Next year??

[booboo]

Any WK fans have an idea as to our line-up for next year? We will definately be a lot younger and unproven up front. It is a good year for some of our 16 and 17 year old prospects as there will be probably 6 spots open on the forward line. Any projections by tou fans??:frog:

[Joe Hallenback]

Well...

Forwards

Bertaggia Seaman Meilleur
Favreau Swryipa Mraz
Asham McGauley

That is the returning forward group. Not a lot of depth or Size there. I am doubting they waste a 20 year old spot on Favreau. I am not sure about Mraz. I know Clouston likes him because he is defensively responsible but I also hear that they will be looking for an impact 17 year old at the CHL import draft this year up front so I guess we see

17 year olds

Taylor Cooper - Started here looked ok but his skating was poor. But he put up some big numbers in AAA midget was top 5 in scoring. He has a spot to lose I think

Jack Palmer - I actually thought he would stay the rest of the year here when they called him up. Size and speed just needs some good coaching to round it out. I know he played Junior B on Vancouver Island this past year instead of playing AAA midget and he was the leading rookie scorer.

Kyler Hehn - Started out really strong in AAA midget then kind of faded at the end of the year. Was a stand out at the Macs AAA midget tourny was a 1st team allstar there. I hear nothing but good things about this kid and how much he has improved this past year.

16 year olds

Kord Pankewicz - He played forward at the Telus cup so lets just assume he is a forward ok. He was excellent there by all accounts. He has tremendous speed and skill. He would be similar to Glennie playing wise.

Jayce Hawryluk - Ok we don't yet if he is going to report but I think he will. He is the best forward his age in Manitoba. All kinds of great skill and he has a nasty disposition on the ice as well.

John Quennville - Big power forward. I think he is 6'3 190 already. If he comes to camp ready to play he will earn a spot I think.

Dallas Starodub - Got ripped off being cut from the Winnipeg Thrashers last year. Big kid who loves to get in hard on opponents. Talk to his parents he has taken some boxing lessons this past year won't be afraid to drop them. He could surprise at camp I think

Brett Kitt - Another bigger physical guy here. I like Kitt. I like that he likes to hit alot. He has the tools to be a very useful WHL player.

Ryley Lindgren - Spent too much time on the bench and not enough time getting good ice time. Really skilled forward. I think he goes back to midget for another year though



Upfront to start the year then I think it ends up like this

Bertaggia Seaman Meilleur - By default right now they are the number 1 line. It isn't a bad line lots of size and Bert will provide alot of skill and scoring

XXX Asham Mraz/XXX - I think Asham slots in as our number 2 center. I think we get a 20 year old winger with some size and either Mraz stays and plays there or we get a dynamic rookie Euro

Cooper McGauley Palmer - The 3 17 year olds get a chance together to gel and provide some offense.

Pankewicz Hawryluk Quennville - The 16 year old Future 1st round NHL draft pick line. They will have their ups and downs and will probably not play together as an unit but why not.

Hehn
Starodub
Kitt
Lindgren

Woah could we start the season with 6 16 year olds on the roster? The answer is yes we could easily. It is a big turn around up front and unless KM decides to trade some of these guys for older players we are going young young young up front.

Defense

Pulock Miller
Roy Hunter
Nikkel Waltz

The nice things is having a group of D that have played in the league already and are still really young. They will have their work cut out for them though. But I expect some big numbers from Pulock,Roy and Nikkel this year. I think Waltz will also surprise people with how good he will be.


Garret Bruce - Played for Eastman AAA midget on a poor team last year. Listed by the Wheaties. Good solid positional defenseman. Skates well.

Nolan Speiss - Solid stay at home type. Good size as well.

Riley Van Horne - Played midget for POE last year. Really good sized defender. Got a good report on him from a friend watching someone else there about how well he skates and moves the puck

Domnic Thom - Another long shot here but an interesting guy. Played for Edge in Northern Alberta this past year which plays a sorta AA schedule. From what I understand he might have been able to play AAA but chose not too. Big kid as well. Be interesting to see how looks in camp


Now out of those 4 and there are others who might have a shot but I think these are the best 4. 2 of them will stick around. I will say Bruce and Speiss have a better chance since they played at a higher level but Van Horne might be the real deal here.


Goal

Boes
Honey
Papirnry

Ok so we know Boes is the starter and he will be counted on early to keep the scores low till our youngsters up front take off. But were does that leave Honey? Papirny is the Heir apparent by all acounts. He was fantastic in midget last year.

