2011 WHL Draft

[canes77]

Looks like the Canes have "earned" two picks in the top 4 overall. Having Regina's 1st Rd pick as well, this is a pretty good consolation prize for giving up the incomplete Carter Ashton. Hopefully the scouting staff has done their homework. I noticed in The Hockey News that Klimchuk is the highest ranked player from the West for that age group! Hopefully Merkley is just as worthy down the road since both were in ISS's Top 10 WHL Rankings last spring, as seen below.

Here is an early top 10 list for this year's upcoming WHL draft based on the ISS Rankings (as well as 2009 and 2010 lists for comparison). They seem accurate since they ranked Forsberg first last year and Dumba first the year before. Most of us would agree with those choices. In 2010, the Canes impressively selected 4 of the top 30 guys!

Wow do I feel very old when I see 1996 born kids being drafted... ha ha

2011 List
NAME POS DOB S HT WT TEAM LEAGUE
1. Oleksyn, Braden LW 2/22/96 L 5.10 170 Beardy’s SMHL
2. Simpson, Riley C 7/23/96 L 5.09.5 140 SSAC AMBHL
3. Pankewicz, Kord LD 2/3/96 L 5.10 169 Leduc AMBHL
4. Duke, Reid C 1/28/96 L 5.10 160 Royal Gold AMBHL
5. Thrower, Josh RD 3/17/96 R 5.11 172 POE T1 - T1 OMBT1
6. Sandhu, Tyler C 1/7/96 R 5.11 148 Seafair A1-T1 PCBHL
7. Quenneville, John LW 4/16/96 L 6.00 180 SSAC AMBHL
8. Hicketts, Joe RD 5/4/96 L 5.06 169 Kamloops T1-T1 OMBT1
9. Pilon, Ryan LD 10/10/96 L 6.01 168 Warman C4Ban
10. Mappin, Ty C 1/25/96 L 5.10 154 Red Deer White AMBHL



ISS Final Rankings / 2010 WHL Draft

# / Name / Pos / Birth / Date / Ht. / Wgt. / Team / League
1 / Alex Forsberg / C / 4-Jan-95 / 5.10 / 170 / Beardy’s MAAA / SMHL
2 / Brian Williams / C / 10-Jan-95 / 5.08 / 141 / LA Selects / CalifBant
3 / Matthew Needham / C / 17-Apr-95 / 5.09 / 170 / Penticton / B1-T1 / OMBT1
4 / Madison Bowey / RD / 22-Apr-95 / 5.11 / 168 / Winn. Monarchs / WBD1
5 / Morgan Klimchuk / C / 2-Mar-95 / 5.10 / 155 / Calgary Bisons / AMBHL
6 / Tyler King-Cunnigham / LD / 18-Feb-95 / 6.00 / 174 / Notre Dame / SSBHL
7 / Joshua Morrissey / LD / 28-Mar-95 / 5.11 / 165 / Calgary Royals / AMBHL
8 / Joel Topping / LD / 10-Mar-95 / 6.00 / 170 / Red Deer Black / AMBHL
9 / Johnathon Merkley / C / 27-May-95 / 5.11 / 162 / Calgary Bisons / AMBHL
10 / Cory Millette / RW / 19-Jan-95 / 5.09 / 168 / Notre Dame / SSBHL
11 / Tyson Baillie / C / 16-Nov-95 / 5.08 / 148 / Fort Sask. / AMBHL
12 / Curtis Lazar / C / 2-Feb-95 / 5.10 / 159 / POE T1 / BCBant
13 / Anthony Ast / C / 11-Feb-95 / 5.08 / 165 / BWC A1-T1 / PCBHL
14 / Nic Petan / C / 22-Mar-95 / 5.06 / 133 / NSWC A1-T1 / PCBHL
15 / Jesse Lees / RD / 14-Sept-95 / 5.11 / 168 / Calgary North. / AMBHL
16 / Wyatt Noskey / C / 22-Jan-95 / 5.10 / 153 / Edmonton KC / AMBHL
17 / Jaedon Descheneau / C / 22-Feb-95 / 5.07 / 145 / Leduc Oil Kings / AMBHL
18 / Craig Leverton / C / 2-Jan-95 / 5.10 / 170 / Warman / C4Ban
19 / Dylan Bowen / RD / 4-Apr-95 / 5.10 / 141 / POE T1 / BCBant
20 / Kayle Doetzel / RD / 19-Jun-95 / 6.01 / 175 / West Central / C4Ban
21 / Clay Spencer / F / 15-Feb-95 / 6.00 / 155 / Lethbridge / AMBHL
22 / Gregory Chase / C / 1-Jan-95 / 5.10 / 164 / Sherwood Park / AMBHL
23 / Raymond Grewal / LD / 7-Oct-95 / 6.01 / 160 / Prince George / BCTC
24 / Tyler Fuhr / G / 30-May-95 / 5.11 / 150 / Sherwood Park / AMBHL
25 / Scott Savage / LD / 11-Apr-95 / 5.11 / 150 / LA Selects / CalifBant
26 / Jamal Watson / RW / 14-Jan-95 / 5.09 / 138 / Calgary Bronks / AMBHL
27 / Tim McGauley / F / 23-Jul-95 / 5.10.5 / 150 / Lumsden/Beth. / SSBHL
28 / Chad Labelle / C / 3-Jul-95 / 5.09 / 165 / Calg. Northstars / AMBHL
29 / Ryan Miner / G / 14-Mar-95 / 5.11 / 150 / Win. Monarchs / WBD1
30 / Torrin White / RW / 18-Feb-95 / 5.09 / 150 / Airdrie Xtreme / AMBHL

Note: From what I hear, the US players and resident (such as Notre Dame) players get drafted lower than expected due to their higher risk of commiting to the NCAA.

2009 WHL Bantam Draft ISS Top 20 Rankings

RNK POS / NAME / CLUB
1 / RD / DUMBA, Matt / Calgary Bronks
2 / F / RANKIN, Connor / North Shore Winter Club
3 / F / WINTHER, Michael / Airdrie Xtreme
4 / LD / RIELLY, Morgan / Notre Dame Hounds
5 / D / WALTERS, Nicolas / St. Albert Sabres
6 / F / BALOG, Tayler / Weyburn Mission Wings
7 / D / SMITH, Joshua / Red Deer Black
8 / F / GEIGER, Trent / Calgary Royals
9 / D / POULIOT, Derrick / Weyburn Mission Wings
10 / F / JONES, Seth / Dallas Stars U16

Source: Someone who leaked them to the public from ISS's well-run site!

[Hockey Spy]

Those rankings are way off!!!

First of all, Pilon is going top 3.

Riley Simpson is going the college route.

Oleksyn is going late first round, not first overall...Not even close.

Josh Thrower is a 2nd rounder at best.

Tyler Sandhu is now a 2nd rounder.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS JAKE VIRTANEN from ABBOTSFORD???? He will be a sure fire top 4-5 pick.

WHERE IS JORDAN THOMSON from manitoba who plays Midget AAA as an underage?

THis list is so far off, I'd say to use it as ass wipe at best.

[shushu]

why in gods name would you put such a goofy list together?..i think you should go sit in your room for a while and think about what you have done, or even better try to make us understand why JORDAN THOMSON or JAKE VIRTANEN aren't on that list......we'll let this one go but you better think about what you are doing from now on...............:).ps......dont use it for ass wipe the ink could rub off and it could get messy..........

[HURRICANE'S ROCK]

If those !SS rankings in 2010 were fairly accurate, then the Canes did quite well in the draft. We chose 2 of the top 10 and 4 of the top 26 players on that list.

ISS Final Rankings / 2010 WHL Draft

RANK
8 ... Joel Topping / LD / 10-Mar-95 / 6.00 / 170 / Red Deer Black / AMBHL.......................Canes pick at #41
9 ... Johnathon Merkley / C / 27-May-95 / 5.11 / 162 / Calgary Bisons / AMBHL................Canes pick at #3
18 ... Craig Leverton / C / 2-Jan-95 / 5.10 / 170 / Warman / C4Ban...............................Canes pick at #25
26 ... Jamal Watson / RW / 14-Jan-95 / 5.09 / 138 / Calgary Bronks / AMBHL...................Canes pick at #103

We also picked Macoy Erkamps at #27, but he is not on the list.

.
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[canes77]

why in gods name would you put such a goofy list together?..i think you should go sit in your room for a while and think about what you have done, or even better try to make us understand why JORDAN THOMSON or JAKE VIRTANEN aren't on that list......we'll let this one go but you better think about what you are doing from now on...............:).ps......dont use it for ass wipe the ink could rub off and it could get messy..........

Ha ha shushu
If you guys read my post, you'll know that I DIDN'T make the list - I just posted someone elses rankings. I posted their 2010 and 2009 list as well because they looked fairly accurate wouldn't you agree?!

[canes77]

Those rankings are way off!!!

First of all, Pilon is going top 3.

Riley Simpson is going the college route.

Oleksyn is going late first round, not first overall...Not even close.

Josh Thrower is a 2nd rounder at best.

Tyler Sandhu is now a 2nd rounder.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS JAKE VIRTANEN from ABBOTSFORD???? He will be a sure fire top 4-5 pick.

WHERE IS JORDAN THOMSON from manitoba who plays Midget AAA as an underage?

THis list is so far off, I'd say to use it as ass wipe at best.

Hockey Spy... way off eh?
Lets see your top 10 list... along with some more facts why the list I posted is so terrible.

How do you know Thrower and Sandhu are going in the 2nd round? You must know a scout from all 22 clubs eh?
Maybe Thomson and Virtanen are 11th and 12th on the list. Or maybe not. Maybe Virtanen's size is the reason he isn't higher up. Yes, he is very fast and very skilled, but also only listed at 5'8, 145... Not one player who was 5'8 or less was drafted in the top 15 last year.
You're right on Thomson, he is in Midget AAA as a 14 year old. But, so is Oleksyn, who scored over a point per game in Sask Midget AAA this year on Beardy's (A similar season to Alex Forsberg the year before).
The differences for Thomson is that he was on a top team (31-8-0-5 record) yet only got 2 goals all year as a D-man. Plus, him being from Manitoba doesn't help at all, traditionally by far the weakest of the 4 provinces in terms of prospects.


Post your list, I want to see how well you do in May.

[Hockey Spy]

In my opinion and also in all my contacts opinions, the list is way off. Even worse than they have been in past years.

As for Jake Virtanen, no, he is not 5'8, he is now 5'11 170 pounds and could probably grow another inch or two yet. He will be taking place at the BC provincials starting today and if you get a chance to watch him, you'll then realize why I make the comment I make. Saying Virtanen will not in the to 10 would be like saying St. Croix or Rattie didn't belong there in there draft years. As a matter of fact, ISS had Rattie at 10th overall for the draft. Mark McNeill they didn't even have in the first round!

