WHL: Sasha Shines

All signs point to Sasha Golin becoming a key part of any success that the Winter Hawks will have this season. We have notes on the player Portland chose with the fifth overall selection in the 2003 WHL Bantam Draft. We also have notes on Brayden Nargang, Frazer McLaren, Michael Sauer, Kyle Bailey, Dustin Butler, Luke Shier and Kurtis Mucha.

Sasha Golin (2006), RW

Had four points (2-2-4) in 63 games last campaign for the Winter Hawks .. takes the body and finishes his checks .. boasts a laser-like wrist shot that he should be able to develop in to an effective weapon at the WHL level .. acquiring a bit of a mean streak .. supports the puckcarrier well .. has maturing vision and leads his teammates with his passes .. will drop down to block a shot, but needs to work on his technique .. displays a willingness to take a hit to make a play .. at his best when playing with some fire in his game, which isn't always the case .. wore #23.

Brayden Nargang (2007), LW

Chosen by Portland in the 8th round, 143rd overall, of the 2003 WHL Bantam Draft .. displays decent hand-eye coordination .. although has good size 6'1" and nearly 215lbs., but must get stronger to not get taken out of the play so easily .. wore #24.

Frazer McLaren (2006), LW

Had 11 points (6-5-11) in 71 games last season for Portland .. long wing span closes down lanes .. has a mushy skating stride with no extra gear .. still trying to find the line of playing with grit and a temper, but without being undisciplined .. at his best making the opposition hear footsteps .. wore #28.

Michael Sauer (NYR), D

Had 13 points (2-11-13) in 32 games before suffering a season ending injury last year for the Winter Hawks .. amazingly poised under pressure, never looks to be panicking .. passes the puck crisply and on the tape .. appears to lack the extra gear that would make him an end-to-end threat, although he is a good enough stickhandler and skater to gain the zone .. rarely puts the puck in harm's way .. shields the puck effectively from the checker .. doesn't worry about trying to overpower the netminder with his point shot, just makes sure it is on target .. will pinch in from the point .. has pro written all over him, but he might not have the offensive upside that teammate Brendan Mikkelson .. wore #29.

Kyle Bailey (FA), C

Had 33 points (11-22-33) in 67 games for Portland .. takes the pass well at top speed .. doesn't have a lot of finish, however his skating and stickhandling ability gives him more opportunities than most .. keeps his feet moving on contact .. does a nice job taking the opposing center off of the draw .. wore #32.

Dustin Butler (2006), G

Is expected to take the bulk of the workload this season after appearing in 42 last year .. is fairly solid swallowing up shots from the slot .. must work on keeping his position as he can give up too much room .. at times his reaction time can appear a bit slow .. wore #1.

Luke Shier (2006), G

Doesn't give up on a play .. has to be better about not taking himself out of the play after making the initial stop .. generally does a nice job staying square to the shooters and uses his size well to stop most point blank shots .. has some problems controlling rebounds .. wore #34.

Kurtis Mucha (2007), G

Like many younger goalies displays a bit of hesitation which is most apparent in the times he gets caught playing a tad too deep in the crease .. all that being said, he is generally positionally sound .. usually does a nice job of getting his body in the way of a shot .. wore #35.