I think we might see Honey traded to Seattle to join up with his brother and we get a overage forward back from them

[booboo]

Great post Joe. I agree with all that you say---no Favreau and no Mraz--they can do better than those two. I do think Honey will be traded to accomadate Papirny. What we do need is a tough guy to protect the plethora of young and skilled forwards. Clouston will earn his money next year bringing this team along without losing hope. We should have 2 and maybe 3 openings as far as the overage situation is concerned so could fill in some holes that way. Will certainly be an interesting year but I have a lot of faith in our GM and our scouts. The WK usually reload not rebuild.

[Trevor]

I won't project about the lineup for next season, because I don't know enough about the kids in the pipeline, but on draft day and friend and I had a fairly in depth discussion about where the team will stack up in the conference.

So I'll play Miss Cleo for a moment here....

I see them making the playoffs again, but again in the bottom half. Anywhere from 5th to 7th. It won't be the usual KM run and gun style hockey we've become used to, for next season's team to be successful they will have to play defense first hockey. And we know the goaltending and defense is there to do just that. I think the team started to buy in to what Clouston was saying, and that's going to have to carry into next season. Goals for and goals against will be somewhere around what Regina and Kootenay did this past season, just over 200 in each category. My heart wants Miller to be captain, but my head says Pulock.

An don't cha go marryin dat boi girl he's no good fer ya.

And with the way the roster looks right now I would say Joe is spot on for the top line.

[The Wheatiemaniac]

The big question, first off, is whether Clouston gets an offer to go back to the pros or not. Those offers won't come til the playoffs are done and cooled.

We have 2 1st round Import Draft picks this year. If you recall, we picked up S'toons in the Schenn deal last year. I could see KM bundling those up with perhaps a prospect to get a high rated sniper from across the pond. I just don't see Mraz coming back.

The overage situation is kind of dicy pertaining to the pending NHL Lockout. If the NHL doesn't play, the AHL will be filled up with the younger NHL fringe guys, much like 04/05. Could this mean Stone, Ferland, and maybe Sundher could find their way back?

Defence will be a strong point for the next little while. Rumours of Dylan Kuczyk cutting ties with the team are leaking out, but nothing confirmed. Miller might be a trade option. Some may disagree, but with Pulock, Roy, Hunter, Nikkel, and Waltz, you could bring in 2 young guys for the future. Of course, if the forwards mentioned do come back, Miller and Favreau will be gone. Favreau should be let go over the summer. No trade value, and never came close to reaching any level of his potential.

Boes will carry the mail for us in goal, and Papirny will no doubt make the jump. Honey should land us a mid round pick which is nice for an undrafted player.

The rookie forwards will be a bumper crop this coming season. It will be a whole lot of fun to watch.

[Crush Kill Destroy]

WHL Notebook: Kuczek working his way back
By: Rob Henderson

16/05/2012 1:00 AM

With his injured shoulder nearing 100 per cent, Dylan Kuczek is looking forward to getting back in camp with the Brandon Wheat Kings next season.

The 18-year-old Winnipegger had his rookie season come to an early end after injuring the AC joint in his shoulder in February. It was the second straight season Kuczek had suffered the same injury, so after remaining here for his initial recovery, he was sent home by the club late in the season to continue his rehab.

"Instead of worrying about travelling and what the guys were doing, I was rehabbing my shoulder so I can be back on the ice as soon as possible," Kuczek said.

It was a frustrating way to finish a frustrating season for Kuczek. The burly 6-foot-1, 212-pound defenceman, who was a second-round pick in the 2009 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft, played just 33 games, many of them at left wing due to Brandon’s injuries up front.

Kuczek also missed out on the team’s playoff run, although he was at the MTS Centre to see the Wheat Kings’ three first-round games against the Calgary Hitmen in Winnipeg.

"It was tough to hear about it and not be able to see it, but I was doing what was right for my shoulder," Kuczek said. "… It was tough, but nothing I could do about it, really."

Now Kuczek is focused on re-establishing himself on Brandon’s crowded blue-line, where seven players are eligible to return, including late-season call-up Colton Waltz.

Kuczek said that’s going to take a new commitment to off-season training.

"I know what I have to do and last year I didn’t really do that," he said.

"I’m gonna work a lot harder than I did last year and hopefully get a chance at playing some hockey next year."

Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition May 16, 2012

[The Wheatiemaniac]

I've said over and over again. We need to give this guy some icetime on the blueline. He could be an impact player for us. Will he outscore Pulock or Roy? Not likely. But he will be physical, and able to not get left in the dust by rushing forwards like Melnychuk often did.

He is a diamond in the rough. Time to start polishing.

