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View Full Version : Future Watch - Part 2 - Rockets Prairie Prospects Coming Along



Malc
01-23-2008, 03:22 PM
by Dana Soleski

Over the years, the Kelowna Rockets’ line-ups have always been littered with outstanding hockey players from the prairies.

So much so, that it’s almost an organizational tradition.

Ryan Cuthbert, Tyler Mosienko, Tyler Spurgeon, Blake Comeau, Kelly Guard – the list goes on and on. Thus, it’s no surprise that the club once again tapped into the fertile prairie pool of talent when making their 2007 Bantam Draft selections.

After choosing Luke Moffat of Phoenix and Spencer Main of North Vancouver with their first and second picks, the Rockets set their sights east for 3 of their next 4 choices. In the third round, 69th overall, they called the name of Max Adolf of Saskatoon. They followed that up by choosing defenseman, Antoine Corbin, also of Saskatoon in the fifth round, 105th overall, and forward Brady Poulsen of Alberta in the sixth round, 113th overall.

Adolf looks like the type of player that has made the Rockets successful in recent years. That is, he’s a solid, all around type of player who is no stranger to the defensive zone. A natural centerman, Max hasn’t yet filled out (6’0”, 160 pounds) and won’t knock you off your feet with eye-popping skills.

What he does is turn in a consistent and smart effort each shift. In 29 games played with the Saskatoon Contacts of the Saskatchewan AAA Midget League, Adolf has 7 goals and 6 assists. But, most of his contributions don’t show up on the scoresheet as Rockets’ Assistant GM and Director of Player Personnel, Lorne Frey explains.

“Max is the type of player all teams need in order to win,” he says. “He’s more of a defensive-minded forward and very good down low along the boards.”

“He’s also very good on face-offs and is just a really solid, all round player. I had a chance to see him play earlier this season and he’s coming along good.”

Unlike Adolf, Corbin’s game is still in the developmental stages. A defenseman, Corbin brings great size to rink and has the potential to develop into an impact player. At the same time, he’s still ironing out the nuances of his position while playing for the Saskatoon Blazers in the Saskatchewan AAA Midget League. In that quest, Antoine’s dedication and excellent work ethic will stand him in good stead.

“Antoine’s a big defenseman, he’s already 6’3”,” says Frey. “He’s playing ok and he’s a hard working and dedicated player. Plus, he shoots the puck really well.”

“He’s still adjusting to the pace of the game at the AAA Midget level and needs to work on his quickness. Right now, he has trouble adjusting to the speed and being pressured when he has the puck. But, that should improve with hard work and more experience.”

Meanwhile, Poulsen, a native of Rimbey, Alberta has come along way this season. He’s one of only 4 players on his team, the AAA Midget Red Deer Optimist Rebels who were born in 1991. Furthermore, the team competed at the famed 2007 Mac’s Midget Tournament in Calgary with Poulsen being named a game star after one of their contests.

What impresses Frey is the fact that Alberta AAA Midget League is a major jump from the league Poulsen played in last season.

“He’s made a pretty big jump in terms of the calibre of play from one year to the next,” explains Frey. “And, he’s one of the youngest players on his team.”

“He’s a forward who’s a good skater with a good overall skill level. If he continues to grow and develop, he’ll be a good player for us.”