WHL: Roman Wasnt Built In A Day

WHL: Roman Wasn't Built In A Day (posted 9.30.06)

by Ron Jones

Chris Langkow (2007), LW, Spokane

In his first game in the WHL he played on the top line with Adam Hobson and David Rutherford .. produced 47 points (33gp, 24-23-47) with the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers (AMAAAHL) .. solid on his skates, however does appear to be a bit sluggish out of the gates .. will park himself in front and seems to have a nose for the net .. supports the puck well and didn't look at all out of place on the power play .. will likely see his time on the line end with the return of Grabner from the Vancouver Canucks.

Ondrej Roman (2007), C, Spokane

Scored a goal and added two helpers in the Chiefs' first two games .. elegant forward looks a bit bigger than his 5'11-165lbs listing .. not physically imposing, however is somewhat successful using his quickness to close the gaps on the puckcarrier as well as maintaining decent position without the puck .. rarely takes the body, instead he chooses to use angles as well as his stick to take away lanes .. likes to use his wrist shot .. slick skating Czech turns on a dime .. takes the pass cleanly .. centered the line of Derek Ryan and Drayson Bowman .. comes back all the way to support the defense and he looks poised with the puck when he handles it in his own zone .. took a regular shift, but saw little time on the PP and even less on the PK .. the Chiefs should have themselves an elegant first or second line forward if they are patient.

Drayson Bowman (2007), LW, Spokane

Is tied for the team lead in points with three (2-1-3) after a pair of games .. moves well and is quick to locate the holes and boasts enough speed to and strength to get there .. closes the gaps extremely quickly on the forecheck .. keeps his feet moving on contact .. jumps on loose pucks and displays some imagination in the offensive zone .. although is far from being physical intimidating he does demonstrate a willingness to stick up for himself .. played on both special teams .. gets his slap shot away effortlessly.

WHL: Prospect Update (posted 9.27.06)

by Jeff Nielsen

Martin Hanzal (Phx), C, Red Deer

The lanky Czech center was by far the best player on the ice, and was even dominant at times. The Coyotes first round selection in 2005 showcased an array of skills, often undressing the Hitmen defense with inside out moves. By using his 6-5 frame effectively to drive to the net, he created plenty of space for himself and setup linemate Kirill Starkov for several quality point-blank chances on goal. Caught opponents flatfooted several times as he beat them to the outside with his speed. Hanzal has a soft pair of hands and tremendous puck control and patience. At times, he was guilty of soft play on the defensive end and took a few undisciplined penalties. A very offensively gifted athlete, while under the guidance of Brent Sutter, will become a well rounded and complete player and should take that next step to the pro ranks.

Kirill Starkov (CBJ), LW, Red Deer

Columbus selected the slick Russian in the 6th round in 2005 and may have found themselves a diamond in the rough. Starkov benefited greatly from playing alongside Hanzal, but displayed plenty of offensive talent on his own. Possessing a quick release, he was able to score a nifty one timer from the slot. One of his better talents is his ability to find open spaces and slide into scoring areas undetected. A terrific skater, he has excellent mobility and was able to change gears effortlessly. Starkov was particularly effective on the powerplay and generated several shots on goal from in tight. With ample chances to score, a lack of finish was the only thing missing from a rather impressive North American debut. Quick and agile, this speedster will provide the Rebels with some much needed scoring punch up front.

Brandon Sutter (2007), C, Red Deer

Already possessing a solid frame at 6-3, the son of Coach Brent Sutter held his own in a rather physical game. Was able to create a few chances and draw several penalties off his strength alone. Has elite vision of the ice and made several crisp cross-ice passes. A potential top 5 pick in the upcoming 2007 NHL entry draft, Sutter looked very comfortable on the point of the powerplay...however, his shot from the point lacked velocity and was easily blocked by sliding defenders. Sutter disappeared for several stretches and was almost invisible at key times in the game. Very poised for a 17 year old, he showed good patience and made smart plays with the puck when under intense pressure. Will need to continue to bring his intensity for a full sixty minutes and become that go-to guy when the game is on the line.

Brodie Dupont (NYR), LW, Calgary

Terrific early showing for last years leading goal getter for the Hitmen. In the home opener, the 2005 third round selection of the Rangers, scored the game winning goal on the powerplay. Dupont has very quick hands and a nice touch when in tight. Not only does he bring offense to the table, his boundless energy and pursuit of the puck make him a very reliable penalty killer and checker. One of the few Hitmen to bring a consistent physical element to his game and finished his check on every opportunity given. Projects well to the pro ranks as third line winger with some offensive upside.

Karl Alzner (2007) D, Calgary

Eligible for the upcoming draft, if Alzner can continue to demonstrate his solid two-way abilities, he will surely solidify his stock as first round material. Logging close to a mind boggling 50 minutes in his first appearance on the blueline this year, Alzner still had a near mistake free performance. Entering his third full season with the Hitmen, he is developing into a reliable and dependable force not only for Calgary but also has a great shot at playing for Team Canada at the WJC's. Alzner plays an intelligent, puck savvy game and has a good hard point shot, which has attributed to his increased offensive success. Not a flashy puck rushing defenseman, but does all of the little things that contribute to his teams success.