As far as Thrower and Sandhu go. Josh Thrower is a very good, stay at home, hard hitting defenseman. Probably comparable to Ayrton Nikkel who Saskatoon gave up as part of the Schenn deal. Nikkel went late 2nd round. Thrower could go a bit before Nikkel but likely early 2nd. As for Sandhu, Tyler is a player who really peaked in Peewee hockey and was dominant. However, in the past couple years, players have caught him and he was a very disappointing player to most scouts in the big St. Albert tournament. He also was less than stellar in the BC bantam playoffs. Some scouts have Sandhu down in the 3rd round actually. I'm not ready to put him that low but 2nd round is where he should go.

As for Jordan Thomson. The kid is a big 6'1 defenseman who can skate very well, make a tremendous first pass and play a rough game. He has all the tools. Braden Oleksyn was considered to be a top 5 pick prior to the season starting. However, his skating is a huge question mark and he is done growing now. I've spoken with a few head scouts who say they wouldn't pick him if he was there late first round.

On a separate note - There are several players 5'7 and under who will make for some tremendous scorers in the WHL but may slip.

Brayden Point - Calgary Bisons - led the league
Tyler Wong - He is only 5`7 but my opinion is that he could crack the top 10 anyway. He plays in Airdrie
Tanner MacMaster - Calgary Bisons
Adam Brooks - Winnipeg Hawks
Kolten Olynyk - Saskatoon Outlaws
Rourke Chartier - Saskatoon Generals

One player who could be taken high that isn`t on this list is Taylor Fisher from Winnipeg. If his skating would improve he`d be a force. Led all Winnipeg bantam dmen in scoring and is 6`2 220lb already. I`m also a bit surprised they don`t have Ryan Gropp on the list from Kamloops.

[HURRICANE'S ROCK]

I noticed in The Hockey News that Klimchuk is the highest ranked player from the West for that age group! Hopefully Merkley is just as worthy down the road since both were in ISS's Top 10 WHL Rankings last spring!

Do you have a link to that list? Was Merkley on the list?

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[Hockey Spy]

Merkley is a better two-way player than Klimchuk and was last year in bantam with the Bisons who made it to westerns.

Merkley is a very fluid skater and a pass first type of player. Possibly a future captain.

Interesting to note that Merkley`s younger brother had an outstanding rookie bantam year with the Bisons and should make noise for the 2012 WHL bantam draft. His name is Nick Merkley.

[grainbear]

Not to dispute that the lists do have some very knowledgable hockey people rating these players but when push comes to shove it will be the performances starting in Manitoba next weekend that will make the final selections for some of the directors of player personel, as well as the camps in Anaheim and in Minnisota this spring the final cog in the wheels. The good thing about this is that for those teams on the outside this year looking in they have the opportunity to have both their directors of hockey personal and if they want their gm and coachs in attendence. Each team always says they look in the first round for the best player available but realistically if the next two guys are close and you need an offesive dman that what you choose even or an extremly commpetent forward, if you need a goal tender for a game winner when you dont have any in the system that is what you choose. At the end of the day it is your best guess and then you have to be sure he will report . May the luck that we missed this year in all those 1 goal games change and may we get lucky in the lottery pool when the 4 of us go into the pool with 2 chances . Thankfully we did not get involved in the trade deadline escapes.

[canes77]

Thanks for the info Hockey Spy. A couple of them sound like players I hope the Canes draft this year. Preston said he'll "likely" take one Fwd and one D-man with the first two. Pilon and Virtanen?? They sound good! With the details you mentioned about Simpson and Oleksyn, those must be the pre-season ISS rankings eh? With the size factor, I wonder if ISS's scouts are using more pro-NHL ratings as opposed to pro-WHL...
If you aren't one yourself, you must know a number of scouts, you sound very knowledgable with the Bantam crops! I don't get to see the players from outside of Alberta much. Reid Duke looked great when I saw him but that's just in one province. Virtanen from BC and Pilon from Sask also sound great!



One player who could be taken high that isn`t on this list is Taylor Fisher from Winnipeg. If his skating would improve he`d be a force. Led all Winnipeg bantam dmen in scoring and is 6`2 220lb already. I`m also a bit surprised they don`t have Ryan Gropp on the list from Kamloops.

Wow - I was a good size back in grade 9 but no where near 6'2 220lb!! Unreal!


Do you have a link to that list? Was Merkley on the list?
.

No, I just saw it in their NHL prospects magazine last week. He was the only WHL area kid named for the 2013 draft, one of just 3 guys they named. Obviously a long ways away from now though!

[HURRICANE'S ROCK]

Merkley is a better two-way player than Klimchuk and was last year in bantam with the Bisons who made it to westerns.

Merkley is a very fluid skater and a pass first type of player. Possibly a future captain.

Interesting to note that Merkley`s younger brother had an outstanding rookie bantam year with the Bisons and should make noise for the 2012 WHL bantam draft. His name is Nick Merkley.

Do you think Merkley was a valid pick at #3 overall? Just asking and not insinuating anything.
The Draft Lottery is in just a few days. Pat S. has good coverage of the lottery etc on his blog:
http://www.canesbroadcaster.blogspot.com/
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[HURRICANE'S ROCK]

The Canes (thanks to Regina) have a 19.1% chance of getting the 1st overall pick, and a 33% chance of moving either their own pick or Regina's pick up 2 spots. There is only a 14.3% chance that the Canes own pick gets bumped back and a 9.5% chance both of our picks drop down 1 spot. The odds we end up with the following scenarios:
.
1st and 4th...19.1%
2nd and 4th...14.3%
3rd and 4th...52.4%
3th and 5th...4.7%
4th and 5th...9.5%
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The odds we stay where we are at, or move up in the lottery are 86%. The odds that we lose ground are only 14%. Pretty much a can't lose situation for the Canes. Let's hope for the scenario where we get the 1st and 4th overall picks.
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[Bocephus]

http://hfboards.com/showthread.php?p=30078629
Interesting thread.

[blacksheep]

Lottery In:

Calgary
Swift Current
Regina
Kamloops
Lethbridge
Seattle.

Couldn't get a break here either:burningmad::burningmad:

[TheRiderman63]

Well Kamloops got the ball, so that leaves us with the 5th pick that kinda sucks.

[Hockey Spy]

Well, you guys will also get the 3rd overall pick. So two picks in the top 5 isn't bad. The last team to have 2 lottery picks was Saskatoon and they took Duncan Siemens and Brent Benson.

[canes77]

Well, you guys will also get the 3rd overall pick. So two picks in the top 5 isn't bad. The last team to have 2 lottery picks was Saskatoon and they took Duncan Siemens and Brent Benson.

Yes, 3rd and 5th overall - not too bad of a consolation prize for the season! Merkley and Klimchuk went 3rd and 5th last year, so the Canes should get two more guys of high skill!

Remember that even Eakin went 6th in his draft year!

[Stuck in the Penalty Box]

Hey RIDERMANget your facts straight. The Hurricanes have their 5th pick and Regina's 3rd pick. I would bet that every team in the WHL would love to be in the Hurricanes position for the draft.

OK.....First choice: A high scoring-speedy-skilled forward (Boychuk-Smith-Ritchie type)
2nd Choice: A big strong puck moving D-man that has a cannon for a shot, plays a bit mean, and can quarterback the powerplay. (Brent Seabrook type)

Or does Preston try and make a deal with Regina to get Klimchuk to play along side of Merkley?

[TheRiderman63]

ya I do realize now I screwed up and forgot about the Regina trade which gave us 3rd as well. Now lets see what RP does with it.

[Hockey Spy]

Looks like the Canes have "earned" two picks in the top 4 overall. Having Regina's 1st Rd pick as well, this is a pretty good consolation prize for giving up the incomplete Carter Ashton. Hopefully the scouting staff has done their homework. I noticed in The Hockey News that Klimchuk is the highest ranked player from the West for that age group! Hopefully Merkley is just as worthy down the road since both were in ISS's Top 10 WHL Rankings last spring, as seen below.

Here is an early top 10 list for this year's upcoming WHL draft based on the ISS Rankings (as well as 2009 and 2010 lists for comparison). They seem accurate since they ranked Forsberg first last year and Dumba first the year before. Most of us would agree with those choices. In 2010, the Canes impressively selected 4 of the top 30 guys!

Wow do I feel very old when I see 1996 born kids being drafted... ha ha

2011 List
NAME POS DOB S HT WT TEAM LEAGUE
1. Oleksyn, Braden LW 2/22/96 L 5.10 170 Beardy’s SMHL
2. Simpson, Riley C 7/23/96 L 5.09.5 140 SSAC AMBHL
3. Pankewicz, Kord LD 2/3/96 L 5.10 169 Leduc AMBHL
4. Duke, Reid C 1/28/96 L 5.10 160 Royal Gold AMBHL
5. Thrower, Josh RD 3/17/96 R 5.11 172 POE T1 - T1 OMBT1
6. Sandhu, Tyler C 1/7/96 R 5.11 148 Seafair A1-T1 PCBHL
7. Quenneville, John LW 4/16/96 L 6.00 180 SSAC AMBHL
8. Hicketts, Joe RD 5/4/96 L 5.06 169 Kamloops T1-T1 OMBT1
9. Pilon, Ryan LD 10/10/96 L 6.01 168 Warman C4Ban
10. Mappin, Ty C 1/25/96 L 5.10 154 Red Deer White AMBHL



