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Jovorock
02-27-2005, 11:04 AM
New report 02/21/05

http://hockeysfuture.com/article.php?sid=7549&mode=threaded&order=0

Coyotes AHL prospects update

Written by Ryan Garner on 02/21/2005
The Utah Grizzlies entered the 2004-05 AHL season with a new slogan encouraging their fans to “See Red”. After 52 games the team’s dismal play has given Utah fans plenty of opportunity to do just that. The Grizzlies have given up more goals and also allowed more goals than any other team in the league. While the team has struggled to record of 14-35-0-3, the performance of the Phoenix prospects ranges from surprisingly strong to simply terrible.

Forwards
Randall Gelech – Some of Utah’s most surprising play this season has come from rookie forward Randall Gelech. The 21-year-old lined up at center during his years with the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL but head coach Pat Conacher has moved him to the wing this season and the results have been good. Despite a regular shift on the Grizzlies checking line and a lack of power play minutes he currently leads the team with 11 goals.
Gelech is arguably the hardest working player on the Grizzlies squad and he’s been a fixture on the penalty-killing unit all season. He possesses great hands around the net and he’s developed good chemistry with veteran winger Erik Westrum. At 6’3, Gelech has a nice physical side to his game and he’s one of the Utah’s strongest forecheckers.

He finishes his checks, never takes a shift off, and chips in the occasional goal. What more could you ask for from a rookie checking-line winger? Drafted in the seventh round of the 2003 Entry Draft, Gelech has seen his stock rise this season. He’s sound defensively and his offensive numbers should improve as he gets more comfortable with the professional game.


Kiel McLeod – No other player on the Grizzlies squad dwarfs opposition players like the mammoth Kiel McLeod. Listed at 6’6, 240 pounds, McLeod is good in the faceoff circle and he’s a consistent presence in the opposing team’s slot on the power play. This is one of the main reasons he leads the team with five power play goals.

The 22-year-old center employs a strong physical game and he’s always the first to step in and defend his teammates. McLeod could make better decisions when he has the puck, but he has good hands around the net and he creates space with his intimidating presence.

While he may never put up big numbers, McLeod is strong on his skates and he’s an effective big man. His production needs to improve if he ever hopes to take the next step in his development.

kelownakarl
02-27-2005, 08:01 PM
Is it safe to say that right now Gelech is higher on the 'Yotes depth chart then Mcleod?

Jovorock
02-28-2005, 06:48 AM
# PLAYERS POS GP G A PTS +/- PIM PPG SHG GWG SHOTS PCT

16 Gelech, Randall RW 54 11 8 19 -16 58 3 1 0 90 .122
10 McLeod, Kiel C 49 8 5 13 -20 78 5 0 0 75 .107

They play on a terrible team but Randall has had a great rookie season. Kiel needs to pick it up.