[sbtatter]

We need a little more grit, and DK can provide that physical presence in spades

[WHLFANMAN]

I've said over and over again. We need to give this guy some icetime on the blueline. He could be an impact player for us. Will he outscore Pulock or Roy? Not likely. But he will be physical, and able to not get left in the dust by rushing forwards like Melnychuk often did.

He is a diamond in the rough. Time to start polishing.

Sorry Don't see it.:rolleyes: He came to camp as a 17 year old to fat to play one of the reasons he didn't see "any" ice at the start of the year. So maybe as an 18 yr old he will try harder to get it together but there are a lot of players with out that personal fight just as good or better. I agree he was robbed later by playing forward so much but so was Nikkel. He does get beat wide. He does show gritt but with I believe only 2 fights the good doesn't out weigh the bad here. oh and a trick shoulder to boot.:confused:

[The Wheatiemaniac]

Sorry Don't see it.:rolleyes: He came to camp as a 17 year old to fat to play one of the reasons he didn't see "any" ice at the start of the year. So maybe as an 18 yr old he will try harder to get it together but there are a lot of players with out that personal fight just as good or better. I agree he was robbed later by playing forward so much but so was Nikkel. He does get beat wide. He does show gritt but with I believe only 2 fights the good doesn't out weigh the bad here. oh and a trick shoulder to boot.:confused:

I agree, that an AC joint is a tricky injury. But Kuczek has more potential than people might realize. And this will be his year to blossom or wilt. Personally, I feel he is worth the chance. Yes Nikkel provides the physical aspect, but we need more than one or two. We need people to be scared of us again. And we haven't had that since the days of Erb and McCue.

And I don't feel he gets beaten wide as a 17 yr old anywhere near the ratio that Melnychuk got left behind as a 19 and 20 year old. Melnychuk was not what we needed as an overage. Nor was Ciarelli for that matter. And this year we won't need the likes of Miller and Favreau. we will need higher end scoring. I just hope it will be addressed as such.

[WHLFANMAN]

I agree, that an AC joint is a tricky injury. But Kuczek has more potential than people might realize. And this will be his year to blossom or wilt. Personally, I feel he is worth the chance. Yes Nikkel provides the physical aspect, but we need more than one or two. We need people to be scared of us again. And we haven't had that since the days of Erb and McCue.

And I don't feel he gets beaten wide as a 17 yr old anywhere near the ratio that Melnychuk got left behind as a 19 and 20 year old. Melnychuk was not what we needed as an overage. Nor was Ciarelli for that matter. And this year we won't need the likes of Miller and Favreau. we will need higher end scoring. I just hope it will be addressed as such.

I'll Give him this. He deserves a chance after what he went through last year with CC tied around both ankles!:p

[chalk_one_up]

He reminds me a lot of Theran Yeo. I think he could be that guy.

[The Wheatiemaniac]

He reminds me a lot of Theran Yeo. I think he could be that guy.

Thank you. That is the perfect comparison I've been looking for. Dylan even said as much about not coming to camp ready with the full understanding of what would be expected of him. Now that he does, it's basically his spot to lose. I believe he will make the most of his opportunity.

[WHLFANMAN]

Thank you. That is the perfect comparison I've been looking for. Dylan even said as much about not coming to camp ready with the full understanding of what would be expected of him. Now that he does, it's basically his spot to lose. I believe he will make the most of his opportunity.

I hope you guys are bang on! After all it's all about the team!:cool:

[The Wheatiemaniac]

I hope you guys are bang on! After all it's all about the team!:cool:

The new crop of forwards next season will be fun to watch as it will introduce the new era of players we will love, complain about, covet, and wish they were traded. But in the end, for now, we will all cling to that one thing that we have in hand at this very moment.....high hopes.

[lordstanley]

You guy's are gonna have a very very hard time scoring goals next season you think it's possible kelly maybe trades a guy like roy for a forward ?

[Joe Hallenback]

You guy's are gonna have a very very hard time scoring goals next season you think it's possible kelly maybe trades a guy like roy for a forward ?

Nope not a chance

The plan will be to go with a younger group up front and then compete for it all the next year which will be Pulock and Roy's final junior year.


Should give enough time for all those 16/17 year old forwards to mature a year in the league have Boes as a 20 year old with Papirny in the wings and all those D men will be very rock solid 18/19 year olds.

Then they will still have a huge stock pile of draf picks and prospects to look at adding 1 or 2 real good forwards that year.

[WHLFANMAN]

Nope not a chance

The plan will be to go with a younger group up front and then compete for it all the next year which will be Pulock and Roy's final junior year.