ISS Final Rankings / 2010 WHL Draft

# / Name / Pos / Birth / Date / Ht. / Wgt. / Team / League
1 / Alex Forsberg / C / 4-Jan-95 / 5.10 / 170 / Beardy’s MAAA / SMHL
2 / Brian Williams / C / 10-Jan-95 / 5.08 / 141 / LA Selects / CalifBant
3 / Matthew Needham / C / 17-Apr-95 / 5.09 / 170 / Penticton / B1-T1 / OMBT1
4 / Madison Bowey / RD / 22-Apr-95 / 5.11 / 168 / Winn. Monarchs / WBD1
5 / Morgan Klimchuk / C / 2-Mar-95 / 5.10 / 155 / Calgary Bisons / AMBHL
6 / Tyler King-Cunnigham / LD / 18-Feb-95 / 6.00 / 174 / Notre Dame / SSBHL
7 / Joshua Morrissey / LD / 28-Mar-95 / 5.11 / 165 / Calgary Royals / AMBHL
8 / Joel Topping / LD / 10-Mar-95 / 6.00 / 170 / Red Deer Black / AMBHL
9 / Johnathon Merkley / C / 27-May-95 / 5.11 / 162 / Calgary Bisons / AMBHL
10 / Cory Millette / RW / 19-Jan-95 / 5.09 / 168 / Notre Dame / SSBHL
11 / Tyson Baillie / C / 16-Nov-95 / 5.08 / 148 / Fort Sask. / AMBHL
12 / Curtis Lazar / C / 2-Feb-95 / 5.10 / 159 / POE T1 / BCBant
13 / Anthony Ast / C / 11-Feb-95 / 5.08 / 165 / BWC A1-T1 / PCBHL
14 / Nic Petan / C / 22-Mar-95 / 5.06 / 133 / NSWC A1-T1 / PCBHL
15 / Jesse Lees / RD / 14-Sept-95 / 5.11 / 168 / Calgary North. / AMBHL
16 / Wyatt Noskey / C / 22-Jan-95 / 5.10 / 153 / Edmonton KC / AMBHL
17 / Jaedon Descheneau / C / 22-Feb-95 / 5.07 / 145 / Leduc Oil Kings / AMBHL
18 / Craig Leverton / C / 2-Jan-95 / 5.10 / 170 / Warman / C4Ban
19 / Dylan Bowen / RD / 4-Apr-95 / 5.10 / 141 / POE T1 / BCBant
20 / Kayle Doetzel / RD / 19-Jun-95 / 6.01 / 175 / West Central / C4Ban
21 / Clay Spencer / F / 15-Feb-95 / 6.00 / 155 / Lethbridge / AMBHL
22 / Gregory Chase / C / 1-Jan-95 / 5.10 / 164 / Sherwood Park / AMBHL
23 / Raymond Grewal / LD / 7-Oct-95 / 6.01 / 160 / Prince George / BCTC
24 / Tyler Fuhr / G / 30-May-95 / 5.11 / 150 / Sherwood Park / AMBHL
25 / Scott Savage / LD / 11-Apr-95 / 5.11 / 150 / LA Selects / CalifBant
26 / Jamal Watson / RW / 14-Jan-95 / 5.09 / 138 / Calgary Bronks / AMBHL
27 / Tim McGauley / F / 23-Jul-95 / 5.10.5 / 150 / Lumsden/Beth. / SSBHL
28 / Chad Labelle / C / 3-Jul-95 / 5.09 / 165 / Calg. Northstars / AMBHL
29 / Ryan Miner / G / 14-Mar-95 / 5.11 / 150 / Win. Monarchs / WBD1
30 / Torrin White / RW / 18-Feb-95 / 5.09 / 150 / Airdrie Xtreme / AMBHL

Note: From what I hear, the US players and resident (such as Notre Dame) players get drafted lower than expected due to their higher risk of commiting to the NCAA.

2009 WHL Bantam Draft ISS Top 20 Rankings

RNK POS / NAME / CLUB
1 / RD / DUMBA, Matt / Calgary Bronks
2 / F / RANKIN, Connor / North Shore Winter Club
3 / F / WINTHER, Michael / Airdrie Xtreme
4 / LD / RIELLY, Morgan / Notre Dame Hounds
5 / D / WALTERS, Nicolas / St. Albert Sabres
6 / F / BALOG, Tayler / Weyburn Mission Wings
7 / D / SMITH, Joshua / Red Deer Black
8 / F / GEIGER, Trent / Calgary Royals
9 / D / POULIOT, Derrick / Weyburn Mission Wings
10 / F / JONES, Seth / Dallas Stars U16

Source: Someone who leaked them to the public from ISS's well-run site!

I just had to read the ISS Rankings once again for another laugh. Although they do have players in their that will go in the first round. They don't even have 2 of the top 3 players (Brycen Martin, Jake Virtanen) in their Top 10. Ryan Pilon will not be sliding to 9, he'll be top 3 as well. Very puzzling!

Last years rankings were so-so but how could they have a star player like Lazar at 12? Wyatt Noskey in the first round is pure crazy as he's not even listed right now by a team. I could go on but I'll stop.

Bottom line is, Lethbridge will get two very good players in this draft.

[Bocephus]

Imagine if the draft worked in the reverse order that it does now?
Instead of rewarding teams for failing the league could see the best bantam players actually enter organizations that are successful at developing players. I wonder how much better a St. Croix would be with a Tri City, Spokane, or Vancouver.
Imagine a top bantam player with a top org! They produce top players without top picks so you would think the combo of top player and top club would produce more than zero #1 NHL picks since 1996.
The top developmental league in the world? That always makes me chuckle when I see poor organizations destroy players that had potential.
Anyways, just a though.
Just bothers me to see failure being rewarded.

[Bocephus]

Alberta Cup thoughts:Disclaimer (I don't claim to be a scout)
Brycen Martin-reminds me of Jay Bouwmeester. An absolute difference maker. Tall, great skater, offensive imagination, with some nastiness.
Reid Duke-alot like Carter Ashton in many ways. Competive, skilled, big, and shows he wants to win.
Tanner Mcmaster-smooth offensive player. A bit undersized but that shouldn't hold him back.
Brayden Point-made me think of Brendan Gallagher. Small with plenty of skill, heart and unafraid of anything.
Conner Blaeckly-made me think of Dwight King. Kind of that big, skilled, secondary type point producer.
Cavin Leth-much like Dwight King again but a tier lower than Blaeckly.
Gonek- a big skilled Dman that is in a tier lower than Martin.
Ty Mappin- fast and skilled with a real offensive mind. A real pure offense guy!
Blake Penner-my favorite player I saw besides Martin. A winner/assasin. He showed he could play small and big. Slips through tight areas and also could initiate contact. Skilled and really confident look about him.
Tyler Wong-really don't get how this guy produces. He's slow, seems uninterested and never initiated contact yet at the end of the game he has 2 or 3 points. I just don't buy what he's selling.
Riley Simpson-Captian of the Bruins team. Absolutely loved him. He doesn't dazzle you but he gets it done. I could see this guy being a captian on a winning team. He has so many intangibles.
John Quenville-big, skilled, offensive. Liked him but not completely sold on him.
Evan Polei- another player I felt was under the radar but I would put him high in the rankings. I think this kid has a real high ceiling.
Mackenzie Bauer-far less than I had hoped. He really was invisible at times
Kyle Pauls- felt the same about him as I did with Bauer. I'd hoped for so much more.
Jake Dube- a real solid guy. In that second tier with Gonek.
Derek Mazil- really was left dissapointed with him. I was really looking forward to seeing him donminate but it seemed like weak goal after weak goal for a poor team.
Ben Thomas- second teir Dman again but behind Gonek and Dube. Many scouts drooled over him. I didn't get it.
Sam Young- captian of the Northstars. Liked a lot about him. Seemed to not have that Wow factor though. Similar to Simpson but just not at Simpson's level. Saw some Carter Bancks in him.
Jonny Hogue-kid was a showstopper puckstopper. Had a great tourney.
Anyway, just some scattered opinions. So many great young players.
Top 7,in Alberta
Martin
Penner
Duke
Simpson
Mappin
Blaeckly
Polei
MacMaster and Point are very good but how they do at the next level being smaller will be interesting to see.
Okay, now I'm done. Haha

[ZAMBONI-PHONEY]

Guess we must have been watching the same players. (Me is no scout). I agree with you that Martin and Gonek were the two best d-men at the Alberta Cup. The two forwards that certainly caught my eye were Reid Duke who controlled the play, had a nose for the net, and has a one-timer shot that is hard to stop. Duke is big and strong and opens up the ice for his linemates. Ty Mappin will likely go in the top 5-10 as he all the offensive skill you can ask for. His move on the penalty shot was top notch. His two-way game will have to improve but as long as he is putting the puck in the net, that flaw will be overlooked.
No matter who they take, the Hurricanes will have two top notched players. Plus throw in the forward from Abbotsford, and the top d-man from Manitoba (forgot their names) will give the Canes plenty to stock the cupboards with.:groovy:

[Bocephus]

Pilon and Virtanen and Martin seem to be getting top three talk. Canes get one of those and then another blue chipper like Duke or Penner or some other from elsewhere and they look like winners. Love to see them take a flyer on Simpson. He more than likely goes NCAA but you see players come to the WHL later when they change their mind. If the Canes are good when he is 18 or 19 then maybe they could coax him to go Dub. Think Toews, Thelan, Duncan Keith...

[canes77]

Pilon and Virtanen and Martin seem to be getting top three talk. Canes get one of those and then another blue chipper like Duke or Penner or some other from elsewhere and they look like winners. Love to see them take a flyer on Simpson. He more than likely goes NCAA but you see players come to the WHL later when they change their mind. If the Canes are good when he is 18 or 19 then maybe they could coax him to go Dub. Think Toews, Thelan, Duncan Keith...

I am curious about that... would Simpson play in the Alberta Cup if he is planning to go to the NCAA? It's pretty much a WHL camp, do any guys ever tryout and play in this tournament but then choose to go the college route? I havn't followed it much before until this month.

[Derek Sutton]

I am curious about that... would Simpson play in the Alberta Cup if he is planning to go to the NCAA? It's pretty much a WHL camp, do any guys ever tryout and play in this tournament but then choose to go the college route? I haven't followed it much before until this month.

IMO if he's considering going NCAA, this camp would be great exposure for Team AB consideration. If he plays Midget or AJHL next year, he can still be evaluated, based on this camp amongst his peer group. And i don't think anyone, given the opportunity would turn down the AB cup.

I was stand behind some (about 8) scouts from Portland during the 2 Friday morning games and saw that they had Duke rated as their top AB player.

[grainbear]

I have not agreed with every comment you have made this year. But, I certainly agree on your evaluations at the rink last week , I do want to complement the Hurricane scouts and management . I think and perhaps because it was in our own town I saw everyone there from directors, business managers ,coaches and scouts there on every day for long hours, To me is was also interested to see which teams were not there for the same time frames and will look based our evaluations to see how we match up and how the scouts who did make the same commitments perform in a couple of years when these youngsters chosen show up in the WHL . Looks like there is also talent showing up in California this weekend as well. Are we going to take the chance of recruiting these players or are we going to go the safe way and let the US teams feast on this young talent as well? Also wondering what Robinson's son will find in Minnesota where he is scouting for us as well ? Looking forward to the draft and what changes we will see in personal come this fall !

[Bocephus]

Well it sounds like I may have an eye for evaluation.
Sadly, I can't be a scout since I'm not over 50 years old and 100 pounds overweight! :)
I wondered why there were so many MLB umpires at Nicholas Sheran until I realized they were scouts.

