WHL Prospect Update
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Aulin
NHL Rights: Los Angeles Kings
Center, 6-0, 184 lbs.
2001-02: 37GP, 26-31-57, 65 PIM
The 47th overall selection in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche,
Aulin's rights were sent to Los Angeles last season as a part of the Rob Blake
trade. 2000-01 was a productive year for the six-foot forward, as he notched
31 goals and an impressive 108 points in 70 games with the Kamloops Blazers.
His strong play has continued this year, according to writer Gregg Drinnan,
who covers the Blazers for the Kamloops Daily News.
"He has been most important to the Blazers this season," explains
Drinnan. "He just had a 20-game point streak snapped, the longest such
streak in the WHL this season; he may be the most creative player in the WHL.
[Aulin] has great vision and is a tremendous passer. He can throw it hard to
the tape or throw a nice, soft saucer pass. His defensive game has improved
in leaps and bounds, and he now is an extremely competent defensive player,
too."
Although his attention to defense has improved, Aulin must continue to work
on that aspect of his game as he seeks to advance into pro hockey next season,
along with his foot speed. "In order to compete at the NHL level,"
says Drinnan, "He will have to get stronger, but that's the case with most
major junior players. His offensive skills are at that level now."
Novak
NHL Rights: New York Rangers
Defense, 5-11, 180 lbs.
2001-02: 42GP, 8-29-37, 98 PIM
Following a strong first season in North America with the Regina Pats in 2000,
Novak was selected 64th overall in the entry draft that year by the New York
Rangers. Having scored nearly a point per game throughout his WHL career, he
currently plays upwards of 40 minutes per night with Regina.
A player with good overall skating ability, Novak is adept with the puck, with
good hands and passing skills, and the sense to make dynamic plays. He also
possesses a strong slap shot, last season posting 17 goals in 64 games. Over
the next few seasons he will need to continue to get stronger, and must also
improve his overall defensive zone coverage.
Pohanka
NHL Rights: New Jersey Devils
Center, 6-1, 191 lbs.
2001-02: 39GP, 17-23-40, 8 PIM
After being selected by the Prince Albert Raiders in the first round of the
2000 CHL Import Draft, Pohanka posted a strong offensive output in his first
WHL season despite playing on a Raider club that was the worst in the league.
The New Jersey Devils were impressed enough with his play to make him the 44th
overall selection in the draft last year.
Although Pohanka has NHL size, he shies away from playing the physical game,
instead relying on his great all-around skating skills and puckhandling abilities
to make things happen for his linemates. This season his numbers have been strong
yet again, despite the fact that he plays behind 2001 Florida Panther draftee
Greg Watson. A very good two-way player, Pohanka creates turnovers and understands
his defensive responsibilities. With his skills package, he has a better than
average chance of playing in the NHL within the next few seasons.
Aaron Rome
NHL Rights: eligible for 2002 NHL Draft
Defense, 6-1, 197 lbs.
2001-02: 51GP, 5-20-25, 113 PIM
A sixth round bantam draft selection by the Saskatoon Blades in 1998, Rome
now plays for the Central Division's Swift Current Broncos, his third team in
the last two years. A mobile defenseman with passing and stickhandling skills,
he is a solid blueliner with a decent shot and an ability to drop the gloves
when needed.
As far as honing his skills go, Bronco play-by-play announcer Joey Kenward
notes that, "his foot-speed is lacking a bit … but that should improve
with time." His overall level of physical play could also stand to be elevated
somewhat, according to Kenward. Rome is rated 28th among North American skaters
in the mid-term rankings of the NHL's Central Scouting service.
Past articles
Jan 24, 2002
17, 2002