Should give enough time for all those 16/17 year old forwards to mature a year in the league have Boes as a 20 year old with Papirny in the wings and all those D men will be very rock solid 18/19 year olds.

Then they will still have a huge stock pile of draf picks and prospects to look at adding 1 or 2 real good forwards that year.

Hmmm? Sounds solid.:cool: But have we ever seen Kelly sit back like that?;)

[Joe Hallenback]

Hmmm? Sounds solid.:cool: But have we ever seen Kelly sit back like that?;)

Yes. In Schenns,Glennies and Calverts rookie season. We were supposed to be very poor that year. KM didn't add anyone really until he got McCue for some more protection.

We made the playoffs that year. Schenn,Glennie,Calvert,Robak,Melynchuk,Hale,King,G rill-Donovan,Hayes, and Cirarelli were all 16/17 year olds

[booboo]

I would like to see Kelly find someone to protect the younger players that will make up the team this year. The difficulty is finding a tough guy that you can play regularly and not be a detriment to the team. The team should have 2 maybe 3 openings at the 20 yr old spot. Miller may be back, but surely the team wouldn't bring Favreau back as a 20 yr old---waste of a roster spot. I would think that Mraz's days are numbered as well--they could find a better Euro. I wonder why we can't get a Euro like some of the ones I watched during the Mem Cup? They were impact players.We should have a better idea after this weekend of which young players will be here next year.

[lordstanley]

Yes. In Schenns,Glennies and Calverts rookie season. We were supposed to be very poor that year. KM didn't add anyone really until he got McCue for some more protection.

We made the playoffs that year. Schenn,Glennie,Calvert,Robak,Melynchuk,Hale,King,G rill-Donovan,Hayes, and Cirarelli were all 16/17 year olds

That was a freak season it's not everyday a schenn calvert or glennie come around, i can't see any of your rookies coming in being put on a baby blue line and lighting it up like those boys did just a outside perspective is all, your defense and goaltending may keep you close to a playoff spot however

[WHLFANMAN]

You guy's are gonna have a very very hard time scoring goals next season you think it's possible kelly maybe trades a guy like roy for a forward ?

You might have a better chance getting Nikkel back.:rolleyes:

[lordstanley]

You might have a better chance getting Nikkel back.:rolleyes:

Haha nice Aryton will be a good 1 no doubt about it he plays a little like phanuef to me

[Joe Hallenback]

That was a freak season it's not everyday a schenn calvert or glennie come around, i can't see any of your rookies coming in being put on a baby blue line and lighting it up like those boys did just a outside perspective is all, your defense and goaltending may keep you close to a playoff spot however

I have great trust in KM and our scouting department. Early indications are that Pankewicz and Hawrlyk will be impact players. Add in all those other 16/17 year old forwards, one or two are bound to be good solid players. Plus KM always seems to pluck a listed player from no where like Calvert and Ferland.

[Joe Hallenback]

Long time since posting got a few bits of news

- Mraz not coming back and the Wheaties took a big RW from the Czech republic named Nejezschlub. Sounds like this guy was going to get drafted and didn't. 41st ranked Euro by Central scouting. Had a real good start to the season then things kind of fell off. Big kid,skates well and has a good shot. Coming over because he wants a chance at the NHL and feels if he can do well here teams will take a look at him.

I think this is a pretty good trade up from Mraz. Mraz hard worker that he was had zero scoring touch. We add size up front which always good and sounds like this kids game is suited to the WHL.

-Bertaggia not being drafted was a bit of a surprise. From what I heard his inconsistency and poor play at the World juniors really hurt him. Too bad because I thought he had a solid playoffs.

-Seaman going so low in the draft. I had heard that teams were going to shy away from guys with concussions and they did. I think the Blues will be pretty happy a few years from now taking Seaman.

-I think you can pencil in Panckewicz and Hawryluk into the lineup right now. By the sounds of it the team came away really happy with them from the prospect camp. One Brandon scout told me he thinks these 2 guys will be stars in the league

-They figure they could have as many as 5 guys drafted in the NHL draft next year with Pulock,Roy,Nikkel,Waltz, and McGauley

-One of the reasons Clouston was let go was his poor roster management and his outright refusal to keep around some of the 16 year olds like Palmer,Cooper and Hehn. Apparently KM wanted to keep all 3 on the roster and Clouston refused. There were many times this season that guys played hurt because they would have down to 2 lines. KM overruled Clouston on Waltz and was right in that decision.

-They will be looking for at least one solid overage forward before the season starts. I expect it will be one of there frequent trading partners out west like Seattle or Victoria