[Bocephus]

The more I think of this kid the more a comparison to Colten Yellow Horn comes to mind.
Poor skater, slow, appears uninterested, not really physical, not very tall compared to his peers...but...he has great hands, accurate shot, can handle the puck in a tight areas, deliberate puck handler, recognizes goal scoring areas...I just don't know about him. He's an elite scorer so he can't be as bad as I thought he was could he?
He seems like a boom or bust type talent. I'm sure many of us wondered how Yellow Horn got it done at times. I know I did.
Anyone else have this guy pegged? I'd love to know your thoughts.

[Stuck in the Penalty Box]

Tyler does have an upside to his game, and that is his offensive skills. In talking with the Hurricane Brass at one time during the AB Cup, they do seem to like him, but figure he might be a later round pick. As for the States they do have their eye on a couple of players. Nothing wrong with taking someone from the States. Emerson Etem certainly was a find for the Tigers. Besides, I would rather take an American (that has been scouted), in the draft that can play the North American game, speak English, rather than a Euro who at best is a hope and prayer pick and costs the club money. Kootenay and Tri-Cities have both gone the non-Euro route and they are very successful.
:groovy:
Chow for now!

[Bocephus]

Did you really just say 'chow for now' when discussing Tyler WONG? That's sort of like saying 'see ya later' to Stevie Wonder.
:)

[Hockey Spy]

www.westernelitehockeyprospects.blogspot.com

Go here if you want anything bantam related...blog and newsletter which ranks the top 200 for 96 born and the top 75 for 97 born and interviews in each issue. Out every 2 weeks.

[Bocephus]

Hurricanes trade one of (Ryckman, Johnston, Kiziuk, Oslansk), the 26th, and the 29th to either Kamloops, Everett or Seattle for another top 7 pick in the draft. Maybe even two of those guys and just one pick.
I think that 4 19's on D is an issue going forward.

[Bocephus]

www.westernelitehockeyprospects.blogspot.com

Go here if you want anything bantam related...blog and newsletter which ranks the top 200 for 96 born and the top 75 for 97 born and interviews in each issue. Out every 2 weeks.
I don't think I would support this as my spidey senses tells me its got Pirate's(from the white board) finger prints all over it. The Guy leaves a bad taste in my mouth just from his posts on that message board.

[Stuck in the Penalty Box]

Looking at the "d" for the Hurricanes, you are right Bocephus (geesh did I say you were right?):D Having 4-19 year olds going into another rebuilding year (7-8 or more new faces), I think Preston will have to reduce that number in order to balance the OA picture for the 2012-2013 season. Also he needs to make room for the younger d-men that will make this team. Of the 4 you mentioned, I for sure would keep Johnson as he has improved, gotten tougher to play against and when allowed to use it, has a great shot from the point. Preston is pretty well stuck on Ryckman (Lord only knows why), which means you could move Kiziuk and Oslanski. That would give him 2 potential OA d-men to choose from in the following season.

Good on Kootenay Ice for sweeping the Blades and the Tigers (got to love that one). But what surprises me is their home attendance. the Rec Plex holds 4200, for game 3 of the Hat series they had 2900 and for game 4 they had 3400. That must drive Jeff Chynoweth nuts. (maybe a move to Chilliwack)..but better still. Sell the Ice to Chilliwack, and then buy the Hurricanes. Then we will eventually have a year to year competitive team.

yeehoo

Chow for Now!

[Hockey Spy]

I don't think it would be a good idea to trade all that for another pick in the top 7. The players you can get with your 26 and 29 overall picks are very similar to some of the players you can get at that high. There is a bit of a drop off after the top 7 or so in the draft and the talent is pretty steady to around the 35th overall pick.

Martin - Calgary
Pilon - SC
Virtanen - Lethbridge
Gropp - Kamloops
Thomson - Lethbridge

There is a rumour that Lethbridge wants to try to trade up to the #1 overall pick and take Martin. If that happens then this gets blown out the window but barring trade, this is the likely scenario.

[canes77]

Looking at the "d" for the Hurricanes, you are right Bocephus (geesh did I say you were right?):D Having 4-19 year olds going into another rebuilding year (7-8 or more new faces), I think Preston will have to reduce that number in order to balance the OA picture for the 2012-2013 season. Also he needs to make room for the younger d-men that will make this team. Of the 4 you mentioned, I for sure would keep Johnson as he has improved, gotten tougher to play against and when allowed to use it, has a great shot from the point. Preston is pretty well stuck on Ryckman (Lord only knows why), which means you could move Kiziuk and Oslanski. That would give him 2 potential OA d-men to choose from in the following season.

Good on Kootenay Ice for sweeping the Blades and the Tigers (got to love that one). But what surprises me is their home attendance. the Rec Plex holds 4200, for game 3 of the Hat series they had 2900 and for game 4 they had 3400. That must drive Jeff Chynoweth nuts. (maybe a move to Chilliwack)..but better still. Sell the Ice to Chilliwack, and then buy the Hurricanes. Then we will eventually have a year to year competitive team.

yeehoo

Chow for Now!

Ya I cant see them keeping 4 19 yr old D-men either... although Preston seems to usually do things I dont understand...

So with these 11 guys that I know of... 2 or 3 likely wont make the club next year... LD: Ryckman, Jackson, Machacek, Henry, Hak, Topping, and RD: Johnson, Oslanski, Kiziuk, Hulit, and Erkamps... I believe either a) Preston will send both 16 yr olds back to Midget, or b) Preston will do the smart thing and get rid of 2-3 of the 19/20 yr olds (including Machacek)

As for Jeff Chynoweth buying the Canes, thats interesting since I believe his son played bantam AAA and midget here the last couple years, right? And rather than the Ice going to Chilliwack, why not send the Canes there and then bring the Ice to southern Alberta?! :)

I also noticed the Ice had terrible attendance for game 3 as well in Cranbrook, I was shocked before I realized that the Canucks game was on at the same time... too bad the Ice couldnt have rescheduled.

[Stuck in the Penalty Box]

This league is supposed to be about development. Something Preston has not done much of with his players. He will only be able to play so many 16yr olds (Merkey should be one for sure). Topping and Erkramps will likely be part of the young group on the blue line. I doubt that Mahachek will be back as an overage. For a couple of reasons. Preston needs to get the young blueliners into the lineup and play them regularly as they will be the future of the blue line. Secondly, if the Hurricanes get Sutter, Braes and Fyten back that will seal the fate of Mahachek.

As for the attendance at the last game of the Ice-Tgers series, with the Canucks on tv that night it certainly would have some impact, but.....attendance in Cranbrook all season long has been a problem. Hurricanes to Chilliwack---Kootenay to Lethbridge? Sounds good, but I would like to see someone come in (like Chynoweth) who will take this franchise and rebuild it into what it should be. Plus it would be easier for the league to handle rather than two shuffles.

Quite frankly as I have said before, if the day ever comes that the Hurricane franchise can be sold........I think it would be in the best interests of the franchise that it be sold to non-local owners. Loyalties in this city divide the hockey community time and time again. As we have all seen.

:deadhorse:

Chow for Now!

[ZAMBONI-PHONEY]

Quite frankly as I have said before, if the day ever comes that the Hurricane franchise can be sold........I think it would be in the best interests of the franchise that it be sold to non-local owners. Loyalties in this city divide the hockey community time and time again. As we have all seen.

Can you just imagine the screams of rebellion if the Hurricanes were sold to Sakamoto and a certain Sutter. Get your earmuffs!:paperbag:

[canes watcher]

What do you think the value is on a team thats lost half a mill in two season? Thats far less than the ice have lost

[2speak4all]

Of the 4 you mentioned, I for sure would keep Johnson as he has improved, gotten tougher to play against and when allowed to use it, has a great shot from the point. Preston is pretty well stuck on Ryckman (Lord only knows why), which means you could move Kiziuk and Oslanski.

I don't know why you don't see Ryckman as value? Maybe I am missing something, but I thought he had a decent year. Preston took what he wanted from Trader Roy's day and sent the rest moving. Johnson and Oslanski are from Preston trades and Ryckman is from Trader Roy's era. He hasn't kept too many of Roy's picks other than the forwards, Braes, Fyten, Sutter, Ross. Tot, Tarnasky, Moser, Reners were all draft picks from Roy's days here too. Reners is gone and I cant see him keeping many of the rest as he will be stuck with a few too many 19 year olds.


Ya I cant see them keeping 4 19 yr old D-men either... although Preston seems to usually do things I dont understand...

So with these 11 guys that I know of... 2 or 3 likely wont make the club next year... LD: Ryckman, Jackson, Machacek, Henry, Hak, Topping, and RD: Johnson, Oslanski, Kiziuk, Hulit, and Erkamps... I believe either a) Preston will send both 16 yr olds back to Midget, or b) Preston will do the smart thing and get rid of 2-3 of the 19/20 yr olds (including Machacek)


IMO, Hak, Topping wont be here. They will play Midget AAA. I see Machacek gone as a 20 year old; Oslanski, Kisiuk, gone to cut numbers as 19 years olds and I don't think Hulit will be here either . I think Henry will have a spot on the roster and Erkamps. As for Johnson, Ryckman and Jackson they could balance out the old on the blue line. I think the max defenceman he will keep is 7. IMO; RD: Johnson, Erkamps and 1 more LD: Ryckman, Jackson, Henry. and leave the 7th spot as a toss up between LD or RD. I'm guessing a trade for a sniper on PP.

:spineyes::spineyes:

[ZAMBONI-PHONEY]

What do you think the value is on a team thats lost half a mill in two season? Thats far less than the ice have lost

The cost of the last expansion franchise (in otherwords starting from nothing) I believe was 7 million. So, with basically a new building, and what appears to be a good young team in the making, I would imagine that the team would be worth at least 7 million on the market. The club has lost that amount due to a very poor on-ice product and the on-going construction at the Enmax. An aggressive owner or ownership group would certainly put the franchise back into the black. As for the money lost over the last couple of seasons, they do have the money to cover it. Trouble is, selling this team could be a legal mess because of the way the team was funded when they started. I am not sure of the details but everytime the suggestion comes up to sell the team, word is they can't. If the day ever comes, the WHL might step in and tell the shareholders that the club must be sold, then those details could be overcome. Would the league ever do that? I would not discount it, afterall look at what they did to Chilliwack.

[Brandon]

I don't think I would support this as my spidey senses tells me its got Pirate's(from the white board) finger prints all over it. The Guy leaves a bad taste in my mouth just from his posts on that message board.


