Scout
07-10-2006, 07:26 AM
WHL 2006 draft review
Written by Glen Erickson on 07/07/2006
Of the 213 players selected during the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, a total of 24 came from the Western Hockey League. It’s a number, and a trend, that doesn’t sit well with Lorne Frey, the Assistant General Manager, Director of Player Personnel and Head Scout for the Kelowna Rockets.
“The first thing that comes to mind with 24 guys drafted, and this is my own personal feeling, is that there should have been considerably more chosen from the WHL,” commented Frey in an interview with Hockey’s Future.
Frey, who has been immersed in the WHL in a number of front office positions since 1977, understands the business reasons associated with why NHL teams might shy away from junior players. But it’s clear he remains somewhat bewildered.
“If those high school players (that were drafted) are better than these guys up here, then that high school hockey must be some pretty good hockey,” Frey wondered, with reference to the number of American high school players drafted.
The current agreement with the NHL would seem in some ways to favor teams choosing high school players who usually enter NCAA programs. Currently, an NHL team must sign a junior player within two years of drafting him, while high school players can potentially remain the property of the NHL club for up to six years after being drafted.
“I’m not sure we’re on the same playing field,” Frey opined. “It would be interesting to see how many of the high school players who have been drafted in the past ten years have actually played in the NHL.”
As expected on draft day, the Everett Silvertips supplied the bulk of early round WHL players selected in Vancouver with four players chosen in the first three rounds. It is likely, however, that the four will spend the 2006-07 season in Everett, making the Silvertips a definite WHL favorite out of the gate when the puck drops this fall.
The Phoenix Coyotes selected Peter Mueller in the first round. Some coaxing was required to secure a commitment from Mueller to even play in Everett. He has been a USA Hockey prodigy of sorts, accumulating significant international experience at all levels to date. After a season of experience in the WHL, Mueller has become a more complete player under head coach Kevin Constantine, who has extensive NHL coaching experience. Mueller was dominant at times during the Silvertips playoff run last season, playing in all situations including on special teams. Over and above Mueller’s obvious offensive gifts, he impressed many WHL types by demonstrating the desire and ability to become an effective shot blocker.
In Leland Irving, the Calgary Flames have obtained a true fighter, both on and off the ice. Not only was Irving good enough to be a starting goalie in the WHL at age 17, he is also a cancer survivor. He is technically sound, relying on balance to take away shooting angles from opponents. As he grows and become stronger, the Flames will be looking for improvement in his puckhandling skills.
Ondrej Fiala is likely to surprise many at the NHL level with his ability to persist and win physical battles. An import player in the WHL with outstanding skating ability, Fiala will be looked upon to take some pressure of Mueller next season in Everett by contributing offensively on a consistent basis. If he can mature quickly, the Minnesota Wild may have to make room for this gifted, offensive threat.
The Florida Panthers have landed a prospect known in WHL circles for his prolific skating ability in Brady Calla. A veteran of three seasons in Everett, Calla adds depth to an already talented Silvertips lineup. Calla can be counted on to provide leadership. Any additional offense he can muster will add scoring balance in Everett next season.
The Prince George Cougars also saw four players drafted.
Veteran Eric Hunter, who was selected in the sixth round by the New York Rangers, was a noteworthy pick because it marks the second time he has been chosen at the NHL Entry Draft. After an unsuccessful attempt to earn a contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, Hunter elevated his game last season and was a valuable contributor among the Cougars determined forward corps. According to general manager Dallas Thompson, Hunter played with an edge this past season, with a bit more of an attitude. It is thought by many that Hunter is not prepared to let a second chance at an NHL job pass him by.
“I think that was a great pick for the Rangers,” Frey suggests. “Actually, he probably should have gone sooner. Sure he’s a 19-year-old, but why do teams write these guys off?”
As expected, defenseman Ty Wishart was chosen in the first round, while fellow rearguard Jesse Dudas and forward Evan Fuller went in the final two rounds.
A total of 24 players were chosen, representing 16 WHL teams. In addition to Prince George and Everett, Swift Current and Medicine Hat were the only other teams to see more than one player selected.
