the fastest players on the ice when he turns the jets on .. starts a lot of rushes using his strong skating and speed .. assisted on a goal in the third period when he used his speed to beat the defenseman wide to the right side, came around the net and passed to an open Boyd .. the goal was all because of McArdle's hard work and determination .. also set up Boyd for a breakaway goal in the second period though wasn't credited with an assist .. possesses soft hands and displays a sniper's instinct and touch around the net .. a strong forechecker who always finishes his checks .. would like to see him stand in front of the net more on the power play .. never gives up, put forth a tremendous work ethic and was still hustling hard late in the game .. shows all the tools to be an impact player in the NHL.

Dustin Boyd (Cgy), C

Plays on the top line with Kenndal McArdle .. boasts a terrific work ethic and gives his all on every shift .. strong skater with good speed .. finishes checks hard though lacks upper-body strength and will need to bulk up to be effective at the next level .. plays on both special teams .. shows good patience around the net and is a decent finisher .. each trait was on display during one particular breakaway as he waited for the goaltender to make the first move before beating him five-hole .. displays excellent anticipation while killing penalties especially .. sees the ice well and is an above-average stickhandler .. valued for his determination and solid all-around game .. could be a very effective third-liner though likely won't develop into much of an offensive threat in the NHL.

Blair Jones (TB), C

Boasts an absolute howitzer of a slapshot .. plays the left point on the PP where he is often set up for the one-timer .. rang the post off a bullet from the point in the first period .. always keeps shots low, hard and accurate, often times creating quality scoring chances on rebounds .. finally connected on one of his slapshots in the second period when he moved in to the left halfboards .. plays on the second line with Riley Holzapfel and Troy Brouwer .. strong, defensive-minded player and very effective penalty killer .. blocks a lot of shots without leaving his feet .. always looking for a break offensively on the PK; hustles up ice looking to give teammates a target on the breakout .. still a bit lean and will need to bulk up .. earned extra marks for his work rate which was exemplary on every shift.

Riley Holzapfel (2006), C

Sophomore forward plays the wing on the second line with Blair Jones and Troy Brouwer .. saw some time on the second PP .. takes the occasional faceoff though didn't have much success in this game .. steadily showing more initiative offensively this season and isn't afraid to start the rush from his own end .. possesses good stickhandling abilities and some craftiness .. on one play, quickly shifted the puck to his forehand and swooped in for a scoring chance when it initially appeared that he was going behind the net instead .. nearly stickhandled through two opposing d-men in the third frame but tried one too many moves and lost possession .. needed to pay more attention to defense however as he let his man go which resulted in a breakaway .. takes a hit to make a play .. offensive side of game is gradually coming around.

Brennan Wray (2006), C

Doesn't see much ice time on a veteran-laden Moose Jaw squad .. plays on the third line with Andre Herman and Ian McKenzie .. occasionally rewarded with some time on the PP .. not the fastest player, but makes up for it with his hard work .. finishes every check and drives the net aggressively which resulted in a few scoring chances .. saw some time on the PK .. upside appears to be somewhat limited based on this performance.