Alberta Cup thoughts:Disclaimer (I don't claim to be a scout)
Brycen Martin-reminds me of Jay Bouwmeester. An absolute difference maker. Tall, great skater, offensive imagination, with some nastiness.
Reid Duke-alot like Carter Ashton in many ways. Competive, skilled, big, and shows he wants to win.
Tanner Mcmaster-smooth offensive player. A bit undersized but that shouldn't hold him back.
Brayden Point-made me think of Brendan Gallagher. Small with plenty of skill, heart and unafraid of anything.
Conner Blaeckly-made me think of Dwight King. Kind of that big, skilled, secondary type point producer.
Cavin Leth-much like Dwight King again but a tier lower than Blaeckly.
Gonek- a big skilled Dman that is in a tier lower than Martin.
Ty Mappin- fast and skilled with a real offensive mind. A real pure offense guy!
Blake Penner-my favorite player I saw besides Martin. A winner/assasin. He showed he could play small and big. Slips through tight areas and also could initiate contact. Skilled and really confident look about him.
Tyler Wong-really don't get how this guy produces. He's slow, seems uninterested and never initiated contact yet at the end of the game he has 2 or 3 points. I just don't buy what he's selling.
Riley Simpson-Captian of the Bruins team. Absolutely loved him. He doesn't dazzle you but he gets it done. I could see this guy being a captian on a winning team. He has so many intangibles.
John Quenville-big, skilled, offensive. Liked him but not completely sold on him.
Evan Polei- another player I felt was under the radar but I would put him high in the rankings. I think this kid has a real high ceiling.
Mackenzie Bauer-far less than I had hoped. He really was invisible at times
Kyle Pauls- felt the same about him as I did with Bauer. I'd hoped for so much more.
Jake Dube- a real solid guy. In that second tier with Gonek.
Derek Mazil- really was left dissapointed with him. I was really looking forward to seeing him donminate but it seemed like weak goal after weak goal for a poor team.
Ben Thomas- second teir Dman again but behind Gonek and Dube. Many scouts drooled over him. I didn't get it.
Sam Young- captian of the Northstars. Liked a lot about him. Seemed to not have that Wow factor though. Similar to Simpson but just not at Simpson's level. Saw some Carter Bancks in him.
Jonny Hogue-kid was a showstopper puckstopper. Had a great tourney.
Anyway, just some scattered opinions. So many great young players.
Top 7,in Alberta
Martin
Penner
Duke
Simpson
Mappin
Blaeckly
Polei
MacMaster and Point are very good but how they do at the next level being smaller will be interesting to see.
Okay, now I'm done. Haha

Bocephus - I agree. There are a lot of these sites that smell fishy. I don't think this one is as bad as one notorious site that ends in news but lets face it these sites pop up all over the place with no checks or balances.

As for the AB Cup scouting report, that is outstanding. I like lots of what you say. Will add the odd thought, to hopefully help. I saw a lot of these kids during the season specifically in the south of Alberta.

Agree - Penner was awesome and fun to watch he can do everything it seems and I think he is going to be a fun player to watch at the next level.

MacMaster - His brother morphed into an okay sized power forward type player and I think that Tanner has the potential to do the same but he is much more dynamic. Saw things in the tournament I hadn't seen from him so consistently in the regular season. I really like that he has a very nasty edge, he plays tough and he doesn't back down as far as I have seen. I have been somewhat critical of his ice vision but he is still an elite prospect.

Point -I know there are size concerns and had echoed those in the past but one scout from an eastern conference team said to me "look at his frame and how big his feet are, there is potential for him to grow." Not that he will get big but he may be a little more close to average height and size then the tiny player we see now. Lets face it, he has the best ice vision in Alberta, he sees things that no one else does. Even if he stays small he could have a very Brandon Kozun-esque type WHL career.

Gora - Goalie with the NW team, I just loved his game. This was my first viewing and I thought he was so technically strong. He made his job look easy and utilized his size well. He may have moved to the top of my goalie list he is in the group of 3 I think could be real difference makers (Papirny and a goalie I will talk more about).

Ben Thomas - The reasons scouts drool - This kid has the potential to be almost as good as Martin right no (and Martin is the best Dman and for my money the top prospect in Alberta). Thomas has really good vision, makes great escape maneuvers, can set the pace with his control, has great size, handles the puck pretty well and he has a rocket of a slap shot. I venture to guess Thomas shoots as hard as anyone else there and probably significantly harder than almost everyone. The problem. Two things. 1) Is he mean or nasty? 2) How do you get this kid to compete at his highest level? if you can figure out the answer to number 2 you have a prospect who is at the top of the draft table. This kid is not overrated by those scouts his potential is huge.

Derek Mazil - I know that people weren't overly happy with his tournament but I am going to still pump his tires. Prior to AB Cup he hadn't played a game in the month, sure they are all on the ice but no meaningful games for over a month is too much. He is great. Makes the job look easy plays the puck well (sometimes a little too much), and doesn't get lost in long slumps. If he has an off night he returns the next game with a solid effort. That happened in AB Cup between the blow out game and his next game. In one playoff game he stopped 72 shots in a triple overtime game, many of those saves of the spectacular made easy variety. This kid will be a kid people say I can't believe we got him in round X behind goalies like XXXX and XXXX. He has some real potential and I don't think scouts worried too much about the AB Cup the kid is for real.

Anyways my thoughts. This is a fun topic. Also the idea of moving up the draft I would say wouldn't be worth it. In many years it may be worth it for lethbridge to grab another high position but the truth is this draft doesn't have a lot of separation in the first couple of rounds. No superstars but some really good talent through that first 1 or 2 rounds for sure maybe 3 rounds. You are just as likely to get a great player at 26 as you are 14 and 43.

[Stuck in the Penalty Box]

The other thing that could come into play for the Hurricane Brass is what they do in the Euro Draft. I highly doubt that Kuvaev will be back. The Hurricanes pick 13th (based on the 60 CHL teams point standings-wins in case of a tie). That means they are picking from the top 22% of Euro players. Unless there is another Luca Sbisa hiding in the Alps, one would think that they would add a young (17-18) speedy sniper. Unless they get an offer from one of the WHL teams who pick further down the list, that would give the Hurricanes something of equal value in return. They also might decide that they do not want any Euros (like Koot/TC) and add another Cdn/US player.

As for the Alberta Cup....IMO....The player that the Hurricanes do have a chance to get Reid Duke stood out as the best forward, Mappin was not far behind.

Chow for Now! Boogaard'd

[Bocephus]

Preston, don't accept McCrimmon's phone calls. He'll eat you alive. :)
Regina on the other hand? Buy them dinner.

[Brandon]

I think if they take Reid Duke at 3 they won't be hurting themselves but I am not so sure that in all of western Canada there isn't better choices. Maybe a player like Virtanen falls there and from what I hear he is the forward to take. Last year they took D at 2, 9 and 11 rounds wise. This year the draft has some pretty solid D at the upper end that are getting talk. Maybe lethbridge uses this first pick to grab a D man instead. Forward wise this draft isn't full of top end talent but it has lots of depth and you can get a good forward at 5 or later. Heck there is a good chance Duke could be available at 5. I don't think Mappin is anywhere near the players that guys like Point or MacMaster will be. Also I actually thought Mappin was a little shy on foot speed didn't see him pull away from anyone but I saw him get caught a number of times. I like Mappin he is a good player but he overhandled the buck at AB Cup and I was not as impressed. I would grab him in the first but I would think that he would be in the back half (of course that said without seeing anyone from BC, Sask, or Manitoba.)

[Bocephus]

What's everyone's thoughts? Canes take two forwards with the two top picks or two D? Or a mix?
I'll make this prediction. A defenseman with the third and a forward with the fifth.
I would put money on Calgary taking a big defenseman with the #1 pick. Then Speedy Creek takes Virtanen. Then the Canes take Pilon or Martin whichever one Calgary passes on. I suspect Pilon and Duke to the Canes.

[Brandon]

What's everyone's thoughts? Canes take two forwards with the two top picks or two D? Or a mix?
I'll make this prediction. A defenseman with the third and a forward with the fifth.
I would put money on Calgary taking a big defenseman with the #1 pick. Then Speedy Creek takes Virtanen. Then the Canes take Pilon or Martin whichever one Calgary passes on. I suspect Pilon and Duke to the Canes.
I think you are right. Calgary needs the D badly. They take Martin he is local so that gives him a head start on Pilon. Virtanen has got enough play he should go #2 to the creek but even if they take a Dman I still think Lethbridge goes D and then F. They got a nice pick with Merkley last year and unless they love Virtanen I still think they take a D man at 3. You can still get a solid forward at 5 and even in the early second. I have to think their list could use some defensive prospects at the top.

[Bocephus]

If I was the canes leader I would want Martin. Since I doubt Calgary trades with the canes does this option exist? Virtanen to Calgary and then the canes move up to second to get Martin and speedy takes pilon third? We've seen draft day top picks traded. Ross, Portland and Howden MJ a few years ago.

[Brandon]

If I was the canes leader I would want Martin. Since I doubt Calgary trades with the canes does this option exist? Virtanen to Calgary and then the canes move up to second to get Martin and speedy takes pilon third? We've seen draft day top picks traded. Ross, Portland and Howden MJ a few years ago.
I don't think Calgary will miss on Martin. They really need the D to fill out the list. From what I have seen there is some solid forwards coming. Guys like Calladine, Chase and maybe Calder Brooks. Mack Shields is the guy between the pipes but they don't have a sure thing on the blueline. If they could talk Thompson off the USNDTP maybe they could afford to take Virtanen at 1 but then aren't they just as likely to grab Duke? Those top couple D seem very important to a team needing someone to shore up a good team for 3 years out (next year will be tough still, the year following hopefully a bit better). If they miss Martin at 1 there is no way the Swift would pass him too is there? I think you are hoping for Pilon and a solid forward at 5.

[Bocephus]

Certainly can't see Calgary passing on Martin. Just look at their past. All anchored by that D. Alzner, Shultz, Postma, Plante...

[Brandon]

Certainly can't see Calgary passing on Martin. Just look at their past. All anchored by that D. Alzner, Shultz, Postma, Plante...
Add to that an organizational attachment to Martin's organization. Wilson, Foucault, Kosterman, Schultzs, Trzonkowski, Nathan MacMaster and more who played their quadrant hockey in Calgary's SE. That team also has turned out some ok players of late Merkley and Klimchuk, last year with Tanner MacMaster, Brayden Point and Brycen Martin leading this years class.

[Bocephus]

So if all goes to plan at 4 do the Blazers go hometown and take Gropp or Hicketts?

[Brandon]

Not really knowing anything about the Blazers and seeing as they drafted evenly early last year I would say they go with Hicketts. Big dman, probably a bit harder to come by then a forward. Gropp sounds like a good deal but I think the first few rounds are deep in forwards at this draft. The question is do they take one of these kids and pass on non homegrown talent that may be better?