The Other Kyle (posted 9.23.06)

by Ron Jones

Trevor Verwolf (2007), D, Langley

A member of the all-name team with a cool last name, Verwolf sports nice size at 6'3 and nearly 210lbs. .. will pinch in from the point .. lacks the top end speed to get back in to the play if he gets beaten .. positionally weak and a bit slow to react to emerging plays .. defenseman do take longer to mature, but at this time he isn't an NHL prospect. (5gp, 1-0-1)

Trevor Elias (2007), F, Langley

At first blush he looks a tad fragile on his skates, however he does posses terrific top end speed, good mobility as well as commendable acceleration .. played on the pk .. there is a possibility of him being a late-bloomer if he can get stronger physically. (5gp, 1-4-5)

Kyle MacKinnon (2007), C, Langley

Still committed to Providence .. wears an A .. works hard without the puck .. likes to drive the net and do the give and go which can put the defense in a tizzy .. looks strong in the faceoff circle as he schooled his opponent a few times by winning it cleanly .. skates well with the puck and isn't afraid to carry the puck up the ice or deliver long crisp passes to send his linemates in to the clear thanks to tremendous vision .. displays elite move in close and has the hands to finish .. unveils a first-class wrist shot that gives goalies fits .. boasts the speed with the puck as well as the moves to back off checkers and keeps his feet moving on contact .. developing sniper-like ability .. supports the puck well and follows up shots and cleans up any garbage near the crease .. plays in all situations and is definitely looks like a player to keep an eye on. (5gp, 7-7-14)

Chris Ickert (2007), D, Langley

Pint-sized defender, 5'7-165lbs., stickhandles well and thanks to quick feet can make guys miss .. not hesitant to let a heavy slap shot fly from the point .. displays some poise on the ice and usually shows good judgment on when to pinch in .. moves the puck crisply and on target .. displays a lack of physicality in the dirty areas which isn't a surprise given his frame and must add some muscle to compete better in traffic .. is a regular on both special teams .. if he grows a bit he has the offensive ability to get on scout's radar for the draft. (5gp, 1-2-3)

Taylor Stefishen (2008), F, Langley

Youngster is producing well at the BCHL level, but needs to get stronger on his skates. (5gp, 1-3-4)

Nolan Julseth-White (2007), D, Langley

strong, but not blessed with elite quickness .. wears an A .. moves the puck efficiently from the point .. most effective using his solid frame to get physical and playing a simple, safe game .. takes the man out hard along the wall and likes to jump up to deliver teeth-rattling bodychecks .. plays a ton in all situations and is the backbone of the Chiefs' defense. (5gp, 0-7-7)

Adams Not Capitalizing on Size (posted 9.21.06)

by Ron Jones

Cody Adams (2007), D, Cowichan Valley

Boasts a large frame, 6'4-205lbs, however gets very little out of it due to a lack of a mean streak .. he is way too passive in most zones and is a bit ineffective taking the body in traffic .. will take a hit to make a play .. doesn't show much imagination with the puck .. plays on both special teams .. not a bad skater and is fairly mobile, but until someone lights a fire under him to get more out of him he'll be frustrating to watch. (4gp, 1-0-1)

Jeff Anderson (2007), LW, Cowichan Valley

Native of Port Coquitlam has yet to take the next step in his development .. plays in all situations .. will park himself in front of the net and put in the work to score .. although not a burner he does seem to get in quickly on the forecheck .. works well in traffic and keeps his feet moving on contact .. lacks gamebreaking speed, but is a good stickhandler in crowds and has the ability to make people miss at this level .. has yet to receive an assist in four games, yet looks for his teammates .. might need a change of scenary to spark his progress. (4gp, 3-0-3)

David Maltais (2007), D, Cowichan Valley

Rookie blueliner from Quebec is a very quick skater, especially backwards .. looks fairly composed on the penalty-kill .. got caught a few times going for the turnover instead of taking the man which led to scoring chances .. has some trouble handling the physical aspects of the game, most notabley clearing the front of the net. (4gp, 0-0-0)

Nicholas Lareau (2007), G, Cowichan Valley

The native of Montreal hasn't had much success in his first two games in the BCHL as his 7.10 goals against average would suggest, but given that lofty number his 0.841 Sv% is a bit better than expected .. seems to daydream as he was caught a few times not making his teammates aware that a penalty was ending .. had some issues holding on to the puck and his overall rebound control made him have to work harder than he should have .. once he goes down or commits to the first shot he seems to have trouble adjusting and getting set for the next shot .. lacks the quickness to get over quick enough and likely will have trouble on wraparounds.