Scout
Written by Glen Erickson on 07/07/2006
Of the 213 players selected during the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, a total of 24 came from the Western Hockey League. It’s a number, and a trend, that doesn’t sit well with Lorne Frey, the Assistant General Manager, Director of Player Personnel and Head Scout for the Kelowna Rockets.
“The first thing that comes to mind with 24 guys drafted, and this is my own personal feeling, is that there should have been considerably more chosen from the WHL,” commented Frey in an interview with Hockey’s Future.
Frey, who has been immersed in the WHL in a number of front office positions since 1977, understands the business reasons associated with why NHL teams might shy away from junior players. But it’s clear he remains somewhat bewildered.
“If those high school players (that were drafted) are better than these guys up here, then that high school hockey must be some pretty good hockey,” Frey wondered, with reference to the number of American high school players drafted.
The current agreement with the NHL would seem in some ways to favor teams choosing high school players who usually enter NCAA programs. Currently, an NHL team must sign a junior player within two years of drafting him, while high school players can potentially remain the property of the NHL club for up to six years after being drafted.
“I’m not sure we’re on the same playing field,” Frey opined. “It would be interesting to see how many of the high school players who have been drafted in the past ten years have actually played in the NHL.”
As expected on draft day, the Everett Silvertips supplied the bulk of early round WHL players selected in Vancouver with four players chosen in the first three rounds. It is likely, however, that the four will spend the 2006-07 season in Everett, making the Silvertips a definite WHL favorite out of the gate when the puck drops this fall.
The Phoenix Coyotes selected Peter Mueller in the first round. Some coaxing was required to secure a commitment from Mueller to even play in Everett. He has been a USA Hockey prodigy of sorts, accumulating significant international experience at all levels to date. After a season of experience in the WHL, Mueller has become a more complete player under head coach Kevin Constantine, who has extensive NHL coaching experience. Mueller was dominant at times during the Silvertips playoff run last season, playing in all situations including on special teams. Over and above Mueller’s obvious offensive gifts, he impressed many WHL types by demonstrating the desire and ability to become an effective shot blocker.
In Leland Irving, the Calgary Flames have obtained a true fighter, both on and off the ice. Not only was Irving good enough to be a starting goalie in the WHL at age 17, he is also a cancer survivor. He is technically sound, relying on balance to take away shooting angles from opponents. As he grows and become stronger, the Flames will be looking for improvement in his puckhandling skills.
Ondrej Fiala is likely to surprise many at the NHL level with his ability to persist and win physical battles. An import player in the WHL with outstanding skating ability, Fiala will be looked upon to take some pressure of Mueller next season in Everett by contributing offensively on a consistent basis. If he can mature quickly, the Minnesota Wild may have to make room for this gifted, offensive threat.
The Florida Panthers have landed a prospect known in WHL circles for his prolific skating ability in Brady Calla. A veteran of three seasons in Everett, Calla adds depth to an already talented Silvertips lineup. Calla can be counted on to provide leadership. Any additional offense he can muster will add scoring balance in Everett next season.
The Prince George Cougars also saw four players drafted.
Veteran Eric Hunter, who was selected in the sixth round by the New York Rangers, was a noteworthy pick because it marks the second time he has been chosen at the NHL Entry Draft. After an unsuccessful attempt to earn a contract with the Chicago Blackhawks, Hunter elevated his game last season and was a valuable contributor among the Cougars determined forward corps. According to general manager Dallas Thompson, Hunter played with an edge this past season, with a bit more of an attitude. It is thought by many that Hunter is not prepared to let a second chance at an NHL job pass him by.
“I think that was a great pick for the Rangers,” Frey suggests. “Actually, he probably should have gone sooner. Sure he’s a 19-year-old, but why do teams write these guys off?”
As expected, defenseman Ty Wishart was chosen in the first round, while fellow rearguard Jesse Dudas and forward Evan Fuller went in the final two rounds.
A total of 24 players were chosen, representing 16 WHL teams. In addition to Prince George and Everett, Swift Current and Medicine Hat were the only other teams to see more than one player selected.
Scout