[Bocephus]

If the draft is so forward heavy then perhaps the canes take two D men early? It certainly interesting. Under a week away now.

[Brandon]

If the draft is so forward heavy then perhaps the canes take two D men early? It certainly interesting. Under a week away now.
Not going to lie I made sure I would be busy alone in my office for that day so I can work on stuff and keep up with the draft. Maybe they do take 2D but do you really want to pass up a chance to grab one of those potential big point getters in the top 10 when you have the wonderful luxury of two picks. You pick well you grab a real cornerstone for the club. 1 D and 1 F to build around. Lethbridge could really make a solid team on this. I am not a Canes fan first but they are my second team and I sure wouldn't mind them picking up. Maybe a memorial cup bid for 2013?

[Bocephus]

The canes sure haven't been the Hitmen or Rockets when it comes to producing D men. I think Seabrook and Sbisa are the only notables in the past decade or more. I really believe that's where their lack of success can be traced too.

[grainbear]

I honestly would not be sure, that we take a dman in the first two picks, When I look at what the canes have coming for younger d-men from the previous 2 years drafts , we really can afford to wait until the second round. However, having said that they are going to pick the best player there with those first 2 picks as to what position they play that is immaterial. Once you get past the first three rounds you can then fine tune your lineup for depth at positions. Look at last year Remi Laurencelle the greatest steal in the whole draft in the 8th round. .Who ever would think that a 8th rounder would make Team Manitoba and look as good as he did,

[Hockey Spy]

How does Virtanen and Jordan Thomson sound for you guys?

I've heard you guys may trade to get the #1 overall pick as well.

[grainbear]

With this strong draft we do not need to give away futures for first in this draft. Since there is no obvious first overall choice nothing is gained.

[Stuck in the Penalty Box]

The Hurricanes are in a good enough position with their 3rd and 5th picks in the first round. With 3 or 4 top d-men in the west and a lot of high quality forwards, they do not need to move up to #1. I think if the cards fall the right way, Calgary takes Martin, SC take Virtanen, Hurricanes take either Pilon/Duke, Kamloops takes their local product and the Hurricanes take either Pilon/Duke.

When it comes to the Euro draft, the Hurricanes pick 13th out of the 60 CHL teams. The could end up with a top Euro or they may deal that pick so they can fill the Euro spots with another CDN or US player. Kootenay and TC both play without Euros. With it getting to be more expensive to bring/return Euros here and pay their hockey federations and not knowing exactly what you are getting, I can see the Hurricanes going without a Euro, as other teams may as well.

:hmmm:

[Bocephus]

Well, if the issue with getting the imports is money and redtape then I wouldn't be opposed to trading the high import pick for an acceptable asset. But, if the issue with imports is the Hurricanes brass' inability to manage and develop an import then that would be pretty sad.
That high pick better be viewed as an asset.
Anyone interested in traveling to Cranbrook for a finals game? I am really hoping for a Spoke/Koot final just for the geographical rivalry.

[grainbear]

Well, here is how I read the draft. I think Calgary will take Martin first because they need dmen down the road and always want the qback on the backend. I then think Jake Virtanen will go second and see Lethbridge taking Ty Mappin with the third pick , not being able to read the choice for 4th , I think we will take either Gardnier, Duke Thompson or Pilon depending which are left after the 4th previous picks. Most likely in that order.Can hardly wait to see what develops.

[Bocephus]

That's bold grainbear. I haven't seen Mappin ranked that high anywhere? Do you think the brass are that high on him?

[Stuck in the Penalty Box]

Well, here is how I read the draft. I think Calgary will take Martin first because they need dmen down the road and always want the qback on the backend. I then think Jake Virtanen will go second and see Lethbridge taking Ty Mappin with the third pick , not being able to read the choice for 4th , I think we will take either Gardnier, Duke Thompson or Pilon depending which are left after the 4th previous picks. Most likely in that order.Can hardly wait to see what develops.

Grainbear, I think you are right with your first two picks, however I will toss this out, if the third pick leaves the Hurricanes with a choice of Pilon, Duke and Mappin, I think they will take Pilon first leaving Kamloops to take Hicketts (home boy)and that will leave the Hurricanes the choice of Duke or Mappin.
Having watched a lot of the Alberta Cup, Mappin certainly has the offensive skills, but Duke does as well, and seems to control the play (power forward) more so than Mappin.

As for the Euro situation, IMO it is more of a case of economics and not knowing what you are getting, rather than a case of mismanagement.

Chow for Now :confused:

[ZAMBONI-PHONEY]

No matter who the Hurricanes select, they will get 4 top players out of those available in Thursday's Draft. WEHP has a list of the top 15 d-men, 15 fwds and 10 goaltenders on Drinnan's blog. So with the possibility of one or two teams taking a goaltender in the first 29 selections (not including any Americans) the Hurricanes should end up with 4 excellent prospects.

I too can see them ending up with Pilon and Duke. However, the wild card could be SC. (I have no clue on their d-men depth) but if they are needing a blueliner they could take Pilon which would leave Virtanen there for the Canes. Kamloops will likely take one of their hometown boys (Hickett or Gropp)
which means the Hurricanes can take Thomson (d) or Gonek (d) or Duke (f).

It should prove to be a very interesting.....Thursday May 5th.

Hit the road Jack!:bowdown:

[Brandon]

I can't see them taking Mappin ahead of Duke I think it would be a mistake. I think, if Pilon is available, they grab him at 3, hard to pass up top 10 D talent and really this is a draft deep in forwards it would appear. Then they grab Duke or a forward from outside of Alberta. Duke came a long way over the season and made his game a 2 way serious threat. He has a quick first step and can be a physical presence when he chooses to be. I would take what you saw at the AB Cup with only so much value. The scouts I had the pleasure of talking to there said they only read a little bit into it. You can move up a small bit, you may move down a small bit more but really it just is the last chance to shore up the list of prospects you are viewing. If you felt Mappin was better than Duke at AB Cup that is fine, but I think over the seasons full body of work, Duke is the better player.

Each team of course has its own ratings and scouting views, and I can honestly say I never talked to anyone near Lethbridge about what they were seeing so I don't really know there headspace.

I would be shocked if they moved up to number 1 in this draft. Its not worth it, no one is that much further above everyone else that it would be worth a couple of spots. Than again having had a small window to see pir....er....hockey spy's scouting list maybe its more the hope of that poster to hit the lottery, have it happen, and try and add some much needed credibility to his posts.

I have had some fun chatting with this group the past few days. Fun to speculate, especially since I have no insider knowledge and am just guessing from what I have seen. Thanks for the back and forth and I hope we can have some more discussions on thursday. I will certainly be watching very closely.

[shushu]

is taking forever to get here.............greg dinnan posted this list of the draft if anyone want to look........
1. D Ryan Pilon, Warman SK, 6-1.5, 170
2. D Brycen Martin, Calgary Bisons, 6-0, 155
3. LW Jake Virtanen, Abbotsford BC, 5-11, 164
4. F Ryan Gropp, Kamloops, 6-0, 146
5. F Reid Duke, Calgary Royals, 5-10, 160
6. D Jordan Thomson, Southwest Cougars MB (midget AAA), 6-0, 167
7. C Reid Gardiner, Humboldt SK, 5-11, 162
8. F Ty Mappin, Red Deer Rebels White, 5-10, 154
9. F Conner Bleackley, Okotoks AB, 5-11, 170
10. F Mile Warkentine, Prince Albert, 6-0, 165
11. D Zach Gonek, St. Alberta AB, 6-1, 185
12. D Aaron Irving, Southside Athletic Club, Edmonton, 6-0, 165
13. F Tanner Macmaster, Calgary Bisons, 5-8, 135
14. F John Quennville, Southside Athletic Club, Edmonton, 6-0, 180
15. F Rourke Chartier, Saskatoon Stallions, 5-7, 140
16. D Joe Hicketts, Kamloops, 5-6, 169
17. F Adam Brooks, Winnipeg Hawks, 5-9, 153
18. C Kolten Olynek, Saskatoon Outlaws, 5-7, 150
19. D Haydn Fleury, Notre Dame, 6-1, 175
20. D Jordan Harris, Prince Albert, 6-1, 170
21. C Collin Shirley, Saskatoon Bandits, 5-11, 150
22. D Riley Stadel, Cloverdale BC, 5-10, 158
23. D Zach Patterson, Southside Athletic Club, Edmonton, 5-9.5, 153
24. D Josh Thrower, Pursuit of Excellence, 5-11, 172
25. F Rhett Gardner, Moose Jaw, 6-1, 175
26. F Blake Penner, Notre Dame, 5-8.5, 153
27. F Brayden Point, Calgary Bisons, 5-3, 130
28. D Brandon Hickey, Leduc AB, 5-11, 150
29. F Braden Oleksyn, Beardy’s SK (midget AAA), 5-10, 180
30. D Griffin Mumby, Calgary Bronks, 5-11, 166

i only posted the top 30 because of the canes top 4 picks..........sure would be nice to get pilon and maybe duke......or Virtanen and Thomson....time will tell................

[ZAMBONI-PHONEY]

Alright guys....time to step up to the plate and take a swing at the
first 5 draft picks.
1. Calgary-Martin (D)
2. SC-Virtanen (F) ***this is the only one that could change things.
3. Leth-Pilon (D)
4. Kam-Gropp (F)
5. Leth-Duke (F)

Hit the Road Jack! :bowdown:

[shushu]

Alright guys....time to step up to the plate and take a swing at the
first 5 draft picks.
1. Calgary-Martin (D)
2. SC-Virtanen (F) ***this is the only one that could change things.
3. Leth-Pilon (D)
4. Kam-Gropp (F)
5. Leth-Duke (F)

Hit the Road Jack! :bowdown:

and that could leave us with virtanen and maybe thomson or duke..but the way preston stock piles dman you can bet he will snatch up the first one that comes his way..i say go 4 the top 2 forward and fill in your dman with the 3rd and 4th pick, ..... im gonna say we get pilon and duke, .................ps.......it wouldn't be the first time that the draft goes completely differant from what the ranking say.................also, you have to wonder about tri in all of this not having ANY picks in the first 3 round in a very deep draft year would put afire under
any gm's ass to get something done.....and we are top heavy with draft picks...................

[Brandon]

1. Cal - Martin
2. SC - Virtanen
3. Leth - Pilon
4. Loops - Hicketts
5. Leth - Duke

I looked at Alan's blog and list of prospects and if I am SC I think I have some ok d prospects ready to take a look at the team next year, I don't think I pass on Virtanen's talent. I grab him and then grab a D at 13 if I am them. Could have sworn I already replied to this post but I have worked a lot in the past few days so maybe I am nuts.

