Malc
05-09-2008, 06:42 PM
By Doyle Potenteau
Since 2000, the Rockets have tried their hand in drafting goalies, but only two have made the team: Josh Lepp (42 games 2001-04), who was picked fourth overall in 2000, only to wind up in Seattle early in his third season after being traded; and Kris Westblom (2004-08), fourth round, 76th overall, in 2002.
This spring, Westblom graduated from the major-junior ranks after four seasons with the Rockets. Lepp, meanwhile, was packaged to the Thunderbirds on Oct. 24th, 2003, for a fifth-round draft pick. He was also the only goalie this decade that Kelowna allowed to wear a painted mask.
Since then, Rocket netminders have worn unpainted masks, most being plain white.
"Drafting good goalies is rare, and it's exceptionally difficult," said Lorne Frey, Rockets’ Assistant GM and Director of Player Personnel. "There have been good selections, like Tyson Sexsmith (Vancouver Giants, 14th overall, 2004), Carey Price (Tri-City Americans, seventh overall, 2002) and Dan Blackburn (Kootenay Ice, third overall, 1998). But, as I said, it's rare.
"After Lepp, we were a little gun-shy in taking (first round) risks. At that age, it's hard to predict how a goaltender will grow, whether they'll get lots of playing time and how they'll mature. We haven't had the greatest success when it comes to drafting goalies, but, with some luck, hopefully, we can change that.
"I think the goalie is the most important player on the team; if you don't have good goaltending, you won't go far.
"But we're hoping we can land one in the later rounds of the 2008 draft; maybe we'll have some luck come our way.
2008 WHL Bantam Draft Round 4:
#79 Jordan Cooke G Leduc, AB
2007 Round 10:
#201 Patrick Fairclough G Campbell River, BC
2006 Round 5:
#89 Dylan Tait G Lethbridge, AB
2006 Round 9:
#179 Vincenzo Marozzi G Edmonton, AB
Since 2000, the Rockets have tried their hand in drafting goalies, but only two have made the team: Josh Lepp (42 games 2001-04), who was picked fourth overall in 2000, only to wind up in Seattle early in his third season after being traded; and Kris Westblom (2004-08), fourth round, 76th overall, in 2002.
This spring, Westblom graduated from the major-junior ranks after four seasons with the Rockets. Lepp, meanwhile, was packaged to the Thunderbirds on Oct. 24th, 2003, for a fifth-round draft pick. He was also the only goalie this decade that Kelowna allowed to wear a painted mask.
Since then, Rocket netminders have worn unpainted masks, most being plain white.
"Drafting good goalies is rare, and it's exceptionally difficult," said Lorne Frey, Rockets’ Assistant GM and Director of Player Personnel. "There have been good selections, like Tyson Sexsmith (Vancouver Giants, 14th overall, 2004), Carey Price (Tri-City Americans, seventh overall, 2002) and Dan Blackburn (Kootenay Ice, third overall, 1998). But, as I said, it's rare.
"After Lepp, we were a little gun-shy in taking (first round) risks. At that age, it's hard to predict how a goaltender will grow, whether they'll get lots of playing time and how they'll mature. We haven't had the greatest success when it comes to drafting goalies, but, with some luck, hopefully, we can change that.
"I think the goalie is the most important player on the team; if you don't have good goaltending, you won't go far.
"But we're hoping we can land one in the later rounds of the 2008 draft; maybe we'll have some luck come our way.
2008 WHL Bantam Draft Round 4:
#79 Jordan Cooke G Leduc, AB
2007 Round 10:
#201 Patrick Fairclough G Campbell River, BC
2006 Round 5:
#89 Dylan Tait G Lethbridge, AB
2006 Round 9:
#179 Vincenzo Marozzi G Edmonton, AB