[Bocephus]

Duke,
Pilon,
Martin,
Virtanen,
Mappin.
Then the canes pick up Penner and Leth in the second round.
I'm really hoping the get their hands on Polei.

[Brandon]

Duke,
Pilon,
Martin,
Virtanen,
Mappin.
Then the canes pick up Penner and Leth in the second round.
I'm really hoping the get their hands on Polei.

I liked that Polei kid in the AB Cup he seems like he could develop into a good one.

[shushu]

WEHP mock draft
In advance of Thursday’s WHL bantam draft, Tyler Neisz of Western Elite Hockey Prospects has shared with us the mock draft held by WEHP.
Here, then, is how it went . . .
1. Calgary — D Brycen Moen, Calgary Bisons
2. Swift Current — D Ryan Pilon, Warman SK
3. Lethbridge — F Jake Virtanen, Abbotsford Hawks
4. Kamloops — F Ryan Gropp, Kamloops Jardine’s Blazers
5. Lethbridge — D Jordan Thomson, SouthWest Cougars MB
6. Seattle — F Reid Duke, Calgary Royals
7. Everett — F Ty Mappin, Red Deer Rebels White
8. Prince Albert — F Reid Gardiner, Humboldt Broncos
9. Edmonton — D Zach Gonek, St. Albert AB
10. Prince George — FMiles Warkentine, Prince Albert Pirates

jesus how sweet would this be if it became true..i seen virtanen on youtube a while back and this kid is amazing.......here's hoping............:thumb:

[HURRICANE'S ROCK]

the Hurricane's picks as I am. Since we took a forward (Merkley) with the number 3 pick last year, I am certain we will take a D-man and a forward with our top 2 picks this year. I would think Preston and Co. are hoping that 1 of the top 2 Dman is available at the #3 spot. It sounds like other than Virtanen, there are 3 or 4 forwards that are pretty much equal to take at the #5 spot. But premier defensman are harder to come by.
Those top 2 picks are critical to the Canes future but they are so high you can almost not miss on them. What will be interesting to see in 2 or 3 years is how good are the #26 and #29 picks. Those 2 picks can make or break the Canes. If the Canes nail these 4 picks tomorrow, we will be in for some great hockey for many years to come. Safe to say the draft picks Preston takes tomorrow are crucial to the Canes future.

[Bocephus]

What time does this draft start?

[Brandon]

830am. Hope you got it tuned in lots to talk to you guys about in the first couple of rounds.

[Brandon]

Pilon first. As everyone seemed to think. D first, excited to see who they grab at 5

[Brandon]

look at the top 5 goes to show what I know. lol

[metalrules]

Anyone else having trouble bringing up the webcast on their computers?

[Brandon]

Lethbridge grabs Duke. I like this pick this kid has an interesting potential. Good size right now he is quick and can produce. He isn't scared of a tough game. He could turn into a very big scoring threat.

[Bocephus]

Didn't take long for a surprise. Calgary doesn't take the hometown boy. Swift must have been smiling. First two are can't miss so should be no regrets in the future. Pilon and Duke are a good start. I'm at work and following it on Small Thoughts at Large. Is their a better way to follow?

[Brandon]

The are webcasting the first round. I am following that at work. Alan is just as fast as the WHL site is and he has more info usually

[Bocephus]

Irving just went before Gonek! I didn't see that coming.

[Brandon]

I like this pick by Moose Jaw, Point will be a star and may make a few teams sorry the let him slide past.

[Bocephus]

Swift fans must be pretty happy. Two stud D going forward in Martin and Gonek.

[Brandon]

You guys who saw AB Cup... Like the med hat pick. I sure do I like this Penner kid. Just a true player and competitor.

[Bocephus]

MH picked Penner? Boc is headed to the High Level Bridge. I'm so sad and miserable now.

[ZAMBONI-PHONEY]

Well I only got two right in the first 5 picks...both the Hurricanes. I was surprised too that Calgary did not take Martin.

I took in a lot of the Alberta Cup games and the fwd that stood out the most was Reid Duke. Lot of good Alberta players left for the second round.

I know they like Wong but he will likely go later. Wonder if they go after the
kid from LA with their 29th pick overall.

Hit the Road Jack:bowdown:

[Bocephus]

Psst, Forchuk would be a nice choice in the later rounds. Nice complimentary type player down the road. Think Tyler Johnson. Small, speedy, all around game.

[Brandon]

Well I only got two right in the first 5 picks...both the Hurricanes. I was surprised too that Calgary did not take Martin.

I took in a lot of the Alberta Cup games and the fwd that stood out the most was Reid Duke. Lot of good Alberta players left for the second round.

I know they like Wong but he will likely go later. Wonder if they go after the
kid from LA with their 29th pick overall.

Hit the Road Jack:bowdown:


Would be suprised if Leth went this early (I assume you are talking about him, played AAA in Lethbridge this year from Taber I think). I like Leth tons but I wonder if he isn't a little bit later down the draft table. He is quick, incredibly fast.

[Brandon]

Kolton Olynek is your second.

[Bocephus]

<3 pick 26!

[Brandon]

There goees Leth to swift.

[Bocephus]

Who's the winger taken with pick29? I've never heard any talk on him. Hoping that Robson knows what he's doing.

[Bocephus]

Couple thoughts: kelly mac obviously liked what he saw at the AB Cup. Two players from the games he was watching are now Wheat Kings. Also, Quenville went 54? That's way lower than projected.

[Brandon]

Tyler Wong in the 5th. Hey if he ever gets interested he has a pure scorers touch but all of my viewings of him were similar to the player who was in the alberta cup. Tons of talent but just seems bored and unwilling to compete at the level necessary to be as good as he can be.

[Bocephus]

Ugh. You are bang on B Randon. I suspect the canes are taking a flyer on the upside and not the downside since they have picks galore.

[ZAMBONI-PHONEY]

The Hurricanes were talking about Wong during the Alberta Cup. When I talked to BR he said that Wong could be one of those later round steals. They also have their eyes on a player from LA, maybe he is next.

Alberta Cup is a good showcase of talent. Just looking at the list of players
on the teams that played here. 12 were taken in the 1st round, 4 were taken in the 2nd round, 6 were taken in the 3rd round, 8 were taken in the 4th round and 3 were chosen in the 5th round.

So far after 5 rounds the winning team Calgary South Flames had the most selected (9) including 4 in the 1st round.

Hit the road Jack! :bowdown:

[Brandon]

The Hurricanes were talking about Wong during the Alberta Cup. When I talked to BR he said that Wong could be one of those later round steals. They also have their eyes on a player from LA, maybe he is next.

Alberta Cup is a good showcase of talent. Just looking at the list of players
on the teams that played here. 12 were taken in the 1st round, 4 were taken in the 2nd round, 6 were taken in the 3rd round, 8 were taken in the 4th round and 3 were chosen in the 5th round.

So far after 5 rounds the winning team Calgary South Flames had the most selected (9) including 4 in the 1st round.

Hit the road Jack! :bowdown:


Absolutely Wong could be a late round steal but he could be a total miss. I just wonder if he still had some sliding to do before. The kid has buckets of potential to play on I am just not sure I am sold on his will. That drive and determination can mean a lot but it can also mean jack. Hey Ryan Getzlaf was a late round pick up too.

Alberta really has stepped up its competitive level of late. Really producing a lot of great players and this year was a fantastic showcase all season. Some really great teams and great competition. That Calgary South team was like the dream team. All season teams in the South had nightmares of what would happen if the Royals and Bisons combined. I am glad I didn't have to try and line match that group. Interesting to me that a player like Josh McCulloh has slipped so far down. I think if you had the opportunity to see AMBHL games this year you really got a treat to some great talent. There are still some very good Alberta players on the outside looking in right now.

[HURRICANE'S ROCK]

Interesting thing about our 1st pick, Ryan Pilon, is that he is one of the youngest players chosen in the entire draft. He is a late birthday of Oct 10 1996. If you go to Alan Caldwell's blog he explains the significance of being a late birthdate player.

"Overall, 62% of draft picks were born in the first four months (33%) of the year 1996. You can see what a disadvantage the boys born in the last third of the year (10.3% of picks) had against the bigger, older boys from the early months. This happens every year" http://smallatlarge.blogspot.com/

Pilon is almost a full year younger than our 2nd pick, Reid Duke. At their age, one year can make a huge difference in the players physical and mental maturity. For Pilon to be that young and be taken that high shows what a huge upside this kid has. If he was born about 10 weeks later he would not even have been eligible for this draft.
If I have my facts correct, another positive to his late birthday is he will not be eligible for the NHL draft until 2015. All the other players the Canes chose will be eligible in the 2014 NHL draft. What this means is in all likelihood, Pilon will be here for an extra year. For example, RNH can be gone to the NHL after just 2 years in the league where Pilon will be here at least 3 years. Zach Boychuk was not drafted until he had played 3 fulls years for the Canes as he to had an October birthdate.

[grainbear]

We already know that we will for sure have room for 1 player and maybe 2 if our Russian player does not return? If you were the GM do we trade away that choice for a younger player or do we continue to look for a draft pick in the bantam draft for next year. Or perhaps bundle that choice with a player or players who we will most likely have to trade if we are going to create some space for the 1993,1994 or 1995 born players. Also what our your thoughts on Fyten,Braes,or Sutter are any of them going to so impress at NHL camps that they get sent to the AHL or ECHL for development rather then return to us ? Lets hear your reflections on these developments

[shushu]

We already know that we will for sure have room for 1 player and maybe 2 if our Russian player does not return? If you were the GM do we trade away that choice for a younger player or do we continue to look for a draft pick in the bantam draft for next year. Or perhaps bundle that choice with a player or players who we will most likely have to trade if we are going to create some space for the 1993,1994 or 1995 born players. Also what our your thoughts on Fyten,Braes,or Sutter are any of them going to so impress at NHL camps that they get sent to the AHL or ECHL for development rather then return to us ? Lets hear your reflections on these developments

bundle up the top import draft with as you say a player that will be on the way out of town for sure ( most likly a dman) and trade for a player that can help up front this coming year....as for our o/a players the only one that i could see staying in the big league would be sutter and that would be completely based on the name on his jersey, and nothing else.....personally i hope all 3 of our 20's return for their last year of jr...........ps.............it would be nice to see kuv come back and play if given the ice time he deserves, he is a big assest when he is on top of his game, but old rich seem to have it in 4 him so who knows......................

[Bocephus]

Pilon sounds even better, HR. Leverton is one prospect that intrigues me the most. Really looking forward to see how he develops. It's starting to hit home now how many top end players I won't see play 36 or more times a year. The Canes cupboard is starting to overflow. One more dreadful year and they will be the envy of the league for 4 or 5 years.

[grainbear]

This is looking at the current roster and drafted players, removed those traded and added those we have picked up. Interesting to see the results, it kind of shows how poorly we did when our formed gm was here before Preston and Robinson came on board,


1992 We look much better on d because of the changes made since the new g-man and Robinson came on board

the first number is the position drafted out of the total pool by that position.
D-Men
Pick Number: 17,19,38,42 out of 80 (first 3 are by trade)
Center;
47,55 out of 59
RW: 2,25 out of 33 (2 pick by trade)
LW: 7,24 out of 46
G: 5 th of 22

1993
D-Men: 12,22,30,67 out of 72
Center 8,46,59,60 out of 61
RW: 12 out of 37
LW: 34 out of 36
G: 14 out of 18

1994
D-Men: 21,38,78,79 out of 80
Center: 20,36.47 out of 66
RW: 15 out of 31
LW: 1,10 out of 36
G: 0 out of 20

1995
D-Men 13,20,31,74 out of 86
Center: 3,11 out of 41
RW: 10 out of 22
LW: 13 out of 23
Fwd: 8,11 out of 24
G: 7 out of 33

1996
D-Men: 2,17,27,41 out of 70
Center: 1,12 out of 51
RW: 15 out of 31
LW: 1,10 out of 51
G: 12 out of 20

I certainly looks good for the future, I did not look at 1991 as we can only keep 3 players. A lot coming up this year will be how fast these younger talented players can step up to this level, You also add in the youngsters like Soffilas, Ramsay ,Kuvaev , and Kovacs and things are looking upward from free agency and Import and then our 12 pick over all for the import this year and let the games begin

[blacksheep]

Interesting thing about our 1st pick, Ryan Pilon, is that he is one of the youngest players chosen in the entire draft. He is a late birthday of Oct 10 1996. If you go to Alan Caldwell's blog he explains the significance of being a late birthdate player.

"Overall, 62% of draft picks were born in the first four months (33%) of the year 1996. You can see what a disadvantage the boys born in the last third of the year (10.3% of picks) had against the bigger, older boys from the early months. This happens every year" http://smallatlarge.blogspot.com/

Pilon is almost a full year younger than our 2nd pick, Reid Duke. At their age, one year can make a huge difference in the players physical and mental maturity. For Pilon to be that young and be taken that high shows what a huge upside this kid has. If he was born about 10 weeks later he would not even have been eligible for this draft.
If I have my facts correct, another positive to his late birthday is he will not be eligible for the NHL draft until 2015. All the other players the Canes chose will be eligible in the 2014 NHL draft. What this means is in all likelihood, Pilon will be here for an extra year. For example, RNH can be gone to the NHL after just 2 years in the league where Pilon will be here at least 3 years. Zach Boychuk was not drafted until he had played 3 fulls years for the Canes as he to had an October birthdate.

You are on to something Rock. Read Malcolm Gladwell's "Outliers". Has an interesting take on players born in the first third of the year. Right down to Jan 12 passes to Feb 8 back to March 10 in the high slot and a blistering shot stopped by Feb 22. He runs thru some goals of a Memorial Cup game between the Giants and the Tigers. Your right Pilon is a year behind the others.

[Bocephus]

I wonder how the prep for a Mem Cup bid is coming along? Any update?

[grainbear]

Get on the Small Thoughts at Large web site and get your vote in right now it looks like I am the only one to vote, He does all the teams but the vote determines who comes first. Lets step up Canes fans

[Stuck in the Penalty Box]

I wonder how the prep for a Mem Cup bid is coming along? Any update?

The WHL powers-at-be will be making a decision this month to whittle down the list of bidding teams by one or two. There are five teams (Calgary has withdrawn) bidding for the Mem Cup. PG, RD, Kel, Sask, Leth. They will likely trim down to 3 or 4 left to make the formal bids. Consensus being that PG will likely be dropped and maybe one other. I would not be surprised if the Hurricanes were dumped also, as there are two major concerns.....the weakness of the team over the last two seasons, a young team again this coming season, improving for 2012-13 but not enough to be at or near the top of the league, without making huge deals (not Preston's approach). Considering what was given up for Eakin and Schenn....not going to happen here. The other concern is the financial situation and season ticket base.

If the Hurricanes are not going to get the bid for those reasons, then I hope they get cut in June. It takes a lot of man-hours and money to prepare a formal bid. I really think it will come down to RD and Sask. Private ownership, solid teams, strong season ticket base.

:PBJ Time:

[Bocephus]

Thanks Stuck.

[2speak4all]

The WHL powers-at-be will be making a decision this month to whittle down the list of bidding teams by one or two. There are five teams (Calgary has withdrawn) bidding for the Mem Cup. PG, RD, Kel, Sask, Leth. They will likely trim down to 3 or 4 left to make the formal bids. Consensus being that PG will likely be dropped and maybe one other. I would not be surprised if the Hurricanes were dumped also, as there are two major concerns.....the weakness of the team over the last two seasons, a young team again this coming season, improving for 2012-13 but not enough to be at or near the top of the league, without making huge deals (not Preston's approach). Considering what was given up for Eakin and Schenn....not going to happen here. The other concern is the financial situation and season ticket base.

If the Hurricanes are not going to get the bid for those reasons, then I hope they get cut in June. It takes a lot of man-hours and money to prepare a formal bid. I really think it will come down to RD and Sask. Private ownership, solid teams, strong season ticket base.

:PBJ Time:

I think Leth lost any chance when Red Deer put their bid in. They will likely have a contender for a team, have never had the cup and have a good fan base. Kelowna had the Mem Cup in 2004 and Toontown just had the WJC, so it is realistically looking good for Red Deer.

[Bocephus]

When and where is Hurricanes Rookie Camp?

[grainbear]

They have not had a rookie camp for I believe 3 years now. The simply bring mainly the players of their 50 man roster and any other prospects that they do not have on their list as well as some of the US prospects who did not get drafted who decide to show up at camp after the invitation. Sucks but I believe the same thing is planned this year, the only good thing is I believe they will be in the Enmax rather then Adams

[hockeygurl1976]

They have not had a rookie camp for I believe 3 years now. The simply bring mainly the players of their 50 man roster and any other prospects that they do not have on their list as well as some of the US prospects who did not get drafted who decide to show up at camp after the invitation. Sucks but I believe the same thing is planned this year, the only good thing is I believe they will be in the Enmax rather then Adams

You are right about the rookie camp Grainbear. Main camp will be held the first part of September, but unfortunately it will be at Adams once again:( Another year of not getting to start the year in our own barn.

[ZAMBONI-PHONEY]

You are right about the rookie camp Grainbear. Main camp will be held the first part of September, but unfortunately it will be at Adams once again:( Another year of not getting to start the year in our own barn.

We as fans had to put up with the pre-season camps at Adams, but think of the players and training staff having to set up there and not being able to work out of a proper facility. Besides, the wait for the Enmax to be completed is worth it. This is the last pre-season camp out of their "home".

[Bocephus]

Hurricanes no longer in the running for hosting the 2013 Mem Cup.
Surprised? Not really!
The team is uncompetitive annually. A lousy team, IMO, is what sunk the bid.
Either that or poor attendance numbers.
I would think perhaps 2016 is more realistic anyway.

[Bocephus]

Merkley is a better two-way player than Klimchuk and was last year in bantam with the Bisons who made it to westerns.

Merkley is a very fluid skater and a pass first type of player. Possibly a future captain.

Interesting to note that Merkley`s younger brother had an outstanding rookie bantam year with the Bisons and should make noise for the 2012 WHL bantam draft. His name is Nick Merkley.
Bump
Doing a little draft research and came across this gem.

[Bocephus]

Alberta Cup thoughts:Disclaimer (I don't claim to be a scout)
Brycen Martin-reminds me of Jay Bouwmeester. An absolute difference maker. Tall, great skater, offensive imagination, with some nastiness.
Reid Duke-alot like Carter Ashton in many ways. Competive, skilled, big, and shows he wants to win.
Tanner Mcmaster-smooth offensive player. A bit undersized but that shouldn't hold him back.
Brayden Point-made me think of Brendan Gallagher. Small with plenty of skill, heart and unafraid of anything.
Conner Blaeckly-made me think of Dwight King. Kind of that big, skilled, secondary type point producer.
Cavin Leth-much like Dwight King again but a tier lower than Blaeckly.
Gonek- a big skilled Dman that is in a tier lower than Martin.
Ty Mappin- fast and skilled with a real offensive mind. A real pure offense guy!
Blake Penner-my favorite player I saw besides Martin. A winner/assasin. He showed he could play small and big. Slips through tight areas and also could initiate contact. Skilled and really confident look about him.
Tyler Wong-really don't get how this guy produces. He's slow, seems uninterested and never initiated contact yet at the end of the game he has 2 or 3 points. I just don't buy what he's selling.
Riley Simpson-Captian of the Bruins team. Absolutely loved him. He doesn't dazzle you but he gets it done. I could see this guy being a captian on a winning team. He has so many intangibles.
John Quenville-big, skilled, offensive. Liked him but not completely sold on him.
Evan Polei- another player I felt was under the radar but I would put him high in the rankings. I think this kid has a real high ceiling.
Mackenzie Bauer-far less than I had hoped. He really was invisible at times
Kyle Pauls- felt the same about him as I did with Bauer. I'd hoped for so much more.
Jake Dube- a real solid guy. In that second tier with Gonek.
Derek Mazil- really was left dissapointed with him. I was really looking forward to seeing him donminate but it seemed like weak goal after weak goal for a poor team.
Ben Thomas- second teir Dman again but behind Gonek and Dube. Many scouts drooled over him. I didn't get it.
Sam Young- captian of the Northstars. Liked a lot about him. Seemed to not have that Wow factor though. Similar to Simpson but just not at Simpson's level. Saw some Carter Bancks in him.
Jonny Hogue-kid was a showstopper puckstopper. Had a great tourney.
Anyway, just some scattered opinions. So many great young players.
Top 7,in Alberta
Martin
Penner
Duke
Simpson
Mappin
Blaeckly
Polei
MacMaster and Point are very good but how they do at the next level being smaller will be interesting to see.
Okay, now I'm done. Haha

Wanted to bump this post just to draw attention to Evan Polei. He's really become a very useful player for Red Deer in his 18 year old season. Can score and not many want to tangle with him. Saskatoon gave up on him way to soon and shipped him to Red Deer.